Purple shampoo is a staple in many blonde, silver, and highlighted hair routines. It’s designed to neutralize brassy, yellow tones, leaving your hair looking bright and vibrant. However, sometimes the opposite happens, and you’re left staring at hair with an unwanted purple tint. This can be frustrating, but understanding why it occurs and how to fix it will save you from hair color panic.
Understanding Purple Shampoo and Its Purpose
Purple shampoo works on the principles of color theory. Think back to your art classes – purple and yellow are opposite each other on the color wheel. This means that purple pigments can effectively cancel out yellow tones.
The shampoos contain violet pigments that deposit onto the hair shaft. These pigments counteract the yellow brassiness that can develop in blonde, silver, and highlighted hair due to oxidation, sun exposure, hard water, and other environmental factors.
The goal is to deposit just enough purple pigment to neutralize the yellow, leaving you with a brighter, cooler tone. However, problems arise when too much purple pigment is deposited, resulting in that unwanted lavender hue.
Why Did My Hair Turn Purple? Common Culprits
Several factors can contribute to purple-tinged hair after using purple shampoo. Let’s examine the most common reasons:
Overuse and Overexposure
This is arguably the most frequent cause of purple hair. Leaving the shampoo on for too long or using it too frequently can lead to excessive pigment deposition. Purple shampoo isn’t meant to be used every day like a regular shampoo.
The instructions on your purple shampoo bottle are there for a reason. They guide you on the optimal amount of time the product should remain on your hair. Exceeding this time significantly increases the risk of purple staining.
Similarly, using purple shampoo every wash day can also lead to buildup of pigment. Your hair only needs to be toned when brassiness is noticeable. Excessive use can result in a gradual shift toward a purple or violet hue.
Porous Hair and Uneven Application
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle, allowing it to absorb liquids quickly, including the purple pigments in shampoo. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more resistant to absorption.
Highly porous hair is more susceptible to absorbing too much purple pigment, leading to staining. This is particularly true for damaged or chemically treated hair, as the cuticle is often more compromised.
Uneven application can also be a culprit. If certain sections of your hair are more porous than others, or if you don’t distribute the shampoo evenly, you may end up with patchy purple tones. Ensure thorough and even distribution from root to tip for the best results.
The Strength of the Purple Shampoo
Not all purple shampoos are created equal. Some are more potent than others, containing a higher concentration of purple pigment. Using a highly pigmented shampoo, even for the recommended time, can be too much for some hair types, especially those with fine or light blonde hair.
Always check reviews and descriptions before buying a purple shampoo. Look for formulations specifically designed for your hair type and color level. If you have very light or fragile hair, opt for a milder formula or dilute the shampoo with regular shampoo.
Pre-Existing Hair Condition and Tone
Your hair’s starting point greatly influences the outcome of using purple shampoo. If your hair is already very light blonde or has cool undertones, it will be more prone to absorbing the purple pigment.
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones. If your hair doesn’t have much yellow to counteract, the purple pigment may simply deposit on top of your existing color, creating an unwanted purple cast.
Similarly, if your hair has any pre-existing damage or uneven coloring, the purple shampoo may adhere more strongly to certain areas, resulting in an uneven and patchy appearance.
Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can also contribute to purple hair woes. These minerals can build up on the hair shaft, creating a barrier that interferes with color absorption.
This buildup can cause the purple shampoo to adhere unevenly, leading to purple patches or an overall dull, purplish tone. Consider using a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove mineral buildup and ensure even color distribution.
How to Fix Purple Hair After Using Purple Shampoo
Don’t panic! If you’ve ended up with purple hair, there are several ways to correct the situation:
Wash Your Hair with Regular Shampoo
This is the simplest and often most effective solution. Washing your hair with a clarifying or regular shampoo (non-purple) will help to remove the excess purple pigment. Repeat as needed, but be mindful not to over-dry your hair.
Use a moisturizing shampoo to help replenish any lost moisture. Avoid shampoos that are specifically designed for color-treated hair, as these are formulated to preserve color, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve right now.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural cleanser that can help lift color. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda can be drying, so follow up with a deep conditioner.
This method is best for small sections or areas that are intensely purple. Avoid using it on your entire head, as it can be quite harsh and strip your hair of its natural oils.
Vitamin C Mask
Vitamin C is another natural remedy that can help fade purple tones. Crush vitamin C tablets and mix them with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your hair, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Vitamin C is gentler than baking soda and can be used on your entire head. It’s also beneficial for overall hair health, as it helps to strengthen and protect your hair.
Clarifying Shampoo
As mentioned earlier, clarifying shampoo is excellent for removing buildup. It can also help to fade the purple pigment. Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week until the purple tone fades.
Be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner, as clarifying shampoos can be drying. Avoid using clarifying shampoo too frequently, as it can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and damage.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
After any of these methods, it’s essential to replenish moisture and repair any damage. Use a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate your hair and restore its health. Look for masks that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Deep conditioning treatments can help to counteract the drying effects of clarifying shampoos, baking soda, and vitamin C. They will also help to strengthen your hair and prevent future damage.
Professional Color Correction
If all else fails, consult a professional hairstylist. They can assess the situation and perform a color correction to neutralize the purple tones and restore your desired hair color.
This is the most reliable solution, especially if the purple staining is severe or uneven. A professional colorist has the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively correct the color without causing further damage.
Preventing Purple Hair in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent purple hair after using purple shampoo:
Start with a Strand Test
Before applying purple shampoo to your entire head, perform a strand test. Apply a small amount of shampoo to a hidden section of your hair and leave it on for the recommended time. This will allow you to see how your hair reacts to the shampoo and adjust the application time accordingly.
This is especially important if you’re using a new purple shampoo or if you have highly porous hair. A strand test will help you avoid any unwanted surprises.
Dilute the Shampoo
If you have fine or light blonde hair, consider diluting your purple shampoo with regular shampoo. This will reduce the concentration of purple pigment and minimize the risk of staining.
You can also mix the purple shampoo with water to create a more diluted solution. This is a good option if you want to use purple shampoo more frequently without the risk of purple hair.
Reduce Application Time
Start with a shorter application time than recommended on the bottle. You can always increase the time if needed, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Begin with just a minute or two and gradually increase the time until you achieve the desired results. Keep a close eye on your hair while the shampoo is on and rinse it off immediately if you notice any signs of purple staining.
Use Purple Shampoo Less Frequently
Don’t use purple shampoo every time you wash your hair. Use it only when you notice brassiness or yellow tones developing. Overusing purple shampoo can lead to pigment buildup and purple staining.
Alternate between purple shampoo and regular shampoo. This will help to prevent pigment buildup and keep your hair looking its best.
Choose the Right Purple Shampoo
Select a purple shampoo that is specifically designed for your hair type and color level. If you have very light or fragile hair, opt for a milder formula.
Read reviews and descriptions carefully before buying a purple shampoo. Look for formulations that are specifically designed for blonde, silver, or highlighted hair.
Focus on the Brassiest Areas
Apply purple shampoo only to the areas that are noticeably brassy. This will help to avoid over-toning the rest of your hair.
You can use a brush or applicator to target specific areas. This is a good option if you have highlights or balayage and only want to tone the brassy sections.
Use a Purple Conditioner or Mask
Consider using a purple conditioner or mask instead of purple shampoo. These products typically contain a lower concentration of purple pigment and are less likely to cause staining.
Purple conditioners and masks can help to maintain your hair’s tone between purple shampoo treatments. They are also more moisturizing and gentle than purple shampoos.
Maintain Hair Health
Healthy hair is less likely to absorb too much purple pigment. Keep your hair moisturized and protected from damage by using heat protectants, deep conditioning treatments, and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Healthy hair has a smoother cuticle, which is less porous and less prone to absorbing excess pigment.
Understanding why your hair turned purple after using purple shampoo is the first step toward correcting the problem and preventing it from happening again. By following these tips, you can keep your blonde, silver, or highlighted hair looking bright and vibrant without the unwanted purple tint. Remember that every hair type is different, so experiment with different methods and products until you find what works best for you.
Why did my hair turn purple after using purple shampoo?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy, yellow tones in blonde, silver, or lightened hair. It contains purple pigment that cancels out these warm hues, leaving your hair looking cooler and brighter. However, if the shampoo is left on for too long, or if your hair is particularly porous or damaged, it can absorb too much of the purple pigment, resulting in a noticeable purple tint.
Several factors can contribute to over-toning. Extremely light blonde shades, hair with high porosity (often caused by bleaching or perming), and the specific formulation of the purple shampoo itself (some are more potent than others) all play a role. The longer the shampoo remains on your hair, the more pigment is deposited, increasing the chances of unwanted purple tones.
How can I fix purple hair after using purple shampoo?
The most common and effective solution is to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and remove product buildup, which includes excess purple pigment. Repeat the process a few times if necessary, but be mindful of drying out your hair, as clarifying shampoos can be quite stripping.
If the purple tint persists after using a clarifying shampoo, try washing your hair with a regular, non-purple shampoo. Using a shampoo that contains sulfates can also help fade the color more quickly. Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks can help replenish moisture lost during the washing process and prevent further damage.
How long does purple shampoo tint typically last?
The duration of the purple tint depends on various factors, including the intensity of the purple tones, your hair’s porosity, and how frequently you wash your hair. In most cases, a light purple tint from purple shampoo will fade within one to three washes with a regular shampoo. However, more intense purple hues may require several washes to completely disappear.
Certain hair care products, like those containing sulfates or alcohol, can expedite the fading process. Conversely, using color-safe shampoos and avoiding heat styling can help prolong the life of any remaining toner in your hair, but also mean the purple tint fades slower. Remember, everyone’s hair reacts differently, so be patient and monitor your hair’s color as you attempt to remove the purple tint.
What types of hair are most susceptible to turning purple from purple shampoo?
Hair that is already very light blonde, platinum, or silver is more prone to absorbing too much purple pigment. This is because these hair colors lack significant yellow or orange tones to counteract, allowing the purple to deposit more readily. Damaged and porous hair, often the result of bleaching or heat styling, also tends to grab onto color more easily.
Porous hair has an open cuticle layer, which allows the purple pigment to penetrate deeply and quickly, leading to uneven or overly intense toning. Fine hair, due to its smaller diameter, can also be more easily saturated with purple pigment compared to thicker hair types. Understanding your hair’s texture, color, and porosity will help you determine how often and how long to use purple shampoo.
Can I prevent my hair from turning purple when using purple shampoo?
Absolutely. The best way to prevent your hair from turning purple is to start by using the shampoo sparingly. Begin with a shorter processing time, such as one to two minutes, and gradually increase the time as needed to achieve the desired toning effect. Always follow the instructions on the product label, as different brands have varying concentrations of purple pigment.
Diluting the purple shampoo with your regular shampoo can also help to reduce the intensity of the purple pigment. Additionally, performing a strand test before applying the shampoo to your entire head is a good practice. This will allow you to gauge how your hair reacts to the shampoo and adjust the processing time accordingly.
How often should I use purple shampoo to avoid purple hair?
The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on your hair color, porosity, and the intensity of the product. For most people with blonde or silver hair, using purple shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain the desired tone. However, if you have very light or porous hair, you may only need to use it once every other week or even less frequently.
Monitor your hair closely and adjust the frequency accordingly. If you notice any signs of purple tinting, reduce the frequency of use. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and gradually increase the frequency as needed rather than overdoing it and ending up with purple hair.
Is there a difference in potency between different brands of purple shampoo?
Yes, there is a significant difference in potency between different brands of purple shampoo. Some brands contain a higher concentration of purple pigment than others, making them more effective at neutralizing brassy tones but also increasing the risk of over-toning. The quality of the ingredients and the overall formulation can also vary, affecting the results.
It’s essential to research and read reviews before purchasing a purple shampoo. Look for brands that are specifically formulated for your hair type and color. Consider starting with a less potent shampoo if you’re unsure how your hair will react, and always follow the instructions carefully.