Understanding the Differences Between Silver and Purple Shampoo

Silver vs Purple Shampoo: What’s the Difference?

Whether you are dealing with silver or grey hair, or simply trying to maintain the integrity of your blonde locks, you might be considering using professional hair care products like silver or purple shampoo. But can you use one in place of the other, and if so, is one more effective than the other? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences and appropriate uses for both silver and purple shampoos.

Is Silver Shampoo and Purple Shampoo the Same?

While both silver and purple shampoos serve to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair, they do so in slightly different ways. Silver shampoos are generally stronger and more suitable for toning out brassiness in silver or grey hair, while purple shampoos are gentler and more effective for maintaining the cool tones in blonde hair. Think of silver as a superhero for cool tones, and purple as its sidekick.

Are There Any Differences in Colours and Ingredients?

It is often assumed that purple shampoo might be a light variation of silver shampoo due to its color. However, it is important to note that there is a distinct difference in the base color and ingredients used. Purple shampoos typically have a deep violet base which aids in toning out unwanted yellow brass. On the other hand, silver shampoos have a bluish to black base, designed to neutralize unwanted orange tones.

While both types of shampoos neutralize gold tones, silver shampoos are more effective in removing orange tones since they are one shade darker from the yellow that purple shampoos address. However, for long-term maintenance, a silver shampoo is not the best option. Instead, it is recommended to use a toner or a full-cycle shampoo once you notice brassiness returning. A toner provides more targeted and sustained results compared to the continuous use of a single type of shampoo.

Do Silver and Purple Shampoos Have the Same Function?

Yes, purple shampoos are designed primarily to neutralize yellow or brassy tones, while silver shampoos provide an added layer of shine. Both types of shampoos help maintain the integrity of your hair color by neutralizing metallic tones from water or other environmental factors. However, their primary functions differ: purple shampoos are pigment depositing to maintain a cool purple category, whereas silver shampoos aim to restore and maintain a balanced tone.

Color Wheel and Shampoo Functions

When considering the color wheel, both purple and silver shampoos work effectively, as they counteract yellow and orange tones. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to neutralize the unwanted gold tones and create ashy or neutral tones. This is particularly useful for maintaining the desired look of your hair color or to counteract any unwanted brassiness.

How to Use Silver and Purple Shampoos Properly for Maintenance

To effectively maintain the integrity of your hair color, it is recommended to use purple shampoos every other shampoo. Regular use of iron and chlorine present in tap water can build up on your hair, leading to unwanted brassiness. By using purple shampoos occasionally, you can mitigate these effects. However, continuous use of purple shampoos might result in a slight purple cast remaining on your hair, while silver shampoos are more suitable for grey hair as they provide a lighter violet tone without the risk of aggressive color correction.

Conclusion

Choose the right shampoo based on your hair type and desired outcome. If you are dealing with silver or grey hair, a silver shampoo is the smarter choice. For blonde hair, a purple shampoo ensures the preservation of cool tones. Understanding the differences and appropriate uses of these shampoos will help you achieve the best results and maintain the integrity of your hair color.