If you’re blonde, you’ve probably heard of purple shampoo. It’s a popular product that’s touted for its ability to eliminate brassy tones from blonde hair.
However, you may have found that despite using purple shampoo, your hair still looks yellow or orange.
So, why is your purple shampoo not working?
There are several reasons why your purple shampoo may not be working as well as you’d like. One reason is that your hair isn’t light enough for purple shampoo. Another reason is that you may not be leaving the shampoo on your hair long enough.
But before you can fix the issue, you must first understand how this type of shampoo works.
Understanding Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a hair care product designed to help neutralize brassy tones in blonde, silver, and grey hair. It is called “purple shampoo” because the shampoo itself is often tinted purple.
The purple pigment in the shampoo helps to offset the yellow and orange tones that can develop in light-coloured hair over time.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
Purple shampoo uses colour theory to neutralize brassy tones in the hair.
Yellow and purple are complementary colours, which means that they are opposite each other on the colour wheel. When you apply purple shampoo to your hair, the purple pigments in the shampoo will neutralize any yellow or orange tones that are present in your hair.
To get the best results from your purple shampoo, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your purple shampoo:
- Use the right amount: Use enough shampoo to cover your hair evenly, but don’t overdo it. Using too much shampoo can leave a purple tint on your hair.
- Leave it on for the right amount of time: Check the instructions on your shampoo to see how long you should leave it on your hair. Leaving it on for too long can also lead to a purple tint.
- Use it regularly: To keep brassy tones at bay, it’s important to use purple shampoo regularly. Try using it once a week to start, and adjust as needed based on the results you see.
7 Reasons Why Your Purple Shampoo Is Not Working
If you’ve been using purple shampoo, but you’re not seeing the results you expected, there could be several reasons why.
The likely reason is that you’re not using purple shampoo the right way. Luckily, we can help you with that.
But there are other reasons as well. Check them out below.
| Reasons | Explanation | Solutions |
| Hair isn’t light enough | Purple shampoo can only neutralize yellow and brassy tones in light-coloured hair | Lighten hair before using purple shampoo |
| Hair is too porous | Damaged or porous hair can absorb too much purple pigment, resulting in a purple tint | Use a purple toner instead, or use a lower concentration of purple pigment. Use a deep conditioning treatment to reduce porosity. |
| Not leaving it on long enough | Purple shampoo needs time to work | Leave it on for 3-7 minutes before rinsing it out. |
| Not using enough shampoo | Not using enough shampoo can leave your hair with yellow tones | Use enough shampoo to cover your hair evenly, but don’t overdo it. |
| Using it too often | Overuse of purple shampoo can lead to a buildup of purple pigment in your hair, resulting in a purple tint. | Use purple shampoo once a week and adjust as needed based on results. |
| Using other bad hair products | Other hair products that contain sulfates or other harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to damage and breakage | Use sulfate-free hair products and other gentle hair care products to keep your hair healthy and strong. |
| Hair is colored | Purple shampoo may not be effective in neutralizing yellow tones in coloured hair | Use a different type of colour-correcting shampoo or visit a professional colourist to get the desired results. |
Your hair is not light enough
Purple shampoo works by neutralizing yellow and brassy tones in blonde hair. However, if your hair is not light enough, the purple shampoo may not be able to do its job effectively.
If your hair is a darker blonde or has a lot of brown tones, you may need to lighten your hair before using purple shampoo. Purple shampoo does not lighten hair on its own, but is to be used on already lightened hair.
Your hair is too porous
If your hair is damaged or highly porous, it may absorb too much of the purple pigment in the shampoo, resulting in a purple tint to your hair.
In this case, you may need to use a purple toner instead of a purple shampoo or use a lower concentration of purple pigment.
Using a deep conditioning treatment can also help reduce porosity and make your hair less prone to absorbing too much pigment.
You are not leaving it on long enough
Purple shampoo needs time to work its magic. If you’re only leaving it on for a minute or two, you may not be giving it enough time to neutralize the yellow tones in your hair.
Try leaving the shampoo on for 3-7 minutes before rinsing it out.
Always refer to the recommended time on the bottle on your first try.
You are not using enough shampoo
If you’re not using enough shampoo, you may not be getting enough purple pigment to effectively neutralize the yellow tones in your hair.
Make sure you’re using enough shampoo to cover all of your hair and work it into a lather before rinsing it out.
You are using it too often
While purple shampoo can be a great tool for keeping your blonde hair looking fresh and vibrant, using it too often can actually have the opposite effect.
Overusing purple shampoo can damage hair, as purple pigment builds up in it, resulting in a purple tint.
Try using purple shampoo once a week and see if that makes a difference.
You are using other bad hair products
Using other hair products that contain sulfates or other harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to damage and breakage. This can make it harder for purple shampoo to work effectively.
Try using sulfate-free hair products and other gentle hair care products to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Your hair is coloured
If your hair is coloured, especially with a darker shade, purple shampoo may not be effective in neutralizing yellow tones.
In this case, you may need to use a different type of colour-correcting shampoo or visit a professional colourist to get the desired results.
Tips to Make Your Purple Shampoo Work Better
If you’re using purple shampoo to keep your blonde hair looking vibrant, but it’s not working as well as you’d like, don’t worry. Here are a few tips you can follow to make your purple shampoo work better.
Use a clarifying shampoo first
If you have a lot of product buildup in your hair, your purple shampoo may not be able to penetrate your hair strands as effectively.
Using a clarifying shampoo before your purple shampoo can help remove any buildup and ensure that the purple shampoo can do its job.
Just be sure to follow up with a hydrating conditioner to prevent your hair from drying out.
Leave it on longer
If you’re not seeing the results you want from your purple shampoo, you may not be leaving it on long enough. Most purple shampoos need to sit on your hair for at least 3-5 minutes to be effective.
Be careful not to leave it on too long, as it can be drying and damaging to your hair.
Use it less frequently
Using purple shampoo too frequently can actually make your hair look dull and lifeless. If you’re using it every time you wash your hair, try cutting back to once or twice a week.
This will help prevent your hair from becoming too dry and brittle.
Try a different brand
Not all purple shampoos are created equal. If you’ve tried everything and your purple shampoo still isn’t working, it may be time to try a different brand.
Look for a shampoo that’s specifically formulated for your hair type and colour, and be sure to read reviews before making a purchase.
Alternatives to Purple Shampoo for Toning Hair
If you’re finding that purple shampoo isn’t working for you, don’t worry. There are other alternatives to purple shampoo you can try to tone your hair and keep brassy tones at bay.
Here are a few options to consider:
Blue shampoo
Blue shampoo is similar to purple shampoo, but it’s designed for those with darker hair colours. If you have dark hair with warm undertones, blue shampoo on black hair can help neutralize any orange or red tones.
Look for a blue shampoo that’s specifically formulated for your hair colour and use it once or twice a week to keep your hair looking cool and vibrant.
Toning conditioner
If you’re looking for a gentler alternative to purple shampoo, toning conditioner might be the way to go. These conditioners are designed to deposit color onto your hair, just like purple shampoo, but they’re less harsh and won’t dry out your locks.
Look for a toning conditioner that’s specifically formulated for your hair color and use it in place of your regular conditioner once or twice a week.
Hair gloss
Another option for toning your hair is a hair gloss. These products are designed to add shine and colour to your hair, and they come in a variety of shades to help neutralize brassy tones.
Hair gloss is a great option if you’re looking for a temporary solution, as it will wash out after a few shampoos.
Look for a hair gloss that’s specifically formulated for your hair color and use it once a month to keep your hair looking shiny and vibrant.
DIY toning treatments
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own DIY toning treatments at home.
One popular option is to mix apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. This can help remove buildup and neutralize brassy tones.
Another option is to mix a few drops of blue or purple food colouring with conditioner and apply it to your hair. This can help add colour and neutralize any unwanted tones.
Overall, there are plenty of alternatives to purple shampoo when it comes to toning your hair. Experiment with different options to find the one that works best for your hair type and colour.
FAQs
Why is my hair still brassy after purple shampoo?
If your hair is still brassy after using purple shampoo, it could be because you are not leaving it in long enough. Make sure to leave the shampoo in your hair for at least 3-5 minutes before rinsing it out. Additionally, you may need to use a stronger or more pigmented purple shampoo.
Why is my hair yellow after purple shampoo?
If your hair turns yellow after using purple shampoo, it could be because you are using too much of it. Try using less shampoo or diluting it with water. Additionally, using purple shampoo too frequently can cause your hair to turn yellow. Use it once a week or as needed.
How long does it take for purple shampoo to work?
The time it takes for purple shampoo to work depends on the level of brassiness in your hair. If your hair is only slightly brassy, it may take just one use for the shampoo to make a noticeable difference. However, if your hair is very brassy, it may take several uses before you see results.
Key Takeaways: Why Purple Shampoo Isn’t Working for You
If you’re using purple shampoo to get rid of brassy tones in your hair, but it doesn’t seem to be working, there may be a few reasons why.
Here are the key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Purple shampoo doesn’t work on all hair types.
- You may not be using the right amount of shampoo.
- You may not be leaving the shampoo on long enough.
- You may not be using the right type of purple shampoo.
- You may need to use other products in conjunction with purple shampoo.
- Keep these things in mind to make sure you’re using purple shampoo correctly and get the most out of the product.