How to Use Silver Shampoo

Co-authored by Charlie Adams and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 1, 2021 References

Silver shampoo, known by some as purple shampoo, works to neutralize brassy and yellow tones from blonde and gray hair.^{[1]
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Research source} Using silver shampoo 1-2 times a week helps your hair look healthier and more color-balanced. Before you start using silver shampoo, pick a product that best fits your hair type. Then, let the shampoo sit in your hair before rinsing it out and applying a conditioner!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Picking the Best Silver Shampoo

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1
Choose a product with extra vitamins to strengthen your hair. Look for silver shampoos with formulas that include Vitamins A, B, D and E. If your hair is naturally brittle, nourish it with a product that offers strength, protection, and smoothness to your hair. This type of shampoo works for any shade of blonde hair.^{[2]
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- If you have ashy blonde hair, use a nutrient-rich shampoo with Vitamin B5 and wheat proteins.^{[3]
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Opt for a shampoo with lots of pigment if your hair is brassy. Remove the bright, harsh tones from your hair with a silver shampoo that includes extra color pigment. If you don’t want to spend extra money on a visit to your hairstylist, see if a twice-weekly silver shampoo can bring some new life into your hair routine. You can also use this type of product to extend the life of your highlights.^{[4]
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- This product works especially well for blonde hair that has lost its shine.
- To find a pigment-rich product, look for a more versatile shampoo. For instance, a silver shampoo that works on highlights, blonde, and silver hair will likely have more pigment in the formula.
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Pick a formula with centaurea extract if you have lighter hair. Keep your platinum blonde hair light and fresh with a customized silver shampoo formula. When you’re shopping, look for centaury as an ingredient—aside from giving your blonde hair some extra shine, it also helps keep your hair from yellowing, as well. Individuals with white hair can also try adding this product to their beauty routine!^{[5]
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- In many cases, products made with centaurea extract smell great, too!
- This type of formula is also excellent for people with gray hair!^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Silver Shampoo

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1
Apply a golf ball-sized amount of silver shampoo to your wet hair. Pump or squeeze an ample amount of shampoo onto one hand. Once you’ve covered the center of your palm, rub both hands together so that they’re coated in product.^{[7]
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Research source} If you have especially long or thick hair, consider tying back the upper layers of your hair with a clip or scrunchie.^{[8]
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- Although it’s called silver shampoo, don’t be surprised if the product looks purple.
- You can use this shampoo in or out of the shower, depending on your beauty routine.
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Swipe the shampoo into your hairline and work your way down. Use your shampoo-covered hands to coat your hair completely with product. To ensure that all your hair gets covered, work with 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of hair at a time. Start from the base of the hairline, using long and slow rubbing motions to knead the shampoo into your hair.^{[9]
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- Don’t worry if your hands look purple while you’re applying the shampoo. Wash your hands thoroughly once you’re finished to remove the purple tint.
- Focus on scrubbing your scalp whenever you use shampoo.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Charlie Adams
  Professional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 July 2021.}
3
Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 3-5 minutes. Wait at least 3 minutes before rinsing out the silver shampoo from your hair. If you’re in the shower, take this time to continue your beauty routine.^{[11]
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Research source} Depending on your hair type or the specific product you’re using, you might want to leave the shampoo in your hair for a longer amount of time.^{[12]
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- This part of the process helps the silver shampoo to soak into your hair and combat any harsh, brassy tones.
- You can also apply silver shampoo specifically to any yellow-looking sections of hair. Apply the product while your hair is dry, and then let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out. Then, wash and condition your hair as usual—this should cancel out a lot of those yellow tones.^{[13]
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  Expert Source
  
  Charlie Adams
  Professional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 July 2021.}
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Rinse out the shampoo with running water. Turn on your shower or bathroom faucet to a warm setting, and wash the suds out of your hair. Use your fingers to coax out any remaining product, and try to angle your head so the running water hits your scalp directly.^{[14]
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- Don’t be alarmed if the water looks purple as it rinses out. The product shouldn’t tint your shower or sink.
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Rub in some purple conditioner and let it sit for 1 minute. Squeeze or pump a coin-sized amount of silver or purple conditioner into the palm of one hand. After rubbing your hands together, use your fingers to swipe the conditioner into your hair. Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up, rubbing it in slowly as you go. Wait at least 1 minute for the product to set into your hair.^{[15]
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- Try to avoid applying the conditioner at your roots, as this will make your hair feel a lot heavier.
- Overall, focus on the ends of your hair whenever you use conditioner. The ends of your hair are older, dryer, and more brittle than the hair closer to your scalp, so they need the most conditioner.^{[16]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Charlie Adams
  Professional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 July 2021.}
6
Rinse out your hair with cold water and pat it dry. Turn your shower or faucet to the coldest setting that you can handle, and wash out the conditioner. Don’t leave the cold water on for too long—only keep it on for 30 seconds or so until all of the product is gone. Once you’ve finished rinsing, use a towel to pat your hair dry until it’s no longer dripping wet.^{[17]
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- Check the bottle product to see if you can use a blow dryer after using a silver shampoo and conditioner.

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Tips

Silver shampoo is also a great option for people with light brown and silver hair.^{[18]
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To prevent silver or purple shampoo from making your hair look less shiny, try diluting it with regular conditioner.^{[19]
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Warnings

Using too much silver or purple shampoo can make your hair feel dry. Whenever this happens, add some moisture back into your hair with a deep conditioning treatment.^{[20]
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