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They say blondes have more fun, and whether or not that's true, there's one big exception: haircare. Candidly speaking, dyed blonde hair is high-maintenance. It requires frequent salon visits to keep highlights, balayage, and dye jobs fresh and demands proper care between treatments so that it lasts. Enter a blonde's best weapon of defense: purple shampoo. These purple-pigmented formulas neutralize brassiness and cancel out unwanted tones that might happen over time, says Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. When you use the wrong shampoo or wash too often, your strands can quickly turn brassy (read: yellow). Not to mention, if you love to swim laps in your downtime, those bright blonde streaks may even begin to look green. Purple shampoos help keep blonde, gray, silver, and even white hair vibrant for as long as possible, which leads us to the next question...
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How often should you use a purple shampoo?
It's best to use a purple shampoo once a week if you wash your hair multiple times a week, says celebrity stylist Michelle Cleveland. These formulas aren't permanent solutions for maintaining haircolor. "Overusing purple shampoo, especially on cool-toned blonde hair, will have the opposite effect and can turn it dull or blue," Cleveland says. For the best results, follow the instructions on the label of your formula. If you need help picking a purple shampoo, we've got you covered. Ahead, shop the best purple shampoos for the job, including professional-recommended picks and affordable drugstore buys.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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