So, you’re ready to take the plunge and transform your locks into a vibrant shade of purple? Dyeing your hair at home can be an exciting and empowering experience. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle lavender hue or a bold, electric violet, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and steps you need to achieve your desired purple hair transformation. We’ll cover everything from preparing your hair to choosing the right purple dye, applying it like a pro, and maintaining that stunning color.
Understanding Purple Hair Dye and Your Hair
Before you dive into the dyeing process, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of purple hair dye and how it interacts with your hair. Purple dyes are often semi-permanent or demi-permanent, meaning they don’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as permanent dyes. This also means they typically fade faster, requiring more maintenance.
The Hair Color Spectrum: Why Pre-Lightening Matters
One of the most important factors affecting the outcome of your purple hair is the existing color of your hair. Purple dye shows up best on light hair. If you have dark hair, you’ll likely need to lighten it before applying the purple. Dark hair contains a lot of melanin, which will prevent the purple pigment from truly showing. Think of it like trying to draw on a black canvas with a purple marker – the purple won’t be very visible.
The lighter your hair, the more vibrant and true-to-tone your purple will be. For pastel purples like lavender, you’ll need a very light blonde base, ideally level 9 or 10. For darker, more saturated purples, a level 7 or 8 might suffice. If you’re unsure about your hair’s current level, consult a professional stylist or use a hair color level chart as a visual guide.
Choosing the Right Shade of Purple
Purple comes in a vast array of shades, from cool-toned violets to warm-toned plums and even muted lavenders. Consider your skin tone when choosing a purple shade. Cool-toned purples tend to complement cool skin tones, while warm-toned purples often flatter warmer complexions.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can find countless inspiration online through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Search for different purple hair looks and see what resonates with you. Pay attention to how the purple interacts with different skin tones and hair textures.
Consider the underlying tones of the dye. Does it lean towards blue (cool) or red (warm)? This will affect how it looks on your hair and how it fades over time. Also, read reviews of different purple dyes to see what other users have experienced in terms of color payoff, longevity, and ease of application.
Preparing Your Hair for Purple Dye
Proper preparation is key to achieving vibrant and long-lasting purple hair. This involves assessing your hair’s condition, taking steps to minimize damage, and gathering all the necessary supplies.
Assessing Your Hair’s Condition
Before you even think about touching that purple dye, take a good look at your hair. Is it dry, damaged, or brittle? Has it been recently permed, relaxed, or chemically treated? If your hair is already compromised, dyeing it could cause further damage. Consider postponing your dye job until your hair is in better condition. Use deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to strengthen your hair before coloring.
A strand test is an excellent way to gauge how your hair will react to the dye. Apply a small amount of the purple dye to a hidden strand of hair (e.g., underneath) and leave it on for the recommended time. This will give you a preview of the final color and help you identify any potential problems before you commit to dyeing your entire head.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having all your supplies ready before you start dyeing your hair will make the process much smoother and less stressful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Purple hair dye: Choose a high-quality dye that suits your desired shade and hair type.
- Developer (if using permanent or demi-permanent dye): Use the volume recommended by the dye manufacturer.
- Bleach (if pre-lightening): A bleach kit suitable for your hair type and desired level of lift.
- Mixing bowl and applicator brush: Avoid using metal bowls or utensils, as they can react with the dye.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from staining.
- Old towel: To protect your clothing.
- Hair clips: To section your hair.
- Petroleum jelly or barrier cream: To protect your hairline and ears from staining.
- Shampoo and conditioner (color-safe): For washing your hair after dyeing.
- Deep conditioner: To replenish moisture after dyeing.
- Timer: To keep track of the processing time.
- Mirror: To see the back of your head.
- Optional: Hair toner: To neutralize unwanted brassy tones after bleaching.
Pre-Lightening Your Hair (If Necessary)
If your hair is dark, you’ll need to pre-lighten it to achieve a vibrant purple. This is a crucial step, and it’s important to do it carefully to minimize damage.
-
Choose the right bleach: Opt for a bleach kit specifically designed for hair lightening. Follow the instructions carefully and use the correct developer volume for your hair type and desired level of lift. Lower developer volumes cause less damage.
-
Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. This will ensure even application of the bleach.
-
Apply the bleach: Start applying the bleach to the roots, as they take longer to lighten. Work your way down to the ends.
-
Monitor the lightening process: Check your hair every few minutes to see how it’s lightening. Don’t leave the bleach on for longer than the recommended time.
-
Rinse and tone (if necessary): Once your hair has reached the desired level of lightness, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. If your hair has any brassy tones, use a toner to neutralize them.
Applying the Purple Dye
Now comes the fun part – applying the purple dye! This is where your preparation and attention to detail will pay off.
Protecting Your Skin and Clothing
Before you even open the dye, protect your skin and clothing. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining. Wear an old towel or a salon cape to protect your clothing.
Mixing the Dye (If Necessary)
If you’re using a permanent or demi-permanent dye, you’ll need to mix it with the developer. Follow the instructions on the dye packaging carefully. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush to mix the dye until it’s smooth and creamy.
Applying the Dye Evenly
Section your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. Start applying the dye to the roots, working your way down to the ends. Use the applicator brush to ensure that the dye is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
-
Work Quickly: Once the dye is mixed, work quickly to apply it to your hair. The dye starts processing as soon as it’s mixed, so you want to ensure that it’s evenly distributed before it starts to develop.
-
Saturate Your Hair: Make sure that every strand of hair is completely saturated with the dye. This will ensure even color distribution and prevent patchy results.
Processing Time and Rinsing
Once you’ve applied the dye to all of your hair, cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap. This will help to keep the dye warm and prevent it from drying out.
-
Follow the Instructions: Follow the processing time instructions on the dye packaging. Don’t leave the dye on for longer than the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
-
Rinse Thoroughly: After the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Caring for Your Newly Dyed Purple Hair
Maintaining your purple hair is crucial to keeping it vibrant and healthy. Purple dye tends to fade quickly, so it’s important to take steps to prolong the color and prevent damage.
Washing Your Hair Less Frequently
Washing your hair less frequently will help to prevent the purple dye from fading. Try to wash your hair only two or three times a week.
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Use a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle on your hair and will help to preserve the color.
- Sulfate-Free Formulas: Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the color from your hair.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage your hair and cause the purple dye to fade faster. Try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray.
Deep Conditioning Regularly
Deep conditioning will help to replenish moisture and prevent damage. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week.
Touching Up Your Roots
As your hair grows out, you’ll need to touch up your roots. Use the same purple dye that you used initially to touch up your roots.
Maintaining Vibrancy: Color Depositing Conditioners and Masks
Consider using a color-depositing conditioner or hair mask in a similar purple shade to refresh your color between dye jobs. These products deposit small amounts of pigment into your hair, helping to maintain vibrancy and prevent fading.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your vibrant purple hair for weeks to come! Dyeing your hair at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With proper preparation and care, you can achieve salon-worthy results without breaking the bank.
What type of purple hair dye should I choose for my hair type and desired result?
Choosing the right purple hair dye depends heavily on your current hair color and desired intensity. For virgin or light blonde hair, a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye will likely achieve a vibrant, true purple with minimal damage. If you have darker hair, you’ll need to lighten it significantly with bleach before applying any purple dye to ensure the color shows up properly. Consider the undertones of the purple you want; cool purples with blue undertones tend to look best on cool skin tones, while warmer purples with red undertones can complement warmer skin tones.
Permanent dyes offer the most lasting color but can be more damaging, especially if your hair is already processed. Semi-permanent dyes fade quicker but are gentler, making them a good choice for experimenting or maintaining vibrant color. Demi-permanent dyes offer a middle ground, depositing color without significantly altering the hair structure and providing a slightly longer-lasting result than semi-permanent options. Always read reviews and consider consulting a hairstylist if you’re unsure which type is best for your specific needs.
How much should I lighten my hair before applying purple dye?
The amount you need to lighten your hair depends entirely on its natural color and the shade of purple you desire. If you have naturally light blonde or very light brown hair, you might not need to bleach it at all, especially if you’re aiming for a pastel or muted purple. However, for darker hair colors like dark brown or black, bleaching is essential to achieve a vibrant, true purple hue.
Generally, you should aim to lighten your hair to a level 8 or 9 on the hair color scale for a true purple result. A level 8 is a pale yellow, and a level 9 is a very pale yellow. If your hair is too dark, the purple dye will likely turn out muddy or barely visible. Undertones from your natural hair color can also affect the final result, so ensuring a clean, even lift is crucial for achieving the purple you envision.
What precautions should I take to protect my hair during the dyeing process?
Protecting your hair during the dyeing process is paramount to minimize damage and maintain its health. Before you even touch the dye, do a strand test to check for allergies or unwanted reactions and to assess how your hair will take the color. Invest in high-quality products designed for color-treated hair, including a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, to prevent premature fading and dryness.
Apply a deep conditioning treatment a few days before and after dyeing your hair to replenish moisture and strengthen the strands. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip away the dye and natural oils. When styling, use heat protectant spray before using any hot tools like straighteners or curling irons, as heat can further damage color-treated hair. Limiting sun exposure can also help prevent the color from fading quickly.
How can I prevent the purple dye from staining my skin?
Preventing skin stains is an essential part of a successful at-home hair dyeing experience. Before starting, apply a barrier cream like petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, ears, and neck. This will create a protective layer that prevents the dye from directly adhering to your skin, making it much easier to remove any stray color later. Wear gloves throughout the entire process to protect your hands from staining.
If you do get dye on your skin, act quickly to remove it. Use a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in makeup remover, rubbing alcohol, or even dish soap to gently scrub away the stain. For stubborn stains, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Remember to be gentle and avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your skin.
How often should I re-dye my hair to maintain the purple color?
The frequency of re-dyeing your hair depends on the type of dye you used and how quickly your hair grows. Semi-permanent dyes typically fade within a few weeks, requiring more frequent touch-ups, perhaps every 2-4 weeks, to maintain vibrancy. Demi-permanent dyes last a bit longer, often around 6-8 weeks before needing a refresh. Permanent dyes offer the most lasting color but might still require root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks as your natural hair grows in.
Beyond the type of dye, your hair care routine also plays a significant role in how long the color lasts. Washing your hair less frequently with sulfate-free shampoo, using color-safe conditioners, and avoiding excessive heat styling can all help extend the life of your purple hair color. Listen to your hair and observe when the color starts to fade or the roots become too noticeable to determine the best re-dyeing schedule for you.
What are some tips for avoiding common mistakes when dyeing hair purple at home?
One common mistake is not doing a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. A strand test allows you to see how the color will look on your hair and check for any allergic reactions or unexpected results. Another frequent error is not adequately preparing your hair. This includes not washing your hair 24-48 hours before dyeing it (to allow natural oils to protect your scalp) and not protecting your skin and clothing from stains.
Failing to follow the instructions on the dye box is another common pitfall. Different dyes have different application times and processes, so it’s essential to read and adhere to the instructions carefully. Over-processing your hair by leaving the dye on for too long or bleaching it unnecessarily can lead to damage and breakage. Finally, not properly rinsing the dye out can leave residue that causes the color to fade faster or stain your pillowcases.
What are some styling tips to make purple hair look its best?
Purple hair is a statement, and styling it well can enhance its impact. Consider your skin tone when choosing clothing colors; purples tend to pair well with neutral shades like gray, black, and white, as well as complementary colors like yellow and green. Experiment with different textures; sleek, straight styles can showcase the color’s vibrancy, while waves and curls add dimension and movement.
Hair accessories can also elevate your purple hairstyle. Silver and gold tones complement purple hair beautifully, whether it’s in the form of hair clips, headbands, or jewelry. Don’t be afraid to try bold makeup looks with your purple hair. A pop of color on your lips or eyes can create a cohesive and eye-catching look. Remember, confidence is key, so wear your purple hair with pride and embrace its unique beauty.