When To Use Purple Shampoo And How Often You Should Be Using It

If you’ve ever colored your hair blonde, silver, or platinum, you’ve probably heard of purple shampoo. It’s a must-have in any color-treated haircare routine, designed to keep those unwanted brassy tones at bay. But how often should you be using it, and what’s the best way to make sure your hair stays vibrant without overdoing it? In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about when and how to use purple shampoo, so you can keep your color looking fresh and fabulous.

What Does Purple Shampoo Do?

• Tones Hair: Purple shampoo is a toning product designed to neutralize brassy, yellow, and orange tones in bleached or lightened hair, helping to maintain a cooler, more balanced color.
• Color Theory: Based on color theory, purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, meaning these shades cancel each other out. This makes purple the ideal color to counteract unwanted warm tones in your hair.
• Corrects Brassiness: Lightening your hair with bleach or peroxide often reveals warm undertones. Purple shampoo helps to neutralize these brassy hues that can emerge after your toner fades.
• Maintains Cool Tones: Over time, factors like water quality, sun exposure, and heat styling can cause your hair’s toner to fade, leading to the reappearance of warm tones. Regular use of purple shampoo helps keep your hair's tone cool and refreshed.
• Prolongs Salon Results: By using purple shampoo, you can extend the life of your salon toner, reducing the need for frequent toning treatments and keeping your hair looking vibrant longer.

When to Use Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo is designed specifically to combat unwanted brassiness, so it’s best used when you start noticing those yellow or orange tones creeping into your color. This shampoo isn’t meant for daily use but rather as a targeted treatment to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label, as different shampoos have varying strengths and may require different application times.

How Often to Use Purple Shampoo

For most people, using purple shampoo once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain your color without overdoing it. Incorporating it into your routine in place of your regular shampoo on these days can effectively neutralize brassy tones. If your hair is particularly porous, be cautious with how long you leave the shampoo on, as it can easily absorb too much pigment, potentially leading to staining. Setting a timer can help ensure you achieve the desired results without any mishaps.

Can You Overuse Purple Shampoo?

Yes, it’s possible to overuse purple shampoo, and the signs are pretty noticeable. When used too frequently, purple shampoo can leave your hair with an unintended violet or lavender tint, especially if your hair is light or porous. While purple shampoo is great for neutralizing brassy tones, overdoing it can result in a color change that wasn’t part of the plan.

If you find that your hair has taken on a purple hue, don’t worry—this can usually be corrected. Start by switching back to your regular shampoo and incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your routine. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product buildup and can help fade the excess pigment over time, bringing your hair back to its intended shade.

Parrotfish Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

If you're looking to keep your blonde, silver, or platinum hair vibrant and brass-free while also being mindful of your environmental impact, the Parrotfish Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are a perfect choice.

These bars are made with ethical, high-quality ingredients that you can feel good about using. Free from harsh chemicals, these bars are gentle on your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and beautifully toned.

What’s even better is that these bars are a sustainable alternative to traditional bottled products, so you’re reducing plastic waste and making a positive impact on the planet. Plus, they’re super convenient to use and perfect for travel—no worrying about liquid spills in your luggage!

How often can you use purple shampoo?

You should use purple shampoo once or twice a week, depending on your hair type and desired results. It’s essential not to replace your regular shampoo entirely with purple shampoo, as overuse can cause your hair to take on a darker or violet hue, which most people want to avoid.

How many times a week should I use purple shampoo?

The frequency depends on your hair’s shade and tone. Start with once a week if you’re new to purple shampoo. For cool-toned blonde, gray, or silver hair, twice a week helps reduce brassiness. Warmer blondes may also benefit from weekly use to maintain brightness.

Can I use purple shampoo every day?

No, using purple shampoo every day is not recommended. Overuse can result in unwanted purple tones, especially in lighter hair. Stick to using it once or twice a week to maintain color without over-toning.

What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for 30 minutes?

Leaving purple shampoo in for 30 minutes can lead to over-toning, causing your hair to develop an overly cool or purple tint. This risk is higher for those with light or porous hair, so it’s best to follow the product’s recommended time.

Will purple shampoo lighten your hair?

Purple shampoo won’t lighten or darken your hair. However, if left on too long, it can impart a violet tint, particularly in silver, white, or very light hair. It’s more about neutralizing brassy tones rather than changing your hair color.

How quickly does purple shampoo work?

The effectiveness of purple shampoo varies by brand. Some formulas are potent, giving results in just a minute, while others might require up to 10 minutes to make a noticeable difference. Always monitor the time to avoid unwanted tinting.

When not to use purple shampoo?

Avoid using purple shampoo two weeks before any lightening service. Overuse can cause buildup, making hair look dull or darker, and complicating the lightening process. Stop usage ahead of color treatments for best results.

How long should you wait to use purple shampoo after bleaching hair?

If you’ve waited 72 hours after bleaching your hair before washing, you can use purple shampoo during your next wash. If not, hold off on using it until your next shampoo session to avoid potentially altering your hair tone.

It’s important to remember that while purple shampoo is a helpful tool in maintaining color-treated hair, moderation is key. Use it sparingly—typically once or twice a week—depending on your hair’s needs. This way, you can keep brassy tones at bay without risking the overuse that leads to unwanted purple strands.