Bleaching your hair can be an exciting change, giving you a fresh, new look. But, it’s important to take proper care of your newly lightened locks.
One way to maintain the brightness and prevent unwanted brassy tones is by using purple shampoo.
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated product designed for blonde or bleached hair. It contains purple pigments that counteract the yellow and orange hues that can develop over time.
In other words: it keeps your hair looking vibrant and pristine.
To get the most out of your purple shampoo, remember that it’s a treatment, not a replacement for your daily shampoo. Use it as directed, and you’ll soon see the benefits it has on your bleached hair.
With proper care and maintenance, your fresh new look will last longer and make you feel more confident and fabulous.
Can You Mix Purple Shampoo With Bleach?
If you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea to mix purple shampoo and bleach together while coloring your hair, the simple answer is no. Under no circumstances should purple shampoo and bleach be mixed together.
Instead of mixing the two, you should use purple shampoo after your hair has been bleached.
This is because purple shampoo is designed to help remove any yellow or brassy tones left behind in bleached hair. It contains purple pigments that neutralize these unwanted shades, giving your hair a more even and beautiful color.
To make the most of your purple shampoo, follow these steps:
- Wait before using: After you bleach your hair, wait at least 72 hours before using purple shampoo. This will help protect your hair from damage and ensure the bleach has done its job properly.
- Use sparingly: When it’s time to use your purple shampoo, remember that a little goes a long way. Apply the shampoo evenly throughout your hair, being careful not to use too much, as it can sometimes leave a purple tint.
- Rinse thoroughly: Purple shampoo may have a stronger scent compared to regular shampoo. Make sure to rinse it out completely to avoid any leftover residue or strong smells.
How Does Bleaching and Purple Shampoo Work Together?
While purple shampoo and bleach is not to be mixed together, it’s still a good idea to use them both. As long as you do so on separate occasions.
Here’s how to use the two for the best result.
The Science Behind Color Modification
When you bleach your hair, you’re removing the natural pigments from the hair strands. This process leaves your hair with a lighter color, which often has an underlying yellow or orange tone.
This is where purple shampoo comes in handy.
Purple shampoo is specially designed to correct those unwanted brassy tones in blonde and bleached hair. It contains violet pigments which, when applied to your hair, neutralize the yellow tones and enhance the cool tones, making your hair look brighter and fresher.
This is because violet is opposite to yellow on the color wheel, so they effectively cancel each other out.
Purpose of Purple Shampoo
Although bleaching and purple shampoo shouldn’t be mixed, they work together to achieve the perfect blonde hair color. The bleach lightens your hair, while the purple shampoo helps maintain the desired cool and bright tone.
After you’ve bleached your hair, wait for a few days before using purple shampoo to avoid overprocessing.
When using purple shampoo, simply massage it onto your wet hair, leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.
Remember to follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
Learn more: What Does Purple Shampoo Do?
When Should You Use Purple Shampoo After Bleaching?
After bleaching your hair, it’s essential to wait a while before using purple shampoo. Ideally, you should wait 72 hours before applying purple shampoo to your hair.
If your hair gets greasy or unmanageable after bleaching it, you can wash it after 48 hours. But keep in mind that you’re putting extra pressure on your locks.
What Happens If You Use Purple Shampoo Too Soon?
Using purple shampoo too soon after bleaching can cause problems.
The chemicals in the bleach have already stressed your hair, and it needs time to recover. Applying purple shampoo too soon can lead to increased dryness, which may cause hair breakage and further damage.
Wait at least 48 to 72 hours before using purple shampoo to give your hair time to recover, keeping it healthy and maintaining the desired color.
How to Use Purple Shampoo After Bleaching
After bleaching your hair, you need to maintain it. It is, after all, a chemical procedure that can stress your hair. If done improperly, it can end badly. The same goes for aftercare.
Proper Use
While it’s generally safe, purple shampoo can go wrong. That’s why proper use is important:
- First, wet your hair and apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands.
- Gently lather the shampoo in your hair, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Be cautious not to leave the shampoo in too long, as it can stain.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so use just enough to cover your hair. Using too much can damage your hair.
If you do end up accidentally staining your hair purple, there are ways to fix purple shampoo stains. It’s not the end of the world.
Ideal Washing Frequency
To maintain your fresh blonde look, it’s best not to use purple shampoo too often. Hairstylists recommend using it every third wash or once a week, depending on your hair’s condition and your desired tone.
Frequent appointments with your hairstylist would also help maintain your color, as they can adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs.
Pairing with Conditioners and Hair Masks
After rinsing out your purple shampoo, it’s important to provide extra nourishment to your hair.
Pair your shampoo with a conditioner specifically formulated for blonde or color-treated hair, which will help keep your tresses soft and healthy.
In addition, consider using a hair mask once a week to provide extra hydration and protection. Hair masks can extend the time between your appointments, as they help maintain your hair’s health and vibrancy.
Caring for Color-Treated and Bleached Hair
Here are some of the best ways to care for color-treated and bleached hair (besides purple shampoo).
Nourishing with Hair Masks and Conditioners
Bleached and color-treated hair often becomes dry and porous. To keep your hair healthy, make it a habit to use deep-conditioning hair masks and conditioners regularly.
These haircare products help restore moisture, which can improve the overall condition of your hair.
Preventing Environmental Damage
There are several environmental factors that can cause damage to your bleached hair. To protect it, always make sure to wear a hat or use a UV hair protectant spray when you’re outside under the sun.
This will prevent the sun’s rays from fading your color and causing further damage.
Additionally, be cautious of using chlorinated water, as it can strip the color and make your hair more porous. It’s a good idea to use a color-safe swim cap if you’re swimming in a pool.
Applying Heat Protection
Heat styling tools can be harsh on your hair, especially if it’s already damaged from bleaching.
To minimize the risk of further harm, always use a heat protectant spray before styling your hair with tools like flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers. This will shield your hair from the high temperatures and help maintain your color longer.
Remember to limit your use of heat styling tools when you can, and consider embracing your natural hair texture to give your hair a break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after bleaching to use purple shampoo?
You should wait for at least 72 hours before using purple shampoo on your hair. If your hair starts to feel greasy or unmanageable, you can wash it after 48 hours, but be careful as you might be putting extra pressure on your locks.
What happens with purple shampoo after bleaching?
Purple shampoo helps to neutralize yellow or brassy tones that may appear in your blonde or gray hair after bleaching. It contains purple pigments that work to counteract these unwanted colors, leaving your hair looking more vibrant and cool-toned.
Can I bleach hair after using purple shampoo?
Yes, you can bleach your hair after using purple shampoo. However, make sure to wait for an appropriate length of time between shampooing and bleaching to avoid damaging your hair. It’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist for guidance on the best course of action for your specific hair type.
When should I use purple shampoo?
You should use purple shampoo every 1-2 weeks to maintain the desired cool-toned color in your blonde or gray hair. Using it more frequently may lead to over-toning and make your hair look dull, while using it less frequently can result in brassy or yellow tones reappearing.
How long to leave purple shampoo on bleached hair?
The recommended time to leave purple shampoo on your bleached hair varies depending on the product and the desired results. Generally, you can leave it on for anywhere between 3 to 10 minutes. Start with a shorter duration initially and then gradually increase the time if needed to achieve the desired shade. Always read the instructions on the shampoo bottle for the best results, and feel free to consult with your hairstylist about your specific hair type and color goals.
