Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo specially designed for blonde hair, silver hair, bleached hair, or brassy hair. It features crushed violet pigments that neutralize style-ruining brassy and yellow tones. Hair stylists often tone bleached or blonde hair to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones on bleached hair with a purple color. Purple shampoo is a great at-home solution for toning hair and preventing brassiness. This cult product is designed to counteract any pesky brassy or yellow tones, leaving you with a dazzling, fuss-free blonde.
However, sometimes using purple shampoo can result in unexpected pastel, light blue, or purple tints in your hair. This issue is often due to highly pigmented, over-the-counter purple shampoos designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones. If you’ve found yourself with unwanted purple hues after a shampoo session, don’t worry¡ªgetting your hair back to normal is easier than you might think.
Why Does Purple Shampoo Stain Hair?
The violet/purple/blue pigment is what neutralizes the yellow and brassy tones in the hair. You’ll see on the colour wheel that purple is opposite to yellow and orange. This is important! The opposite colours of the colour wheel are what we use to neutralize the colours we no longer want. Results of using purple shampoo will always vary from person to person. Everybody’s hair is different and one person’s hair may be more porous than another person’s hair, particularly if that person’s hair has just been bleached. You may find that after you have had your hair bleached you may be more likely to pick up these blue and purple tones. Especially on the ends of your hair where there are more damage and more porosity to the hair.
If you repeatedly use purple shampoo, have damaged or porous hair, or leave purple shampoo on your hair for an extended period of time, temporary ashy or purple tones may be visible after use. To remove them, simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. If necessary, repeat until any unwanted colour is removed from your hair. Purple shampoo will not dye your hair, but if you leave it on for too long you could find yourself with a little lilac staining.
Effective Methods to Remove Purple Shampoo Stains
Method 1: Rinse with Warm Water
- To effectively eliminate purple shampoo from your hair, start with a warm water rinse. 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.
- Ensure you cover all areas, from roots to tips, and keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Once rinsed, gently press out excess moisture with a towel, taking care not to rub harshly to prevent frizz and damage.
- After rinsing, you can style or air-dry your hair as desired. Enjoy your toned, lightened hair!
Method 2: Use a Clarifying Shampoo
- A clarifying shampoo is excellent for removing buildup and excess pigment. It deep cleans, breaks down purple color molecules, restores natural shine, clears stubborn residue, promotes a healthy scalp, and prepares hair for further treatments.
- After the initial rinse, use a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo is designed to deep-clean your hair and scalp, removing any leftover color and buildup effectively.
- Apply it all over your hair, lather well, and then rinse thoroughly. This should strip away any remaining purple tones and restore your hair’s natural shine.
- To see the 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 pointment to see results.
- Use the clarifying shampoo to wash your hair. After that, put a deep conditioner to restore moisture. This method can take some time, but it’s one of the most gentle ways to get rid of purple.
- Avoid using a clarifying shampoo on your hair too often in one day. This could cause your hair to dry out. It is a gentle and effective way to get rid of purple hair. However, it may take several days.
Method 3: 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.
- Use this rinse once or twice a month to control buildup, but avoid overuse to prevent dryness or damage.
Method 4: Baking Soda Paste
- Mixing a paste of baking soda and water can also help remove stubborn purple shampoo residue.
- 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.
- Apply this paste to your hair, focusing on the areas with the most color buildup.
- Follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Dry and style as usual. You might need several treatments for the best results, so be patient.
Method 5: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- To further enhance your hair’s natural color and remove residue, consider an apple cider vinegar rinse. This ingredient balances the pH levels of your scalp and hair.
- Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
- After washing your hair, spray the mixture onto your scalp and hair, massaging it in evenly.
- Let it sit briefly before rinsing with cool water. This rinse helps remove buildup and smooths the hair for a shinier appearance.
Method 6: Dandruff Shampoo
- Dandruff shampoo can be used to prevent dandruff. It removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the scalp and effectively removes the purple dye from purple shampoo.
- It will take several shampoo washes to get rid of the purple hair color. This is similar to clarifying shampoo.
- To give your hair moisture, you can wash your hair up to twice per day.
Method 7: Professional Color Correction
- For stubborn color issues, consult a hairstylist for color correction.
- They can assess your hair and determine the best approach, using techniques like color removers or bleach to lift existing color, followed by toning to achieve the desired shade.
- This process may take several hours depending on the correction required.
Best Practices to Prevent Purple Shampoo Stains
- Choose Salon-Grade Products: Opt for salon-grade purple shampoo rather than cheaper, generic options. Professional shampoos are formulated with the correct balance of product and pigment to effectively tone your hair without staining it.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Always read the product directions before use. Applying the shampoo as directed helps avoid leaving it on your hair too long, which can lead to staining.
- Moderate Application: Be cautious with the amount of shampoo you use. Applying too much can increase the risk of your hair absorbing excess pigment.
- Monitor Time: Avoid leaving purple shampoo in your hair for extended periods. Exceeding the recommended time, especially more than an hour, can cause the pigment to stain your hair.
- Condition Regularly: Follow up with a good conditioner to restore moisture to your hair, as purple shampoo can be drying. A little extra TLC can go a long way.
Comparison of Methods to Remove Purple Shampoo
| Method | Effectiveness | Time Required | Hair Safety | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Water Rinse | Low to Moderate | 5-10 minutes | Very Safe | Free |
| Clarifying Shampoo | High | 10-15 minutes per wash | Moderate (may dry hair) | $5-$20 |
| Lemon Juice Rinse | Moderate | 10-15 minutes | Moderate (avoid overuse) | $1-$5 |
| Baking Soda Paste | Moderate to High | 15-20 minutes | Moderate (may dry hair) | $1-$3 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse | Moderate | 10-15 minutes | Safe | $3-$10 |
| Dandruff Shampoo | Moderate to High | 10-15 minutes per wash | Moderate (may dry hair) | $5-$15 |
| Professional Color Correction | Very High | 1-3 hours | Depends on technique | $50-$200 |
Recommended Products to Remove Purple Shampoo
- Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo: A gentle yet effective clarifying shampoo that removes buildup without stripping natural oils. Shop on Amazon
- Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Two: Deep cleans hair and scalp, ideal for removing excess pigment. Shop on Amazon
- Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo: Effective for removing purple tones while treating the scalp. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can purple shampoo permanently stain my hair?
No, purple shampoo does not permanently stain hair. The violet pigment is temporary and can be removed with clarifying shampoos or natural remedies like lemon juice or baking soda.
How often should I use clarifying shampoo to remove purple stains?
Use a clarifying shampoo once a day for a few days until the purple tint is gone. Avoid overuse to prevent drying out your hair, and always follow with a conditioner.
Is it safe to use lemon juice on color-treated hair?
Lemon juice is generally safe but should be used sparingly, as its acidity can dry out hair. Limit use to once or twice a month and follow with a nourishing conditioner.
Will purple shampoo stains fade on their own?
Yes, purple shampoo stains will fade over time with regular washing using a non-toning shampoo. However, using a clarifying shampoo or natural rinse can speed up the process.
When should I seek professional help?
If home remedies don’t remove the purple tint or if your hair is damaged, consult a professional hairstylist for color correction to safely restore your desired shade.