Guidelines for applying violet hair care products

In the world of blonde hair care, purple shampoo has become a staple for maintaining vibrant and shiny locks. Here's a roundup of some popular purple shampoos, along with expert recommendations on their correct and incorrect use.

First up, the Aussie Blonde SOS Blonde & Hydrate Purple Shampoo, priced at £3.99 for 290ml. This nourishing and hydrating formula contains Australian hemp seed and wild plum extracts, which help neutralize brassy, yellow tones.

The Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo, priced at £15.30 for 300ml, is another great option. In addition to color-correcting, it nourishes and strengthens the hair, safeguarding vibrancy and making hair ultra-shiny.

However, overuse of purple shampoo can potentially make blonde hair appear visually darker, according to L'Oreal Professionnel's UK editorial ambassador Adam Reed. To avoid this, it's essential to follow the recommended usage times: cooler blonde hair should be left for ten minutes, warm blondes for one to three minutes, and neutral blondes for three to five minutes.

Purple shampoo should be applied to specific areas showing dullness and brassiness, not to already desired color sections, as advised by Adam Reed. It's also crucial to treat dry, porous, or damaged areas last when applying purple shampoo, as recommended by Jimmy Green, education manager for hair brands Pureology and Redken.

Purple shampoos are only a temporary measure, and if brassy tones persist, another toner should be put on in the salon, as Jimmy points out. If using purple shampoo, it's important to tell the stylist about the usage and frequency, as advised by Paul Edmonds.

The Michael Van Clarke Silver Blonde Shampoo, priced at £19 for 250ml, contains violet pigment, cashmere proteins, UV filters, and amino acids for color correction, ultra-soft and silky hair, and repair and strengthening of strands. According to its founder, it can be used in between regular shampoo to keep blondes and silver colors a little purer and brighter without causing any problems for colorists.

The Maria Nila Sheer Silver Shampoo, priced at £18.49 for 300ml, repairs hair with algae and includes blackberry extract to help the violet pigment neutralize unwanted tones.

For those on a budget, the John Frieda Violet Crush Intensive Purple Shampoo, priced at £6.99 for 250ml, is a reliable option for supermarket prices. It has violet pigments to get rid of yellow and brassiness in just one wash.

It's important not to use purple shampoo in the run-up to a coloring appointment, as Anneliese Hesse warns. Anneliese Hesse of Humankind Hair colorist training academy and Tribe Salons in Clapham advises to stop using purple shampoo before upcoming color appointments.

Lastly, the Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet Shampoo, priced at £19.95 for 250ml, includes hyaluronic acid and edelweiss for nourishment and defense against pollution, keeping hair extra shiny and never dull.

In conclusion, purple shampoo can be a valuable tool in maintaining blonde hair's vibrancy and shine. However, it's crucial to follow the expert recommendations for usage and frequency to avoid potential hair damage. Always remember to consult with your stylist for personalized advice.

All the mentioned purple shampoos - the Aussie Blonde SOS Blonde & Hydrate Purple Shampoo, the Michael Van Clarke Silver Blonde Shampoo, the John Frieda Violet Crush Intensive Purple Shampoo, the Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo, the Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet Shampoo, and the Maria Nila Sheer Silver Shampoo - are all available for purchase.