What Happens If You Leave Purple Shampoo In Too Long?

Purple shampoo is a game-changer for anyone looking to keep their blonde, silver, or lightened hair vibrant and brass-free. However, like with any powerful tool, it’s important to know how to use it correctly to avoid unexpected results—like accidentally turning your hair a shade of lavender. In this guide, we’ll dive into what happens if you leave purple shampoo in too long, how to use it properly, and why choosing a high-quality product can make all the difference.

What Can Happen:

  • Temporary Purple Tint: Leaving purple shampoo in for too long can cause your hair to develop a temporary lilac or purple tint, especially if your hair is very light blonde or damaged.
  • Uneven Color: The longer the shampoo stays on, the more uneven the color might become, leading to patchy results rather than a smooth, cool-toned finish.
  • Dryness: Overexposure to the pigments in purple shampoo can dry out your hair, making it feel brittle and potentially leading to breakage over time.
  • Difficult to Remove: If the purple tint becomes too intense, it might take several washes with regular shampoo to fade the color back to your desired shade.

Why Your Hair Might Be Turning Purple:

  • No Brassiness to Counteract: If your hair doesn’t have any yellow or brassy tones, there’s nothing for the purple pigment to neutralize. Instead of cooling down your color, the shampoo can leave a purple tint on your hair. Remember, purple shampoo works best when there’s brassiness to tackle, so it’s not meant to be used as a preventative measure. Save it for when you notice those unwanted yellow tones creeping in, usually a week or two after your color treatment.
  • Overusing Purple Shampoo: If you’re reaching for that purple shampoo every day, you’re likely overdoing it. These shampoos are powerful but not meant for daily use. Using them too often can lead to a gradual buildup of pigment, resulting in an unintended purple hue. The simple fix? Cut back on how frequently you use it. Aim for once or twice a week to keep your color fresh without going overboard.
  • Leaving It On Too Long: Timing is everything with purple shampoo. The longer it sits on your hair, the more pigment it deposits. If you’ve noticed a purple tint after washing, try rinsing it out sooner next time. A few minutes is usually enough to get the job done without risking a color mishap.
  • Using the Wrong Strength: Did you know there are different strengths of purple shampoo? Some formulas are more concentrated than others. If you’re nervous about overdoing it, opt for a lighter version with less pigment. This can give you more control and peace of mind, especially if you’re new to using purple shampoo.

Tips to Prevent Your Hair from Turning Purple with Purple Shampoo

To keep your hair from turning an unintended shade of purple when using purple shampoo, follow these detailed guidelines:

  1. Select High-Quality Products: Always opt for salon-grade purple shampoo over cheaper, generic alternatives. Professional products are carefully formulated with the right balance of pigments to effectively tone your hair without causing unwanted staining.
  2. Follow Instructions Diligently: Before applying purple shampoo, take the time to read the product directions thoroughly. These instructions are there for a reason—using the shampoo as recommended will help you avoid common mistakes, such as leaving it on for too long, which can lead to discoloration.
  3. Use the Right Amount: When it comes to purple shampoo, less is often more. Be mindful of the amount you apply; overusing the product can saturate your hair with excess pigment, increasing the likelihood of an unwanted purple hue.
  4. Time Your Application: One of the most critical factors in using purple shampoo is timing. Set a timer to ensure you don’t leave the shampoo on your hair for longer than necessary. Exceeding the recommended time, particularly if left on for more than an hour, can result in the pigment staining your hair, which can be difficult to remove.

Why Choose Parrotfish Purple Shampoo?

Parrotfish Purple Shampoo is your go-to for stunning, cool-toned hair with added benefits:

  • Salon-Quality: Achieve vibrant, brass-free hair without worrying about over-toning.
  • Palm Oil-Free: Ethical choice that’s better for the planet.
  • Nourishing: Keeps your hair healthy, shiny, and soft with regular use.
  • Eco-Friendly: Comes in a bar form to reduce plastic waste.
  • Easy to Use: Simple application for flawless results at home.

What happens if you leave purple shampoo in for 1 hour?

Leaving purple shampoo on for an hour can result in a temporary lilac tint, especially in very light blonde or damaged hair. This effect isn't permanent; to remove it, simply switch back to regular shampoo for a few washes until the color fades.

Does leaving purple shampoo in longer do anything?

Leaving purple shampoo in longer than recommended isn't advisable. While it increases pigment deposition, it can also result in an unwanted purple tint, especially in lighter hair. Stick to the suggested time for best results and to avoid over-toning.

What Happens If You Leave Purple Shampoo in Your Hair Overnight?

Leaving purple shampoo in your hair overnight can lead to an unintended purple-violet tint and significant dryness. The extended exposure allows the shampoo’s pigments to deeply penetrate your hair, particularly affecting lighter shades. Additionally, it can stain your pillow, making this a method best avoided.

Can purple shampoo snap or damage your hair?

Overuse of purple shampoo can dry out your hair, leading to potential breakage over time. It’s best to use purple shampoo once a week as a treatment, following your regular shampoo, to avoid buildup and maintain hair health.


Purple shampoo is an essential part of maintaining cool-toned hair, but it’s all about balance. Use it wisely—follow the instructions, don’t overdo it, and choose a quality product like Parrotfish Purple Shampoo for the best results. This way, you’ll keep your hair looking fresh, vibrant, and free from any unwanted hues.

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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.

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  • "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.