BLUE OR PURPLE SHAMPOO: An essential ally for blondes (and not only!)

Blue (or purple) shampoo is often considered a must-have for blondes, and that’s true… but it also deserves a spot in a brunette’s haircare routine!

WHY DOES BLONDE HAIR TURN YELLOW OVER TIME?

Blonde hair, whether natural or bleached, tends to change over time. Several factors explain this transformation:

• Oxidation: When exposed to air, the hair’s pigments oxidize, altering its tone.
• Sun exposure: UV rays affect color and can shift blonde tones towards warmer shades.
• Toner fading: With regular washing, salon products used to neutralize unwanted tones can fade, allowing yellow or orange hues to reappear.

WHAT IS BLUE OR PURPLE SHAMPOO FOR?

Blue or purple shampoo is designed to neutralize unwanted warm tones (yellow or brassy). It works according to the color wheel principle: blue neutralizes orange, and purple neutralizes yellow.It is especially useful for:

• Maintaining icy, ash, or cool blondes
• Preventing pale or light blondes from yellowing easily
• Correcting overly warm tones between salon visits
• Preserving the brightness of balayage or bleached hair

But be careful: its action is corrective, not miraculous!

WHEN BLUE SHAMPOO ISN’T ENOUGH

If unwanted tones are too intense or if the blonde color has significantly shifted, a simple shampoo won’t be enough. In such cases, a salon visit is recommended to reapply a professional toner. Blue shampoo can then be used to prolong the effects of this treatment.

AND WHAT ABOUT BRUNETTES?

Blue shampoo isn’t just for blondes! It can also benefit brunettes, especially those with colored or highlighted hair.Here’s what it can do:

• Neutralize warm tones (red/brassy) after oxidation-based coloring
• Reduce lightening effects from sun exposure, which can alter brunette tones
• Maintain the neutrality and depth of the color

It helps revive the cool tones of dark brunettes, ash browns, and even cool caramel balayage.

 BLUE/PURPLE SHAMPOOS TO TRY

Here’s a selection of effective products to include in your routine:

• Goodbye Yellow – Schwarzkopf:
  A sulfate-free shampoo with intense purple pigment, perfect for quickly neutralizing yellow tones. Ideal for very light hair.
• Silver Magnesium – L’Oréal Professionnel:
  A professional treatment enriched with magnesium and amino acids. Strengthens hair while providing anti-brassiness effects.
• Redken Blondage:
  A balanced formula that neutralizes warm tones while fortifying the hair fiber. Great for weekly maintenance.
• 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo – Olaplex:
  Ultra-pigmented and nourishing, this shampoo combines Olaplex’s patented bond-building system with powerful yellow-neutralizing action.

📝 IN A NUTSHELL

Blue or purple shampoo is a simple yet powerful tool to keep blonde and brunette tones cool, vibrant, and salon-fresh—right at home.

Written by Tatiana Bouledras