How to Remove Purple Shampoo From Your Hair

If you've found yourself with unwanted purple hues after a shampoo session, don't worry—getting your hair back to normal is easier than you might think. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to effectively remove purple shampoo from your hair, leaving it vibrant and healthy-looking.

Understanding Why Your Hair Has Turned Purple

Sometimes, using purple shampoo can result in unexpected pastel, light blue, or purple tints in your hair. This issue is often due to highly pigmented, over-the-counter purple shampoos designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones. For those seeking a more reliable solution, Parrotfish Purple Shampoo offers a professionally formulated option that balances effective toning with top-notch quality, significantly reducing the risk of undesired color shifts. Check out Parrotfish's purple shampoo for a trusted product that avoids the pitfalls of typical drugstore versions.

Can The Purple Colour Fade?

Should you end up with an unwanted purple tint, remember it's only temporary and should fade within a few weeks. Washing your hair more frequently with a standard shampoo can speed up the fading process.

How To Remove the Purple Shampoo

Warm Water Rinse

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your hair with warm water. The warmth helps to loosen the purple pigment left behind by the shampoo. Massage your scalp and run your fingers through your hair under the water to help break down the residue. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that most of the purple has been washed out.

Clarifying Shampoo

After the initial rinse, use a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo is designed to deep-clean your hair and scalp, removing any leftover color and buildup effectively. Apply it all over your hair, lather well, and then rinse thoroughly. This should strip away any remaining purple tones and restore your hair's natural shine.

Lemon Juice Rinse

For a natural approach to removing any lingering purple shampoo, a lemon juice rinse can be quite effective. Mix the juice of two lemons with a quart of water and use this mixture to rinse your hair after shampooing. The acidity in lemon juice helps break down the purple pigment. Leave the rinse on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing out with cool water.

Baking Soda Method

Mixing a paste of baking soda and water can also help remove stubborn purple shampoo residue. Apply this paste to your hair, focusing on the areas with the most color buildup. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda's mild abrasive properties help to scrub the color away gently.

Vitamin C Treatment

Another effective method is using a vitamin C treatment. Crush a few vitamin C tablets and mix them with shampoo to create a paste. Apply this to your hair, leave it for about 30 minutes, then rinse. Vitamin C is acidic and works similarly to lemon juice, helping to fade the purple tint.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Finish up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to ensure all residues are gone and to restore the pH balance of your hair. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, apply it after rinsing out your hair, and then wash it out after a few minutes. This will not only remove any last traces of purple but will also leave your hair shiny and smooth.

Seeking Professional Hair Color Correction

If home remedies fall short in correcting purple shampoo mishaps, it's wise to consult a professional hairstylist. They have the expertise to assess and rectify unwanted tones in your hair using specialized techniques. This may involve using color removers or bleach to strip the unwanted color, followed by applying a toner to achieve the desired shade. The process, tailored to your hair’s specific needs, can take several hours but ensures a natural, even color correction. Reaching out to a professional not only fixes the color but also helps maintain the health and integrity of your hair.

How to Avoid Purple Hair from Purple Shampoo

To prevent your hair from turning an unintended shade of purple when using purple shampoo, consider these guidelines:

  • Choose Salon-Grade Products: Opt for salon-grade purple shampoo rather than cheaper, generic options. Professional shampoos are formulated with the correct balance of product and pigment to effectively tone your hair without staining it.
  • Read Instructions Carefully: Always read the product directions before use. Applying the shampoo as directed helps avoid leaving it on your hair too long, which can lead to staining.
  • Moderate Application: Be cautious with the amount of shampoo you use. Applying too much can increase the risk of your hair absorbing excess pigment.
  • Monitor Time: Avoid leaving purple shampoo in your hair for extended periods. Exceeding the recommended time, especially more than an hour, can cause the pigment to stain your hair.

Can purple shampoo be washed out?

Yes, if you accidentally leave purple shampoo on too long and don't like the result, don’t worry. Simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo, which will help tone down the silver or purple hue, bringing your hair closer to its natural color.

What reverses purple shampoo?

A clarifying shampoo is your go-to solution for reversing any unwanted purple tinge from purple shampoo. It effectively strips away excess pigment, restoring your hair to its intended shade with just a few washes.

Does your hair go back to normal after purple shampoo?

Yes, your hair will gradually return to its normal color. The purple tint from the shampoo isn’t permanent and will fade with regular washing. Simply cleanse your hair a few times with regular shampoo, and the pigment will start to diminish.

How Long Does It Take for Purple Shampoo to Fade?

The effects of purple shampoo, such as the silver or purple tint it can leave behind, are temporary and typically fade after one or two washes with regular shampoo. If you don’t want to wait, you can speed up the process by using a clarifying shampoo or a deep-cleansing treatment to remove the excess purple pigment from your hair more quickly.


Dealing with a purple shampoo mishap can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can easily restore your hair to its desired tone. Remember, choosing a high-quality, salon-grade product like Parrotfish Purple Shampoo can help prevent these issues in the first place. And for complete care, pair it with the Parrotfish Purple Conditioner to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy without any unwanted surprises.

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Discover Key Ingredients

  • aloe extract

    Removes excess sebum and product residue without damaging hair strands. Unlike harsh chemicals, aloe vera is gentle, preserving hair integrity.

  • acai oil

    Rich in healthy fatty acids, acai oil tames frizzy, dry, and damaged hair, leaving curls smoother, shinier and moisturized. 

  • gentian violet

    Helps remove the yellow, brassy or dull tones and highlights from blonde or silver hair.

  • sodium coco sulfate

    Derived from coconuts, and milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, while still producing a sudsy lather. It is safe for colored hair and helps the transition period from liquid to bar seamless.

Read Press Coverage

  • "Parrotfish's Argan Shampoo Bar wins the spot for best shampoo bar due to its ability to hydrate and heal several hair types."

  • "Parrotfish's cocoa butter and coconut-based shampoo bars are rich with argan oil or peppermint to cleanse hair and feed it essential minerals to keep locks healthy."

  • "Parrotfish shampoo bars convinced me to ditch my plastic shampoo and conditioner, and I’m never looking back."

Customer Reviews

Based on 84 reviews
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N
Naomi H.
Actually Works!

This is the only purple Shampoo I have tried that’s actually able to lighten my hair! I have thick hair in a darker blonde color, and normally after using purple shampoo it looks the same as before. With this one, my hair stylist noticed my hair was lighter, and I didn’t even bring it up! And yes, I follow instructions!

M
Mary

argan oil shampoo and conditioner

S
Susan T.
Good product

I purchased the purple shampoo and conditioner bars & am very pleased with the results. It has definitely toned down the yellowing of my gray hair and does not dry my hair out. I will be ordering again for sure.

J
JENNIFER B.

purple shampoo and conditioner

D
Dorothy C.
Great product

I color my hair and have tried many products that deal with toning down the orange, but nothing has worked as well as the purple bars for shampoo and conditioner. My hair has never looked or felt better. I love this product.