Purple shampoo can be a lifesaver for blondes, lightened, or silver-haired individuals. This specialized shampoo helps neutralize brassy, yellow, and orange tones, leaving hair looking cooler, more ashy, and generally more vibrant. However, it’s easy to overdo it with purple shampoo, resulting in hair that looks more lavender or purple than the desired platinum or silver.
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your hair has taken on an unwanted violet hue, don’t panic. There are several effective methods you can try to help strip the purple tone out of your hair and get back to your desired shade. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove purple shampoo from your hair, as well as provide some tips to help prevent it from happening in the future.
Purple Shampoo
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s important to understand how purple shampoo works and why it can sometimes lead to an overly purple result.
Purple shampoo is formulated with violet or blue pigments that work to counteract warm, brassy tones in blonde, grey, or lightened hair. The violet/blue pigments essentially “cancel out” the warm, yellow/orange hues, leaving the hair looking cooler, ashier, and more vibrant.
When used correctly, purple shampoo can be a game-changer for maintaining salon-fresh colour. However, it’s easy to overdo it, especially if you have naturally light or fine hair. The pigments in the shampoo can build up on the hair, resulting in a lilac or lavender tone that is often not the desired look.
Additionally, some individuals may be more sensitive to the pigments in purple shampoo, causing their hair to take on a stronger purple/violet hue, even with moderate use.
Removing Purple Shampoo from Hair
If you’ve found yourself with hair that’s looking a little too purple, don’t worry – there are several effective methods you can try to help strip out the unwanted pigment.
1. Clarifying Shampoo
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to remove purple shampoo from your hair is to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and remove any product buildup, including stubborn purple pigments.
When using a clarifying shampoo to remove purple tones, follow these steps:
- Wet your hair thoroughly and apply the clarifying shampoo, focusing on the areas where the purple tone is most pronounced.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, allowing it to sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat the shampooing process, using a generous amount of the clarifying formula.
- Rinse thoroughly, making sure all of the shampoo is removed from your hair.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help replenish any moisture that may have been stripped during the clarifying process.
It’s important to note that clarifying shampoos can be quite drying, so you’ll want to use a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioning treatment afterwards to help restore softness and shine.
One highly recommended clarifying shampoo is the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated to remove buildup and excess oil, making it an effective choice for removing unwanted purple tones.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle, yet effective, home remedy for removing unwanted purple tones from the hair. The abrasive nature of baking soda helps to lift and remove the built-up pigment, leaving hair looking closer to its natural shade.
To use baking soda to remove purple shampoo:
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to create a thick, spreadable paste.
- Apply the baking soda paste to your dry hair, focusing on the areas where the purple tone is most prominent.
- Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat the process if necessary, until the desired level of purple tone is removed.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help restore hydration and softness to your hair.
It’s important to note that baking soda can be quite drying, so it’s essential to use a deep conditioning treatment or mask after using this method to help replenish any moisture that may have been stripped.
For an effective deep conditioning treatment, try the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector. This reparative treatment helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure, leaving it stronger and more hydrated.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another effective home remedy for removing purple shampoo from the hair. The acidic nature of vitamin C helps to break down and lift the pigment, leaving hair looking closer to its natural shade.
To use vitamin C to remove purple shampoo:
- Crush 2-3 vitamin C tablets into a fine powder.
- Mix the vitamin C powder with enough water to create a spreadable paste.
- Apply the paste to your dry hair, focusing on the areas where the purple tone is most prominent.
- Allow the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat the process if necessary, until the desired level of purple tone is removed.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help restore hydration and softness to your hair.
Like baking soda, vitamin C can be quite drying, so it’s important to use a deep conditioning treatment or mask after using this method to help replenish any moisture that may have been stripped.
For a nourishing, deep conditioning treatment, consider the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. This rich, creamy mask is formulated with argan oil and other moisturizing ingredients to help restore softness and shine to the hair.
4. Dandruff Shampoo
Believe it or not, using a dandruff shampoo can also be an effective way to remove purple shampoo from the hair. Dandruff shampoos often contain salicylic acid or selenium sulphide, which can help break down and lift stubborn pigments.
To use a dandruff shampoo to remove purple tones:
- Wet your hair thoroughly and apply the dandruff shampoo, focusing on the areas where the purple tone is most prominent.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, allowing it to sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat the shampooing process, using a generous amount of the dandruff formula.
- Rinse thoroughly, making sure all of the shampoo is removed from your hair.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help replenish any moisture that may have been stripped during the process.
It’s important to note that dandruff shampoos can be quite drying, so you’ll want to use a deep conditioning treatment or mask after using this method to help restore hydration and softness to your hair.
One highly effective dandruff shampoo for removing purple tones is the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo. This shampoo contains selenium sulphide to help combat dandruff and remove buildup, making it a great choice for stripping out unwanted purple pigments.
5. Color-Correcting Shampoo
If the above methods don’t seem to be working, you can try using a colour-correcting shampoo specifically formulated to remove unwanted purple or violet tones from the hair.
These shampoos often contain yellow or orange pigments that work to neutralize the purple hues, leaving hair looking more natural and vibrant.
To use a colour-correcting shampoo:
- Wet your hair thoroughly and apply the colour-correcting shampoo, focusing on the areas where the purple tone is most prominent.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, allowing it to sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat the shampooing process if necessary, until the desired level of purple tone is removed.
- Rinse thoroughly, making sure all of the shampoo is removed from your hair.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help replenish any moisture that may have been stripped during the process.
It’s important to use the colour-correcting shampoo sparingly, as overuse can lead to an unwanted orange or brassy tone. Additionally, you may need to experiment with a few different formulas to find the one that works best for your hair type and the specific purple tone you’re trying to remove.
One highly recommended color-correcting shampoo is the Wella Color Charm Shampoo. This shampoo contains yellow pigments to help neutralize unwanted purple tones, leaving hair looking more natural and vibrant.
Preventing Purple Shampoo Buildup
Now that you know how to effectively remove unwanted purple tones from your hair, let’s talk about how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Here are some tips to help you avoid excessive purple shampoo buildup:
- Use Purple Shampoo Sparingly: When it comes to purple shampoo, less is more. Start with a small amount, about the size of a dime, and focus on the areas that need the most colour correction. Avoid lathering the entire head with the shampoo, as this can lead to an overly purple result.
- Alternate with a Clarifying Shampoo: To keep purple shampoo buildup at bay, make sure to alternate it with a clarifying shampoo every 2-3 washes. This will help remove any residual pigment and prevent the colour from becoming too intense.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After using purple shampoo, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. This will help remove any excess pigment and prevent it from staining the hair.
- Use a Toning Conditioner: Consider using a toning conditioner in between your purple shampoo treatments. These conditioners can help maintain the cool, ashy tone without adding too much additional pigment.
One great toning conditioner option is the Viral Blonde Toning Conditioner. This conditioner is formulated with violet and blue pigments to help neutralize brassiness and keep hair looking cool and vibrant.
- Limit Use to 1-2 Times per Week: For most individuals, using purple shampoo 1-2 times per week should be sufficient to maintain the desired tone. Any more than that and you run the risk of over-depositing the pigment.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can cause the purple pigment to swell and penetrate deeper into the hair, making it harder to remove. Opt for cooler water when washing your hair to help preserve the colour.
- Consider a Toner: If you’re still struggling to keep the purple tones in check, you may want to consider getting a professional toner treatment at the salon. This can help neutralize any unwanted hues and maintain your desired shade.
One salon-quality toner to try is the Pulp Riot Faction8 Toner. This toner is available in a variety of shades to target specific color concerns, making it a great option for maintaining cool, ashy tones.
By following these tips, you can help prevent excessive purple shampoo buildup and keep your hair looking its best.
Conclusion
Removing purple shampoo from the hair can be a bit of a tricky process, but with the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can get your hair back to its desired shade. Whether you opt for a clarifying shampoo, baking soda, vitamin C, dandruff shampoo, or a color-correcting formula, there are several effective methods you can try to strip out the unwanted pigment.
Additionally, being mindful of how you use purple shampoo moving forward can help prevent the issue from occurring again in the future. By using the product sparingly, alternating with clarifying shampoos, and rinsing thoroughly, you can maintain your cool, vibrant tone without the risk of over-depositing the pigment.
Remember, hair color is a journey, and sometimes we have to take a few steps back to get the perfect result. With a little trial and error, you’ll be back to your desired shade in no time.
