Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque for Unisex - 5 oz Mask

OMG I am in LOVE!!!! I've always used purple shampoos (most recently the one by Rusk) but never tried a purple mask. I recently dyed my naturally dark blonde hair to light blonde. I used an organic, all-natural coloring brand called Herbatint. I've used this brand in the past but always just to revamp by natural color. This time I wanted to try their platinum blonde. My hair usually takes really well to blonde dye but I guess because I was going to such a light color, when I washed the dye out, my hair had a very yellow tint to it. I knew it would fade down eventually but I wanted to ease the process along. I started using purple shampoo but it wasn't working fast enough and it was drying my very long hair out. Then I came across this magnificent product. Not only does my color look amazing (more medium blonde now than light blonde) but hair felt so amazingly soft. I let my hair air dry about 90% after I used this then just quickly used my blow dryer and round brush to finish it out. My hair looked gorgeous! I even went out to dinner to show it off :) I think I found a new forever product!

I tried this as a toning alternative to purple shampoos, as those tend to dry my hair out. This mask tones AND provides much needed moisture to blonde hair. This can be used 1-2 times a week, depending on how long left on. I originally used it alone and left it on for 15-20 minutes. My hair was VERY bright and silvery. I now use it while diluting it with a mix of regular conditioner for a more natural, everyday look. I leave on for about 5 minutes, focusing on all over application, as it can pull some strands purple if not evenly distributed. Overall, this is a nice product that is vegan and cruelty-free, and reasonably priced in between salon visits.

UPDATE: after playing around in the pool of purple shampoos, conditioners, toners, etc, I came back to this and am now truly in love. I was doubtful before but am a true believer. 1 10-minute mask and my brassy silver is back to it’s true pale beauty - no yellow here! And they must’ve changed the formula b/c no complaints about knots or dryness anymore! A++++Original review: I went from dark brunette (natural hair color) to silver, and I've been hunting for something to help maintain my color. This works wonderfully, and has even helped tone some of my more blonde pieces to lighter blonde. If you leave too long, IT WILL STAIN YOUR HAIR a lavender color. I didn't mind, and it wore off/washed out fine. Great at toning - just wish it were more hydrating. I usually have to use some extra conditioner when I'm washing this out to help get out the knots.

I just tried this product for the first time this morning, and I'm pretty pleased with the results. My blonde highlighted hair always starts to yellow a week or two after my appointment at the salon. I HATE warm tones in my hair, so I've tried almost everything for a quick fix to this problem. I usually use a toner with a level 10 or 20 developer, but it's cumbersome to mix the solution, and I always end up ruining something (a bathrobe, bath mat or towel) in the process with the purple toner. While this isn't quite as effective as a permanent toner (like T18 white lady), it's also a lot more convenient and easy to use. This first time, I left it on for 5 minutes, while I was shaving my legs in the shower. Next time, I'm shooting for 8 - 10 minutes. This mask left my hair feeling silky and soft, even without any conditioner after. For my long bob, I'm guessing that I'll get 5 - 10 applications out of it, so well worth the price :)

It took me a couple months to finally make this purchase. Adding another product to my routine was not something I was looking forward to both time-wise and financially. But after getting annual pictures taken on the later side of my highlight schedule (every 6 weeks), and seeing how brassy/orangey my hair looked, I decided to give it a shot. SO GLAD I DID. After using it and going to my next hair appointment, my hairdresser was really impressed at how my color had held up. After having a conversation with her, here is what I learned: 1. My hairdresser is a platinum blonde, and uses Pravana purple shampoo and conditioner to maintain her color, so the brand is reputable . 2. She said that whenever using purple product for toning, the purple should be SO pigmented that it basically stains your hands (which if you don’t wash this product off of your hands immediately after application, I believe it could stain your hands, although I’ve never had an issue). So as far as a professional’s opinion, this product meets qualifications.Now here is what I’ve learned as far as using the product: 1. It doesn’t condition my hair at all. For me, it actually dries it out and makes my hair frizzy, so after I rinse the mask out, I follow it with a L’Oreal deep conditioner, and that is enough to eliminate any problems for me. For reference I have fine wavy hair.2. It definitely can and will turn your hair purple if you leave it in too long. I initially left it in for the recommended 5 minutes, and my highlights had a slight lavender hue. Not noticeable to someone who didn’t know what I had done, but perhaps if your whole head is blonde/platinum, it could be noticeable. All I did was cut back to 3 min and that did the trick for me.3. I basically use the product as needed. On average I would say every other week. I just ordered my 2nd bottle, and the first lasted me 6+months. (My hair is mid back length, but fine)4. Because of this mask, I have cut back my hair appointments from every 6 weeks to every 12. Spending the $20 has literally saved me hundreds and I am SO thankful!Overall: if you’re specifically wanting to condition your hair, I wouldn’t recommend this. As far as preventing brassiness, this is a CHAMP, and the reason I gave it 5 stars