Why is My Hair More Yellow After Purple Shampoo?

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

Understanding Yellow Tones After Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo, a popular product for neutralizing brassy yellow tones in blonde, gray, and highlighted hair, can sometimes have the opposite effect, leaving hair looking even more yellow. This unexpected outcome can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you adjust your hair care routine for better results.

Product Buildup

One common culprit for yellowing after purple shampoo use is product buildup. Hair products, minerals from hard water, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the hair shaft, creating a barrier that prevents the purple pigment from effectively neutralizing yellow tones. This buildup can also make the hair appear dull and lifeless. Regularly clarifying your hair with a clarifying shampoo can remove this buildup and allow the purple shampoo to work as intended. Aim to clarify your hair once or twice a month, depending on your product usage and water hardness.

Over time, product buildup can also oxidize, leading to a yellowish tint. This oxidation process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight and heat styling. By removing buildup, you create a clean slate for the purple shampoo to deposit its pigment evenly.

Related Article: Should I Use Purple Shampoo Everyday?
Related Article: Do You Use Normal Shampoo After Purple Shampoo?

Incorrect Shampoo Usage

Using purple shampoo incorrectly can also contribute to yellowing. Leaving the shampoo on for too long can lead to over-toning, resulting in a purple or grayish cast, which can appear yellowish in certain lighting. Follow the instructions on your specific purple shampoo, but generally, aim for a leave-in time of 1-5 minutes. Adjust the time based on your hair’s porosity and the shampoo’s pigment concentration.

Another common mistake is using purple shampoo too frequently. Purple shampoo is not designed for daily use. Overuse can dry out the hair, making it more prone to breakage and color distortion. Use purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed to maintain your desired tone. For some individuals, once a month is sufficient.

#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

Hair Porosity

Hair porosity plays a significant role in how your hair absorbs and retains color, including the purple pigment from shampoo. Highly porous hair has a raised cuticle, allowing the pigment to penetrate quickly and deeply. This can lead to over-toning and a yellowish appearance if the shampoo is left on for too long. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, has a tighter cuticle, making it difficult for the pigment to penetrate. This can result in uneven toning and a yellow cast in some areas.

To determine your hair porosity, try the float test. Place a strand of clean, dry hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you likely have high porosity hair. If it floats, you have low porosity hair. If it floats in the middle, you have medium porosity hair. Understanding your hair’s porosity will help you adjust the application time and frequency of purple shampoo.

Underlying Pigment

The natural underlying pigment of your hair also influences how purple shampoo interacts with it. Hair that is naturally darker or has been previously dyed a darker color may have underlying warm pigments that are exposed when bleached or highlighted. These warm pigments can contribute to a yellowish appearance, even after using purple shampoo. In some cases, a stronger toner or professional color correction may be necessary to neutralize these underlying pigments.

The lifting process itself can also expose these underlying pigments. If the hair is not lifted to a sufficiently light level, the yellow undertones may be more prominent, making it difficult for the purple shampoo to fully neutralize them. Consult with a professional stylist to determine the best course of action for your specific hair color and desired results.

Hard Water Minerals

Hard water contains minerals like iron, copper, and magnesium, which can build up on the hair and react with the purple pigment in the shampoo, leading to a yellow or orange discoloration. This buildup can also make the hair feel dry, brittle, and difficult to manage. Installing a water softener or using a chelating shampoo can help remove these minerals and prevent further discoloration.

These minerals can also interfere with the effectiveness of the purple shampoo. The minerals can create a barrier on the hair shaft, preventing the purple pigment from properly adhering to and neutralizing the yellow tones. Over time, this can lead to a gradual yellowing of the hair, despite regular use of purple shampoo.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and chlorine, can also contribute to yellowing. The sun’s UV rays can oxidize the hair, leading to a brassy, yellow appearance. Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, can also strip the hair of its color and leave it looking dull and yellow. Protecting your hair from these elements with UV protectant sprays and wearing a swim cap can help maintain your desired hair color.

Pollution and other airborne particles can also deposit on the hair, contributing to buildup and discoloration. These particles can react with the hair’s natural oils and the purple pigment in the shampoo, leading to a yellowish cast. Regularly cleansing your hair and using a protective leave-in conditioner can help minimize the impact of these environmental factors.

Click for more information about Labooshy

Conclusion

While purple shampoo can be a valuable tool for maintaining blonde, gray, and highlighted hair, understanding the factors that can contribute to yellowing is crucial for achieving optimal results. By addressing issues such as product buildup, incorrect usage, hair porosity, underlying pigment, hard water minerals, and environmental factors, you can effectively use purple shampoo to neutralize unwanted yellow tones and achieve your desired hair color. If you continue to experience excessive yellowing, consult a professional stylist for personalized advice and solutions. [ 1 ]