Toning shampoo is a temporary fix. It won’t last forever.
According to Formulate, hair color experts, dye fades after 4 to 8 weeks. But toning shampoo is not exactly dye. It’s toner. So how long does it last?
The answer is, it depends. It mostly depends on the state of your hair, and how often your wash your hair.
If you take good care of your hair, you can make toning shampoo last a long time. But if you wash your hair every day, you should expect it to fade faster.
But, there are a few things you can do to make the effect last longer.
Basics of Toning Shampoo
Before we get into how to make toning shampoo last longer, here’s a bit of information about how it works.
What Is Toning Shampoo?
Toning shampoo is a specialized type of shampoo that helps to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair. There are different types, depending on hair color. The two most common are purple shampoo (for blondes) and blue shampoo (for brunettes).
How Toning Shampoo Works
When you use toning shampoo, the pigments in the shampoo attach to the hair shaft and neutralize unwanted tones.
These pigments are temporary and will wash out over time. You need to use toning shampoo regularly to maintain your desired tone.
Toning shampoo should be used in place of your regular shampoo once or twice a week. It is important to follow the instructions on the product and not leave the shampoo on your hair for too long. This can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
How Long Does Toning Shampoo Last?
If you’re wondering how long the effects of toning shampoo last, the answer is that it depends.
The toning effect of toning shampoo starts to fade after one week. That’s why it’s recommended to use once or twice a week. After 4 to 8 weeks, you will lose all effects and your hair will be back to its original state.
4 to 8 Weeks
On average, the effect of toning shampoo lasts around 4 to 5 weeks, but it can last up to 8 weeks if you take good care of your hair. If you wash your hair every day, the color will fade faster.
The above statement is true, but only if you’ve used it for a while. You will have to use toning shampoo for a few weeks before it really “cements” the effect. If you use it once and then stop, the effect will fade faster.
This means that if you’re using toning shampoo once a week, you can expect the effect to last for about a month.
5-10 Washes (Depending on External Factors)
Some people say that the effect of toning shampoo last for 5 to 10 washes. But this can vary depending on external factors.
For example, if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, your hair may fade faster than if you’re not. Similarly, if you’re using hard water or swimming in chlorinated pools, your hair color may not last as long.
To get the most out of your toning shampoo, try to avoid exposing your hair to harsh external factors as much as possible. If you’re going to be spending time in the sun, wear a hat or use a UV-protective hair product.
Does Toning Shampoo Wash Out?
Yes, toning shampoo does wash out over time. Much like hair dye, toning shampoo is a temporary solution. That’s why it’s recommended to use every week. This way, your hair will keep the desired color.
The length of time toning shampoo lasts in your hair depends on several factors:
- The type of toning shampoo you use
- The frequency of use
- Your hair’s porosity.
- How often you wash your hair.
Most toning shampoos will last around 4 weeks. If you wash your hair frequently, the toning effect will fade faster. On the other hand, if your hair is highly porous, it will absorb the toning shampoo more easily. This can make it last longer.
It’s worth noting that some toning shampoos are more effective than others. If you’re looking for a toning shampoo that will last longer, look for one that contains more pigment.
Be aware that using a highly pigmented toning shampoo too frequently can lead to over-toning. This can leave your hair looking dull and lifeless.
How Long Does Toning Shampoo Stay Good?
Like all personal care products, toning shampoo has a shelf life.
The shelf life of toning shampoo depends on a variety of factors, including the brand, the ingredients, and how the product is stored. Generally, toning shampoo can last for 6-12 months after it has been opened.
Most toning shampoos come with an expiration date on the packaging. This date is an estimate of how long the product will remain effective.
The actual shelf life of the product may vary depending on how it is stored and used.
9 Tips to Longer Lasting Toning Shampoo
To make the most out of your toning shampoo and achieve long-lasting results, follow these tips:
- Choose the Right Toning Shampoo for Your Hair Color
- Use It Right
- Leave It For Just Long Enough
- Rinse with Cool Water
- Conditioner is Essential
- Protect Your Hair with Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil
- Weekly Clarifying Shampoo Treatment
- Regular Trims and Deep Conditioning Treatments
- Conclusion
1. Choose the Right Toning Shampoo for Your Hair Color
Select a toning shampoo that matches your hair color. This will give you the best effect, meaning you don’t have to use the shampoo as often.
If you have blonde or silver hair, opt for a purple toning shampoo. For brunette hair, use a blue toning shampoo.
2. Use It Right
If you use your toning shampoo right, it will last longer:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of toning shampoo to your scalp.
- Massage it gently into your scalp and work it through your hair from roots to ends.
- Avoid using excessive amounts of shampoo, as this can dry out your hair and scalp.
3. Leave It For Just Long Enough
Leave the toning shampoo on your hair for 1-5 minutes, depending on the intensity of the color correction you need.
If you let the shampoo work, it’ll give you the best effect.
4. Rinse with Cool Water
Once you’ve allowed the toning shampoo to sit on your hair for the desired duration, rinse it off thoroughly with cool water.
This helps seal the cuticle and prevent fading, which will help your hair color last longer.
5. Conditioner is Essential
After rinsing off the toning shampoo, follow up with a sulfate-free conditioner. This step nourishes and hydrates your hair since toning shampoos can be drying.
A good conditioner restores moisture and natural oils to keep your hair healthy. It also prevents fading.
6. Protect Your Hair with Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil
If you protect your hair, your color lasts longer. Here’s how to shield your hair from UV rays, hard water, and environmental stressors that cause frizz, breakage, and color fading:
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil after washing.
- Distribute it evenly through damp hair.
- Style as usual.
7. Weekly Clarifying Shampoo Treatment
Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and impurities. These can dull your hair color and weigh it down.
This helps your toning shampoo work better and last longer.
8. Regular Trims and Deep Conditioning Treatments
To maintain the health and vitality of your hair, make sure to:
- Schedule regular trims.
- Consider deep conditioning treatments with keratin and protein to strengthen your hair cuticle.
- These measures are crucial since toning shampoos can be harsh on your hair cuticle.
Final Takeaway: Toning Shampoo Longevity
The toning effect of toning shampoo typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks. This depends on:
- How often you wash your hair
- The quality of the shampoo
- How well you take care of your hair
To maximize the longevity of the toning effect, it is recommended that you use a toning shampoo once or twice a week. Avoid using too hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip the color and toning effect.
Additionally, use hair care products that are formulated for color-treated hair, such as sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should purple shampoo last?
Purple shampoo is a type of toning shampoo that is used to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde or silver hair. The duration of the purple shampoo’s effectiveness depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, the hair’s porosity, and the level of brassiness.
On average, purple shampoo should last for about 3-5 washes. However, if you have extremely porous hair or if your hair is highly prone to brassiness, you may need to use purple shampoo more frequently to maintain the desired tone.
How often should I use a toning shampoo?
The frequency of use for toning shampoo depends on the individual’s hair type and the desired result. If you have colored hair or highlights, you may need to use toning shampoo more frequently to maintain the desired tone.
On average, it is recommended to use toning shampoo once a week to maintain the desired tone. However, if you have very porous hair or if your hair is highly prone to brassiness, you may need to use toning shampoo more frequently.
What is the best way to remove purple shampoo stain from hair?
If you accidentally leave purple shampoo in your hair for too long and it leaves a stain, there are a few things you can do to remove it. One option is to use a clarifying shampoo to strip the color from your hair. Another option is to use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste and apply it to the stained area. Leave the paste on for a few minutes and then rinse it out with warm water.
