For many people with blonde or silver hair, purple shampoo has become a go-to solution for maintaining that perfect tone.
However, there are times when using purple shampoo yields undesired results, leaving you wondering, can purple shampoo go wrong?
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the potential issues that can arise from using purple shampoo, and provide helpful tips for avoiding these pitfalls.
Remember, your hair’s condition and the specific shampoo you choose may also impact your experience, so always read the product instructions and consult with a professional if you’re unsure.
Is Purple Shampoo Bad For Your Hair?
Purple shampoo isn’t bad for your hair when used correctly. It can tone down brassiness and enhance your hair color. However, incorrect use may stain your hair or cause dryness.
Pay attention to the instructions on the bottle and remember to be gentle on your locks.
What Does Purple Shampoo Do?
Purple shampoo works by neutralizing unwanted yellow and brassy tones in your hair. It contains violet pigments that deposit onto your hair strands. The color wheel plays a key role in its effectiveness.
Purple is the opposite of yellow, so when applied to your hair, the unwanted yellow tones are cancelled out, leaving you with a more desirable shade.
What Does Purple Shampoo Not Do?
While purple shampoo does wonders for toning down yellow hues, it cannot cancel out orange tones. If your hair has orange or yellow-orange elements, purple shampoo might actually make them warmer, depositing red into your strands.
Keep in mind that purple shampoo is not a magical fix for all hair color issues, but it can contribute to a healthier shade when addressing brassy tones in specific situations.
Can Purple Shampoo Go Wrong?
Yes, using purple shampoo can go wrong if not used correctly. The purpose of purple shampoo is to eliminate brassy tones from your hair, but improper usage can lead to dull, lifeless hair or unwanted discoloration.
The most common things you’ll notice if you experience issues with purple shampoo are:
- Discoloration (your hair becomes slightly violet)
- Brittle & dry hair (you’re using it too often)
Recognizing Overuse and Mistakes
To avoid common mistakes with purple shampoo, it’s important to understand your hair type and the correct usage of the product.
If your hair starts looking dull or you notice purple staining, you may be overusing the shampoo or leaving it in your hair for too long.
Another mistake you could be making is not using a conditioner after shampooing, which is essential for maintaining hair health.
Remember, the goal is to maintain your beautiful blonde highlights without any unwanted yellow or orange tones.
How to Prevent and Reverse Unwanted Results
Here are a few tips to prevent and reverse issues that might arise from using purple shampoo:
- Limit use: Use purple shampoo only once every three to four washes, depending on your hair’s brassiness. If you’re unsure, consult a hair expert for guidance.
- Follow instructions: Make sure to follow the directions on the product label, paying special attention to the recommended usage and rinse time.
- Condition: Always use a color-safe conditioner after shampooing to nourish your hair and maintain its health.
- Test strand: Test the purple shampoo on a small section of hair first to determine how long you should leave it on your hair before rinsing.
- Monitor: Keep a close eye on your hair’s appearance to ensure you’re not overusing the purple shampoo or causing unwanted staining. If you notice any issues, adjust your routine accordingly.
If you’ve accidentally gone too far and have purple, stained hair, don’t panic.
Use a clarifying shampoo or your regular shampoo to gently cleanse your hair and try to remove the excess purple pigment.
Rinsing with warm water may also help to fade the color, but be patient, as it might take a few washes to remove the stains completely.
How to Fix Purple Stains From Purple Shampoo
Sometimes, purple shampoo can leave unwanted stains on your hair. Don’t worry. There are ways to fix stains from purple shampoo.
Here are some helpful tips for you.
Baking Soda
First, try using baking soda. Mix it with your regular shampoo and wash your hair as usual. This natural method can help remove the purple stain.
If that doesn’t work, you can make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice. Apply it on your hair, leave it for 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Clarifying Shampoo
Another option is using a clarifying shampoo. This special type of shampoo is designed to remove product buildup and color from your hair.
It can help you get rid of the purple stain.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoo can also be helpful. Many people have found that using anti-dandruff shampoo can wash away the purple tint in their hair.
Lemon Juice
If you need a faster solution, lemon juice and conditioner might do the trick. Mix 3 parts lemon juice with 1 part conditioner, and massage it into your hair from roots to tips.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for up to 3 hours. Afterward, rinse it out.
Remember to always be gentle with your hair when trying these methods. You don’t want to cause any damage. Take your time and try various techniques to find the best one that works for you!
How to Use Purple Shampoo Correctly
Here’s how to use purple shampoo. You can also read more about toning your hair using purple shampoo.
Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo for Your Hair
First, you need to pick the right purple shampoo for your hair. Keep in mind that purple shampoo is most effective on level 9 or higher hair.
If your hair has orange or yellow-orange tones, purple shampoo might not be suitable. Instead, consider using a toning shampoo or toning drops for more accurate results.
Proper Application and Duration
It is recommended to use purple shampoo in wet hair. Simply massage it into your hair just like any regular shampoo.
When applied to dry hair, it can quickly lead to purple stains.
Keep in mind that bleached or lightened hair is delicate. To reduce the risk of over-processing your hair, test a small section of your hair with the purple shampoo before applying it to your entire head.
If your purple shampoo isn’t working, you may have done something wrong.
Rinsing and Aftercare
When it’s time to rinse out the purple shampoo, use lukewarm water and make sure the water runs clean before stopping. This ensures that you’ve completely removed any residue from your hair.
After rinsing, remember to hydrate your hair with a nourishing mask or deep conditioning treatment. This is crucial because purple shampoo can be drying, and your hair needs moisture to stay healthy and shiny.
It’s worth noting that you shouldn’t use purple shampoo every day. Many professionals recommend using it only once or twice a week as overusing it can lead to undesired results.
In conclusion, follow these simple guidelines to use purple shampoo correctly and make the most of its toning properties. And don’t forget to nourish your hair afterwards to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Key Takeaway: Can Purple Shampoo Mess Up Your Hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can mess up your hair if you don’t use it correctly. Here are a few things you should know:
- Overusing purple shampoo can cause your hair to turn slightly violet. This happens when too much blue pigment gets deposited in your hair from the shampoo. To avoid this, use purple shampoo only as needed and according to the instructions on the bottle.
- Not rinsing properly can also lead to problems. If you don’t rinse your hair thoroughly after using purple shampoo, the pigment can remain in your hair, causing it to turn purple. Make sure you wash out the shampoo completely to avoid any unwanted color changes.
- If your hair does turn purple, using a clarifying shampoo can help remove the violet tint. It might take a few washes, but a clarifying shampoo should do the trick.
- Keep an eye on your hair’s porosity. If your hair is more porous, it might absorb more pigment from the purple shampoo, leading to a stronger violet tint. In this case, try using the shampoo less frequently or leaving it on for a shorter duration.
Remember, purple shampoo can be a fantastic tool for keeping your blonde hair vibrant and cool-toned, but it’s essential to use it correctly.
Follow the tips above and pay attention to how your hair reacts to avoid causing damage with purple shampoo.
FAQs
Why is my hair still brassy after purple shampoo?
Your hair might still be brassy if the purple shampoo isn’t left in long enough or used frequently enough. Make sure to follow the instructions on how often to use purple shampoo and how long to leave it in.
What should you not do with purple shampoo?
Don’t apply purple shampoo on dry hair, as it can lead to uneven results. Also, avoid using it daily, as doing so can cause hair to turn an unwanted ash or dull shade.
Can too much purple shampoo turn your hair purple?
Yes. Overusing purple shampoo can make your hair take on a purple or lavender hue. Stick to the recommended usage to maintain your desired hair color.