When it comes to maintaining beautiful, vibrant hair, especially after bleaching, two products often come into play: hair toner vs purple shampoo.
These hair care products are known for their ability to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or gray hair.
However, understanding the differences between hair toner and purple shampoo, as well as how to use them effectively, is crucial for achieving the desired results.
So today let’s explore the world of hair toner and purple shampoo, discussing what they are, how they work, and the key distinctions between them.
Hair Toner vs Purple Shampoo
While both hair toner and purple shampoo serve the purpose of neutralizing unwanted brassy or yellow tones, they have distinct differences that affect how they are used and the results they deliver:
1. Application Process:
– Hair Toner: Hair toner is a separate product that is typically mixed with a developer and applied after bleaching. It requires a specific application process and can take some time to work.
– Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo is used during your regular hair washing routine, replacing your regular shampoo once or twice a week. It does not require a separate application process.
2. Duration of Effect:
– Hair Toner: Hair toner provides a more immediate and longer-lasting color correction. However, its effects gradually fade with each wash.
– Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo provides a temporary and gradual color correction that accumulates over time with consistent use. Its effects are less intense compared to toner.
3. Customization:
– Hair Toner: Hair toner offers a higher level of customization, as you can choose from various toner shades to achieve your desired color. It allows for more precise adjustments.
– Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo has a standardized purple tone that may not be as customizable as hair toner. It is generally formulated to address yellow and brassy tones.
4. Usage Frequency:
– Hair Toner: Hair toner is typically applied less frequently than purple shampoo. It is used when needed or after a significant color change.
– Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo is used regularly as part of your hair care routine, usually once or twice a week to maintain color.
5. Method of Application:
– Hair Toner: Hair toner is applied to wet hair and requires a specific processing time before rinsing.
– Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo is applied to wet hair just like regular shampoo, with no additional processing time.
What Is Hair Toner and How Does It Work
Hair toner is a hair care product designed to correct and adjust the color of your hair. It is typically used to neutralize unwanted tones, such as brassiness or yellowing, and achieve the desired shade.
Hair toners work by using color theory principles, specifically the concept of complementary colors. Complementary colors are hues that are opposite each other on the color wheel and cancel each other out when combined.
Here’s how hair toner works:
1. Color Correction: When hair is bleached, it can often develop undesirable undertones due to the removal of natural pigments. For example, blonde hair may acquire yellow or brassy undertones. Hair toners contain pigments that are complementary to these unwanted colors, allowing them to neutralize or “cancel out” the undesired tones.
2. Balancing Act: Hair toners are available in various shades, including ash, platinum, and silver, to address different color correction needs. By selecting the appropriate toner shade, you can balance out the underlying brassy or yellow tones in your hair, achieving a more desirable, cooler color.
3. Application: Hair toner is typically applied after the bleaching process. It is mixed with a developer and applied to the hair for a specified period, as per the product’s instructions. The toner is then rinsed out, leaving behind the desired color correction.
4. Temporary Effect: It’s important to note that hair toner provides a temporary color correction. As you wash your hair and expose it to environmental factors, the toner will gradually fade. Periodic reapplication may be necessary to maintain the desired color.
What Is Purple Shampoo and How Does It Work
Purple shampoo, often referred to as silver or violet shampoo, is a specialized shampoo formulated to combat brassiness in blonde, silver, or gray hair. Unlike traditional shampoos, purple shampoo contains purple pigments, which work to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in the hair.
Here’s how purple shampoo works:
1. Color Neutralization: Purple is the complementary color of yellow on the color wheel. When applied to hair with yellow or brassy undertones, purple shampoo helps neutralize those unwanted hues by canceling them out. This results in a cooler, more even-toned appearance.
2. Regular Maintenance: Purple shampoo is used as a regular part of your hair care routine, typically replacing your regular shampoo once or twice a week. It helps maintain the desired cool-toned blonde or silver hair color in between salon visits or toner applications.
3. No Additional Step: Unlike hair toner, which requires a separate application process after bleaching, purple shampoo is simply used during your regular hair washing routine. It’s a convenient way to prevent or address brassiness without additional steps.
4. Gradual Improvement: The effectiveness of purple shampoo may vary depending on your hair’s condition and the specific product you use. Consistent use over time can lead to gradual color correction and maintenance.
Related: Blue Shampoo Vs Purple Shampoo
How To Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
Using hair toner after bleaching is a crucial step in achieving the desired hair color. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use hair toner effectively:
1. Prepare Your Hair: Ensure that your hair is clean and free from any styling products. It should be damp but not dripping wet.
2. Mix the Toner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the hair toner with the appropriate developer. The developer strength (e.g., 10-volume, 20-volume) should also be in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations for your hair type and desired result.
3. Apply the Toner: Divide your hair into sections to ensure even application. Start by applying the toner to the roots and work your way down to the tips. Use a tinting brush or gloved fingers for precise application.
4. Processing Time: Leave the toner on your hair for the recommended processing time, as indicated by the manufacturer. Be cautious not to exceed the recommended time, as this can result in over-toning or undesired color.
5. Rinse and Condition: Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture and softness to your hair.
6. Style as Usual: After rinsing and conditioning, you can style your hair as desired. Hair toner should leave your hair looking refreshed and free from unwanted tones.
How To Use Purple Shampoo After Bleaching
Using purple shampoo after bleaching is a straightforward process that you can incorporate into your regular hair care routine. Here’s how to use purple shampoo effectively:
1. Wet Your Hair: Begin by thoroughly wetting your hair in the shower.
2. Apply Purple Shampoo: Dispense a small amount of purple shampoo into your hand and lather it. Apply the shampoo to your hair, focusing on areas where you have unwanted yellow or brassy tones.
3. Massage and Wait: Gently massage the purple shampoo into your hair, ensuring that it covers all the areas you want to correct. Allow the shampoo to sit on your hair for the recommended time, usually 3-5 minutes, or as specified on the product’s instructions.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Be sure to remove all traces of the purple shampoo.
5. Condition (Optional): If desired, you can follow up with a conditioner, but be cautious not to use a purple conditioner, as this can intensify the purple tones in your hair.
6. Use Regularly: Incorporate purple shampoo into your hair care routine once or twice a week to maintain your desired color and prevent brassiness.
Should I Use Hair Toner or Purple Shampoo on My Hair
Whether you should use hair toner or purple shampoo depends on several factors, including your hair color, goals, and preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
1. Use Hair Toner If:
– You have recently bleached your hair and want to achieve an immediate and precise color correction.
– You desire a customized hair color with specific undertones, such as ash or platinum.
– Your hair has significant brassy or yellow tones that need to be neutralized.
– You are comfortable with the application process and the use of developers.
2. Use Purple Shampoo If:
– You want to maintain or enhance a cool-toned blonde, silver, or gray hair color.
– Your hair has minor or occasional brassiness, and you want to prevent it.
– You prefer a convenient and less time-consuming solution for color correction.
– You are looking for a gradual color adjustment that accumulates with consistent use.
3. Use Both If:
– You want the benefits of immediate and precise color correction from hair toner along with the ongoing maintenance and prevention of brassiness from purple shampoo.
– Your hair requires customized toning in some areas and regular maintenance in others.
Purple Shampoo vs. Blue Shampoo
Purple shampoo, blue shampoo, and hair toner are all products designed to address unwanted tones in the hair, but they have different applications and purposes:
1. Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo is formulated to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde, silver, or gray hair. It achieves this by using purple pigments, which are complementary to yellow on the color wheel.
This type of shampoo is best for regular maintenance and prevention of brassiness.
2. Blue Shampoo: Blue shampoo, on the other hand, is formulated to counteract orange or brassy tones in darker hair colors, such as brown or brunette shades.
It uses blue pigments, which are complementary to orange on the color wheel. Blue shampoo is suitable for those with brunette hair who want to maintain a cool, balanced color.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both hair toner and purple shampoo serve important roles in achieving and maintaining the desired hair color, especially after bleaching.
Hair toner provides precise and immediate color correction, while purple shampoo offers ongoing maintenance and prevention of brassiness.
The choice between these products, or the use of both, should be based on your specific hair color, goals, and preferences.
By understanding how each product works and following the recommended usage guidelines, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and free from unwanted tones.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
How To Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
How To Choose the Right Toner for Your Highlighted Hair
Can You Mix Purple Shampoo With Bleach
Can You Use Purple Shampoo For Purple Hair
Can You Use Purple Shampoo For Brown Hair
Can You Use Purple Shampoo For Red Hair
Can You Use Purple Shampoo For Naturally Blonde Hair
To Summarize