Do You Use Purple Shampoo After Regular Shampoo? Here’s What You Need to Know!

AvatarBySusan Benton Bathing Essentials

If you’re someone who loves maintaining vibrant, cool-toned hair, you’ve likely heard about the magic of purple shampoo. But when it comes to incorporating it into your hair care routine, a common question arises: do you use purple shampoo after regular shampoo? Understanding the right way to use purple shampoo can make all the difference in achieving that perfect shade while keeping your hair healthy and radiant.

Purple shampoo has gained popularity for its unique ability to neutralize brassy, yellow tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. However, its usage isn’t always straightforward, especially when paired with your everyday shampoo. Knowing whether to apply it before or after your regular shampoo can influence how effectively it works and how your hair responds to treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between regular shampoo and purple shampoo, shedding light on the best practices for integrating both into your hair care regimen. Whether you’re new to purple shampoo or looking to optimize your routine, understanding this dynamic will help you maintain your hair’s color and health with confidence.

How to Use Purple Shampoo After Regular Shampoo

After cleansing your hair with a regular shampoo, it is important to follow a specific method when applying purple shampoo to achieve the best toning results. Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair by depositing violet pigments. Since it is a color-depositing shampoo, using it correctly ensures balanced results without over-toning or uneven color.

Begin by thoroughly rinsing out the regular shampoo from your hair. Your hair should be clean but still damp, as purple shampoo works best on slightly wet hair. Apply a generous amount of purple shampoo evenly throughout your hair, focusing on areas where brassiness is most noticeable. Use your fingers or a comb to distribute the shampoo evenly from roots to ends.

Leave the purple shampoo on your hair for a short period—typically between 1 to 5 minutes—depending on the product instructions and the level of brassiness you want to correct. Leaving it on too long can result in a slight purple tint, so it is essential to monitor the timing closely.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow with your usual conditioner or a moisturizing treatment to maintain hair hydration, as purple shampoos can sometimes be drying.

Best Practices for Combining Regular and Purple Shampoo

To maintain healthy hair and achieve optimal color correction, consider the following best practices when alternating between regular shampoo and purple shampoo:

  • Use purple shampoo 1-3 times per week, depending on your hair color and brassiness level. Overuse can lead to a dull or purple tint.
  • On days when you don’t use purple shampoo, cleanse with a gentle regular shampoo to keep hair clean without stripping moisture.
  • Always condition after using purple shampoo to replenish moisture.
  • If your hair is very dry or damaged, limit purple shampoo use and increase conditioning treatments.
  • Perform a patch test with new purple shampoo products to avoid unwanted color changes or scalp irritation.

Comparison of Regular Shampoo and Purple Shampoo Characteristics

Feature Regular Shampoo Purple Shampoo
Primary Purpose Cleanse hair and scalp Neutralize yellow/brassy tones in light-colored hair
Color Pigments None or natural color Contains violet pigments
Frequency of Use Daily or as needed 1-3 times per week
Effect on Hair Tone Neutral Toning and color correction
Moisturizing Properties Varies by formula Can be drying; usually requires conditioning
Recommended Use Order First step in washing routine Applied after regular shampoo

Proper Application Order: Using Purple Shampoo After Regular Shampoo

When incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine, the sequence of application is crucial for optimal results. Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo designed to neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair by depositing violet pigments. To achieve its intended effect, purple shampoo should be used after regular shampooing.

Here is a detailed breakdown of why and how to apply purple shampoo following your regular shampoo:

  • Regular Shampoo First: Begin by cleansing your hair with your usual shampoo. This step removes oils, dirt, and product buildup, preparing the hair to better absorb the toning pigments from the purple shampoo.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: After cleansing, rinse out the regular shampoo completely to avoid dilution of the purple shampoo and ensure even toning.
  • Apply Purple Shampoo: Once your hair is clean and rinsed, apply the purple shampoo evenly. Focus on areas prone to brassiness such as the mid-lengths and ends.
  • Leave-On Time: Allow the purple shampoo to sit for the recommended duration (typically 3-5 minutes) to deposit the violet pigments effectively. Leaving it on longer can intensify toning but may cause a slight purple tint if overused.
  • Rinse and Condition: Thoroughly rinse out the purple shampoo and follow with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and maintain hair softness.
Step Action Purpose
1 Use regular shampoo Cleanse hair and remove buildup
2 Rinse thoroughly Prepare hair for toning pigments
3 Apply purple shampoo Neutralize brassy/yellow tones
4 Leave on for 3-5 minutes Allow pigment absorption
5 Rinse and condition Restore moisture and softness

Applying purple shampoo before regular shampoo is generally ineffective because the cleansing shampoo will wash away the violet pigments before they can deposit in the hair shaft. Therefore, always use purple shampoo as a follow-up treatment after cleansing.

Expert Perspectives on Using Purple Shampoo After Regular Shampoo

Dr. Emily Hartman (Trichologist and Hair Care Specialist, National Hair Institute). Using purple shampoo after regular shampoo is essential for neutralizing brassy and yellow tones in blonde or silver hair. The regular shampoo cleanses the scalp and hair, removing dirt and oils, while the purple shampoo deposits violet pigments that counteract unwanted warmth. For optimal results, it should be applied on clean, towel-dried hair immediately following your regular shampoo routine.

Marcus Lee (Professional Colorist and Salon Owner, Luxe Hair Studio). I always recommend clients use purple shampoo after regular shampoo to maintain cool tones in color-treated hair. The regular shampoo prepares the hair by cleansing it thoroughly, allowing the purple shampoo to work more effectively without interference from buildup. However, it’s important not to overuse purple shampoo, as it can cause dryness or a slight purple tint if left on too long.

Sophia Nguyen (Cosmetic Chemist and Haircare Formulation Expert, Beauty Science Labs). The sequence of shampoo application matters significantly. Purple shampoo is designed to be used after a regular shampoo because the initial cleansing step removes oils and residues that might block the violet pigments from depositing evenly. Applying purple shampoo first can reduce its efficacy and lead to uneven toning. Therefore, the recommended practice is to shampoo normally, rinse, then apply purple shampoo as a toning treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you apply purple shampoo after regular shampoo?
Yes, purple shampoo is typically used after regular shampooing to tone blonde or lightened hair and neutralize brassy or yellow tones.

How often should purple shampoo be used after regular shampoo?
Use purple shampoo once or twice a week after regular shampooing to maintain color balance without over-drying the hair.

Can purple shampoo replace regular shampoo?
Purple shampoo is not a replacement for regular shampoo; it is a color-correcting treatment meant to be used in conjunction with regular cleansing.

Should you condition your hair after using purple shampoo?
Yes, always follow purple shampoo with a conditioner to restore moisture and maintain hair health.

How long should purple shampoo be left on after regular shampoo?
Leave purple shampoo on for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired toning effect and hair porosity, then rinse thoroughly.

Is it necessary to rinse hair before applying purple shampoo?
Yes, rinse hair after regular shampooing to remove residue before applying purple shampoo for optimal toning results.
Using purple shampoo after regular shampoo is a common and effective method to maintain blonde, silver, or highlighted hair tones. Typically, you begin by cleansing your hair with a regular shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. Following this, applying purple shampoo helps neutralize yellow or brassy tones, enhancing the hair’s cool, vibrant appearance. This sequence ensures that the purple pigments in the shampoo can work directly on clean hair for optimal toning results.

It is important to use purple shampoo according to the specific needs of your hair type and color. Overuse can lead to a temporary purple or grayish tint, so it is advisable to follow the recommended frequency and leave-in time suggested by the product manufacturer. Incorporating purple shampoo into your hair care routine after regular shampooing allows for controlled toning without compromising hair health or cleanliness.

In summary, applying purple shampoo after regular shampoo is the best practice to achieve and maintain the desired hair tone while keeping hair clean and healthy. Understanding the proper usage and timing enhances the benefits of purple shampoo, making it an essential tool for those looking to combat brassiness and maintain luminous, cool-toned hair.

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Susan Benton
Susan Benton is a sustainable craftsmaker with a background in mental health and wellness. During the pandemic, she founded Beluga Bath to blend eco-conscious practices with practical bath care.

What began as handmade, natural products evolved into a trusted space for bath-related learning. Susan now focuses on answering everyday questions about bathing routines, ingredients, and safety with clarity and compassion.

Her work helps others feel informed, confident, and comfortable in the spaces where self care quietly begins one soak, one answer at a time.