Brown hair is a versatile canvas, but when it comes to vibrant colors like purple, achieving the desired effect can be tricky. Many wonder, “Does purple hair dye actually show up on brown hair?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it depends on various factors that we’ll explore in detail. Let’s delve into the world of hair color, undertones, and the best methods to get that perfect purple hue on your brown locks.
Understanding Hair Color Levels and Undertones
Before diving into the specifics of purple dye, it’s crucial to understand hair color levels. Hair color is categorized on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the darkest black and 10 being the lightest blonde. Brown hair typically falls between levels 3 and 6. The darker your hair, the more difficult it will be for any dye, especially a vibrant color like purple, to show up vividly.
Undertones also play a significant role. These are the underlying colors that contribute to the overall appearance of your hair. Brown hair can have warm (red, orange, gold), cool (blue, violet, ash), or neutral undertones. Warm undertones can affect how purple dye appears, potentially pulling more reddish or plum. Cool undertones provide a slightly better base for true purple shades.
The Challenge of Purple on Brown Hair
Purple, being a vibrant color, requires a lighter base to truly shine. Applying purple dye directly to dark brown hair often results in a subtle tint, a muted plum shade, or no noticeable color change at all. This is because the dark pigments in brown hair overpower the purple pigments. The darker the hair, the less visible the purple will be.
Think of it like painting on a canvas. A dark canvas will obscure a light color. Similarly, dark brown hair will dilute the vibrancy of purple dye.
Factors Affecting Purple Visibility
Several factors impact how purple dye shows up on brown hair:
- The Darkness of Your Brown Hair: As mentioned, the darker your hair, the less visible the purple.
- The Type of Purple Dye: Different purple dyes have varying intensities and pigment concentrations. Some are specifically formulated for darker hair.
- Hair Porosity: Porous hair absorbs dye more readily than hair with low porosity. Damaged hair tends to be more porous.
- Application Technique: Proper application, including thorough saturation, is crucial for optimal color deposit.
- Developer Volume (if applicable): If using a permanent or demi-permanent dye, the developer volume influences the lifting power and color intensity.
Achieving Purple Hair on Brown Hair: Methods and Techniques
If you’re determined to get purple hair despite having brown locks, here are several methods you can consider:
Pre-Lightening or Bleaching
The most effective way to ensure vibrant purple on brown hair is to pre-lighten it. This involves using bleach to lift the natural pigment from your hair, creating a lighter base for the purple dye to adhere to.
- Spot Tests: Always perform a strand test before bleaching your entire head. This helps assess how your hair reacts to the bleach and determines the appropriate processing time.
- Choosing the Right Developer: Select a developer volume appropriate for your hair’s darkness and desired level of lift. Lower volumes (10 or 20) are gentler but lift less, while higher volumes (30 or 40) lift more but can cause damage.
- Toning After Bleaching: After bleaching, your hair may have brassy or yellow tones. Using a toner can neutralize these tones and create a cleaner base for the purple dye.
- Professional vs. DIY: Bleaching can be damaging to hair. If you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist.
Using Purple Dyes Formulated for Dark Hair
Some hair dye brands offer purple dyes specifically formulated for dark hair. These dyes contain a higher concentration of pigments and may include lifting agents to help the color show up on darker bases.
These dyes often contain stronger pigments designed to deposit color effectively on darker strands without pre-lightening. However, the results may still be more subtle than on pre-lightened hair. Expect a rich, deep purple rather than a pastel or neon shade.
Trying Temporary or Semi-Permanent Dyes
Temporary and semi-permanent dyes deposit color on the surface of the hair shaft, rather than penetrating it deeply like permanent dyes. These options can be a good choice if you want to experiment with purple without committing to a long-term color change or bleaching.
While they won’t provide the same vibrancy as permanent dyes on pre-lightened hair, they can create a visible tint or subtle purple sheen, especially in sunlight. These dyes are also less damaging to the hair.
Balayage or Ombre Techniques
If you’re hesitant to bleach your entire head, consider balayage or ombre techniques. These involve lightening only sections of your hair, typically the ends or face-framing pieces, and then applying purple dye to the lightened areas.
This allows you to achieve a pop of purple without significantly altering your natural hair color. Balayage and ombre can also create a beautiful gradient effect.
Choosing the Right Purple Shade
The specific shade of purple you choose will also affect how it shows up on brown hair. Deeper, more pigmented purples tend to be more visible than pastel or diluted shades.
- Darker Purples: Think shades like plum, eggplant, or deep violet. These are more likely to show up on darker brown hair, even without pre-lightening.
- Bright Purples: Bright purples like electric purple or violet require a lighter base to truly pop. They may still show up as a tint on darker hair.
- Pastel Purples: Pastel purples like lavender or lilac require very light blonde hair to be visible. They won’t show up on dark brown hair without significant lightening.
Maintaining Your Purple Hair Color
Once you’ve achieved your desired purple shade, proper maintenance is essential to keep it looking vibrant and prevent fading.
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on colored hair and help prevent the dye from washing out.
- Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Excessive washing can strip the dye from your hair. Try to wash your hair only when necessary.
- Use Cold Water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows dye to escape. Rinse your hair with cold water to help seal the cuticle and preserve the color.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools can damage the hair and cause the color to fade. Use heat protectant products if you must use heat.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep your hair healthy and hydrated, which helps the color last longer.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Before embarking on your purple hair journey, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and considerations:
- Hair Damage: Bleaching can cause significant damage to the hair, especially if done incorrectly. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to hair dye ingredients. Always perform a patch test before applying dye to your entire head.
- Uneven Color: If your hair is unevenly porous, the dye may not take evenly. This can result in patchy or uneven color.
- Fading: Purple dye is known to fade quickly, especially when exposed to sunlight and heat.
- Cost: Achieving and maintaining purple hair can be expensive, especially if you go to a professional stylist.
Conclusion
So, does purple hair dye show up on brown hair? The answer, as we’ve explored, is nuanced. While it’s challenging to achieve vibrant, true purple on dark brown hair without pre-lightening, there are definitely ways to incorporate purple hues into your brunette locks. Consider your hair’s darkness, undertones, and condition, and choose the method and shade that best suit your needs and goals. Always prioritize hair health and consider consulting a professional stylist for optimal results. With careful planning and execution, you can rock that purple hair you’ve always dreamed of.
FAQ 1: Will purple hair dye show up on my naturally dark brown hair without bleaching?
Generally, purple hair dye, especially vibrant or pastel shades, will have difficulty showing up on dark brown hair without pre-lightening. The dark pigments in your natural hair will overpower the purple, resulting in a subtle tint or no noticeable color change. While some highly pigmented, dark purple dyes might impart a slight purple sheen in certain lighting, a true vibrant purple is unlikely to be achieved.
However, if you’re aiming for a subtle, dark purple tint or a plum-like hue, a highly pigmented dark purple dye designed for dark hair might work. Look for dyes specifically formulated to deposit color effectively on darker bases without bleach. Keep in mind that the result will be much more muted and less vibrant than the color shown on the dye box, which typically depicts results on pre-lightened hair.
FAQ 2: What level of bleaching is required to achieve a vibrant purple on brown hair?
To achieve a vibrant, true-to-tone purple on brown hair, you’ll typically need to lift your hair to a level 7 or 8. This means your hair needs to be a yellow or pale yellow shade after bleaching. The lighter your base, the brighter and more accurate the purple will appear. Darker bases can lead to muddy or dull purple tones.
Remember that bleaching can cause damage, so it’s crucial to assess your hair’s health beforehand. Consider consulting a professional stylist for bleaching, especially if you’re inexperienced. They can evaluate your hair’s condition and use appropriate products and techniques to minimize damage while achieving the desired level of lift. Always prioritize the health of your hair throughout the process.
FAQ 3: What type of purple dye works best on brown hair that has been bleached?
After bleaching your brown hair to a suitable level (7 or 8), you have several options for purple hair dye. Semi-permanent dyes are a popular choice as they deposit color without developer and gradually fade with each wash. These are generally less damaging and allow you to experiment with different purple shades more easily. Direct dyes fall under this category as well.
Demi-permanent dyes, which use a low-volume developer, can also be used, particularly if you want the color to last longer than a semi-permanent dye. However, these can be slightly more damaging. Avoid permanent dyes unless you are also trying to cover grey, as they contain harsh chemicals that are not necessary for just depositing color. Consider the longevity and potential damage when selecting a dye.
FAQ 4: How can I maintain my purple hair color on brown hair that has been bleached?
Maintaining vibrant purple hair on bleached brown hair requires consistent effort. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for dyed hair. These products are designed to be gentler and help prevent color fading. Wash your hair less frequently, opting for dry shampoo in between washes to prolong the vibrancy of the color.
Furthermore, minimize heat styling, as heat can accelerate color fading. When using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray. Consider using a purple shampoo or conditioner periodically to deposit pigment and refresh the color. Avoid sulfates in your hair products, as these can strip the color. Sun exposure can also fade hair color, so wearing a hat or using UV protectant sprays is recommended.
FAQ 5: Can I use box dye to achieve purple hair on brown hair?
While it’s possible to use box dye to achieve purple hair, especially on pre-lightened brown hair, proceed with caution. Box dyes can be unpredictable and often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. The color result might not be as expected, and the quality of the dye might be lower than professional-grade products.
If you choose to use box dye, carefully follow the instructions and perform a strand test beforehand to assess the color result and potential damage. Opt for dyes specifically designed for pre-lightened hair, and consider the color’s longevity. Remember that professional-grade dyes offer more control over the color outcome and tend to be less damaging. Consulting a stylist is always the best option for optimal results and hair health.
FAQ 6: What are some alternatives to bleaching for achieving purple on brown hair?
If you’re hesitant to bleach your brown hair, there are some alternatives to consider, though they may not achieve a vibrant purple. You can try using hair wax or hair makeup in purple shades. These products coat the hair shaft with color and wash out easily. They are ideal for temporary looks or experimenting with purple without commitment.
Another option is to use a dark purple hair dye specifically formulated for dark hair. These dyes contain concentrated pigments designed to deposit color effectively on darker bases without pre-lightening. The result will be a more subtle, toned-down purple, such as a plum or eggplant shade, rather than a vibrant, bright purple. Consider these alternatives if you want to avoid bleaching altogether.
FAQ 7: How can I fix a purple hair dye job that went wrong on my brown hair?
If your purple hair dye job didn’t go as planned on your brown hair, the solution depends on the specific issue. If the color is too dark or muddy, you can try using a clarifying shampoo to help fade the color slightly. Avoid using harsh shampoos, as these can damage your hair. A color remover might also be an option, but use it cautiously and follow the instructions carefully.
If the color is uneven or patchy, you might need to reapply the dye to the areas that need more color. If the color is completely wrong or you’re unhappy with the overall result, consulting a professional stylist is recommended. They can assess the damage and correct the color using professional techniques and products, ensuring a better outcome and minimizing further damage to your hair. They might suggest a color correction process or a different dye application method.