Fix Purple Hair From Toner: Easy Solutions
Have you ever experienced the frustration of using toner to banish yellow tones, only to end up with unwanted purple hair? Don't worry, you're not alone! Purple hair after toning is a common issue, and luckily, it's usually a simple fix. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the reasons behind this color mishap and provide you with effective solutions to restore your desired hair color.
Understanding Purple Hair After Toning
Purple hair from toner is a common issue that arises when the toner's violet pigments, designed to neutralize yellow undertones in blonde hair, are overdeposited in the hair. Toners work by depositing color rather than lifting it, so if your hair grabs too much of the purple pigment, you might end up with a lavender hue. Several factors can contribute to this:
- Overuse of toner: Leaving the toner on for too long or using a toner that's too strong can lead to excessive purple deposit.
- Porous hair: Highly porous hair, often the result of damage from heat styling or previous chemical treatments, absorbs color more quickly. This means the purple pigment in the toner can latch on more intensely, resulting in a more vibrant purple hue. Think of your hair like a sponge – the more porous it is, the more liquid it soaks up. In this case, the liquid is the purple toner!
- Hair that's too light: If your hair is already very light blonde, there might not be enough yellow tones for the purple toner to neutralize. This can cause the purple pigment to become more visible, leading to an unwanted violet tint.
- Uneven application: If the toner isn't applied evenly, some sections of your hair might absorb more pigment than others, resulting in patchy purple spots.
Understanding the reasons behind purple hair after toning is the first step towards correcting it. Now, let's dive into the solutions!
Effective Solutions to Fix Purple Hair
1. Wash Your Hair with Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo to fix purple hair is one of the easiest and most effective solutions. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and remove buildup, including excess toner pigment. These shampoos typically have a higher pH level than regular shampoos, which helps to lift the color molecules from the hair shaft. For a gentle approach, dilute the clarifying shampoo with a regular shampoo to prevent over-drying your hair.
- How it works: Clarifying shampoos contain strong cleansing agents that break down the toner pigment, allowing it to wash away more easily.
- How to do it:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a clarifying shampoo, focusing on the areas with the most purple tint.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Avoid hot water, as it can further dry out your hair.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish any lost moisture.
- Frequency: You can use clarifying shampoo once or twice a week until the purple tone fades. However, be mindful not to overuse it, as it can dry out your hair if used too frequently. It's crucial to balance color correction with maintaining hair health.
2. Use an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoo to remove purple hair might seem like an unusual remedy, but many people swear by it. Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain ingredients like sulfates, which have a stripping effect on hair color. This can help to fade the purple tones more quickly. The active ingredients in these shampoos, designed to combat dandruff, also happen to be effective at lifting excess dye molecules from the hair shaft.
- How it works: The sulfates and other active ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoo help to lift the purple pigment from your hair.
- How to do it:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply the anti-dandruff shampoo, focusing on the purple areas.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to rehydrate your hair.
- Frequency: Use anti-dandruff shampoo sparingly, as it can be quite drying. Once or twice should be enough to notice a difference. Always prioritize moisturizing your hair afterward to prevent damage and breakage.
3. Wash Your Hair with a Regular Shampoo
Regular shampoo to fade purple hair is a simple and gentle method that can gradually fade the purple tones. Frequent washing with your regular shampoo will help to lift the purple pigment over time. This approach is less harsh than using clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoos, making it a good option for those with dry or damaged hair. However, it's important to choose a shampoo that isn't specifically designed for color-treated hair, as these shampoos are formulated to preserve color rather than strip it.
- How it works: Each wash will lift a small amount of the purple pigment, gradually reducing the intensity of the color.
- How to do it:
- Wash your hair daily or every other day with your regular shampoo.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp, paying attention to the areas with purple tones.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Follow up with a conditioner to maintain moisture levels.
- Frequency: You can wash your hair more frequently than usual until you achieve the desired result. Remember to use a moisturizing conditioner to combat any dryness.
4. Use a Color Remover
Color remover to correct purple hair is a more direct approach that can effectively remove unwanted pigment. Color removers are designed to break down artificial hair dye molecules, making them easier to wash away. This option is particularly useful if the purple tint is quite strong or if you need a quicker fix. However, it's essential to use color removers carefully, as they can be drying to the hair. Always choose a color remover formulated for toner, as these are gentler than those designed for permanent dyes.
- How it works: Color removers penetrate the hair shaft and break down the toner pigment, allowing it to be rinsed out.
- How to do it:
- Follow the instructions on the color remover packaging carefully.
- Apply the product evenly to your hair, focusing on the purple areas.
- Process for the recommended time.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
- Important: Always perform a strand test before applying color remover to your entire head of hair. This will help you to assess the product's effect on your hair and prevent any unexpected results.
5. Try a Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste to fade purple hair is a natural remedy that can help to lift the purple pigment. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and has bleaching properties, making it an effective DIY option for fading unwanted tones. It works by opening up the hair cuticle and helping to release the color molecules. However, it's crucial to use this method cautiously, as baking soda can be drying and potentially damaging if used excessively.
- How it works: Baking soda's abrasive properties help to lift the purple pigment from the hair shaft.
- How to do it:
- Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your hair, focusing on the purple areas.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture.
- Caution: Use baking soda sparingly, and always follow up with a deep conditioner. Avoid using this method if your hair is already dry or damaged.
6. Apply a Direct Dye
Direct dye to neutralize purple hair might seem counterintuitive, but it can be a helpful solution in some cases. If your hair has a strong purple tint, using a direct dye in a complementary color can help to neutralize it. For purple tones, a peach or light orange direct dye can help to balance out the color. This method works on the principles of color theory, where opposite colors on the color wheel neutralize each other.
- How it works: The complementary color pigments in the direct dye cancel out the purple tones, resulting in a more balanced color.
- How to do it:
- Choose a direct dye in a peach or light orange shade.
- Apply the dye to your hair, focusing on the purple areas.
- Follow the instructions on the dye packaging for processing time.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Condition your hair as usual.
- Note: Direct dyes deposit color but don't lift it, so this method is best for neutralizing unwanted tones rather than lightening the hair. Always perform a strand test to ensure you achieve the desired result.
7. Visit a Professional Hair Stylist
Professional hairstylist to fix purple hair is always a reliable option, especially if you're unsure about handling the situation yourself. A professional hairstylist has the expertise and experience to assess your hair and recommend the best course of action. They can accurately diagnose the cause of the purple tint and use professional-grade products and techniques to correct the color without causing further damage.
- Why it's a good idea: A hairstylist can provide a personalized solution tailored to your hair type and condition.
- What to expect:
- The stylist will assess your hair and discuss your desired outcome.
- They may use a color remover, toner, or other techniques to correct the purple tones.
- They can also provide advice on how to maintain your hair color and prevent future issues.
- When to choose this option: If you've tried other methods without success, or if you're concerned about damaging your hair, consulting a professional is the safest and most effective way to fix the problem.
Preventing Purple Hair After Toning
Prevention is always better than cure, so let's explore some tips to prevent ending up with purple hair in the first place. These strategies will help you achieve your desired blonde without the unwanted violet hues.
1. Strand Test Before Toning
Strand test before toning is the golden rule of hair coloring. Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head of hair. This will allow you to see how your hair reacts to the toner and prevent any surprises. A strand test is a small but crucial step that can save you from a full head of unwanted color.
- How to do it:
- Select a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, such as underneath a layer or behind your ear.
- Apply the toner to the strand, following the instructions on the packaging.
- Process for the recommended time.
- Rinse and dry the strand.
- Evaluate the color result.
- Why it's important: A strand test allows you to assess the color result, processing time, and any potential damage before committing to the entire head. This is particularly important if you have porous or damaged hair, which may absorb color more quickly.
2. Choose the Right Toner
Choosing the right toner is essential for achieving your desired shade of blonde without unwanted purple tones. Toners come in various strengths and shades, so it's important to select one that's appropriate for your hair. If your hair is already very light blonde, you might need a toner with less violet pigment. For those with warm blonde tones, a toner with a slight blue or green base can help to neutralize yellow and orange undertones without depositing too much purple.
- Consider your hair color: If your hair is already quite light, opt for a weaker toner or one with a less intense violet base.
- Read reviews: Research different toners and read reviews from other users to get an idea of their experiences.
- Consult a professional: If you're unsure which toner to choose, consult a hairstylist for advice. They can assess your hair and recommend the best product for your needs.
3. Apply Toner Evenly
Even application of toner is key to achieving a consistent color result. Uneven application can lead to patchy areas of purple, so it's important to take your time and apply the toner thoroughly. Using a tint brush can help to ensure even coverage, especially when applying toner to the roots and hard-to-reach areas.
- Use a tint brush: A tint brush allows you to apply the toner precisely and evenly.
- Work in sections: Divide your hair into small sections and apply the toner to each section, ensuring every strand is coated.
- Check your work: Use a mirror to check the back of your head and make sure you haven't missed any spots.
4. Monitor Processing Time
Monitoring toner processing time is crucial to prevent over-toning and ending up with purple hair. Toners work quickly, so it's important to keep a close eye on the processing time and rinse the toner out as soon as you achieve the desired result. Leaving the toner on for too long can lead to excessive purple deposit.
- Follow the instructions: Always follow the processing time guidelines on the toner packaging.
- Check the color: Check the color of your hair regularly during processing. If you start to see a purple tint developing, rinse the toner out immediately.
- Err on the side of caution: If you're unsure, it's better to rinse the toner out a little early than to leave it on for too long.
5. Dilute the Toner
Diluting toner to avoid purple hair can be a great way to control the intensity of the color. If you're concerned about over-toning, diluting the toner with a conditioner can help to reduce the concentration of the violet pigment. This technique allows for a more subtle and gradual toning process, minimizing the risk of unwanted purple hues.
- How to do it:
- Mix the toner with a white, silicone-free conditioner.
- Start with a small amount of toner and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
- Apply the diluted toner to your hair, following the instructions on the toner packaging.
- Monitor the processing time carefully.
- Benefits: Diluting the toner allows for a more controlled application and reduces the risk of over-toning, especially for those with highly porous hair.
Conclusion
Dealing with purple hair after toning can be frustrating, but it's a common problem with many effective solutions. By understanding the reasons behind the purple tint and following the remedies outlined in this guide, you can restore your desired hair color and prevent future mishaps. Remember, patience and caution are key when correcting hair color. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist for personalized advice and treatment. With the right approach, you can achieve your perfect blonde without the purple panic! Guys, don't let a little purple get you down – you've got this!
