How to Use Blue Shampoo

How to Use Blue Shampoo

Blue shampoo is an increasingly essential cosmetic which we can use on our hair to achieve the best results in terms of color and tone. Used mostly for dyed blonde or gray hair colors, this doesn't change the base color of your dye job. Instead, it adjusts the tones which can appear in some blonde hair which can become a kittle orange or brassy. The result is closer to the platinum blond you are looking for. It can also be used for gray or light blue tints. They are also sold as sulphate-free shampoos which are even better for your hair.

If you want to ensure your dye job looks exactly how you want it, oneHOWTO explains how to use blue shampoo. We tell you what it is used for in more detail and help you to know if it is something you will need to be using for your dyed hair.

What is blue shampoo used for?

When we dye our hair, there are many factors which can degrade the quality and tone. Whether the chemical effects of the dye, exposure to the sun, salinity of water or even our washing habits, the tones can become distorted. For dyed blond hair, this usually results in orange streaks or patches. Whether you have fully dyed blond, highlighted, bleached blond or even dyed gray hair, blue shampoo might just be its savior.

The main function of blue shampoo is to restore the original tone of your dyed hair. In particular, it will minimize the yellow blond look, a tone some people refer to as ‘chicken yellow’. Since it creates icier tones than the yellow ones we want to get rid of, it is also great for platinum or gray hair colors. If you are in this category, take a look at our article on how to care for gray hair.

Since yellowish and orange pigments are not natural when they appear, sulfate-free blue shampoo can be very helpful. Thanks to this specific treatment you can reduce these tones until they disappear. In addition, sulfate-free blue shampoo does not have the chemicals of a dye or color rinse, so the hair does not suffer damage. Neither does it discolor it. It simple helps to tint certain pigments in the right way.

Of course, if you want to dye your hair blue, then blue shampoo can also help to restore these tones.

How to use blue shampoo

Using the blue tinting shampoo is very simple. It is the same as many conventional hair products which you use on wet hair, as you would with any shampoo. The only key difference in terms of application is that it is better to use gloves to wash your hair with blue shampoo. This is because the pigments in blue shampoo can tint your skin color. However, if gloves aren't suitable, washing your hands immediately after use should get rid of any stains.

One of the main mistakes when using this shampoo is to assume the results will be evident after the first wash, but this is not the case. You should use this shampoo with the appropriate frequency and you will see the results after several washes. Follow these steps to apply toning shampoo:

  1. It is recommended that you apply your regular shampoo first and rinse afterwards.
  2. Carry out a second wash with the blue shampoo, massaging the head well and letting it act for a few minutes. Read the instructions on the container to better see the application time and take note of the information that we indicate in the next section of this article.
  3. Wash with plenty of water and remove the remains of the blue sulfate-free shampoo.
  4. After this, it is important to moisturize the hair well. Although your blue shampoo may be sulfate-free, it can still have harsh chemicals which may damage your hair if used improperly. Moisturizing will help avoid dry hair. To find the right one for you, why not try making your own homemade hair mask.

How long to leave in blue shampoo

Apart from wanting to know how to apply blue shampoo, one of the most frequently asked questions is how long should we leave in blue shampoo. Actually, it does not vary too much from most other shampoos. Ideally, we should lather and leave the blue shampoo in for 3 to 5 minutes. Always take into account the directions on your brand of blue shampoo. It is possible there are some specific guidelines you need to follow. If you leave the blue shampoo in for too long, it could leave blue or purple tints.

It is also not recommended we use blue shampoo more than twice a week. This is because the harsh chemicals may dry out your hair and cause damage such as split ends. Also, increased use can alter the color tone too much. Our article on healing split ends can help if you think you have overused blue shampoo.

If you follow these general guidelines, as well as the specific instructions written on the product you use, you should be able to achieve the best results. Speak to your hairdresser for some specific advice. Learn what they like and see if blue shampoo is actually what you need to get the hair color you want.

Read how to dye your hair without damaging it to know more about how to prevent a bad dye job in the first place.

Is blue shampoo bad for your hair?

As with all cosmetic and personal hygiene products, you will need to use blue shampoo only if it is right for you. If we want to eliminate chicken yellow and brassy tones, then it can be a great way to touch up highlights or our dyed blond hair. However, it is not a very aggressive product and it shouldn't damage your hair if you follow the instructions carefully. It is designed to restore luster and vitality, not get rid of it.

If used well, blue shampoo is not bad for your hair. Don't leave it on for too long, don't use it more than twice a week and stop using it if you see you have any negative reaction. The latter can happen if your hair is sensitive to blue shampoo. This is something which may happen to those with naturally light toned hair.

Sulfate-free blue shampoo is also a great option because it does not contain ammonia. Other shampoos have sulfates and other chemicals which can dehydrate your hair more easily. If you buy a cheap brand of blue shampoo, it might contain sulfates or other chemicals which can damage your hair either in the short or long-term. At the vert least, ensure you use a good moisturizing hair mask afterwards. Better still is to invest in a quality product with good reviews.

If you like having subtle colors in your hair, maybe you will be interested in our articles on how to do glitter roots in your hair or how to apply a color rinse to your hair.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Use Blue Shampoo, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.