The duration for which a purple-pigmented cleansing product remains in contact with hair significantly influences the resulting tone. Insufficient contact time may yield negligible results, while excessive exposure can lead to an undesirable lavender hue. This variable is contingent on hair porosity, the intensity of the purple pigment in the product, and the starting shade of the hair.
Optimizing the contact period is crucial for achieving desired cool, blonde tones by neutralizing brassy or yellow undertones. A properly executed application can enhance the vibrancy of blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, extending the life of professional color treatments and promoting a brighter, more even overall appearance. The development of these toning cleansers addressed a need for at-home maintenance of salon-quality blonde.