Green hair, whether intentionally dyed or a rogue result of blonde ambitions gone awry, can be a frustrating hair color predicament. Enter purple shampoo, the blonde’s best friend, promising to banish brassiness and restore cool tones. But what happens when you introduce this violet wonder to a green mane? The answer, as with many things in hair color, is a nuanced “it depends.” Let’s dive deep into the science of color correction and explore the potential outcomes of this seemingly simple act.
Understanding Color Theory and Hair Color
Before we address the green-purple dilemma directly, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental principles of color theory and how it applies to hair color. Think back to art class and the color wheel. Colors directly opposite each other are called complementary colors. When mixed, these colors neutralize each other, ideally creating a neutral tone.
This is the magic behind purple shampoo. Purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel. Yellow tones are a common problem in blonde hair, often appearing as brassiness as the cool pigments fade. Purple shampoo deposits a small amount of purple pigment, counteracting the yellow and restoring a brighter, cooler blonde.
But hair isn’t a blank canvas. It’s a porous structure that absorbs and holds pigment. Understanding your hair’s porosity and the existing color depth is crucial for predicting the outcome of any color treatment.
Hair Porosity and Pigment Absorption
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has a raised cuticle layer, allowing moisture and color to penetrate easily but also causing it to fade quickly. Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it difficult for moisture and color to penetrate, but once in, it tends to stay longer.
The level of green in your hair also plays a critical role. Is it a vibrant, deep emerald, or a subtle, almost minty green? The more intense the green, the more pronounced the effect of the purple shampoo will be.
The Potential Outcomes of Using Purple Shampoo on Green Hair
So, what actually happens when purple meets green? The results can range from subtle to dramatic, depending on several factors.
Neutralization to a More Ashy Tone
The most likely outcome is a shift towards a more ashy, neutral tone. Green is a combination of blue and yellow. Purple shampoo, as mentioned, counteracts yellow. By neutralizing the yellow component of the green, you’re essentially leaning towards a more blue-toned base. This can result in a muted, ashy green or even a slightly gray-leaning hue.
The success of this neutralization depends on the ratio of blue and yellow in your existing green. If the green is very yellow-based (think a grassy or chartreuse green), the purple shampoo will likely have a more noticeable effect. If the green is more blue-based (like a teal or forest green), the impact will be less pronounced.
Potential for a Muddy or Brownish Hue
If the green is very intense and saturated, and you use a very potent purple shampoo, there’s a risk of over-neutralization. Remember, the goal is to counteract the yellow, not completely obliterate the green. Overdoing it can result in a muddy, brownish hue, as you’re essentially canceling out too much of the color.
This is more likely to occur with porous hair that readily absorbs pigment. It’s also more likely if you leave the purple shampoo on for an extended period or use it frequently.
Uneven Results and Patchiness
Hair isn’t always perfectly uniform in color. Some sections might be more intensely green than others. This can lead to uneven results when using purple shampoo. Areas with more green will react differently than areas with less, potentially resulting in a patchy or streaky appearance.
This is especially common if the green discoloration is due to environmental factors, such as chlorine in swimming pools, which can affect different sections of the hair differently.
No Noticeable Change
In some cases, particularly if the green is very faint or blue-based, you might not notice any significant change at all. The purple pigment in the shampoo might simply be too subtle to counteract the existing color.
This can also happen if the purple shampoo is heavily diluted or if you don’t leave it on long enough for the pigment to deposit.
Factors Influencing the Outcome
Several factors can influence the outcome of using purple shampoo on green hair.
The Intensity and Tone of the Green
As previously mentioned, the intensity and underlying tones of the green are crucial. A light, yellow-based green will react differently than a deep, blue-based green.
The Potency of the Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoos vary in their potency and concentration of purple pigment. Some are designed for daily use and contain a relatively small amount of pigment, while others are more intense and intended for weekly or bi-weekly use. Always read the instructions carefully and choose a shampoo appropriate for your hair color and condition.
Hair Porosity and Condition
Porous hair will absorb more pigment and react more strongly to the purple shampoo. Damaged hair is often more porous and prone to uneven color absorption.
Application Technique and Timing
How you apply the purple shampoo and how long you leave it on will also affect the results. Ensure even application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo for Correcting Green Hair
While purple shampoo can work in certain situations, it’s not always the best solution for correcting green hair. Here are some alternative approaches to consider:
Color Depositing Shampoo (Red or Pink)
If your green hair is leaning too far into the ashy territory after using purple shampoo, or if you want to avoid the potential for muddiness, consider using a color depositing shampoo with red or pink tones. Red is opposite green on the color wheel, and a subtle deposit of red pigment can help to neutralize the green and restore warmth. Pink, being a lighter shade of red, is also a viable option.
Toner with Red or Pink Undertones
For a more targeted approach, consider using a toner with red or pink undertones. Toners are designed to neutralize unwanted tones and deposit pigment. Consult a professional stylist for guidance on choosing the right toner and application technique.
Professional Color Correction
The safest and most effective solution is to consult a professional hair stylist. They have the expertise and access to professional-grade products to accurately assess your hair color and condition and formulate a customized color correction plan.
Preventing Green Hair in the First Place
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips for preventing green hair discoloration:
Protect Your Hair from Chlorine
Chlorine in swimming pools is a common culprit for green hair, particularly in blonde hair. Before swimming, wet your hair thoroughly with tap water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This will help to saturate the hair and prevent it from absorbing as much chlorine. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water and use a clarifying shampoo.
Use a Chelating Shampoo
Chelating shampoos are designed to remove mineral buildup from the hair, including copper, which can contribute to green discoloration. Use a chelating shampoo periodically, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
Choose Hair Products Carefully
Some hair products, particularly those containing certain dyes or chemicals, can contribute to green discoloration. Read the ingredient list carefully and avoid products that are known to cause problems.
Final Thoughts
Washing green hair with purple shampoo can be a gamble. While it might work in some cases to neutralize the yellow tones and achieve a more ashy hue, it can also lead to unwanted results like muddiness, patchiness, or no noticeable change at all. Understanding color theory, hair porosity, and the potency of the purple shampoo is crucial for predicting the outcome. When in doubt, consult a professional hair stylist for personalized advice and a safe and effective color correction plan. Remember, healthy and well-maintained hair is the best foundation for any color treatment.
FAQ 1: Will purple shampoo remove green tones from my hair entirely?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones, not green. While it might slightly diminish the greenness if there’s a yellow undertone contributing to the overall green hue, it won’t completely eliminate it. Think of it like trying to correct a red stain with a blue pen – it’s the wrong approach for the specific color issue.
Therefore, using purple shampoo on green hair is unlikely to provide the color correction you’re looking for. You’ll likely need a red or pink-toned color corrector or toner to effectively counteract the green. Consult with a hair colorist for personalized advice on the best course of action for your specific shade of green and hair type.
FAQ 2: Can purple shampoo make my green hair worse?
In some cases, yes, purple shampoo can make green hair appear muddier or even slightly darker. This happens because purple and green are not directly opposite on the color wheel, and the purple pigment can interact with the green, creating an undesirable tone. This is particularly true if your green has blue undertones, as blue and purple can combine to deepen the color.
Furthermore, repeated use of purple shampoo on green hair without addressing the underlying cause of the greenness can lead to a build-up of purple pigment, further complicating the color correction process. It’s always best to identify the specific cause of the green tones and choose a targeted solution rather than relying on a product designed for a different purpose.
FAQ 3: What is the color science behind using purple shampoo on green hair?
Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that are intended to counteract yellow tones in blonde or gray hair. This works based on color theory, where colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel neutralize each other. Yellow and violet are opposites, hence the effectiveness of purple shampoo for yellow hair.
Green, however, is not directly opposite violet. The complementary color for green is red. Therefore, using purple shampoo on green hair is unlikely to produce the desired neutralizing effect. The purple pigment might even interact with the green in unpredictable ways, potentially leading to a duller or muddier color, instead of a brighter, more balanced result.
FAQ 4: What products are more effective than purple shampoo for correcting green hair?
The most effective product for correcting green hair is a red or pink-toned color corrector or toner. These colors are directly opposite green on the color wheel and will help to neutralize the unwanted green tones. The specific product you choose will depend on the intensity of the green and your desired final hair color.
You can also consider using a color-depositing conditioner with red or pink pigments. This is a gentler approach that allows you to gradually correct the green tones over time. Alternatively, consulting a professional hairstylist is highly recommended, as they can accurately assess your hair and formulate a personalized color correction plan using professional-grade products.
FAQ 5: How can I prevent my hair from turning green in the first place?
One common cause of green hair is exposure to chlorine in swimming pools. To prevent this, wet your hair thoroughly with clean water before entering the pool, as this will help prevent it from absorbing as much chlorine. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier against the chlorine.
After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with clean water and use a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine residue. If you swim frequently, consider using a swim cap to protect your hair from direct exposure to chlorine. Using products specifically designed for swimmers can also help to prevent and remove chlorine buildup.
FAQ 6: If purple shampoo doesn’t work, can I try blue shampoo on green hair?
No, blue shampoo is also not an effective solution for correcting green hair. Blue shampoo is designed to neutralize orange tones, which are often found in brunette hair that has been lightened. Applying blue shampoo to green hair will likely result in a muddier or darker green, as blue and green can combine to create a deeper shade.
Furthermore, using the wrong color shampoo can exacerbate the problem and make it more difficult to correct the color later. It’s crucial to understand the principles of color theory and choose a product that is specifically designed to counteract the unwanted tones in your hair. In this case, red or pink tones are the correct approach.
FAQ 7: How long should I wait between trying different color correction methods?
It is essential to wait at least one to two weeks between attempting different color correction methods on your hair. This waiting period allows your hair to recover from the chemical processes involved and reduces the risk of damage, breakage, or further color imbalances. Overlapping chemical treatments can severely compromise the health and integrity of your hair.
During this waiting period, focus on deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing products to replenish lost moisture and strengthen your hair. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible to minimize further stress on your hair. If you are unsure about the best approach, consult a professional hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and provide personalized guidance.