What is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a hair care product specifically formulated to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in bleached, highlighted, gray or naturally blonde hair (source). The purpose of purple shampoo is to counteract the yellowing that can occur in hair from sun exposure, chlorine damage, heat styling, and other environmental factors that strip color over time. Purple shampoo deposits violet pigments onto the hair to cancel out brassiness and keep hair looking brighter and shinier.
Purple shampoo works by using color theory – the violet pigments neutralize yellow tones because they are opposite colors on the color wheel. Most purple shampoos contain a violet dye or pigment as their main active ingredient, although some use other blue/violet botanical extracts as well. When used regularly, purple shampoo can be an easy at-home toning treatment to keep blonde and gray hair vibrant between salon visits (source).
Is It Safe for Dogs?
Dog skin is more alkaline than human skin and contains fewer oil glands. This makes dogs more prone to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. When choosing a shampoo, it’s important to select one formulated specifically for dogs.
The main active ingredient in purple shampoo is a violet pigment or dye. Some also contain silicones to add shine. While these ingredients are generally considered safe, some dogs may be sensitive or allergic.
According to veterinary experts, a small amount of purple shampoo likely won’t harm most healthy dogs when used occasionally (Source). However, regular use could lead to dryness or irritation. Always monitor your dog for signs of sensitivity such as redness, itching or inflammation.
To be safe, consult your veterinarian before using human shampoo like purple shampoo on your dog. They can advise you based on your dog’s specific coat and skin needs.
Benefits for White Dogs
Purple shampoo can provide several benefits for white dogs. The main benefit is that it helps brighten and enhance a white coat by reducing yellow or brassy undertones. As dogs age, their white hair can start to yellow from sun exposure, dirt buildup, tear stains, and other environmental factors[1]. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize these yellow discolorations and help restore a bright, clean white appearance[2].
Regular use of a purple conditioning shampoo can minimize the development of yellow tones by depositing small amounts of purple pigment with each bath. This helps counteract brassiness between full grooming sessions. White dogs with frequent exposure to outdoor elements may benefit from weekly purple shampooing to combat environmental discoloration. Over time, diligent shampooing helps maintain a lustrous, sparkling white coat.
Downsides for White Dogs
While purple shampoo can help brighten and tone white dog coats, there are some potential downsides to be aware of when using it on canines:
Over-toning the Coat: Using purple shampoo too frequently or leaving it on too long can result in an unnatural bluish or grayish tone to a white dog’s coat. The purple pigments can build up over time and create an overly ashy appearance.
Drying Effect on Skin: The ingredients in purple shampoo that help remove brassiness can also be drying and irritating on some dogs’ sensitive skin. Whitening agents like citric acid, as well as sulfates in the shampoo, can disrupt the pH balance of a dog’s skin and cause flaking or itchiness with overuse.
It’s important to closely follow product instructions and dilute high-strength formulas to avoid overdoing it. Test on a small patch first to check for irritation. Limit purple shampoo use to once a month or less for most dogs.
There are also gentler shampoo alternatives specifically formulated for dogs that can help brighten coats without harsh chemicals. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about skin irritation orcoat discoloration from shampoo.
Recommended Use
When using purple shampoo on white dogs, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s dilution guidelines. Most recommend diluting purple shampoo in a 10:1 ratio – 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo. This helps minimize irritation and prevent the purple pigment from staining the coat.
Only use purple shampoo every 2-4 weeks at most. Frequent use can cause dryness and irritation. Let the diluted shampoo sit on your dog’s coat for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This allows time for the purple pigment to neutralize brassiness.
Take extra care with puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. Do a patch test first. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. For puppies under 6 months old, consult your veterinarian before using any colored shampoo.
Application Tips
When using purple shampoo on your white dog, it’s important to apply and rinse it thoroughly. Here are some tips for best results:
Thoroughly rinse the shampoo out. You want to rinse very well, so there is no residue left behind. Any leftover shampoo can continue to have a whitening effect and possibly irritate your dog’s skin. Rinse for at least 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure all traces of shampoo are gone.
Use a conditioner after rinsing. Conditioner helps restore moisture and smooth down the cuticle after the cleansing and whitening effects of the shampoo. Choose a gentle, hydrating conditioner formulated for dogs.
Use a massaging motion when washing. Work the shampoo into your dog’s coat in sections, gently massaging it into the hair and skin. This allows the ingredients to fully penetrate and work. Avoid getting shampoo near eyes.
Follow directions on quantity. Only use the recommended amount of shampoo per bath. Using too much can lead to irritation and incomplete rinsing.
Rinse from head to tail. When rinsing, start at the head/neck area and work back towards the tail. This prevents shampoo from getting into eyes or ingestion.
Dry thoroughly. After rinsing, dry your dog completely with a towel. Allow the coat to air dry fully before brushing or styling.
Signs of Irritation
Using purple shampoo, even if formulated for dogs, can sometimes cause irritation for white dogs. Some signs of irritation to watch out for include:
- Redness of the skin – Purple shampoo contains pigments and dyes that can potentially cause redness and inflammation on the skin.
- Itching – Dogs may start excessively licking, biting, or scratching at their skin due to irritation from the shampoo.
- Flaking skin – Purple shampoo can disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier and cause dry, flaky skin.
If you notice any of these signs of irritation, it’s best to stop using the purple shampoo immediately. The irritation indicates the shampoo is too harsh for your dog’s sensitive skin. Allow their skin to heal before attempting to use purple shampoo again. You may need to switch to a more gentle hypoallergenic formula. Consult your veterinarian if the irritation persists or worsens.
Alternatives for White Dogs
While purple shampoo can be effective at brightening white dog coats, there are some good alternatives that may be gentler on sensitive skin. Here are some options:
Whitening Shampoos:
- Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo is a natural option made with pear and coconut oils (1).
- Earthbath Whitening Shampoo contains coconut cleansers, colloidal oatmeal, and vanilla and almond extracts (2).
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Whitening Shampoo has optical brighteners without bleach or dye (3).
DIY Natural Ingredients:
- A baking soda paste can help scrub away stains before bathing.
- Apple cider vinegar rinses can brighten and remove buildup.
- Coconut oil applied before a bath can whiten coats.
Consult your vet if your dog has sensitive skin before trying any new shampoos or home methods. Start with small applications and look for any signs of irritation.
(1) https://www.rover.com/blog/whitening-dog-shampoos/
(2) https://www.chewy.com/earthbath-whitening-shampoo-dogs-cats/dp/28664
(3) https://www.chewy.com/veterinary-formula-clinical-care/dp/140516
Purple Shampoo on Other Coat Colors
Purple shampoo is designed to cancel out yellow tones, so many people wonder if they can use it on dogs with black, brown, or gray coats. While purple shampoo is formulated for blonde or silver hair, some dog owners report positive effects when using it sparingly on darker coats.
On black coats, purple shampoo can help reduce brassiness and warm undertones, bringing out a deeper, cooler black. When used infrequently on brown coats, the purple pigment can neutralize red tones, enhancing a chocolate or ash brown shade. For gray and white coats, purple shampoo helps minimize yellow discoloration.
However, there are some risks with using purple shampoo on non-white dogs. The violet pigments can stain the coat an unnatural purplish or bluish hue with overuse. Irritation is also possible from the chemicals formulated for human hair, which are harsher than typical dog shampoos. It’s best to dilute purple shampoo and limit applications to 1-2 times per month.
Always monitor your dog’s skin for signs of dryness or irritation. Discontinue use if their coat seems unnaturally discolored. For dogs with sensitive skin, it may be safer to use a gentle whitening shampoo specially formulated for canine coats.
The Bottom Line
When used correctly and in moderation, purple shampoo can be safe and effective for white dogs. It helps brighten white coats and neutralize yellowing. However, it’s important not to overuse it, as the pigments can cause irritation or discoloration on sensitive skin. Limit use to once a month or less. Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo and monitor for any adverse reactions.
The key takeaways on using purple shampoo for white dogs are:
- Helps brighten white coats
- Neutralizes yellow discoloration
- Use no more than once a month
- Rinse thoroughly after use
- Watch for signs of skin irritation
- Discontinue use if any negative reaction occurs
With proper precautions, many owners have success using small amounts of purple shampoo to keep their white dogs looking their best. But it’s always smart to consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has sensitive skin.