What is the difference between blue shampoo purple shampoo and silver shampoo (2024)

Redken tells you why you need to start using blue shampoo on brown hair.

In the world of haircare, few things are as dreaded as brassy tones. Cropping up at the worst of times, it’s the last thing you want to find in throughout your hair. Enter: blue, silver and purple shampoo the products you need to fight brassy tones. From blonde to brunette, and all the different techniques in between, you can benefit from this anti-brass, toning shampoo to keep your hair the color you want it to be. So whether you’re a color-changing pro, a shade-switch up newbie or you’ve never colored your hair before, we’ve got you covered on what you need to know.

What is the difference between blue shampoo, silver shampoo and purple shampoo?

Firstly, before we get to how they differ, it’s important to know that each of these types of toning shampoos are used to fight brassy tones by delivering color-depositing pigments into your hair, in order to help keep your color cooler for longer. Each type of anti-brass toning shampoo is designed for a specific hair color in mind, all based on the color wheel, in order to counteract any brassiness that may appear.

The color science is simple. Blue toning shampoo is designed for brown and brunette hair to neutralize any unwanted shades of red or orange from appearing, and cools warm tones. As blue falls directly opposite red and orange on the color wheel, this color shampoo is the best for those with brown and brunette hair to counteract unwanted brassiness.

Silver shampoo is designed for those with gray or silver hair, and as silver is opposite yellow on the color wheel. This shampoo fights brassy tones of yellow that can appear in your gray locks, and take away from your color.

Thirdly, purple shampoo is used for blonde hair or those with blonde highlights. Once again and coming back to the color wheel, purple helps to neutralize brassy hair shades of yellow which threaten the longevity of your blonde hair, by cooling warm tones.

Why does brassiness occur?

It all comes down to color chemistry. When you color your hair shades lighter than your original color (includes highlights and ombre), it involves the process of bleaching, which removes or dilutes the color pigment from your hair. After bleaching, the new color is deposited onto your strands and toner is used to lock it all in. Once the color starts to grow out or after multiple washes, brassy hair tones tend to show up. Exposure to the sun and other elements can also speed up the appearance of brassiness. On top of this, blue color molecules are smaller, meaning that they’re broken down more easily and fade quicker with every wash. And even if you go the other way and add color to darken your base hair color, as the color fades, orange undertones tend to crop up. This is where toning shampoo comes in, designed to fight brassy tones, and maintain your color for as long as possible.

What’s the best anti-brass, toning shampoo for me?

Now that you understand the basics about which anti-brass toning shampoo is right for which color, here’s how to incorporate it into your haircare routine. The formulas all feature a new progressive color depositing technology used to gradually prevent brassy hair tones and warm undertones that usually start to appear 4-6 weeks after your color service. It keeps your salon color cooler for longer. Experts recommend using the right range for your color twice a week, however usage can depend on the desired amount of toning. For those who wash their hair more frequently you can alternate with Color Extend Magnetics by Redken for any additional washes. It’s best to chat to your stylist about what you’re looking for, in order to ensure you’re happy with your color result.

Blondes

For blonde hair experts recommend the Color Extend Blondage range from Redken that contains a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner and mask, it’s the easiest and most effective way to keep your color where you want it and take control of your shade of blonde. This range contains ultra-violet pigment to tone blonde hair and neutralize unwanted shades of brassy yellow, and Triple Acid Protein Complex tones to strengthen and fortify the hair cuticle for less breakage. It leaves hair shinier, softer and easier to manage.

Brunettes

For brunettes you need Color Extend Brownlights. The exciting new range from Redken designed just for you. Its star ingredient is a blue pigment and can even be used on highlighted brunettes or balayage hair. This color-depositing, blue toning shampoo and conditioner neutralizes unwanted orange and brassy tones in brown and brunette hair and can be used directly after your hair color service to extend the life of your beautiful brunette shade. It also works well on non-colored hair, helping to keep your natural brunette hue cool and free from any brassiness. This range nourishes and hydrates hair, for soft, manageable locks that make your brunette shade shine.

Grays/Silvers

Whether you’ve gone gray deliberately or are choosing to rock that natural look, you can always benefit from Color Extend Graydiant. This violet and silver pigment shampoo and conditioner is ideal for brightening gray and silver locks, especially those prone to dullness and yellow brassy tones. After use, your gray hair is left looking and feeling brighter and healthier.

Say goodbye to brassiness with the right toning shampoo for your hair hue. Keep your color radiant for longer, straight from the shower!

To finish your look use Redken’s newest hero product One United. It’s an all-in-one, multi-benefit treatment that and provides 25 benefits in three key areas: manageability, protection and beauty. Delivering instant results and improved manageability for all hair types and textures.

What is the difference between blue shampoo purple shampoo and silver shampoo (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between blue shampoo purple shampoo and silver shampoo? ›

While you should stick with purple or blue shampoo most of the time, you do have the option to use both if you have multiple undertones. But a good rule of thumb is that a blue shampoo is best for dark hair and brunettes; and purple shampoo is better for blondes, silver or gray hair.

Is blue shampoo same as silver shampoo? ›

As blue falls directly opposite red and orange on the color wheel, this color shampoo is the best for those with brown and brunette hair to counteract unwanted brassiness. Silver shampoo is designed for those with gray or silver hair, and as silver is opposite yellow on the color wheel.

What happens if you put blue shampoo on silver hair? ›

On the other hand, where blue shampoo really shines? If you're trying to ease your naturally warm-toned brunette locks into a cooler salt-and-pepper look, if you have silver strands or salt and pepper hair, the blue can cancel out brassy looking grays to help your overall color look clean, bright and shiny.

Should I use blue shampoo or purple shampoo? ›

The blue pigment cancels out orange, and the purple pigment cancels out yellow. All this talk about color comes down to two important points. Blue shampoo removes orange tones from brunette or darker hair, while the purple shampoo is a great option when yellow tones appear in blonde or light-colored hair.

Can I use silver shampoo instead of purple shampoo? ›

Silver shampoo, also known as purple shampoo, is a specialized hair care product designed specifically for those with blonde, silver, or gray hair. This unique shampoo contains purple or violet pigments that help neutralize and counteract the unwanted yellow or brassy tones that often plague blonde locks.

Which is better for grey hair, blue or purple shampoo? ›

While you should stick with purple or blue shampoo most of the time, you do have the option to use both if you have multiple undertones. But a good rule of thumb is that a blue shampoo is best for dark hair and brunettes; and purple shampoo is better for blondes, silver or gray hair.

Does silver shampoo cover grey hair? ›

Silver shampoo is also perfect for natural grey hair which can develop a yellow tinge from exposure to elements such as wind, rain and pollution.

How long can you leave blue shampoo in your hair? ›

How long should I leave purple and blue shampoo in my hair? The amount of time to leave your shampoo in depends on your hair's condition and desired intensity, but the average time is between two to three minutes. However, you can leave it in for a maximum five minutes if you want to deposit more pigment.

What color hair needs blue shampoo? ›

Blue shampoo is a cleansing toner that helps to keep your brunette hair cool and ashy. Its blue pigments draw out the natural orange and red undertones from your brown hair and instantly knock out those unwanted warm hues.

What's the best blue shampoo? ›

  • Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo with Menthol, 11 fl. ...
  • Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo Echinacea 100% Vegan, White/Blue, Mint, 8 Fl Oz. ...
  • L'Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo for Blonde, Bleached, Silver, or Brown Highlighted Hair, EverPure, 6.8 Fl Oz (Packaging May Vary)

What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for 30 minutes? ›

Zoe's answer: Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for longer than the recommended time is not always a good idea. The longer you leave it, the more pigments will be deposited on your hair and they could even stain it permanently.

How often should you wash your hair with silver shampoo? ›

For most people, it is recommended to use silver shampoo 1 to 2 times a week, depending on the unwanted tones you want to correct. Optionally, alternate with a moisturizing shampoo and be careful not to use the shampoo too often, as this may cause a purple hue.

What will blue shampoo do to blonde hair? ›

Blue vs.

Purple shampoo offsets yellow undertones that can appear in lighter hair colors (ranging from platinum blonde to gray), whereas blue shampoo counteracts orange tones that can crop up in brunettes. Choosing between blue or purple shampoo ultimately boils down to how light or dark your hair color is.

Does blue shampoo darken hair? ›

But don't leave your shampoo for too long, it might darken your hair too much!

How long can I leave blue shampoo in my hair? ›

How long should I leave purple and blue shampoo in my hair? The amount of time to leave your shampoo in depends on your hair's condition and desired intensity, but the average time is between two to three minutes. However, you can leave it in for a maximum five minutes if you want to deposit more pigment.

What shampoo is good for silver hair? ›

Usually, purple shampoos are used to neutralize any yellowness in cool-toned blondes and gray hair, but Rubenstein says finding a shampoo that not only neutralizes brassy tones but also nourishes hair and replenishes moisture is key to keeping gray strands in tip-top shape.

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