What Happens if I Leave Purple Shampoo in My Hair For 30 minutes?

We thoroughly assess all products before recommending them. We may be compensated if you choose to buy through links on our site.

Understanding Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones in blonde, gray, and silver hair. It contains purple pigments that counteract brassiness. The shampoo deposits these pigments onto the hair shaft. This color deposit helps maintain a cool, bright blonde, gray, or silver. Overusing it or leaving purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes can lead to over-toning. Over-toning results in a lavender or gray hue, which may not be the desired outcome. To prevent over-toning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and perform a strand test before each application.

What Happens if I Leave Purple Shampoo in My Hair For 30 Minutes?

Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes can lead to several outcomes. Your hair’s porosity, the shampoo’s pigment concentration, and your hair color influence the results. For some, 30 minutes might produce a slight toning effect, while for others, it can result in an undesirable lavender or purple tinge. Blonde hair, especially porous hair, absorbs the purple pigment more readily. This absorption increases the risk of over-toning. A test strand helps predict the outcome before a full application.

Related Article: Why Do Hairdressers Say Not to Use Purple Shampoo?
Related Article: When Should You Not Use Purple Shampoo?

Purple Shampoo: Usage Guidelines

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most manufacturers recommend leaving the shampoo in for a few minutes. Start with a short application time, such as one minute. Gradually increase the duration until you achieve the desired toning. This gradual approach minimizes the risk of over-toning. For very porous or damaged hair, diluting the shampoo with water may prove beneficial.

#1

dae Violet Hour Purple Shampoo

Best Overall

$28 Sephora

★★★★☆ 644 Reviews

#2

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo

Best for Blonde Hair

$37 Ulta Beauty

★★★★☆ 2,274 Reviews

#3

Ouai Detox Shampoo

Best for Brown Hair

$24 Amazon

★★★★☆ 6,492 Reviews

Factors Influencing the Outcome

Several factors influence the final outcome when leaving purple shampoo in for extended periods:

• Hair Porosity:

  Highly porous hair absorbs more pigment, increasing the risk of over-toning.

• Shampoo Concentration:

  Highly pigmented shampoos have a stronger toning effect, requiring shorter application times.

• Initial Hair Color:

  Lighter hair colors show the purple pigment more readily.

Preventing and Correcting Over-Toning

To prevent over-toning, perform a strand test before applying purple shampoo to your entire head. Apply the shampoo to a small, less visible section of hair. Leave it on for the desired time, then rinse and assess the results. This test informs your decision regarding the application time for the rest of your hair. If over-toning occurs, try a clarifying shampoo to remove excess purple pigment. You can also try a deep conditioner or hair mask to help restore moisture and dilute the color. In some cases, a color-correcting treatment might become necessary.

Incorporating Purple Shampoo into Your Hair Care Routine

Purple shampoo functions best as a maintenance product. Use it once or twice a week to maintain your desired tone. For everyday use, opt for a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This combination helps preserve your hair color and prevents dryness. Regularly using a deep conditioner ensures your hair stays healthy and hydrated, especially important when using toning products. Healthy, hydrated hair retains color better and resists damage.

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo

The market offers a wide variety of purple shampoos. Select a shampoo that suits your hair type and color. If you have fine or lightly toned hair, choose a less pigmented shampoo. For coarse or heavily toned hair, a more pigmented shampoo may prove more effective. Consider sulfate-free and paraben-free options for gentler cleansing. Reading reviews and seeking advice from a hair professional can further guide your decision-making process.

Click for more information about Labooshy

Conclusion

Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes may not always produce the desired results. Consider your hair type, the shampoo’s concentration, and perform a strand test before each application. This proactive approach helps achieve and maintain the perfect blonde, gray, or silver tone without the risk of unwanted purple hues. [ 1 ]