“Neutralizing” can refer to a few different hair goals, and the right shampoo can help with each:

• After chemical services: A neutralizing shampoo helps rebalance pH after relaxers or perms, helping stop processing and remove residues.
• Anti-brass toning: Purple or blue toning shampoos deposit pigments that help counteract yellow or orange tones in blonde, gray, or lightened hair.
• Deep cleanse/chelation: Clarifying or demineralizing formulas target buildup from products, hard water, chlorine, and minerals.

Always follow label directions and adjust frequency to your hair’s condition. Results can vary based on hair type, color services, and water quality.

After a relaxer or perm, hair can remain in an alkaline state until it’s properly neutralized. Skipping that step can lead to:

• Ongoing processing: Residual product may keep working, which can contribute to dryness or breakage.
• Scalp and hair imbalance: pH that isn’t rebalanced can leave hair feeling rough and vulnerable.
• Unpredictable results: Texture and color can shift in ways you didn’t plan.

Using a dedicated neutralizing shampoo as directed can help rebalance and remove residues. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner. If you’re unsure, following the instructions that come with your chemical service is a good guide.

It depends on the job you need done:

• After relaxers/perms: Use a product labeled as a neutralizing shampoo. Regular or moisturizing shampoos aren’t designed to rebalance pH after chemical services.
• To fight brassiness: Choose a purple (for yellow tones) or blue (for orange tones) toning shampoo instead of a standard cleanser.
• For buildup or hard water: A clarifying or demineralizing shampoo can help remove residue and minerals.

At-home substitutes may not deliver the same result as a purpose-made neutralizing formula. On Walmart.com, you can filter by hair concern to find the right option for your routine.

Frequency varies by formula and your hair needs:

• Post-chemical neutralizers: Typically used immediately after a relaxer or perm, per directions—not as a daily wash.
• Purple/blue toning shampoos: Many people use them about once a week or as needed to manage brass; adjust based on tone and dryness.
• Clarifying/chelation shampoos: Often 1–4 times per month to tackle buildup or hard water effects.

Between uses, rotate in a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Monitor how your hair feels and responds, and reduce frequency if you notice dryness or roughness. Results can vary by hair type and water quality.

Match the shampoo to your specific concern:

• Purple shampoo: Helps counter yellow tones in blonde, gray, or highlighted hair.
• Blue shampoo: Helps counter orange tones in brown or dark-blonde, balayaged hair.
• Clarifying/demineralizing: Targets product buildup, hard water minerals, and chlorine; useful for swimmers or areas with hard water.
• Neutralizing (pH-balancing): Used after relaxers or perms to help stop processing.

Consider your hair type (fine, curly, color-treated) and preferences like sulfate-free, fragrance-free, or bonding benefits. On Walmart.com or in the app, use filters for hair type and concern to narrow choices. Always follow directions; frequency can vary.