As someone who has dyed their hair blonde, you may have heard of purple shampoo. This type of shampoo is designed to tone down brassiness and keep blonde hair looking fresh. However, if not used properly, purple shampoo can leave unsightly stains on your hair. Purple shampoo contains pigments that can stain your hair if left on for too long or used too frequently. These stains can range from light purple to dark blue and can be difficult to remove without the right techniques. Knowing how to identify and treat these stains is essential in getting your hair back to its original color. Immediate response to stains is crucial in preventing them from setting in. As soon as you notice a purple shampoo stain on your hair, you should take action.
- 1 Why Purple Shampoo Causes Stains
- 2 Immediate Steps to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains
- 3 Effective Methods to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains
- 4 Comparison of Purple Shampoo Removal Methods
- 5 Preventing Purple Shampoo Stains
- 6 Best Products for Removing Purple Shampoo Stains
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7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 7.1 How long does it take for purple shampoo stains to fade naturally?
- 7.2 Can purple shampoo stains damage my hair?
- 7.3 Will these methods affect my permanent hair dye?
- 7.4 How can I tell if my purple shampoo is too pigmented?
- 7.5 What should I do if the purple tint doesn’t come out after trying these methods?
- 8 Final Tips for Healthy Hair Post-Treatment
Why Purple Shampoo Causes Stains
Many shampoos are very pigmented, including some purple shampoos. Professional shampoos contain a balanced amount of product and pigment. However, shampoos purchased from drugstores might contain more dye than necessary, which could cause hair to be a different color. Shampoos contain a purple pigment that neutralizes yellow and brassy tones. However, your hair may retain some purple dye. Once the shampoo has been washed, it will no longer be visible. It can be bright purple, pastel purple, pastel, or light blue. This effect should not be seen in professional purple shampoos. It is more common with shampoos found in drugstores. Purple shampoo is a type of toning shampoo that is used to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde or gray hair.
Immediate Steps to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains
If you notice a purple shampoo stain in your hair, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. Here are some immediate response techniques that can help you get rid of the stain quickly:
- Rinse Thoroughly with Warm Water: The first step in removing a purple shampoo stain from your hair is to rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. This will help to dilute the stain and remove as much of the shampoo as possible. The water should be comfortably warm, not hot, to protect natural oils and avoid dryness. Gently massage your scalp and hair, using your fingers to work through the warm water and loosen any remaining shampoo.
- Use a Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Apply a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to your hair. Massage it gently into your scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner to help restore moisture to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
- Condition to Restore Moisture: After rinsing, condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner. This is especially important for bleached or damaged hair, as it can become dry after rinsing out purple shampoo.
Effective Methods to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains
If the initial rinse doesn’t fully remove the purple tint, try these proven methods to eliminate the stains efficiently. Each method uses different ingredients or products, so you can choose based on what’s available to you.
Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is your go-to solution for reversing any unwanted purple tinge from purple shampoo. It effectively strips away excess pigment, restoring your hair to its intended shade with just a few washes. Clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to cut through all sorts of dirt, impurities, product buildup, and can completely cleanse the hair and give it a renewed look. Apply it evenly to wet hair, massage gently into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with conditioning or other treatments for optimal results. To see great results from a clarifying shampoo, it is essential to wash your hair a few times. You shouldn’t wash with a clarifying shampoo more than once a day to see results.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is known to have natural lightening properties. So you can simply mix ? to ? a teaspoon of baking soda into a little shampoo (the quantity you use per hair wash) and then apply it all over your hair, leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off under running water. If you have very long hair, then you can proportionately increase the quantity of the baking soda and shampoo mixture. Repeat this process for the next few hair washes until the purple color is gone. To tackle product buildup, a baking soda and water paste is effective. Mix equal parts baking soda and water until thick. Apply the paste to damp hair where the purple shampoo is concentrated, massaging gently into the scalp and hair for full coverage. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Lemon Juice Rinse
For a natural approach to removing any lingering purple shampoo, a lemon juice rinse can be quite effective. Mix the juice of two lemons with a quart of water and use this mixture to rinse your hair after shampooing. The acidity in lemon juice helps break down the purple pigment. Leave the rinse on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing out with cool water. Alternatively, mix equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This method can help to remove purple shampoo stains quickly from blonde hair.
Vitamin C Treatment
Another effective method is using a vitamin C treatment. Crush a few vitamin C tablets and mix them with shampoo to create a paste. Apply this to your hair, leave it for about 30 minutes, then rinse. Vitamin C is acidic and works similarly to lemon juice, helping to fade the purple tint. To prepare it, crush 12 to 15 vitamin C tablets to a fine powder. Mix this powder with your dye-free clarifying shampoo in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your hair strands. Leave it on for around 30 minutes before rinsing out. It can help to lighten the tint.
Dish Soap and Lemon Juice (Chelating)
Use dish soap and lemon juice if clarifying shampoo doesn’t work. Wet your hair and apply 2-3 pumps of Dawn dish soap to your scalp. Massage it in like shampoo, working from the roots to the ends, and rinse it out. Then, squeeze the juice from half a lemon onto your scalp, squeeze the other half on the lengths of your hair, and gently massage it in with your fingers. Let the juice sit for 1 minute and then rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Stylists recommend Dawn because it’s known to be gentle. This process is known as chelating and it strips everything out of your hair¡ªproducts, buildup, toner, and so on.
Comparison of Purple Shampoo Removal Methods
To help you choose the best method, here’s a table comparing the effectiveness, ease of use, and potential risks of each technique:
| Method | Effectiveness | Ease of Use | Potential Risks | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarifying Shampoo | High | Easy | Can dry out hair if overused | 1-3 washes |
| Baking Soda Paste | Moderate | Moderate | May cause dryness | 5-10 minutes per application |
| Lemon Juice Rinse | Moderate | Easy | Can dry hair; avoid overuse | 5-10 minutes |
| Vitamin C Treatment | High | Moderate | Drying effect; use sparingly | 20-30 minutes |
| Dish Soap and Lemon Juice | High | Moderate | Very drying; requires conditioning | 5-10 minutes |
Preventing Purple Shampoo Stains
To avoid purple shampoo stains in the future, follow these preventive measures:
- Use Salon-Grade Products: Use only salon-grade purple shampoo. Carefully read the directions to ensure that it doesn’t leave your hair with a purple hue. Professional shampoos like those from Nexxus are formulated to minimize staining.
- Limit Frequency: Pigmented shampoos are not designed to be used frequently, so step one is to cut back on usage. If you’re using silver shine daily, chances are you’ve got a purple tinge to your hair. Limit to once a week or when brassiness appears.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always give your hair a good rinse after using purple shampoo and conditioner. Even if you follow the instructions exactly when it comes to application and timing, not rinsing thoroughly is another quick path to lilac-tinted hair.
- Don’t Leave It On Too Long: Another common issue is leaving silver shine on your hair for a long time. The longer the shampoo/conditioner stays on your hair, the more pigment is deposited. If you notice a purple cast to your hair after using silver shine, try rinsing it out a little sooner.
Best Products for Removing Purple Shampoo Stains
Using the right products can make a significant difference in removing purple shampoo stains. Here are some top recommendations available on Amazon:
- Manic Panic Prepare to Dye Clarifying Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is designed to remove excess oils and product buildup, making it ideal for stripping purple shampoo stains. Shop on Amazon
- Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Known for its clarifying properties, this shampoo effectively removes color buildup while nourishing the scalp. Shop on Amazon
- Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo: A professional-grade clarifying shampoo that removes buildup without stripping natural oils. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for purple shampoo stains to fade naturally?
Purple shampoo stains are temporary and typically fade within one to two washes with regular shampoo. If you don’t want to wait, using a clarifying shampoo or other methods like a vitamin C treatment can speed up the process.
Can purple shampoo stains damage my hair?
The stains themselves don’t damage hair, but some removal methods, like dish soap or frequent clarifying shampoo use, can dry out your hair. Always follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
Will these methods affect my permanent hair dye?
Most methods, like clarifying shampoo or baking soda, may slightly fade permanent hair dye but won’t strip it completely. If you’re concerned, consult a professional hairstylist or use gentler methods like a lemon juice rinse.
How can I tell if my purple shampoo is too pigmented?
If your shampoo leaves a noticeable purple or blue tint after one use, it may be overly pigmented. Stick to salon-grade products or those labeled “light” versions, like Milkshake Silver Shine Light, to reduce the risk of staining.
What should I do if the purple tint doesn’t come out after trying these methods?
If the tint persists, consider using a commercial color remover or visiting a salon. A professional hairstylist can safely remove the pigment without damaging your hair.
Final Tips for Healthy Hair Post-Treatment
After removing purple shampoo stains, your hair may feel dry or brittle, especially if you used clarifying shampoo or dish soap. To restore its health, try an olive oil mask. Known for its moisturizing properties, olive oil helps restore balance. Warm a quarter cup of olive oil, apply it to damp hair, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with a gentle shampoo. Additionally, use a deep-conditioning hair mask weekly to maintain moisture and prevent further damage. For more hair care tips, check out resources from Living Proof for professional advice on maintaining vibrant, healthy hair.