Purple shampoo. It’s the secret weapon for blondes, silvers, and anyone rocking highlighted hair. But like any powerful tool, it needs to be wielded with care. Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for too long can have some unwanted consequences. Let’s delve into exactly what happens when you overdo it, how to avoid these pitfalls, and how to keep your blonde looking its best.
Understanding Purple Shampoo: The Science Behind the Shine
Purple shampoo works based on the principles of color theory. Think of it as a targeted color correction solution for your hair.
The color wheel tells us that purple and yellow are opposites. When you wash your hair, especially if it’s light, it’s prone to developing brassy tones – those unwanted yellow or orange hues. These brassy tones can be caused by various factors, including hard water, sun exposure, and even certain hair products.
Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that deposit onto the hair shaft. These pigments neutralize the yellow, effectively canceling out the brassiness and restoring a cooler, brighter tone. This is why it’s a game-changer for maintaining that fresh-from-the-salon look.
The Active Ingredients: What Makes Purple Shampoo Purple?
The magic ingredient in purple shampoo is typically a dye or pigment called Violet 2 or Acid Violet 43. These ingredients are what give the shampoo its characteristic purple color.
The concentration of these pigments varies from brand to brand, which is why some purple shampoos are more potent than others. This is also why experimenting and finding the right one for your hair type and color is essential.
Other ingredients commonly found in purple shampoo include surfactants for cleansing, conditioning agents to help prevent dryness, and fragrances to make your hair smell amazing.
The Downside of Overdoing It: What Happens When You Leave It On Too Long
While purple shampoo is a fantastic tool, it’s crucial to use it correctly. Leaving it on for too long can lead to a range of undesirable effects.
The Dreaded Purple Tint: Too Much Pigment Deposit
The most common and noticeable consequence of overusing purple shampoo is a purple tint to your hair. This happens when the purple pigments are deposited too heavily on the hair shaft, overwhelming the yellow tones and leaving a visible purple hue.
The intensity of the purple tint can vary depending on the porosity of your hair, the concentration of the pigment in the shampoo, and how long you left it on. Porous hair, which is hair that has been damaged or chemically treated, tends to absorb pigment more readily, making it more susceptible to turning purple.
Dryness and Damage: Stripping Away Moisture
Many purple shampoos, particularly those with strong cleansing agents, can be drying to the hair. Overusing them can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and even breakage.
This is especially true for people with already dry or damaged hair. The drying effect of purple shampoo can exacerbate these issues, leaving your hair feeling rough and looking dull.
Dulling of Color: An Unintended Consequence
In some cases, overusing purple shampoo can actually dull your hair color instead of brightening it. This can happen when the purple pigments build up on the hair shaft, creating a muddy or ashy tone.
This is more likely to occur in people with very light or platinum blonde hair, as their hair is more susceptible to pigment overload.
Identifying Your Hair Type and Porosity: Understanding Your Hair’s Needs
Understanding your hair type and porosity is crucial for determining how often and for how long to use purple shampoo.
Hair Type: Fine, Medium, or Coarse
The thickness of your hair strands affects how readily it absorbs pigment. Fine hair tends to absorb pigment more quickly than coarse hair, making it more susceptible to turning purple.
If you have fine hair, you may need to use purple shampoo less frequently or for shorter periods of time. Coarse hair, on the other hand, can typically tolerate more frequent use.
Hair Porosity: Low, Medium, or High
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle, allowing it to absorb moisture and pigment quickly. Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more resistant to absorbing moisture and pigment.
If you have high porosity hair, you’ll need to be extra careful when using purple shampoo, as your hair will be more prone to absorbing too much pigment. Low porosity hair may require a longer processing time to achieve the desired results.
Prevention is Key: How to Avoid Overdoing It
The best way to avoid the negative consequences of overusing purple shampoo is to take preventative measures. Here’s how:
Read the Instructions Carefully: Don’t Skip This Step!
Always read and follow the instructions on the purple shampoo bottle. These instructions provide guidelines on how long to leave the shampoo on for optimal results.
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and you may need to adjust them based on your hair type and porosity.
Start Slow: Less is More
When you first start using purple shampoo, start with a shorter processing time and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired results. This will help you avoid depositing too much pigment on your hair.
A good starting point is to leave the shampoo on for 1-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can then assess the results and adjust the processing time accordingly.
Frequency Matters: Don’t Use it Every Wash
Avoid using purple shampoo every time you wash your hair. Overuse can lead to buildup and dryness.
A good rule of thumb is to use purple shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your hair type and the severity of your brassiness.
Dilute the Shampoo: Reduce the Intensity
If you’re concerned about your hair turning purple, you can dilute the purple shampoo with your regular shampoo. This will reduce the concentration of pigment and make it less likely to deposit too much color.
Simply mix a small amount of purple shampoo with your regular shampoo in your hand before applying it to your hair.
Patch Test: A Simple Safety Measure
Before using purple shampoo on your entire head, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair. This will allow you to see how your hair reacts to the shampoo and avoid any unwanted surprises.
Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to the test section, leave it on for the recommended time, and then rinse. Check the section for any signs of purple tint or dryness.
Reversing the Damage: What to Do If You’ve Already Overdone It
If you’ve accidentally left purple shampoo on for too long and your hair has turned purple, don’t panic! There are several things you can do to remove the unwanted tint.
Clarifying Shampoo: A Powerful Cleanser
A clarifying shampoo can help remove excess pigment and buildup from your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair thoroughly, focusing on the areas where the purple tint is most noticeable.
Keep in mind that clarifying shampoos can be drying, so be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: A Surprising Solution
Anti-dandruff shampoos, particularly those containing sulfates, can also help remove purple tint. The sulfates in these shampoos are strong cleansing agents that can strip away excess pigment.
Again, be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness.
Baking Soda Paste: A DIY Remedy
A paste made from baking soda and water can also help remove purple tint. Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste, then apply it to the affected areas of your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda can be drying, so use it sparingly and always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Vitamin C Mask: A Gentle Option
A vitamin C mask is a gentler option for removing purple tint. Mix vitamin C powder with water to create a paste, then apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help brighten your hair and remove unwanted pigment.
Maintaining Your Blonde: Tips for Long-Term Care
Once you’ve corrected the purple tint, it’s important to take steps to maintain your blonde and prevent it from happening again.
Use a Moisturizing Conditioner: Hydration is Key
Always use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing to replenish moisture and prevent dryness. Look for conditioners that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil.
Deep Conditioning Treatments: Give Your Hair Some Extra Love
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to provide extra hydration and repair damage. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week, leaving it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Heat Protection: Shield Your Hair from Damage
Protect your hair from heat damage by using a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
Heat can damage the hair cuticle, making it more porous and susceptible to absorbing pigment.
Limit Sun Exposure: Protect Your Color
Sun exposure can cause your hair to become brassy and fade. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection.
Regular Trims: Keep Your Hair Healthy
Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage. Split ends can make your hair look dull and uneven, and they can also make it more susceptible to damage.
By following these tips, you can keep your blonde looking its best and avoid the dreaded purple tint. Remember, purple shampoo is a powerful tool, but it’s important to use it correctly to achieve the desired results.
What is purple shampoo and why is it used?
Purple shampoo is a specially formulated shampoo containing violet pigments. It’s designed to counteract unwanted yellow or brassy tones that can appear in blonde, silver, grey, or highlighted hair. Over time, factors like sun exposure, styling products, and hard water can cause these warm tones to emerge, altering the desired cool or neutral shade of the hair.
The violet pigments in the shampoo work on the principle of color theory. Purple and yellow are opposite each other on the color wheel, meaning they neutralize each other. When purple shampoo is applied to hair with yellow tones, the violet pigments deposit onto the hair strands, effectively canceling out the yellow and restoring a brighter, cooler, and more vibrant appearance.
What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for too long?
Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for an extended period can lead to over-toning. This means the violet pigments deposit excessively, resulting in a lavender or purple tint to your hair. The intensity of the purple hue depends on the porosity of your hair, the strength of the shampoo, and the length of time it was left in.
Besides the unwanted purple tinge, over-toning can also cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Purple shampoos often contain ingredients that can strip the hair of its natural oils. Prolonged exposure exacerbates this effect, leaving your hair feeling rough, prone to breakage, and difficult to manage.
How can I fix hair that’s turned purple from purple shampoo?
If your hair has turned purple, the first step is to use a clarifying shampoo. This will help strip away the excess purple pigment. Wash your hair thoroughly with the clarifying shampoo, and you may need to repeat this process a few times depending on how intense the purple tint is. Avoid using purple shampoo until the purple hue has faded considerably.
Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish any lost moisture. The clarifying shampoo can be drying, so it’s crucial to rehydrate your hair. Use a hydrating hair mask or leave-in conditioner to restore moisture and softness. If the purple tint is persistent, consult a professional hairstylist for further assistance.
Can purple shampoo damage my hair?
While purple shampoo is generally safe for use, excessive or improper application can lead to damage. Many purple shampoos contain sulfates and other harsh cleansing agents that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage, especially with frequent use.
Furthermore, leaving the shampoo in for too long can cause over-toning, as previously discussed, resulting in a purple tint and further drying out the hair. Therefore, it’s important to follow the product instructions carefully and use purple shampoo sparingly, focusing on maintaining the desired tone without compromising the hair’s health.
How often should I use purple shampoo?
The frequency of using purple shampoo depends on your hair type, color, and the level of brassiness. Generally, using it once or twice a week is sufficient for most people. However, those with very blonde or highlighted hair may need to use it more frequently, while those with darker shades may only need it occasionally.
Observe your hair carefully to determine the appropriate frequency. If you notice your hair becoming too ashy or purple, reduce the number of times you use the shampoo. If the brassiness returns quickly, you may need to increase the frequency. Always follow the product instructions and adjust based on your individual needs.
What hair types benefit most from purple shampoo?
Purple shampoo is most beneficial for blonde, silver, grey, or highlighted hair. These hair colors are prone to developing yellow or brassy tones, which purple shampoo effectively neutralizes. Whether the hair is naturally blonde or artificially colored, purple shampoo can help maintain a cool, vibrant, and salon-fresh look.
It’s important to note that purple shampoo is not intended for dark hair colors, such as brunette or black, as it won’t have the same noticeable effect. The violet pigments are designed to counteract yellow tones specifically and won’t significantly alter the color of darker hair. In some cases, it might even cause a slight dullness.
Are there alternatives to purple shampoo for toning blonde hair?
Yes, there are several alternatives to purple shampoo for toning blonde hair. Blue shampoo, which neutralizes orange tones, can be a good option if your hair tends to develop orange brassiness instead of yellow. Hair glosses and toners, applied by a professional hairstylist, offer a more customizable and precise toning solution.
Additionally, color-depositing conditioners and masks in shades like silver, platinum, or ash can help maintain a cool tone while providing added hydration. Using a water filter on your shower head can also reduce mineral buildup that contributes to brassiness. Finally, protecting your hair from sun exposure with hats or UV protectant sprays can prevent brassiness from developing in the first place.