If you’ve ever had your hair bleached, you know what purple shampoo is. It’s the “magical” shampoo that removes unsightly yellow tones from your locks, leaving you with a beautiful blonde shade that’s glistening and bright. Can this same shampoo be applied to blonde extensions?
Purple shampoo can be used on hair extensions sporting an odd yellow cast. Hair extensions are more porous than your natural mane, so limiting exposure to purple shampoo is critical to fending off gray undertones. You also need to avoid contact with the extension bonds.
Are your hair extensions looking more like a banana peel than a lovely blonde shade? Then purple shampoo to the rescue! This article shares essential information on how to use purple shampoo on your extensions properly.
Who’s ready to liven up their blonde hair extensions?
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Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Hair Extensions?
Blondes have more fun – that is until their hair turns yellow. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer with yellowy blonde, whether it’s in your natural mane or your hair extensions. That’s because you can successfully use purple shampoo on hair extensions.
Things to Consider
Applying purple shampoo is a tad bit trickier and riskier on hair extensions than your normal mane. There are many important things to consider.
1. Hair Extensions Are More Porous and Can Turn Gray
The number one thing to remember is that hair extensions are far more porous than your natural strands. If you leave the purple shampoo on your extensions for too long, the hair will turn an odd gray hue.
So, it’s important not to overdo it. Never let it sit for longer than five to seven minutes, depending on the level of yellowing.
2. Purple Shampoo Shouldn’t Be Used Regularly
Purple shampoo should not replace your hair extension shampoo. That said, it should not be used daily. If you’re noticing a yellow shade in your blonde extensions, you can use the purple shampoo once a week or two times maximum.
3. Purple Shampoo Can Damage Bonds
Hair extensions are applied using some type of adhesion, whether tape, glue, or another kind of bond. When using purple shampoo, it’s crucial to keep it far away from the bond. Otherwise, it could end up ruining the bond and rendering it useless.
4. Cheaper Brands Are More Damaging
The last thing you want to do is ruin your hair extensions. After all, you likely spent a good amount of money on them! To ensure there is zero damage while using purple shampoo, you need to splurge on a high-quality shampoo like Olaplex.
While saving money and going with a cheaper product can be tempting, you’ll be doing an immense disservice to your hair extensions. Low-quality, budget-friendly purple shampoos can dry the hair and destroy the bonds.
How to Apply Purple Shampoo to Hair Extensions – Two Ways
Purple shampoo can be your magical gateway to beautiful blonde locks that are entirely yellow-free. But how do you use it? There are two methods you can try out. One works best for installed extensions, while the other works for those not yet applied.
1. Massage Method (Best for Installed Extensions)
The first technique is geared toward those who already have their extensions applied to their natural mane. However, it can be used on loose extensions, too. The process is relatively simple:
- Separate your natural hair from your extensions, if necessary.
- Pour some purple shampoo into your hands.
- Massage the purple shampoo onto your yellowish hair extensions, being careful not to apply the shampoo near the bonds.
- Allow the purple shampoo to sit on your extensions for up to five minutes or seven minutes if there is excessive yellowing.
- Rinse the hair with lukewarm water, removing all of the purple shampoos.
2. Soak Method (Best for Loose Extensions)
If you just purchased your hair extensions and notice that they have too much yellow for your liking, you can use purple shampoo to get it out. The soak method is a great way to get rid of yellows. Here’s how to do it:
- Brush the hair extensions, getting rid of tangles and mats.
- Protect the bond by wrapping it in a paper towel and securing it with a hair tie or rubber band.
- Fill a sink or large bowl with hot water and your purple shampoo. Mix until there are no clumps of shampoo left over.
- Swirl your hair extensions in the mixture, ensuring the bonds don’t get wet.
- Once the desired color is reached, rinse the hair extensions to reveal the underlying shade.
- Still too yellow? Go for another round of swirling in the mixture. Like the color? Then hang them or set them on a towel to let them dry.
What To Do if Hair Turns Gray
If you leave purple shampoo on your hair extensions for too long – whether using the massage or soak method – they can develop an unattractive gray or purple cast. If this happens accidentally, don’t panic. There’s a way to fix it.
The best way to remedy gray and purple hues is by using a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo is specifically designed to remove impurities, build-up, and, yes, unwanted shades from the overuse of purple shampoo.
However, you should only use clarifying shampoo in the event of an emergency. It should not become your day-to-day shampoo.
That’s because clarifying shampoo is notoriously drying, especially for those fragile hair extensions. So, limit the use of this shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to keep your extensions in tip-top shape. This extension conditioner is incredible and worth every penny!
FAQs
Purple shampoo? Yup – you can totally think of it as your yellow-fighting superhero sidekick. And now you know how to successfully use it on your yellow hair extensions. Want to keep learning? Here are a couple of frequently asked questions I thought you’d be interested in!
What shampoo should I use if I have extensions?
There are specialty shampoos for hair extensions, which I would recommend wholeheartedly as they’re specifically designed to encourage the health and strength of your extensions. However, any sulfate-free shampoo will work. They don’t lather up as much, but they work much better.
What happens if you use sulfate shampoo on extensions?
Sulfates will strip the hair extensions of any oils, leaving them dried-out, brittle, and lackluster. That’s because hair extensions do not produce natural oils like your real scalp and hair. Therefore, you should avoid sulfate shampoos like the plague.
Will Olaplex help my extensions?
Olaplex will definitely help your extensions. They can enhance the beauty and longevity of your hair extensions with regular use. So, don’t hesitate to add Olaplex to your beauty repertoire.
Yes, You Can Use Purple Shampoo on Hair Extensions!
Purple shampoo is the best treatment for yellowed hair extensions. You can massage the shampoo into the hair or soak them in a bowl of water and purple shampoo. Just make sure you don’t leave the shampoo on too long. Otherwise, you could end up with an odd gray undertone.
Do you use purple shampoo on your hair extensions? Do you have any advice you’d like to share with other readers? Sound off in the comments!
