Can You Mix Blue & Purple Shampoo?

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If you often dye your hair, you would need to stock up on colored shampoos, like blue shampoo and purple shampoo. These come in handy when your dyed hair has faded into unappealing tones. Processed hair will likely appear yellow and orange, thus, using these two shampoos is a good idea.

Even though the two types have different purposes, they are common, and the involved color tones compel users to think of both. So, can these two be used together? Continue reading this article on “Can you mix blue and purple shampoo?” to find out.

The Role of Blue and Purple Shampoos

Before we can determine whether mixing blue and purple shampoo is a viable option, it’s essential to understand the primary purpose of each product.

Blue Shampoo

An example of hair before and after using blue shampoo

Blue shampoos are formulated to neutralize warm, brassy tones in hair, primarily in brunettes and darker shades that have been lightened or highlighted. These shampoos work by using blue pigments to counteract orange tones, effectively canceling out the undesired hues and promoting a cooler, more natural appearance.

Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo can keep unattractive yellow tones from showing through

On the other hand, purple shampoos are specifically designed for blondes, silver, or gray hair. These shampoos eliminate yellow or brassy tones that can develop due to various factors such as UV exposure, hard water, or hair dye fading. Purple pigments are used to counteract the yellow tones, providing a cooler, more vibrant hair color.

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Mixing Blue and Purple Shampoo: The Pros and Cons

Now that we understand the purpose of blue and purple shampoos let’s examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of mixing them.

Pros:

Customized Color Correction: By mixing blue and purple shampoo, you can potentially create a more customized color correction solution for hair that has a mix of both orange and yellow tones. This approach can be particularly useful for individuals with blended hair colors or balayage.
Greater Versatility: Mixing the two shampoos can offer a versatile solution for those who switch between different hair colors, as the combination can address a wider range of brassiness issues.

Cons:

Less Targeted Results: The primary concern with mixing blue and purple shampoos is that it may lead to less targeted and precise results compared to using each product separately. Combining both pigments may dilute the color-correcting properties of each shampoo, resulting in suboptimal outcomes.
Risk of Over-toning: Using color-correcting shampoos always carries a risk of over-toning, which can lead to unwanted color deposits on the hair. Mixing blue and purple shampoos may exacerbate this issue, causing the hair to have an ashy or muted appearance.

So, Can You Mix Blue Shampoo & Purple Shampoo?

Technically, you can. But we do not recommend it. This does more harm than good.

Color-correcting toning shampoo works in its original formula and shade. Mixing two shampoos together affects not only the composition but also the shade achieved. When you blend blue and purple shampoo together, you get a half-ish mixture that might fail to get the intended jobs of blue and purple shampoo done.

If you are seeking a solution for both orange and yellow undertones, then it is better to alternate between the blue shampoo and the purple shampoo.

How to Use Both Blue Shampoo & Purple Shampoo

Scenario 1

You can use purple shampoo and blue shampoo for each section of hair

In this scenario, you have crisp strands of orange or yellow tones.

Identify the areas you need to neutralize and the appropriate color of shampoo. Remember, blue shampoo is for coppery, orange tones, while purple shampoo is for yellowish tones.
Step into the shower and your hair with warm water first. This should help open up your hair cuticles, enabling the shampoo pigments to penetrate the strands of hair better later.
Selectively wash your hair. Use blue shampoo for the orange patches and purple shampoo for the brassy yellows. But be careful not to mix the shampoos. Be sure to massage the shampoo into your scalp.
Let them sit on your hair as per their instructions.
Rinse your hair thoroughly as you would normally. Consider using cool water, as it can help close up your hair cuticles.
Follow up with a conditioner. This should add moisture to your hair, ensuring it stays smooth and soft.

Scenario 2

In this scenario, you have blended orange and yellow tones all throughout your hair. The colors are not clearly defined, so you cannot use the approach above.

We suggest strategically alternating between the two shampoos weekly. For example, this week, you can hit the shower with blue shampoo. And then, next week, you can apply purple shampoo during a wash.

It might take a bit longer to see results, but it is more guaranteed, as both shampoos will work as they are designed to.

However, make sure you only shower with colored shampoos once a week. Do not use them daily because they can be very drying. They can strip your hair naked, making them more vulnerable to frizz and fried ends.

Shower with blue shampoo and/or purple shampoo only once a week to keep your hair from drying out

Tips For Using Blue & Purple Shampoo

Start With a Patch Test & Strand Test

As with all other hair products, you must test out blue and purple shampoo before using it on your entire head. This includes a patch test and a strand test.

Patch Test: This test determines that your skin and scalp will not react adversely to the shampoos.
Strand Test: This test allows you to see how the shampoos work on your hair, as a safety gauge for desired results

Strand test to see how the shampoos work on your hair

Use a Hair Serum

Applying a nourishing hair serum after using blue and purple shampoo can help you seal in your colors. In addition, it will lock moisture in your hair and give it a beautiful sheen. You can also occasionally pamper your hair with a nourishing hair mask.

Use a Hair Mask

Masks are products that deeply condition and hydrate the hair. They can be used on all hair types, but those with frizzy, dry, or damaged hair will see the most benefits. A good hair mask can deep-condition your hair, giving it the nutrients it needs to look and feel its best.

If you have dry or damaged hair, using a hair mask can help to repair it by replenishing lost moisture. In addition, a hair mask can help to smooth the hair, making it less frizzy and easier to style. Hair masks are available for all different hair types, so you can find one that’s right for you.

Using a hair mask will help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. Once a week, after shampooing and conditioning your hair, as usual, apply a generous amount of hair mask to your damp hair. Wrap your head in a warm, wet towel for about five minutes, then rinse the mask out thoroughly. You can also use a leave-in conditioner in place of a hair mask, but be sure to use one that’s specifically formulated for color-treated hair.

Using hair mask to recover your hair

Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment

A deep conditioning treatment can help to repair damage caused by heat styling, coloring, and environmental factors. Look for a deep conditioning treatment that contains protein to help strengthen your hair, and essential oils to help nourish and condition your hair.

Applying a deep conditioning treatment to your hair once a week will also help you achieve the shiny, bouncy hair you desire. This is because deep conditioning treatments help to replenish the moisture that is so often lost due to heat styling, coloring, and other damaging hair treatments. If you have very dry or damaged hair, you may want to use a deep conditioning treatment more often.

Moreover, a deep conditioning treatment will help to restore moisture and manage frizz, making it easier to style your hair. You can use a conditioner that you already have at home, or pick one up from the store. Apply the conditioner to your scalp and work it through your hair. You can have it done at a salon too.

A deep conditioning treatment will help to replenish your hair, and it will also help to protect it from damage.

Avoid Heat Styling Tools

Avoid heat styling tools when using purple shampoo and blue shampoo

Heat rollers, flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, hot air brushes, crimpers, you name it. Anything that applies heat to your hair should be avoided, as heat can dry out your hair and leave it vulnerable to damage.

If there is an occasion that warrants heat styling, make sure you use a heat protectant. If you do not already have one, consider getting these:

Avoid The Sun

Steer clear from the sun to safeguard your hair from heat damage, fading, split ends, and brittleness. If you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time, consider wearing a hat or scarf to keep your hair protected from the sun. Another option for added protection is a protective spray or brush-on powder. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or serum to help keep your hair hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion

While it is possible to mix blue and purple shampoo, it may not always produce the desired results. The effectiveness of this combination largely depends on an individual’s hair color and the specific brassiness issues they wish to address.

For optimal results, it is generally recommended to use blue and purple shampoos separately, following the needs of your hair color.

If you have obvious areas of orange tones and yellow tones that you want to correct, you can use blue and purple shampoo separately, though still in the same washing session.
If the tones are integrated, you should alternate the shampoos weekly. But remember not to use either shampoo more than once a week. They are drying and can leave your hair vulnerable to damage!

However, if you wish to experiment with mixing the two products, it is crucial to do so cautiously and in small amounts to minimize the risk of over-toning. It is also essential to consult with a professional hairstylist or colorist for personalized advice on using color-correcting shampoos, as they can provide expert guidance on achieving the best results for your unique hair needs.