As with most things, though, we must wonder if there can be too much of a good thing? Leaving purple shampoo in the hair for an hour or more is not recommended. But... why?
Here we come to the key question: How long should I leave purple shampoo in my hair?
Read on as I share all about this issue.
Table of Contents:
- Why Do Blondes Go Brassy?
- 5 Essential Facts About Purple Shampoo
- Alternative Ways to Treat Blonde Hair
- Products for Your Blonde-Hair-First-Aid Shelf
Why Do Blondes Go Brassy?
According to statistics, only two percent of people in the world are natural blondes. You would never know it from looking around, though, right? That is because one in three women dyes her hair to a light enough shade that it is considered blonde.
When it comes to brass, blonde is blonde. It does not matter if it is natural or comes in a bottle. Why does blonde hair get brassy? It is in the pores. Yes, natural blonde hair is extra porous, and chemically dyed blonde hair is even more porous as it has had all the pigment bleached out and is just begging for a new color to be put in.
This porousness means that your hair will soak up any and everything it encounters, including minerals from water and toxins from the air. The answer to that brassiness, as many know by now, is purple shampoo.
5 Essential Facts About Purple Shampoo

1. What Is Purple Shampoo?
Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo with natural purple pigments inside. Because, on the color wheel, purple and yellow (brass) are exact opposites, purple shampoo cancels out the brass in blonde hair and neutralizes it, leaving hair brighter and shinier.
2. Too Much of a Good Thing: Purple Shampoo Left On Too Long
You can, in fact, over-tone your hair. Leaving purple shampoo in your hair for an hour or more can cause your hair to look dull and lifeless. To leave purple shampoo for more than 10 minutes is already too much. The truth is - you should only use the purple shampoo once or twice a week and for no more than that ten-minute mark for optimum toning of blonde hair.
3. You Do Not Have to Be Blonde
Unless you have orange hair like mine, you can leave purple shampoo in for a couple of minutes to tone down yellow brassiness you might not even notice. What you will notice, after use, is how vibrant your hair looks and feels. Interestingly enough, if I wanted to tone my orange hair, I would use blue shampoo, not purple shampoo. Again, orange and blue are exact opposites on the color wheel, so they neutralize each other.
4. You Do Not Have to Wet Your Hair
The joy of the fashion industry, including hair and makeup, is that it is always innovative. Of course, a dry purple shampoo exists! If you are trying to eliminate a ton of brassiness, comb your dry purple shampoo into your hair before showering.
5. Purple Shampoo Will Not Damage Your Hair
While leaving purple shampoo on your hair for an hour or more will certainly make your hair dull, it will not damage your hair. Purple shampoo in general will not damage your hair at all. It is a toner meant only to neutralize.
It cannot harm, of course, to ensure you are using an all-natural, plant-based purple shampoo for your precious strands. You can always use a clarifying shampoo to cut out the purple tones and start over.
Alternative Ways to Treat Blonde Hair
You don’t have to use purple shampoo. You can always use your own, natural, plant-based shampoo, and mix in red and blue food coloring, making sure to add more blue than red. Especially if you use an apple cider vinegar-based shampoo, this approach can be even better for your hair than the toner.
Regardless, you want to make sure you keep blonde hair moisturized and well cared for as it is the most susceptible to sun damage and damage from chemicals.
Simple tips like finishing your hair wash with cold water and avoiding sulfates in your products can make your hair color, natural or otherwise, look lovelier for longer.
Blondes may have more fun, but they also have more work when it comes to hair. Be sure to treat yourself to the right combo of products that feel good for your specific hair needs. Often it is a matter of trial and error and trusting that you will know how to do what is best for you, purple shampoo or not.
Products for Your Blonde-Hair-First-Aid Shelf
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Coconut/Avocado Oil Conditioner
Seriously, you cannot go wrong with apple cider vinegar, coconut and avocado oil. Apple cider vinegar will keep your strands and scalp build-up free, and coconut and avocado oil will nurture your tresses, especially after dying or using purple shampoo.
Coconut Milk Conditioner

Nothing beats coconut milk when it comes to moisturizing. This coconut milk conditioner will also go great after your purple shampoo for added hydration and shine. Especially because all wow hair care products are paraben-free, sulfates-free, silicone-free and most importantly for blondes - with no added colors.
Hair Revitalizer Spray to Use After Purple Shampoo
If you are looking for a product that is powerful enough, but still plant-based and safe to leave in your wet or dry hair for a long time, try leave-in conditioner based on natural oils. The super ingredients that you should look for after bleaching, dying and using too many heat-based tools on your blonde hair are:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Moroccan Argan Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Bhringraj Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- and Tea Tree Essential Oil
Expect to experience benefits of frizz taming, stronger roots, less split ends, added moisture, soft tresses and a beautiful, natural scent that will be perfect for using after purple shampoo.
Can't find a solution to your problem? We've got plenty more for you!
Check out WowSkinScience's diverse Haircare and Skincare lines, which provide a comprehensive approach to your Hair and Skin Care requirements. From shampoos to conditioners, face masks to moisturisers, you'll find everything you need to round out your routine with high-quality natural products.
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