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Can Purple Shampoo Be Used as Toner After Bleaching?

You’ve successfully bleached your hair, reaching that pale yellow plateau, or perhaps you’re dealing with orange tones while aiming for a platinum-blonde look.

Now you might wonder, “Can purple shampoo be used as a toner after bleaching?” The answer is yes but with some limitations.

We’ve provided answers on how to effectively remove yellow or reduce orange tones using purple shampoo after bleaching.

Can Purple Shampoo Be Used as Toner After Bleaching?

Yes! If you bleach your hair at home, purple shampoo can be used as a toner after bleaching. The purple pigment neutralizes unwanted brassy, orange, or lemony tones.

However, the final results will vary depending on how much natural color remains in your hair.

Purple shampoo can neutralize unwanted brassiness or orange hues. But how do you know if you need to tone your hair with shampoo? Rinse all bleaching treatments from your hair and scalp and apply a heat protectant.

purple shampoo as a toner after bleaching

Wet hair naturally appears darker, and you cannot determine the final color. Gently blow dry your hair to see the final bleached color.

A high-quality purple shampoo can remove those orange ends or brassy undertones.

Wet your hair and apply the shampoo to your hair. For toning, leave the shampoo in your hair longer than a normal wash.

If there is noticeable brassy or unwanted orange, start by leaving the shampoo on your hair for five minutes.

Wipe a strand with a wet washcloth and towel dry to determine if more time is needed.

Keep checking your hair every 3-5 minutes. When the desired tone is achieved, rinse your hair in cool water and finish with a moisturizing conditioner.

Using a purple shampoo will keep your locks fresh and bright, limiting any unwanted warm tones. Some purple shampoo can be drying to your hair, causing it to feel brittle and look lifeless and dull.

Limit purple shampoo to twice weekly to help alleviate this problem. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner for shiny, healthy-looking hair.

I Left the Purple Shampoo On Too Long- What to Do?

What to do if Purple Shampoo Left On Hair for Too Long?

After bleaching, the hair cuticle is porous and open, absorbing any pigment applied. Leaving purple shampoo on for too long will result in lavender or purple hues in your newly bleached hair. This color is not permanent, but it still, looks awkward to see in the mirror.

If you left your purple shampoo on too long, the tint fades after several shampoos. If you need to remove the color immediately, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to lighten or remove the unwanted hue.

So, Can Purple Shampoo Be Used as Toner After Bleaching?

Yes, but with mixed results. If you have naturally dark hair and the bleach leaves a lot of warm reds or even orange tones, the purple shampoo will help neutralize those unwanted colors but may not remove them completely. If you have yellow tones, the purple shampoo will help to neutralize those colors as well.

FAQS

Let’s review some of the most commonly asked questions regarding purple shampoo.

Can I use purple shampoo 48 hours after bleaching my hair?

You should wait 72 hours to shampoo your hair after bleaching to allow your cuticles to seal and protect the color.

However, if you use purple shampoo to neutralize unwanted brassiness, you can use purple shampoo 48 hours (or sooner) after bleaching.

Does putting purple shampoo on dry hair make it blonder?

It will not make hair blonder. Dry hair will absorb more pigment leaving your hair a purple hue.

Does purple hair lighten or darken hair?

The purple pigment is not a hair dye, nor does it contain any bleach or peroxide. It will not make your hair any lighter or darker, only neutralize unwanted brassy or warm tones.

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Alice Rawling

Alice Rawling is the chief editor of HairdoHairstyle. She's a hair stylist with over eight years of experience in LA. She has been featured in prestigious beauty magazines and online publications like Brides, Business Insider, Hairstyle Camp, BuzzFeed, Bustle, etc.