how to get purple shampoo out of hair

If you're a fan of blonde or silver hair, you're probably familiar with purple shampoo. 

Purple shampoo is a specialized shampoo that is used to tone down brassy or yellow tones in blonde, silver, or light-colored hair. It typically contains purple pigments that work to neutralize unwanted warm tones, leaving the hair looking cooler and brighter. 

While it's great for keeping your hair color looking fresh and vibrant, it can be a pain to remove from your hair.

In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to get purple shampoo out of your hair fast without damaging it.

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Below are several options to effectively remove the stubborn purple tint.

Clarifying Shampoo

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

This type of shampoo is specially formulated to remove buildup from hair. It can help to remove the purple tint caused by purple shampoo by breaking down the pigment particles.

To use, simply apply clarifying shampoo to wet hair, massage it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Baking Soda Paste

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help to remove buildup from hair. 

Mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick consistency. Apply the paste to wet hair, massage it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This method can be effective in removing the purple tint caused by purple shampoo as it helps to break down the pigment particles in the hair. 

However, it's important to note that using baking soda too often can be damaging to hair as it is highly alkaline. It's best to use this method only occasionally and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.

White Vinegar Rinse

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

White vinegar is an acidic solution that can help to break down the pigment particles in purple shampoo. 

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your hair, massage it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

It's important to note that the smell of vinegar can be strong, so you may want to rinse your hair with water after using this method.

Dawn Dish Soap

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Dawn dish soap is a powerful degreaser that can help to remove buildup from hair. 

Wet your hair and lather a small amount of Dawn dish soap into your palms. Apply the lather to your hair, massaging it in gently. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, and follow up with a conditioner or deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture to your hair. 

Note that you should only use this method once a week at most, and only when necessary, as it can be harsh and dry on hair. 

Lemon Juice Rinse

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Lemon juice has natural clarifying properties that can help to remove buildup from hair. 

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your hair, massage it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. 

It's important to note that lemon juice can be drying to the hair, so it's recommended to follow up with a conditioner or leave-in treatment. Also, lemon juice can lighten hair color over time, so it may not be suitable for those with color-treated hair.

Vitamin C Tablets

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Crush the tablets and mix them with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your hair, focusing on the areas where the purple shampoo has created the most intense tint. Massage the paste into your hair and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. 

Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to prevent dryness. This method can be effective in removing purple tint from hair, but it may also dry out your hair if not used in moderation.

Color Remover

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Color remover is a more drastic option for removing purple shampoo from your hair. It is a chemical treatment that breaks down the pigment molecules and strips the color from your hair.

Follow the instructions on the color remover package carefully, as the process can be quite intense and may cause damage to your hair. It's important to wear gloves and to work in a well-ventilated area.

While color remover can be effective at removing purple shampoo, it should be used as a last resort and with caution. It's also a good idea to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after using it.

Coconut Oil

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Coconut oil pre-treatment can help to break down the pigment particles in purple shampoo while also nourishing and moisturizing the hair. 

Warm up some coconut oil in your hands until it becomes a liquid, then apply it to your hair and massage it in, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water and shampoo your hair as usual. 

You can also leave the coconut oil in your hair overnight for an extra nourishing treatment. Keep in mind that coconut oil can be difficult to wash out of hair and may not be suitable for all hair types, particularly those with fine or thin hair, as it can weigh down the hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. After shampooing with regular shampoo, spray the mixture onto your hair, focusing on the areas with purple tint. Massage it in and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water. 

Apple cider vinegar helps to remove buildup and excess pigments from the hair while restoring its natural pH level. However, be cautious not to use too much vinegar as it can dry out your hair and cause irritation to your scalp.

Sulfate Shampoo

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Sulfates are powerful surfactants that help to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair. This shampoo can help to wash away the excess pigment and leave your hair clean and refreshed. 

However, sulfate shampoos can be harsh and may strip your hair of its natural oils, so it's important to use them sparingly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Dandruff Shampoo

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Dandruff shampoos contain active ingredients like pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide that can help to exfoliate the scalp and reduce dandruff flakes. These same ingredients can also help to break down the purple pigment in purple shampoo and remove it from your hair. 

However, like sulfate shampoos, dandruff shampoos can be drying, so it's important to follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Additionally, if you don't have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo too often may irritate your scalp.

Hot Water Rinse

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

After shampooing with purple shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly with hot water. The heat will help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the pigment particles to be washed away.

However, it is important not to use water that is too hot, as this can damage your hair and scalp. Aim for a comfortable temperature that is warm but not scalding.

Blow-Dry

How To Remove Purple Shampoo Stain From Your Hair

Blow-drying and styling your hair after using purple shampoo can help to remove any residual pigment and leave your hair looking shiny and healthy. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying to prevent damage to your hair.

Time

If you don't want to use any additional products to remove purple shampoo from your hair, you can simply wait for it to fade on its own over time. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on how much pigment was deposited in your hair. In the meantime, you can use a hat or hair accessory to cover up any unwanted purple tones.

How to Use Purple Shampoo Correctly

To achieve the best results and avoid common issues like over-toning or staining, it's crucial to use purple shampoo correctly. Follow these steps to ensure you're using purple shampoo the right way:

Plan Your Usage

Depending on your hair's natural shade and your desired level of coolness, you may need to use purple shampoo once a week or every other wash. If your hair is naturally very light or you have platinum blonde hair, consider using it less frequently to avoid over-toning.

Wet Your Hair

Before applying purple shampoo, thoroughly wet your hair with lukewarm water. This will help evenly distribute the shampoo and open up the hair cuticles for better absorption of the toning agents.

Apply the Purple Shampoo

Squeeze a small amount of purple shampoo onto your palm and gently massage it into your wet hair, focusing on the areas that tend to turn brassy or yellow. Make sure to distribute the product evenly to avoid patchy results.

Leave the Shampoo On

Depending on your hair's porosity and the intensity of the toning you want to achieve, let the purple shampoo sit on your hair for 1 to 5 minutes. For the first use, start with a shorter duration and gradually increase the time as needed.

Monitor the Color

Keep an eye on your hair while the shampoo is in place. If you notice your hair turning too ashy or purple, rinse it out immediately.

Rinse Thoroughly

Use lukewarm water to rinse the purple shampoo from your hair completely. Make sure no residue is left behind, as this can lead to uneven results and possible staining.

Use a Conditioner

After rinsing out the purple shampoo, apply a conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair. This will help seal the hair cuticles, lock in the toning effects, and provide much-needed hydration.

Dry and Style Your Hair

Gently towel-dry your hair and proceed with your usual styling routine. Enjoy your refreshed, cool-toned blonde hair!

Remember that purple shampoo is not meant for daily use, and overusing it may lead to over-toning or staining. Be extra cautious when using it on hair extensions, as extensions can absorb color more quickly than natural hair. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the frequency and duration of use based on your hair's needs and desired results.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, purple shampoo is an essential tool in maintaining the beauty and vibrancy of blonde and silver hair. Understanding how to use it correctly and remove any unwanted tints or stains is crucial to achieving your desired hair color.

With the techniques and tips outlined in this article, you can confidently tackle any purple shampoo mishaps and enjoy your cool-toned locks. Just remember to be patient and pay close attention to your hair's needs, as every individual's hair type and color may require a unique approach. Happy hair care!