Discover the subtle charm of a blue hair rinse, a specialized hair treatment designed to enhance the natural allure of gray hair. According to a study by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, blue pigments can effectively neutralize yellow tones in gray hair, providing a more uniform and appealing color. While traditionally popular among an older demographic, the use of blue rinses has declined, as noted by the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, with only a small percentage of individuals opting for this method to maintain their gray hair's vibrancy. The precision in application is crucial; an overextended treatment time can shift hair color towards an unintended spectrum of blue shades. This nuanced approach to hair care ensures that both men and women can achieve a dignified silver sheen without compromising hair health.
Gray hair may take on a yellowed appearance if you smoke. In times past, it was all too common for elderly ladies and gentleman to smoke, and this could lead to discoloration of hair and skin. Sometimes the blue rinse is tied specifically with older women who do smoke, but since this habit is fortunately receding and many people either never start or have quit, there’s less need to for blue rinses. Yellowing of the hair can occur for other reasons such as having high contents of metals in your water source.
Another factor that has made blue rinses less common is the ease and availability of hair dyes to use at home. Blue rinses were typically used in salon settings whereas women who dye their hair at home typically use a color. There are gray haired dyes that are fairly natural, in addition to those that may be age defying. Quick temporary colors are often easy to apply.
Blue rinses were temporary colors too, and some women prefer a more permanent solution. These were often applied during wash and set trips to salons, and the hair wouldn’t remain blue (or a more vibrant gray) forever. Each time the hair was washed, a little color would depart, leaving the hair once again yellowed or translucent. Perhaps this application of temporary color was meant to make sure that ladies returned to salons on a fairly regular basis, so that they could have their hair touched up.
If you’d like to try a blue rinse to get rid of yellowed grey hair, look for temporary colors in mousses, gels or sprays that have platinum or violet overtones. These will be subtle and won't turn the hair blue. These can also work well for sheer white blonde hair, eliminating any fading of color. In all though, most people prefer to use more permanent hair color solutions, and the blue rinse has faded significantly in popularity.
How To Do a Blue Rinse
Although blue rinse hair is falling out of fashion, you can still find blue rinse solutions in stores and online. However, hair care formulas have come a long way. You can now choose from several products and methods for similar results.
Temporary Blue Rinse Hair Color
Apply a temporary hair color rinse after shampooing; you do not need to rinse it out. The effect only lasts a few washes, so this type of color requires frequent reapplication.
Tinted Shampoo
If you want to save yourself a step, you can use a blue- or purple-tinted shampoo or conditioner to correct yellow discoloration. These products apply a subtle blue or purple wash that builds up gradually, so don't expect dramatic results.
Toner
If you don't mind a little extra work, toner can neutralize yellow tones to brighten gray hair. Mix it with a developer, leave it on for up to 45 minutes, then rinse and condition your hair. This can be a harsh process for your strands, so if you are unsure about it, go to a salon instead of trying to do it at home.
Precautions
Before using any home hair color, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If no allergic reaction occurs, it's safe to color your hair. It is possible to develop a new allergic reaction to products you have used before, so don't skip this step, even if you have colored your hair without issues in the past.
Wear gloves when applying hair color, toner and even some tinted shampoos and conditioners. This prevents the pigments from staining your hands and protects your skin from harsh chemicals.
Why Do Old Ladies Have Blue Hair?
The intention of the original blue rinse hair formula was never to dye ladies' hair blue! Rather, it was meant to make the strands appear whiter, similar to the effect of laundry bluing on white linens.
Unfortunately, an unsuccessful home blue rinse can leave a blue or purple tint. Because some older people have difficulty distinguishing subtle color differences, the blue effect may go unnoticed. In the past, it was so common to see women with blue-tinged tresses that "blue hair" became a slang term for an older woman. Some even embraced the blue color.
Today, accidental blue hair is rare, as temporary blue rinses have declined in popularity. This is partly due to a decline in cigarette smoking, one of the main causes of yellowing in gray hair. It is also due to an increase in hair color options.
How To Get Rid of Blue Tint in Hair
If you used a temporary blue rinse, the color should vanish with a few washes. However, if the blue color is the result of a semipermanent blue dye, then removing it could be a formidable challenge. There are several approaches you can try.
Neutralize the Color
One option is to try to neutralize the blue color. Just as blue rinse cancels out orange or brassy tones, an orange-tinted shampoo, conditioner or toner may neutralize the blue tint.
Try a Bleach Wash
Another option is to use a bleach wash, which involves applying a highly diluted concentration of bleach mixed with shampoo. It's not as damaging as normal bleaching, but it still requires the use of harsh chemicals.
Visit a Salon
Gray hair has a thinner cuticle than pigmented hair, so it is more prone to breakage. If you need to correct a home hair coloring mishap, the safest choice may be to let a professional stylist take over. Professional products are often gentler and more effective than anything you can buy in a store, and your stylist will know how to correct the issue with minimal damage.