Why is My Hair Turning Purple After Using 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 Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones in blonde, gray, and white hair. It deposits purple pigment onto the hair shaft, counteracting brassiness. This process helps maintain a cool, bright color. Purple shampoo works best on light hair, as the purple pigment is more visible on lighter shades. Hair naturally oxidizes over time, causing yellowing. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and minerals in water, also contribute to brassiness. Purple shampoo corrects these unwanted tones, restoring vibrancy and shine.

Many people with light-colored hair incorporate purple shampoo into their routine. They use it to counteract the natural yellowing process and maintain a desirable cool tone. However, sometimes purple shampoo can leave behind a purplish tint, which can be concerning for users. This effect can stem from various factors, including product overuse, hair porosity, and the shampoo’s specific formulation.

Why Does Purple Shampoo Cause Purple Tones?

The purple tint arises from the shampoo’s core function: depositing purple pigment. Overuse allows excessive pigment to bind to the hair, leading to a noticeable purple cast. Porous hair, with its raised cuticles, absorbs more pigment than less porous hair, increasing the likelihood of a purple hue. Even the shampoo’s formulation contributes: higher pigment concentrations or certain ingredients can intensify the purple effect, even with correct usage. Understanding these factors helps explain why some experience this unintended consequence.

Related Article: Why Isn’t Purple Shampoo Working?
Related Article: What Happens if Someone With Dark Hair Uses Purple Shampoo?

The Role of Hair Porosity

Hair porosity describes the hair shaft’s ability to absorb moisture and products. Highly porous hair absorbs the purple pigment readily, resulting in a more intense color deposit. This higher absorption rate makes porous hair particularly susceptible to turning purple. Low porosity hair, with tightly closed cuticles, absorbs less pigment. This characteristic makes it less prone to discoloration but may require longer shampoo application times for noticeable brassiness correction. Determining your hair’s porosity can help you adjust purple shampoo usage and prevent over-toning.

#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

Avoiding the Purple Cast

Preventing purple discoloration involves several key strategies. Diluting the shampoo with water reduces the pigment concentration applied to the hair. This method lessens the risk of excessive pigment deposition. Reducing application time also limits the amount of pigment absorbed. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase as needed. Less frequent use, such as once or twice a week, prevents pigment buildup. Closely monitoring your hair’s response to the shampoo allows you to adjust your routine accordingly. These practices help maintain the desired tone while minimizing the risk of unwanted purple hues.

• Dilute the Shampoo:

  Mixing purple shampoo with water decreases the pigment concentration. This technique helps avoid over-depositing purple pigment.

• Reduce Application Time:

  Shorter application times limit pigment absorption. Start with a brief application and gradually lengthen the time if needed.

• Decrease Frequency:

  Using purple shampoo less often, such as once or twice a week, prevents pigment buildup and reduces the risk of a purple cast.

• Monitor Your Hair:

  Regularly assess your hair’s color to identify any signs of over-toning. Adjust your usage frequency and application time accordingly. Consider a strand test before applying purple shampoo to your entire head, especially if your hair is very porous.

Correcting Purple Hair

If your hair has already turned purple, clarifying shampoo can remove excess pigment. Its deep-cleansing action strips away product buildup, helping restore your hair’s natural color. A mild clarifying shampoo is preferable to avoid excessive dryness. Alternatively, a chelating shampoo, formulated to remove mineral deposits, can also lift the purple tint. These shampoos help to reset your hair color after over-toning with purple shampoo. If the purple is particularly stubborn, professional color correction may be necessary to fully restore your desired shade.

• Clarifying Shampoo:

  This shampoo removes excess purple pigment and product buildup, helping revert to your original color.

• Chelating Shampoo:

  Designed to remove mineral buildup, this shampoo can also help lift unwanted purple tones.

• Professional Color Correction:

  For persistent purple discoloration, consult a professional stylist for tailored color correction services.

Choosing the Right Purple Shampoo

Selecting the right purple shampoo depends on your hair’s color, porosity, and the level of brassiness you want to correct. Different shampoos contain varying pigment concentrations. Some are designed for highly bleached blonde hair, while others cater to naturally blonde or highlighted hair. Consider your hair’s specific needs when choosing a shampoo. If your hair is prone to dryness, opt for a moisturizing formula. Testing a small section of hair before full application allows you to assess the shampoo’s effects and prevent unwanted results. This careful selection process ensures optimal results without over-toning.

• Pigment Concentration:

  Consider your hair color and level of brassiness when selecting a pigment strength. Lighter blondes may benefit from lower concentrations.

• Hair Type:

  Choose a shampoo formulated for your specific hair type, such as dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.

• Strand Test:

  Before applying to your entire head, test a small section to assess the shampoo’s effect on your hair color and prevent unwanted results.

Click for more information about Labooshy

Conclusion

Purple shampoo offers a valuable solution for managing brassy tones in light hair. Understanding how it works, potential side effects, and preventative measures empowers you to use it effectively. By considering your hair’s porosity, using the shampoo correctly, and selecting the right product, you can achieve the desired cool tones without turning your hair purple. If you experience unwanted purple hues, remember that correction methods are available, from clarifying shampoos to professional color correction. With proper knowledge and application, purple shampoo can be a beneficial addition to your hair care routine. [ 1 ]