Haircare - Hair

How to Remove Purple Shampoo Stain from Hair: Quick and Easy Solutions

Is your hair purple after using purple shampoo? Here’s how to fix it.

Written by Amber Belanger
How to Remove Purple Shampoo Stain from Hair

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Have you ever been a victim of purple shampoo staining your hair? It’s a common issue, especially for those with blonde or bleached hair.

Purple shampoo is often used to counteract yellow tones, but sometimes it can leave behind a pesky, unintended hue.

Luckily, there are many ways to remove this stain from your hair without causing any damage.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best strategies to restore your hair back to its intended color.

Why Purple Shampoo Stains Happen

While purple shampoo is loved by many, it’s not fool proof. Yes, purple shampoo can go wrong, and it can leave stains in your hair.

Causes of Purple Shampoo Stains

Purple shampoo is made to maintain the vibrant color of blonde hair by removing yellow or brassy tones. It works due to the blue and violet pigments in the shampoo that counteract the warm hues found in light hair.

Sometimes these pigments deposit excess color into your hair, resulting in an unwanted purple stain.

There are a few reasons why these purple stains occur:

  1. Overuse: Using purple shampoo too often can build up excess pigment in your hair, leading to staining.
  2. Prolonged exposure: Leaving the shampoo in your hair for too long allows the pigments to deposit more color than needed.
  3. Rinsing improperly: If you don’t rinse your hair, the shampoo can leave residue behind, resulting in stains.
  4. High hair porosity: If your hair is particularly porous, it can absorb the pigments more readily, resulting in a purple tint.

Factors Contributing to Staining

To prevent purple shampoo stains, you should be aware of the factors that contribute to the staining.

Some of these factors include:

  1. Product quality: Always opt for a salon-grade purple shampoo, as they tend to have a better balance of pigments and less risk of staining.
  2. Hair condition: If your hair is damaged or has a high porosity, it’s more prone to staining. Use a hair mask regularly to maintain proper moisture levels and reduce the risk.
  3. Water temperature: Rinse your hair with lukewarm water rather than hot water. The hair shaft will not open as much and restrict the pigments from penetrating deep.
  4. Time between uses: Limit your use of purple shampoo to once a week or as recommended by your hairstylist. This helps prevent the build-up of excess pigment.

Remember to always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper usage. Avoid using dandruff shampoos or toners that can interfere with the effects of the purple shampoo.

8 Home Remedies to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains From Hair

Here are 8 ways to remove purple shampoo stains from hair:

  1. Stop using the purple shampoo
  2. Clarifying shampoo
  3. Baking soda and regular shampoo
  4. Dish soap
  5. Dandruff Shampoo
  6. Lemon juice
  7. Hydrogen peroxide
  8. Color remover

Remember, these methods may not work for everyone. Different shampoos and hair types can affect the results. You may need to try several techniques or consult a professional hairstylist for advice.

Sylvia at ellebangs discusses some of the same methods here, in a video about fixing over-toned hair. The same concepts apply for over-toned hair caused by purple shampoo.

1. Stop Using the Purple Shampoo

First and foremost, stop using the purple shampoo immediately if you notice staining.

This will prevent any additional purple color build-up from occurring. Instead, use your regular shampoo while trying the following methods.

2. Clarifying Shampoo

Use a clarifying shampoo to help remove the purple shampoo buildup and stains from your hair. Make sure to wash your hair with warm water, as it helps open the hair cuticle and release any trapped pigments.

Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to maintain your hair without staining.

3. Baking Soda and Regular Shampoo

Create a mixture by combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo. Apply the mixture to your hair, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it out with warm water.

Baking soda helps break down the pigments, making it easier to remove the stain.

4. Dish Soap

Gently apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to your hair to remove purple shampoo. Dish soap is known to remove some hair color stains, but the results may vary depending on the shampoo or your hair type.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterwards.

5. Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff shampoos can also help in removing purple stains due to their sulfate content.

Swap your regular shampoo with a dandruff shampoo and massage it into your hair for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Make a mixture by diluting lemon juice with an equal amount of water, and then apply it to your hair. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

This may help to lighten the staining.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide

In some cases, using hydrogen peroxide can help to remove purple shampoo stains. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and apply it to your hair. Leave the solution on for 10-15 minutes and rinse it out with warm water.

Always do a patch test before using, as it can dry out your hair or cause an allergic reaction.

8. Color Remover

As a last resort, you can try using a hair color remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and removal.

Keep in mind that a color remover can weaken your hair, so use it only when other methods fail.

Preventing and Treating Hair Damage

Preventing and Treating Hair Damage

Deep Conditioning Treatment

To avoid hair damage from purple shampoo, it’s essential to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly.

After using the shampoo, apply the deep conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots.

Let the conditioner sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair cuticles, then rinse well. This helps restore moisture and nourishment to your hair, minimizing potential damage.

Nourishing Hair Masks

Incorporate nourishing hair masks into your hair care routine to improve your hair’s overall health. Hair masks can be store-bought or homemade by combining ingredients like egg, avocado, or honey.

Apply the mask to clean, damp hair, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

This will help maintain the hair’s integrity by locking in moisture and providing essential nutrients.

Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is an excellent treatment for damaged or dry hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, providing hydration and nourishment.

To use:

  • Heat a small amount of coconut oil until it is liquid, then apply it to your hair, focusing on the damaged areas.
  • Wrap your hair with a shower cap and leave the coconut oil in for at least an hour, or even overnight for maximum results.
  • Finally, shampoo your hair as usual to remove the oil.

Doing this weekly will help maintain your hair’s health and prevent damage.

Avoid Overusing Purple Shampoo

Excessive use of purple shampoo can lead to pigmentation buildup and other issues.

Prevent buildup by limiting the use of purple shampoo to once or twice a week. Be sure to rinse it out properly to ensure no residue remains in your hair.

Also, choose salon-grade products, as these are typically more gentle on the hair and less likely to cause damage.

By following these tips and incorporating deep conditioning treatments, nourishing hair masks, and coconut oil treatments into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining healthy and damage-free hair while using purple shampoo.

Professional Solutions for Removing Purple Shampoo Stains

Professional Solutions for Removing Purple Shampoo Stains

Salon Treatments

If you’re struggling to remove purple shampoo stains from your hair, consider turning to a professional salon for assistance. Salons offer various treatments specifically designed to address color mishaps.

A skilled stylist can assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate method to restore your hair’s natural color.

Bleach Bath

A bleach bath can help to remove purple shampoo stains from hair. This process involves using a diluted bleach mixture that’s gentler on your hair compared to a full-strength bleach application.

To make a bleach bath at home:

  • Mix equal parts of bleach, developer, and shampoo.
  • Apply the mixture to your damp hair, and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing it out.
  • Keep a close eye on your hair during the process and rinse it out if you notice any irritation or excessive lightening.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional stylist before attempting a bleach bath at home.

Using a Toner

If the purple shampoo has left a faint tint on your hair, using a toner could help neutralize the color.

Choose a toner that’s opposite to the color you’re trying to eliminate – for instance, if your hair has a purple tint, opt for a yellow or orange toner.

Mix the toner with a developer, following the product instructions, and apply it to your damp hair.

Leave the toner on for the recommended time and rinse it out thoroughly.

Keep in mind that toners are best used for mild color corrections and may not be as effective for removing more intense purple shampoo stains.

By trying professional salon treatments, bleach baths, and toners, you’re likely to find a solution that works for your unique situation. Be patient, and never hesitate to consult with a hairstylist to ensure you’re using the best methods for your hair type and color.

Tips and Tricks to Use Purple Shampoo Without Staining

Here are some quick tips, if you’re starting out your purple shampoo journey, but don’t know how to go about it.

Keep in mind that using purple shampoo too often can result in over-toning your hair, leading to unwanted stains.

Limit the number of times you use the product to once or twice a week to maintain the desired tone without risking damage to your lovely locks.

Proper Application Technique

When using purple shampoo, it’s essential to follow the proper application technique to avoid staining your hair.

Step 1: Wet your hair

First, make sure your hair is thoroughly wet before applying the shampoo. You can achieve this by using lukewarm or tepid water, which will help open up the hair cuticle and allow better penetration of the shampoo.

Step 2: Apply & Leave

Next, apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your palm and massage it gently into your hair, focusing on the areas that need the most toning.

Leave the shampoo on your hair for the recommended duration, usually between 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired results.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse your hair with warm water to ensure you thoroughly wash out the product. If you notice any residue or staining, rinse with a clarifying shampoo to help break down and remove the remaining pigments.

Finding the Right Purple Shampoo

The key to avoiding staining lies in selecting the proper purple shampoo for your hair type and needs. Different brands and formulations are available on the market, and not all may be suited to your specific hair requirements.

  • Consult a professional: Seek advice from salons or hairstylists to help you choose the best purple shampoo that matches your hair type, color, and condition. They have valuable experience and knowledge of various hair care products and can offer personalized recommendations.
  • Test a strand: Before applying purple shampoo to your entire hair, test a small section of hair first. This will help you gauge the results and adjust the application time or product ratio based on the outcome.
  • Read product reviews: Check customer reviews and ratings for different purple shampoos. These can indicate the effectiveness and overall experience of other users with similar hair types and needs to your own.

Remember that proper application technique and finding the right purple shampoo for your needs are essential to achieve desired results and prevent unwanted stains.

Recap: How to Fix Stains from Purple Shampoo

Here’s a table to give you a quick recap of the DIY methods you can use to get rid of purple shampoo stains.

RemediesDescription
Stop using purple shampooStop using purple shampoo immediately to prevent any additional purple color build-up from occurring.
Clarifying shampooUse a clarifying shampoo once a week to help remove the purple shampoo buildup and stains from your hair.
Baking soda and shampooCreate a mixture by combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo to break down the pigments and remove the stain.
Dish soapGently apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to your hair to remove purple shampoo. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterwards.
Dandruff shampooSwap your regular shampoo with a dandruff shampoo and massage it into your hair for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Lemon juiceMake a mixture by diluting lemon juice with an equal amount of water, and then apply it to your hair. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Hydrogen peroxideMix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and apply it to your hair. Leave the solution on for 10-15 minutes and rinse it out with warm water.
Color removerAs a last resort, you can try using a hair color remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and removal.

FAQs

Removing purple stains quick?

It’s essential to act fast when dealing with purple shampoo stains on your hair. One quick solution is to use a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The natural lightening properties of baking soda will help remove the stains.

Erase purple tint from blonde?

If you’re a blonde dealing with purple tint from shampoo, consider using a clarifying shampoo or lemon juice to remove the color. Clarifying shampoos will help lift the color from your hair, while lemon juice’s acidity can strip away the tint. Be sure to follow up with a hydrating conditioner, as these methods can be drying.

Get rid of nail stains?

To remove nail stains caused by purple shampoo, try using a mixture of warm water, lemon juice, and baking soda. Soak your nails for a few minutes before gently scrubbing them with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse and repeat until the stains are gone.

Prevent hair staining?

Preventing hair staining from purple shampoo starts with choosing a salon-grade purple shampoo and learning how to apply it properly. Don’t overuse the shampoo and ensure that your hair isn’t too dry before application. Limiting the shampoo’s exposure time on your hair and only using it as directed can also help prevent staining.

Clean stained shower?

Cleaning a stained shower after using purple shampoo can be straightforward. A vinegar and water solution can be used to remove the stains. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the stained surfaces. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth or sponge.

Fix clothes stains?

For clothing stains, apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain and gently rub it with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse the garment with cold water and then wash it according to its care instructions. In some cases, you might need to treat the stain more than once before it’s completely removed.

Photo of author

Amber Belanger

Amber is not just a beauty enthusiast. She has spent countless hours doing the nails of her friends, researching the newest studies on personal care, as well as tried and tested numerous hair products. She prides herself on her factuality and luscious hair.