Especially during the summer months, environmental aggressors like sun exposure, chlorine, and even saltwater can wreak havoc on blonde strands, leading to unwanted brassiness . To help you expertly navigate at-home color maintenance and keep your blonde looking its best, we’ve put together this definitive guide. From unraveling the science behind its unique color to understanding optimal usage, here’s everything you need to know about purple shampoo for every type of blonde.
WHAT IS PURPLE SHAMPOO? YOUR AT-HOME TONER FOR BRASSY HAIR
At its core, purple shampoo is a specially pigmented cleanser meticulously designed for blondes to actively neutralize and powerfully eliminate unwanted brassy, yellow undertones. Think of it as your secret weapon, your personalized at-home toner. While your Redken stylist expertly deploys professional toners in the salon to achieve your desired cool tone, over time, as hair color naturally fades, those pesky yellow, orange, or even reddish undertones can begin to resurface. This is precisely what purple shampoo is used for – to powerfully combat that brassiness and keep your blonde looking consistently fresh and vibrant.
SO WHY IS PURPLE SHAMPOO ACTUALLY PURPLE? THE SCIENCE OF STRATEGIC COLOR CORRECTION
It might strike you as unexpected that a shampoo meticulously formulated for blonde hair is, in fact, vibrant purple. However, the ingenious explanation lies in the fundamental principles of the color wheel. To help demystify this brilliant science, we consulted with Redken Artists Adina Doss and Jaclyn Harwood, who shared their unparalleled insights.
“If you think of a color wheel, as basic as it sounds, whatever color you want to cancel out is directly across from it,” Doss meticulously explains. “Directly across from yellow is purple. So, the purple pigment within the shampoo works to eliminate those unwanted yellow tones from the hair.” This scientific approach ensures that the violet pigments expertly counteract and neutralize the yellow and gold hues that inevitably emerge in lightened hair.
Harwood further clarifies, “It’s almost like a way to brighten the color to a cooler tone. So, if the hair has a little bit of a yellow tone, a pigmented purple shampoo is going to neutralize that warmth.” Because of this precise color-correcting power, our violet-hued Redken purple shampoo can effectively neutralize those yellow, brassy hair tones in more than just traditional blonde hair. It’s also incredibly beneficial for maintaining the pristine clarity of silver hair, platinum blondes, and even those who've embraced playful pastel or "unicorn" hair shades, preventing unwanted warmth from creeping in. This is the core answer to what does purple shampoo do.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT DOES TONING SHAMPOO DO: BEYOND JUST COLOR
For those with blonde hair, truly understanding the intricate journey of lightening is paramount to appreciating the vital role of a toning shampoo. As Adina Doss, Redken Artist, elucidates, "When I lift a client's hair (colorist speak for lightening), there is an undertone that comes up, which I like to call 'raw blonde.'" This raw blonde typically reveals natural warm, yellow undertones that demand expert refinement. To achieve a richer, more polished, and truly desirable blonde, our Redken stylists apply a transformative color treatment like Redken's iconic Shades EQ Gloss. This professional toner expertly eliminates any undesired undertones, whether they are yellow, yellow-orange, or even reddish.
However, as time naturally progresses between your salon visits, that professional toner can gradually fade, allowing those underlying warm tones to begin their subtle return. This is precisely when to use purple shampoo – to expertly adjust your tone at home and extend the life and brilliance of your salon-fresh color. It acts as your personal hair toner shampoo, giving you the power to maintain your desired cool blonde, confidently, right from your own shower.
Redken Salon Tip: When your colorist lightens your hair, the application of a Shades EQ Gloss toner is an absolutely non-negotiable step. Don't hesitate to ask for a Shades EQ Gloss during your next service to ensure your blonde is flawlessly toned from day one and continues to radiate brilliance!
HOW OFTEN TO USE PURPLE SHAMPOO: MASTERING YOUR TONE
It’s crucial to remember that purple shampoo is a specialized, potent product for color correction and should not entirely replace your regular shampoo. It must be used strategically to prevent over-toning and safeguard your hair’s overall health. How often to use purple shampoo is a common question, and discovering the optimal frequency for your unique blonde is essential.
Adina Doss wisely advises caution against excessive use: “When you eliminate too much yellow, it visually ends up darker and a lot of people don’t want it to look darker.” This means that utilizing purple shampoo too frequently can lead to your blonde appearing dull, muted, or even acquiring an undesirable slight purple tint. Generally, incorporating Redken’s purple shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient for most blondes to maintain their tone. For instance, if you typically wash your hair two to three times a week, consider dedicating one of those washes to your purple shampoo to keep your blonde bright and clear without venturing into over-toned territory.
Jaclyn Harwood also offers a brilliant, flexible technique: Redken purple shampoo can be thoughtfully mixed with your regular shampoo. This method subtly dilutes the potent violet pigment, allowing for a gentler, more gradual toning effect that can be incorporated into a more frequent cleansing routine without any risk of going overboard. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who desire a more subtle, consistent toning effect and prolonged brilliance.
PURPLE SHAMPOO FOR EVERY BLONDE: NATURAL, COLOR-TREATED, AND BEYOND
While frequently associated with color-treated hair, the power of purple shampoo extends far beyond the salon chair. Does purple shampoo work for natural blondes? Absolutely! Redken Artist Jaclyn Harwood clarifies that those pesky brassy undertones aren't solely a consequence of professional toner fading. They can also be caused by everyday environmental factors such as pervasive sun exposure, the minerals found in hard water, and even the heat from your favorite styling tools. For these reasons, Redken purple shampoo delivers significant, noticeable benefits for natural blondes seeking to neutralize unwanted warmth and amplify their hair's inherent cool tones.
Our Redken purple shampoo is incredibly versatile. It proves invaluable for those with stunning silver hair, helping to maintain its bright, luminous quality and effectively preventing any yellowing. It’s also a champion for individuals who have boldly embraced the "unicorn hair" trend with its vibrant purple and blue dyes. The meticulous violet pigments help to preserve the vividness and longevity of these cool-toned fashion shades, effectively preventing them from fading into undesirable warmer hues. So, whether your blonde is naturally kissed by the sun, expertly highlighted, beautifully balayaged, or brilliantly platinum, a trusted Redken purple shampoo is an indispensable, empowering tool in your essential hair care arsenal.
THE SCIENCE INSIDE: INGREDIENTS IN REDKEN PURPLE SHAMPOO FOR UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE
When it comes to selecting the right purple shampoo, it’s imperative to understand that not all formulas are created equal. Redken truly distinguishes itself by not only expertly neutralizing brass but also by actively nurturing, strengthening, and caring for your hair. Our award-winning Redken Color Extend Blondage line is the pinnacle of this advanced formulation. It transcends mere color correction with its unique and powerful Triple Acid Protein complex, a revolutionary blend featuring amino, citric, and maleic acids, meticulously combined with wheat protein.
Let’s delve into how each of these critical components scientifically contributes to the unparalleled health, resilience, and vibrant luminosity of your blonde hair:
This extraordinary complex ensures that the ultra-pigmented violet formula within Redken Color Extend Blondage not only flawlessly neutralizes unwanted undertones but also proactively strengthens the hair’s cuticles and repairs each individual strand from its core. This is a critical, transformative advantage for color-treated hair, providing essential protection and leaving your blonde looking impeccably cool, radiantly vibrant, and feeling incredibly healthy. It’s a true color-correcting shampoo that performs a profound transformation from the inside out.
CURATING YOUR REDKEN ROUTINE: THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR BRASSY BLONDE HAIR
Redken proudly offers a comprehensive and expertly curated assortment of Blondage purple products, meticulously designed to work in perfect synergy for truly optimal results. Beyond our iconic Redken Color Extend Blondage Purple Shampoo, thoughtfully incorporating a powerful purple hair mask into your regimen provides an essential, extra boost of toning and unparalleled deep conditioning.
WHAT IS A PURPLE HAIR MASK AND WHY DO I NEED IT?
When it comes to diligently maintaining bright, perfectly toned, and breathtakingly beautiful blonde hair, a consistent, weekly hair mask regimen is an absolute non-negotiable. Regularly integrating an ultra-pigmented Redken purple hair mask will work to profoundly deep condition your color-treated hair while simultaneously delivering an intensive, concentrated dose of brass-neutralizing power. Our incredible Color Extend Blondage Instant Anti-Brass Mask offers an instant, visible 5-minute transformation, leaving blondes with an envy-inducing, cool finish.
To effortlessly incorporate it into your routine, simply swap your regular Redken Color Extend Blondage Conditioner with the Redken Color Extend Blondage Express Anti-Brass Mask once a week, or more often as needed, to powerfully neutralize brass and maintain a brilliantly bright, perpetually cool blonde tone. It's the perfect, most luxurious finishing touch to your haircare regimen and will unequivocally help you maintain your best blonde tone long after you’ve left your trusted colorist's chair.
DISCOVER OUR COLOR-DEPOSITING HAIR MASKS
WHICH REDKEN TONING SHAMPOO IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
For all blonde and highlighted hair, the Redken Color Extend Blondage system is your ultimate, unequivocal go-to. Its expertly pigmented purple shampoo and complementary conditioner are specifically formulated to flawlessly cancel out those stubborn yellow and orange tones. Redken Artist Sami Skinner enthusiastically declares, “Redken Blondage is life-changing for blonde and highlighted hair. It’s perfect for guests who do not like to see any warmth in their hair. It also helps to keep blonde and highlighted hair soft and silky.” For an even more intense, breathtakingly icy finish, remember to incorporate our Color Extend Blondage Depositing Mask, a swift 5-minute treatment for enhanced tint and an ultra-cool result.
THE PERFECT ROUTINE: HOW TO USE REDKEN PURPLE SHAMPOO FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
Mastering how to use purple shampoo effectively ensures you unlock the very best results without ever risking over-toning. Here's a precise, expert-guided routine designed for your blonde brilliance:
For highly personalized recommendations on the absolute best routine for your unique blonde shade and hair type, we passionately encourage you to take the Redken Hair Quiz readily available on our website. It’s a swift, insightful way to discover the perfect Redken products precisely tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.
TONING & COLOR CORRECTING: YOUR COMPREHENSIVE REDKEN SOLUTIONS
You might be wondering, how soon can you use a purple shampoo after toning in the salon? While your stylist provides that crucial initial toning, you can typically begin incorporating Redken purple shampoo approximately one to two weeks after your professional salon service, or as soon as you first begin to notice any subtle hint of brassiness returning. Remember, its primary role is for brilliant maintenance, not for the initial, transformative color shift.
WHAT CAUSES BRASSY HAIR
Yellow or orange tones, universally known as "brassy hair," are a common occurrence in hair that has been lightened or highlighted. This happens because the lightening process inevitably exposes the underlying red, orange, or yellow pigments naturally residing within your hair. Your skilled colorist then employs professional hair color and toner to meticulously achieve your ideal shade. However, between salon appointments, as your hair color gradually and beautifully fades, these underlying brassy tones can begin to resurface. This is precisely what toning shampoo does – it acts as your intelligent at-home solution to expertly correct these colors and unequivocally banish brass.
As Redken Artist Sami Skinner eloquently articulates, “Redken’s toning shampoos masterfully correct brassy and unwanted tones with ultra-pigmented formulas. When we desire to cancel out brassiness in the hair, we strategically utilize the pigment that’s located directly opposite on the color wheel – which is also considered its complementary color. When mixed together, these tones will neutralize, which is essentially the same precise action performed when your colorist tones your hair in the salon.” This underscores why selecting the right shampoo to tone down brassy hair from Redken is not just beneficial, but truly critical.
WHEN TO SEEK A PROFESSIONAL REDKEN COLOR CORRECTION SERVICE
While Redken purple shampoo is phenomenally effective for maintaining your blonde’s brilliance at home, there are specific instances when a professional color correction service becomes absolutely essential. If your hair color isn't living up to your expectations, or if brassiness becomes pronounced and your dedicated purple shampoo isn't quite achieving the desired level of correction, it’s a clear signal to book an appointment with a Redken stylist.
A color correction service, often expertly performed using our versatile Redken Shades EQ, represents a more intensive, bespoke solution for addressing deeply uneven color, persistent unwanted tones (whether too light, dark, warm, or cool), or significant, stubborn brassiness. Consider it akin to a makeup artist utilizing a peach concealer to perfectly neutralize purple undereye circles; your Redken colorist can expertly use Shades EQ to neutralize any residual blue tones from over-using purple shampoo, or powerfully counteract pervasive yellow or orange hues.
"When undergoing a color correction service, it's paramount to work with a stylist whom you profoundly trust," advises Redken Brand Ambassador Cassandra McGlaughlin. "Be entirely open to the process and place your trust in your colorist's unparalleled expertise. Discuss your expectations openly and honestly before the service commences, and collaboratively work with your colorist to strategize your comprehensive haircolor game plan." This is a highly nuanced service, more complex than at-home toning, and the time required can naturally vary based on your hair's unique condition and your desired results. Often, achieving your ultimate goal may beautifully unfold over multiple appointments. Your Redken stylist will provide a clear, supportive strategy to guide you to your hair aspirations.
When it comes to color-correcting unwanted tones, you can also schedule a 20 minute hair gloss service with your stylist to cancel out unwanted brass and maintain your ideal tone in between color appointments.
MAINTAIN YOUR BLONDE BRILLIANCE WITH REDKEN
Purple shampoo is an utterly indispensable tool in every blonde’s hair care routine, empowering you to effectively combat brassiness and confidently maintain that vibrant, cool-toned look between salon visits. By truly understanding how to use purple shampoo effectively, recognizing the profound impact of what does purple shampoo do for your hair, and choosing powerful, reparative formulas like our acclaimed Redken Color Extend Blondage, you’ll be impeccably equipped to keep your blonde looking its absolute, most dazzling best. You can also mix in Acidic Bonding Concentrate for bonding and repairing in between toning.
Explore the full range of our Redken Color Extend Blondage products and take our 5-minute Redken Hair Quiz to instantly discover your personalized routine today! For those pivotal moments when your blonde demands a professional boost, effortlessly find a Redken salon near you and book a transformative Shades EQ Gloss service – the ultimate professional toning solution designed to elevate your hair to new heights of brilliance.