Colorants for Purple Shampoo to Neutralize Yellow/Orange Tones

Question

I would like to make a purple shampoo. Purple shampoo, or Purple Shampoo, is specifically designed to neutralize yellow-orange tones in hair using the principle of complementary colors. The shampoo itself has a deep purple color. Washing and leaving it on the hair helps neutralize orange tones, turn yellow hair grey, and also helps lock in the grey color to last longer on the hair without turning back to yellow-orange. I would like to know what type of colorant should be used to make this kind of shampoo? The shampoo color is as shown in the attached picture.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Colorants for Purple Shampoo

To create purple shampoo that effectively counteracts yellow and orange tones in hair, direct dyes or specific water-soluble colorants are typically used. These colorants deposit temporary color onto the hair strands, neutralizing the unwanted warm tones based on the principle of complementary colors.

Based on your requirement for a deep purple color and the function of counteracting yellow/orange, suitable colorants include:

Acid Violet 43 (Direct Dyes): This is a semi-permanent color specifically mentioned for use in purple shampoo formulas to reduce yellow tones.
Acid Violet 17 (Direct Dye): Similar to Acid Violet 43, this is a semi-permanent color suitable for hair color shampoo or conditioner.
D&C Violet No.2 (CI 60730): A water-soluble purple color. The "HiStain" version offers better adherence, which can help the color last longer on the hair.
Acid Violet 17 (CI 42090): Another water-soluble purple color. The "HiStain" version is also available for improved color adherence.

When formulating, it's important to consider the compatibility of the colorant with the shampoo base, especially the type of surfactants used. Some direct dyes work best with non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants and may be affected by salts or electrolytes in the formula. Adjusting the pH can also influence color adherence.

Always use colorants at the recommended usage rate to achieve the desired color intensity without causing staining.