Can Purple Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?
Written by Tina Moretti
Updated on
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Is your favorite purple shampoo secretly causing your hair to disappear?
There are many misconceptions about purple shampoo and its potential to cause hair loss. Some have even claimed that purple shampoo can contribute to thinning hair and breakage, leaving you with less hair over time.
But is purple shampoo bad and are there any truth to these claims?
Let’s dispel the rumors and uncover the truth about purple shampoo and hair loss.
Purple Shampoo Does Not Cause Hair Loss
No, purple shampoo does not cause hair loss. To date, there is no study or scientific evidence that directly links purple shampoo to hair loss.
But if you overuse purple shampoo, it may cause dryness, leading to brittle and fragile hair that becomes prone to breakage.
Still, these problems do not manifest in hair loss. Sure, you may experience some hair breakage and shedding due to the damage, but hair loss is a much more complex problem that can be caused by a number of factors.
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition that involves the loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can manifest in many ways, for example, excessive shedding, thinning hair, patchy bald spots, receding hairline, and changes in hair texture.
Hair loss occurs at the follicular level due to shrinkage of the hair follicles or the growing phase of the hairs slowing down, meaning more hair follicles go into the telogen (resting) phase.
Purple shampoo does not penetrate the scalp deeply enough to affect the hair follicles. While overuse and abuse can contribute to some hair breakage and damage, purple shampoo is not a direct cause of hair loss.
How Does Purple Shampoo Work?
Purple shampoo is a hair product that is used to correct warm tones in hair using purple pigments. It’s also known as purple toning shampoo and can be used on blonde, grey, or white hair.
Many blondes tend to develop brassiness in their hair over time – a common occurrence for those who lighten their locks with harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching or permanent dyeing (aka: box color). If left untreated, these golden highlights can eventually turn more orange due to damage caused by UV light exposure and oxidizers like chlorine while swimming in the pool.
To combat the brassiness, a purple shampoo uses purple pigment dyes to cancel out the warm tones and restore the hair’s color.
What Happens If You Use Purple Shampoo Too Often?
Using purple shampoo more often than recommended can result in over toning, which means it oversaturates the hair.
Over toning can cause the hair to become too cool or even purple in tone, which is not the intended result. To make it worse, it can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness. When hair becomes too dry and brittle, it can be more prone to breakage and split ends.
Overuse of toning shampoos or leaving them on for too long can also lead to scalp irritation, which can cause itching, redness, or flaking. To avoid over toning and the potential damage that comes with it, it is important to use toning shampoos as directed and to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask to restore hydration and prevent breakage.
How Often to Use a Purple Shampoo?
It is recommended to use purple shampoo once a week to avoid over toning and causing damage to the hair. The frequency of use also depends on your hair type, hair color, and the specific brand you are using.
Some brands are designed to be used once a week, while others can be milder and suitable for use twice a week. For best results, most hair colorists recommend using a regular shampoo in between if the hair needs to be washed and only use a purple shampoo once during that week.
How to Use Purple Shampoo Safely
Below is a list of instructions on how to use a purple shampoo effectively to get the best results and avoid damaging the hair:
- Get the Right Purple Shampoo for the Job If you want to neutralize brassy tones in light or blonde hair, look for a purple toning shampoo. If you want to enhance cool tones in your hair, look for a depositing purple shampoo.
- Always Use Gloves Purple shampoo is highly pigmented, which means it can stain your hands if you do not use gloves. To avoid staining, always use gloves when applying purple shampoo.
- Apply and Lather Apply a small amount of purple shampoo to your palms and massage it into your hair. Make sure to distribute the shampoo evenly throughout your hair, and pay special attention to areas where brassy tones are most prominent.
- Leave Purple Shampoo in Hair for Around 5 Minutes The amount of time you leave the purple shampoo in your hair depends on the product and your hair type. Typically, it is recommended to leave the shampoo in for around 5 minutes to achieve the desired results.
- Follow Up with a Conditioner or Mask While purple shampoo can be effective in neutralizing brassy tones, it can also be drying to the hair. This is why it is important to follow up with moisturizing and nourishing products like a deep conditioner or hair hair mask to restore hydration.
Best Purple Shampoos to Use
1. Olaplex No. 4 Blonde Enhancer Toning shampoo
Olaplex No.4 is part of the Olaplex haircare line, which is known for its innovative formula that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair.
The No.4 Purple Shampoo is formulated with a blend of violet pigments that help to neutralize yellow and brassy tones in the hair, leaving it looking brighter and cooler. The shampoo also contains Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology, which helps to repair and strengthen the hair while you wash.
When used per its instructions, this product can prevent hair loss and breakage by strengthening the internal bonds in the hair shafts that keep the hair resilient and elastic.
The Olaplex No.4 Purple Shampoo is also free from sulfates, parabens, and gluten, making it a gentle option for those with sensitive scalps. The shampoo is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for those who prefer to use ethical and sustainable haircare products.
To use the Olaplex No.4 Purple Shampoo, simply wet your hair and massage a small amount of the product into your scalp and hair. Leave the shampoo in for 1-3 minutes to allow the violet pigments to penetrate and tone the hair, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Kerastase Blond Absolu
The Kerastase Blond Absolu purple shampoo is a high-quality toning shampoo that can neutralize yellow and brassy tones in the hair, leaving it with a cool, toned look.
It is enriched with a potent combination of hyaluronic acid, edelweiss flower, and violet pigments. The hyaluronic acid helps to moisturize and strengthen the hair, while the edelweiss flower extract provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. The violet pigments work to counteract yellow and orange tones in the hair, leaving it looking brighter and more vibrant.
It also contains a blend of ceramides and other active ingredients that work to strengthen the hair fibers and reduce breakage, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier and more resilient.
To use the Kerastase Blond Absolu purple shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of the product to your scalp and hair. Massage gently to create a lather, and leave the shampoo on for 2-3 minutes to allow the violet pigments to penetrate and tone the hair. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with your preferred conditioner.
So there you have it – 2 good purple shampoos that not only tones the hair but also makes every strand stronger and more resilient against breakage and hair loss.
Don’t Lose Your Hair Over It!
Carry on using your favorite purple shampoo.
There is no need to worry about hair loss unless you’re using a very bad product.
We’ve been using purple shampoos for years, and yeah, we still have plenty of hair!
About the Author
Tina MorettiTina Moretti, a passionate hair care enthusiast with over a decade of expertise, dedicates herself to empowering women with proven hair care advice. Recognized for her hands-on experience and trusted guidance, Tina turns every strand into a statement of beauty and confidence.