Blue Shampoo: Which Is Better for Gray Hair? Purple shampoo is a more ideal choice for gray hair than blue shampoo. While they both counteract brassy tones, purple shampoo gets rid of yellow pigments in light hair, and blue shampoo neutralizes orange and copper tones in brown hair or dark hair.
Purple and Blue Shampoo
Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler says violet- and purple-based shampoos, such as Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo and L'Oréal EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo, are super helpful in keeping gray, silver, white, and blonde hair bright and manageable.
Purple shampoo has been used for decades by hairdressers, mostly to help tone and neutralize blonde and gray hair, getting rid of brassy or yellow tones for an overall more cool-toned look.
“You can definitely use blue shampoo for both color treated and naturally gray hair, however, if you have intentionally colored your hair gray chances are there was some bleaching involved,” says Rubenstein.
Using a purple shampoo on grey hair can help to remove brassy yellow shades, leaving you with a flattering silver undertone.
In gray hair care, the only time you need to use purple shampoo is if your hair has permanent yellowing. It won't remove the permanent yellowing but will reduce its appearance. What Happens If You Use It Too Often? You don't want to use it more than once a week, as it can give your hair a lilac tinge.
Colombini noted that you'll want to “use blue shampoo once a week at most,” as overuse could turn even dark hair blue. Additionally, with a regular shampoo you generally want to concentrate the product only on your scalp and roots, but with blue shampoo it's best to apply the blue shampoo from root to tip.
If you have brassy orange or even red tones, blue shampoo is your best bet. However, blue pigment won't help with yellow undertones. The reverse is true for yellow undertones. Purple shampoo is great for removing yellowness, but not effective for orange or red tones.
Blue shampoo deposits blue-toned pigments on hair to offset brassy or red tones on brown/brunette hair. Don't worry about the silver strands, as it will add shine to them.
Ellis says the Shu Uemura Yubi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo is one of his favorite recommendations for gray hair types because it's a luxurious formula that instantly neutralizes brassy tones.
The takeaway. Yes, gray hair can turn brassy and dull—but a purple shampoo can easily brighten up the silver strands. If you're looking for ways to enhance your platinum locks, Brown would consider this one of her top tips.
“Stick to black, navy, pure white—never ivory—and all the jewel tones like sapphire, royal blue, ruby, fuchsia, magenta, purple and violet,” says image consultant Sandy Dumont, who has wardrobe-advised individuals and corporations for over 30 years. You'll also want to stay away from certain shades.
Blue Shampoo. The difference between blue and purple shampoos lies in which colors they neutralize: Purple neutralizes yellow while blue neutralizes orange and brassy tones. "This is because violet-purple is across the wheel from yellow, and blue is across the wheel from orange," says Valdes.
The cool violet pigment in purple shampoo won't damage hair, but if you leave it on strands too long, those purple pigments will take their job a little too far and could turn tresses a purple-violet colour.
Who Needs Blue Shampoo? If you are a brunette, and you have lighter balayage, ombré or conventional highlights; if you've lightened your dark brown hair completely, or if you have a combination of lighter hair with highlights, blue shampoo is your solution for brassiness.
Use the blue shampoo daily until brassiness disappears. Then, alternate with your regular shampoo to maintain the results. Blue shampoo works by coating the hair shaft, neutralizing brassiness, and adding gorgeous shine.
If you leave blue shampoo on for too long (whether you have damaged or healthy hair), you run the risk of leaving a noticeable blue tint on your hair instead of only neutralizing the brassy tones.
Use blue and purple shampoo together! Seeing both yellow and orange tones in your mane? Try alternating your toning shampoos. If you see more orange, use purple shampoo once for every two or three times you use the blue.
A deep conditioning hair mask once or twice a week will bathe your hair in softness and moisture. A few drops of argan oil can help with shine while also adding a little weight and control to wiry strands. A leave-in conditioner will help tame gray flyaways and make wiry gray hair feel softer.
When it comes to hair care, baking soda can function as a clarifying agent that penetrates the hair shaft, removing dirt, oil, and product buildup. As a result, gray hair becomes brighter, smoother, and less brassy.
Another option is to mix a bit of apple cider vinegar into a dollop of shampoo. This clears build up from environmental toxins and hair products. It also seals the hair cuticle, making your grays silky, shiny and frizz-free.