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  1. Home
  2. Haircare 101
  3. What To Know Before Starting Purple Shampoo
Woman in the salon sitting on a chair while her hairdresser is fluffing her hair out.

What To Know Before You Start Using Purple Shampoo

4 Things to Know Before You Start Using Purple Shampoo

1. Purple shampoo is for blonde – not brunette – hair 

2. Purple shampoo doesn’t require much effort 

3. Don’t apply purple shampoo to dry hair 

4. Not all purple shampoos are considered equal

4 Things to Know Before You Start Using Purple Shampoo

So, you’ve decided to jump on the purple shampoo bandwagon? We don’t blame you. It’s the quickest and easiest way to transform blonde hair from dull and yellow-toned to icy and bright, but there are a few things to bear in mind before you start smothering your strands in purple pigment…

1. Purple shampoo is for blonde – not brunette – hair

Sorry dark-haired readers, but purple shampoo is formulated for blonde hair only, and won’t make a difference to your brunette hair (unless you have highlights that require freshening up). The good news is that blue-tinted shampoos act as the alternative. Why? Because brunette hair tends to fade to an orange hue, and it’s all about neutralizing unwanted tones with the color that sits opposite it on the color wheel. Purple sits opposite yellow, so if your blonde, bleached, platinum, silver, or gray hair is prone to brassiness, read on…

2. Purple shampoo doesn’t require much effort

Purple shampoo may look very different to your regular shampoo, but you don’t have to master a different application technique. We advise using Nexxus’s Blonde Assure Color Toning Purple Shampoo once or twice a week between your regular in-shower haircare system. Make sure the products you alternate with are sulfate-free, as sulfates can be a no-go for preserving color. It’s also worth reaching for color-centric products that nurture your color, such as the Nexxus Color Assure Long-Lasting Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner, whichcontain a ProteinFusion blend with elastin protein and quinoa to replenish damaged strands and extend the life and vibrancy of your color.

3. Don’t apply purple shampoo to dry hair

You may have come across a certain internet craze for applying purple shampoo to dry hair to maximize its results. In theory, dry hair will absorb more product than wet, but the results are more likely to look patchy. This is due to the different levels of damage and porosity found throughout the hair. Older, more damaged ends are likely to drink up more pigment than the newer strands higher up. By soaking your hair with water first and lathering the product evenly throughout, you’ll achieve a more uniform vibrancy.

4. Not all purple shampoos are considered equal

The needs of your hair are complex, especially if it’s been exposed to chemical coloring and heat styling. Nexxus scientists have based their life’s work on the science of proteins (the hair’s building blocks), infusing each collection with a unique ProteinFusion blend based on the specific types of damage. By using Blonde Assure Color Toning Purple Shampoo, you’re not only investing in its instant brightening effects but also the restorative power of protein. The violet pigment in Nexxus’ products is teamed with keratin protein to target damage and restore the hair’s outer lipid layer, which plays an integral part in counteracting chemical damage and preventing future color fade. It’s a win-win.

Featured Products

Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo For Silver packshot

Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo For Silver, Bleached, Platinum, & Blonde Hair

Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Conditioner for Silver packshot

Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Conditioner for Silver, Bleached, Blonde Hair & Brassiness

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