Is it possible to overuse purple shampoo?

Author: Dolly Muller IV  |  Last update: Saturday, June 28, 2025

As mentioned above, purple shampoos are highly pigmented and, when overused, purple shampoo can lead to a huge amount of buildup in your hair. This can lead to the appearance of unwanted tones, such as blues or purples or even a muddy tint.

What happens if you overuse purple shampoo?

Can you overuse purple shampoo? Yes. If you overuse it, it will give your hair a purple, blue, or even pink tint, if that is what you want... no problem. However, if you just want to neutralize the yellowing then only use it when you notice the yellow returning. It can also be very drying.

How often is too often to use purple shampoo?

Keep in mind that purple shampoo does not replace your regular shampoo and should only be used once or twice a week. Doss warns that there is such a thing as too much purple. “When you eliminate too much yellow, it visually ends up darker and a lot of people don't want it to look darker,” she says.

Does purple shampoo damage your hair?

So, does purple shampoo damage your hair? No, it's not inherently bad for your hair, but it is definitely ruining your color. "Color-treated blonde hair is super light and it shows dark stains easily. But when hair is chemically-lightened (“lifted”) it can be dehydrated and extremely porous.

Will purple shampoo eventually wash out?

Purple shampoo is primarily for removing brassy tones out of blonde hair. Purple shampoo will only last as long as one shampoo. It will fade. It will change color. It's not exactly the best option for your hair.

Professional Guide to Purple Shampoo

How to fix using too much purple shampoo?

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.

How long does it take purple shampoo to remove brassiness?

You can go up to 15 minutes next time if you notice little to no difference after drying your hair. If you have platinum, gray, or silver hair, you can leave the purple shampoo on for up to 30 minutes, depending on how brassy or discolored your hair is.

Can I use purple shampoo 2 days in a row?

Unless the shampoo is specifically designed to be used as a daily toner, applying purple shampoo every time you wash your hair is typically discouraged because it can begin to eliminate too much yellow from your hair.

Is it better to put purple shampoo on wet or dry hair?

This might be the case for some people, but there's also the risk of more porous, damaged sections of the hair (the ends) absorbing more pigment than the newer hair towards the root. So, to avoid a patchy purple effect, use the Blonde Assure Color Toning Purple Shampoo as advised: on wet hair.

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

If you leave purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes, the risk of over-toning increases significantly. While purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones, leaving it on for an extended period can lead to overly cool or even purple-tinted hair, especially for those with light or porous hair.

Can I use regular conditioner after purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo can be drying, so be sure to follow up with a purple conditioner and/or your favorite color-protecting hair mask to restore lost moisture.

What does purple shampoo do to grey hair?

Purple shampoo has been used for decades by hairdressers, mostly to help tone and neutralize blonde and gray hair, getting rid of brassy or yellow tones for an overall more cool-toned look.

What does brassy hair look like?

Brass usually shows up as yellow or orange tones in blonde hair and orange or red tones in brunette hair. Brassy hair is caused by an overabundance of warm pigments in your hair, usually caused by bleaching and the hair coloring process.

Why isn't purple shampoo toning my hair?

Purple shampoo only works on levels 8+ . If you are not blonde enough, your purple shampoo will not tone correctly.

Can you reverse the effects of purple shampoo?

If you leave it on for too long and don't like the result, don't panic. Simply wash your hair again with a clarifying shampoo and it should dull down the silver-tone from even the best purple shampoo for silver hair. Remember to always condition your hair after washing, especially when using a clarifying product.

When should you not use purple shampoo?

"You want to stop using it two weeks before any lightening service. The purple shampoo can cause build up making the hair look dull and darker if overused." This makes the lightening process more difficult to create a seamless blend.

Do you rub in purple shampoo?

Ready to use your purple shampoo? Dispense into your palms, then rub your hands together before applying onto the hair. Massage in from root to tip, lathering the shampoo as you go. Focus on the areas that are particularly brassy to knock out those unwanted yellow tones.

How to get the best results from purple shampoo?

How to Use Purple Shampoo
  1. Wet hair.
  2. Lather the purple shampoo on your hair.
  3. Depending on your hair's level of brassiness, leave the purple shampoo on for two to three minutes.
  4. Rinse the shampoo out.
  5. Apply a purple conditioner to nourish your hair and prevent breakage.

How long should I wait to use purple shampoo after getting highlights?

When To Use Purple Shampoo After Bleaching? Avoid washing your mane for the first 48 to 72 hours after bleaching it. This is to give your hair enough time to seal in its new color. If you waited 72 hours before washing your hair after it was bleached, you could use the purple shampoo the next time you shower.

What happens if you use too much purple shampoo?

Over-toning: Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde or gray hair. Using it excessively can result in over-toning, leaving your hair with a dull, ashy, or even slightly purple tint.

Can purple shampoo make hair more brassy?

“I only recommend purple shampoo on Level 9 or higher,” says Gina. “Purple shampoo does not cancel out orange so if the hair has any orange or yellow orange tones in it, the purple shampoo would actually make them warmer depositing red into the hair.”

How to get purple shampoo out of hair?

Mix equal parts baking soda and water until thick. Apply the paste to damp hair where the purple shampoo is concentrated, massaging gently into the scalp and hair for full coverage. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

How many washes does purple shampoo last?

The good news is silver shine pigments are temporary it last one or two washes. If you don't want to wait that long, there are a few steps that you can take to remove the purple pigment from your hair.

What is level 9 hair color?

Level 2–3 is extremely dark brown, as level 1 is black. Level 9–10 is very pale blonde. Color does not lift color; only bleach can make your hair lighter.

Why does my hair look darker after purple shampoo?

Overuse of purple shampoo. Purple shampoo builds up on the hair and starts to make blonde look darker over time. The best advice I can give if this has happened to you is to use a clarifying shampoo.

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