Are you ready to master the art of color canceling? With just a few tried-and-true techniques, you can create stunning visual results by playing with colors and discovering what cancels out purple.
But what color cancels out purple? What can you do when you no longer want your purple hair dye? Which home remedies will help you cancel out the purple tones? Click to find out!
How Does Color Cancellation Work In Hair Care?
Understanding color theory and the hair color wheel is essential when it comes to knowing what color cancels out purple hair or any other hair color mishap.
The color wheel works based on complementary colors, which are colors that sit opposite each other on the wheel.
These complementary colors neutralize each other, helping to eliminate any unwanted hues in your hair.
For example, if you want to neutralize the purple in your hair, you would use a color kit in the opposite color on the color wheel.
In the case of purple hair, this would be yellow or orange, depending on the specific shade of purple. Applying a toner or color in that complementary shade will help to cancel out the purple tones.
One option to cover purple hair is to use a blue color or toner, as blue tones can work well in neutralizing the purple.
This is because blue pigment has cool tones that can help to minimize the impact of the purple.
However, be mindful of the specific shade of blue that you select, as using a blue color can sometimes result in a greenish tint if not executed correctly.
When it comes to color cancellation, always err on the side of caution and know that it might take some trial and error before you reach the desired color result.
How To Use The Color Wheel For Hair Color Correcting
So, you’ve dyed your hair purple, and it’s not quite what you expected. Maybe it’s too dark, too light, or has a strange tint. Don’t worry! You can use the color wheel to your advantage to correct your purple hair color.
The color wheel works by showing you which colors are opposite each other, and these opposite colors can neutralize or cancel each other out. In the case of purple hair color, the opposite color on the wheel is yellow.
If you have light purple hair, try using a yellow or orange color to neutralize the purple tones in your hair. For dark purple hair, blue and purple colors can help create a balance or lighten your color result.
When trying to correct your purple hair, you might want to consider using a color or toner that focuses on canceling the unwanted tones.
For instance, if your hair has a strong blue tone, and you want to achieve a lighter shade of purple or even a brown color, using a yellow toner can help cancel out the blue tones.
If you’re dealing with brassy or orange tones in your hair, consider using a blue toner to neutralize these unwanted shades.
A blue toner or color will help counteract the orange tones and give you a more balanced, neutral color result.
To utilize the color wheel effectively:
- Determine the color in your hair that you want to correct (e.g., blue tones, yellow tones, or orange tones).
- Identify the opposite color on the color wheel that cancels out the unwanted color.
- Choose a color or toner within the opposite color range to neutralize the unwanted tones.
- Apply the chosen color or toner according to the product instructions for best results.
Why Is Purple Hair Dye So Hard To Remove?
Purple hair dye is notoriously hard to remove because of the combination of pigments, which can be difficult to break down.
Purple itself is actually a mixture of red and blue pigments, so when it’s applied to hair it may require different processes to remove these colors completely.
To make matters worse, most purple dyes contain additional pigment additives that add depth and intensity.
The more complex the combinations used in the dye formula, the harder it will be for the chemicals required for removal to undo them properly.
Given time and patience, though, any purple dye can eventually be removed from your hair – but expect a long process with multiple treatments if you want truly successful results.
What Color Cancels Out Purple?
The answer lies in color theory: yellow or orange can cancel out purple.
This is because they are complementary colors, meaning they are opposite each other on the hair color wheel.
If you want to neutralize the purple pigment in your hair, consider using yellow or orange toner.
This can help neutralize the shade of purple in your hair, leaving you with a new color. Alternatively, you can also try dyeing your hair with a yellow or orange-based hair color to counteract the purple tones.
Sometimes, you might want your purple hair color to be a lighter shade of purple. In this case, you can mix a lighter shade of purple with your existing hair color.
This can be achieved by using a lighter purple dye or by lightening your current color with a color remover or bleach.
If you’re looking for a more drastic change, think about dyeing your hair with a blue or green hair color.
These colors can create a stunning contrast and help both the original purple shade and the new color stand out.
When choosing this route, think about how the colors will blend together to ensure they complement each other.
To lighten your hair color and remove the purple pigment, consider using a color remover or bleach before applying a new color.
Does Baking Soda Take Purple Out Of Hair?
While baking soda can lighten the color of dyed hair, it cannot directly remove purple. Baking soda works as an abrasive agent that scrubs away some of the outer layer of dyed hair.
This process strips away small amounts of dye molecules, which lightens the overall color and helps to fade out parts with more intense colors such as purple hues.
Therefore, while baking soda will not take your purple right away in one application, repeated use may help to lighten the shade over time and eventually wash it out completely.
This process should be done carefully as too much baking soda can damage your scalp and leave your hair feeling dry and brittle.
For best results, mix baking soda with a moisturizing conditioner or a dilute vinegar solution before applying to damp hair and leaving on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
Will Vinegar Get Rid Of Purple Color Dye?
While vinegar is not a miracle solution, it may help to lighten the unwanted color over time, especially if the hair dye is temporary.
Vinegar works by breaking down the dye molecules, allowing them to be rinsed out more easily. To use vinegar to remove purple from your hair, simply mix one part water with one part white vinegar.
Apply the mixture to your hair, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before rinsing your hair thoroughly with warm water.
This method might not provide instant results, and multiple applications may be needed, particularly for more stubborn or permanent hair dyes.
Be patient with this process, as it is a gentle, natural alternative to chemical dye removers that can damage your hair.
Another tip to enhance the vinegar treatment is to add hydrogen peroxide to the mix.
Massage it into your hair after applying the vinegar solution, then wrap a towel around your head, allowing it to sit for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing your hair and shampooing as usual.
Which Home Remedies Help To Remove Purple From Hair Color?
If you have purple in your hair and want to remove it, there are several home remedies to help you get rid of the unwanted color. These methods are gentle on your hair and can be easily done with household items.
One effective method to remove purple from your hair is using a mixture of baking soda and water.
Create a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water, then apply it to the purple dye in your hair.
Leave the paste on for 15 minutes before rinsing your hair thoroughly with warm water. This process may need to be repeated for the desired effect.
Another option is using anti-dandruff shampoo. This shampoo is known for its strong cleaning properties and can help fade the purple dye.
To use this method, simply wet your hair and work the shampoo into a lather. Leave the shampoo on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
You may need to repeat this process multiple times until the purple color fades.
Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can also be used to remove the purple from your hair. Mix equal parts lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, then apply the mixture to your hair.
Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse your hair with warm water. The acidity in these ingredients will help break down the purple dye and fade the color.
Using a purple shampoo may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually help neutralize and remove the purple from your hair. Purple shampoo is designed to combat brassiness and yellow tones in blonde hair.
However, when used on purple hair, it can also remove the purple dye over time. Apply the purple shampoo to your wet hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Be sure to use the shampoo sparingly, as using too much may deposit more purple color in your hair.
Can Brown Hair Dye Cancel Out Purple Hair Dye?
Yes, brown hair dye can cancel out purple hair dye. The first step is to figure out what lighter shade of brown would work best with your natural hair color and the current color of your purple-dyed hair.
It will take a few applications to completely cancel out the purple and transition into a warm or neutral brown tone.
Make sure not to use a black box dye, as this will be too dark for the desired effect.
Once you decide on the right shade of brown, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner so that there are no oils or product left in your scalp.
Thoroughly towel dry your strands and begin applying the brown dye from mid-lengths downward towards ends. If you used an at-home kit for coloring purposes, follow the directions carefully and resist rinsing until time has elapsed accordingly. This process should be repeated every two weeks until you reach desired results.
If you go to a professional hairdresser, they’ll evaluate how much purple still remains in your hair before they decide how many washes will be needed for perfect coverage.
A gray toner may need to be applied afterward if any hints of purple remain after multiple washings with brown dye applied correctly at home or by salon professionals; this ensures an even tonal balance once all is said and done.
What Happens When You Use Blue Hair Dye To Try And Get Rid Of The Purple Dye?
When you use blue hair dye to try and get rid of the purple dye, it can be a tricky process.
From experience, the first step is to make sure your hair is healthy by using a deep conditioning mask before you attempt the color change.
Then, depending on what kind of color remover or stripping product that you are using, you will need to shampoo twice to remove all of the old purple pigment from your hair.
Once complete, we recommend doing a patch-test on a small strand of hair with the new blue dye.
This will give an idea of how much fading and tonal shift needs to be done in order for it to look blended or natural when finished.
Once this process is complete and all excess coloring has been rinsed out with cool water, it is essential for maintaining color that a professional quality conditioner be used alongside an at-home treatment every few weeks just like any other coloring service, to protect your hair from potential hair damage.
Can Color Oops Work To Change The Purple Color Of Your Hair?
Color Oops can be a great way to change the purple color of your hair. The product is designed to remove unwanted tones in the hair while leaving your original color untouched, so it can work to cancel out your purple.
To use Color Oops, simply apply it to dampened hair and leave it in for 20-30 minutes depending on how intense you want the results to be.
After rinsing out the product, your purple should have been lifted, but you may need multiple applications with regular maintenance if you want more permanent results.

Summary
Color cancellation is an art that takes practice. To achieve the desired color, you need to understand the hair color wheel and identify the complementary colors to your current hue; in this case, yellow or orange can cancel out purple.
Home remedies such as lemon juice, baking soda, anti-dandruff shampoo, and vinegar may help to remove purple from your hair over time.
Brown hair dye can also be used to cancel out unwanted purple tones; however, it might take several applications for best results.
Finally, a gray toner can be applied after multiple washings with brown dye to ensure an even tone and coverage throughout your hair.