Sorry to say, there's no specific schedule to follow. Everyone's hair is different, but we recommend using it once every week or two, then building it up from there until you find your own cadence.
In gray hair care, the only time you need to use purple shampoo is if your hair has permanent yellowing. It won't remove the permanent yellowing but will reduce its appearance.
Using a purple shampoo on grey hair can help to remove brassy yellow shades, leaving you with a flattering silver undertone.
If you've got gray hair, purple shampoos are now officially your new best friend. They'll remove all the unwanted brassy and warm undertones that taint your beautiful silver color, leaving you with bright, shiny locks.
You'll benefit more from using one once your hair has started to become brassy. As for how often you can use a purple or silver shampoo, that will depend on the specific product you reach for. The L'Oréal Paris purple shampoo can be used two to three times a week after you notice your strands getting brassy.
Lastly, purple shampoo will only work for gray hair that is a level 8 or higher (which in this case, means lighter), so if you have darker gray hair or dark hair with just a few grays, purple shampoo may not work for you. RELATED: The best all-natural purple shampoos for gray hair (or silver or white or blonde hair).
Even if you don't see it, from the first wash, color-treated and highlighted/toned hair begins to lose the toning pigments applied during the salon visit. Therefore, to keep blonde always looking salon fresh, it's best to introduce Violet Crush Purple Shampoo from the first wash after a salon color application.
If you use purple shampoo too often, you may notice a slight purple hue on your hair—especially if you have very light or damaged hair. If this is the case, try using purple shampoo a few times a week instead of daily.
Purple shampoo has been used for decades by hairdressers, mostly to help tone and neutralize blonde and gray hair, getting rid of brassy or yellow tones for an overall more cool-toned look.
Everyone's hair is different, but we recommend using it once every week or two, then building it up from there until you find your own cadence. Just know that it is possible to overdo it—especially if you have high porosity hair—which results in a (temporary!) purple tinge.
If you have platinum, gray, or silver hair, you can leave the purple shampoo on for up to 30 minutes, depending on how brassy or discolored your hair is.
DON'T use purple shampoo before your colour appointment
As Anneliese said, it's important not to use purple shampoo in the run-up to your colouring appointment. “Stop using purple shampoo a week or so before you have your colour done,” advises Jimmy.
Purple shampoo neutralises brassiness but enhances blonde pigmentation. To maintain a silver shade, your shampoo requires a stronger colour neutralisation. Silver shampoo is formulated with deeper purple pigments to target yellow tones in a much stronger way.
Technically, purple shampoo turns grey hair a slightly darker color than before you used it. However, because of the way color passes through the eyes, you won't notice a darkening effect.
Purple shampoos are the best shampoos for gray hair turning yellow, as purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel. A great purple option is BTWCo's purple shampoo & conditioner. It's very gentle, has a light fragrance, and really makes silver hair shine.
As we mentioned, gray hair's lack of sebum can make it feel dry. To reduce further dryness, you'll want to wash it as infrequently as possible. "Washing every other day or three to four times a week can help with this," says Mazzei.
Using Purple Shampoo on Gray Hair
If you have naturally gray hair, experts recommend using purple shampoo about once a week. Gray hair easily turns yellow and dingy-looking, so you'll need to keep up a purple shampoo routine.
"Alternate your purple shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo," says Wiley. "Depending on how brassy your blonde hair is, you won't need to use the toning effects every wash, and it is important to add moisture and strengthen hair during the color process to keep hair healthy and strong."
Step 5: Follow Up With Conditioner
We've said it before and we'll say it again: you should always apply conditioner after shampooing your tresses. It not only locks in hydration, strengthens and repairs, but it further tones the hair too. We recommend using our Everyday Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Conditioner.
If you waited the full 72 hours before washing your hair after it was bleached, you can go ahead and use the purple shampoo the next time you shower. If it hasn't been 72 hours yet, skip the purple shampoo until your next wash so it doesn't potentially mess up your hair tone.