Achieving a vibrant purple hue from a naturally dark or previously dyed black base can be a rewarding but challenging process. It requires patience, the right products, and a solid understanding of hair coloring principles. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you minimize damage and maximize color payoff when dyeing your hair from black to purple at home.
Understanding the Process: Why Black to Purple is Tricky
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand why transitioning from black to purple is more complex than simply applying purple dye. Black hair contains a high concentration of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. To achieve a visible purple, you need to lighten the hair enough for the purple pigments to deposit effectively. This often involves bleaching, which can be damaging if not done correctly.
Think of it like painting a wall: if you want a light color to show up on a dark wall, you need to prime it first. Bleach acts as the primer, lifting the dark pigments to create a lighter base. The lighter the base, the brighter and more vibrant your purple will be.
Assessing Your Hair’s Condition and Setting Expectations
The most critical step is assessing your hair’s current condition. Is it dry, brittle, damaged from previous coloring, or relatively healthy? The health of your hair will dictate how aggressively you can lighten it and how many sessions it might take.
If your hair is already damaged, consider delaying the process and focusing on repairing it with deep conditioning treatments, protein masks, and minimizing heat styling. Compromising your hair’s health for immediate color gratification will likely lead to breakage and ultimately hinder your desired outcome.
Realistic expectations are also essential. Achieving a light, pastel purple from black hair in a single session is highly unlikely and incredibly damaging. Be prepared for multiple lightening sessions spaced several weeks apart. Darker, more jewel-toned purples are easier to achieve with fewer lightening sessions.
Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
Having all your supplies ready before you start is crucial. This prevents frantic trips to the store mid-process, which can be messy and stressful. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Bleach Powder and Developer: Choose a bleach powder appropriate for your hair type and desired lift. Developer strength (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) is critical. Start with a lower volume (20 or even 10) to minimize damage, especially if your hair is already compromised.
- Purple Hair Dye: Select a high-quality purple hair dye, either semi-permanent, demi-permanent, or permanent, depending on your desired longevity and color intensity. Read reviews and research brands known for their vibrancy and staying power.
- Toner: A toner helps neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones after bleaching, creating a cleaner base for the purple dye. A purple-based toner is ideal for counteracting yellow tones.
- Mixing Bowl and Applicator Brush: Use a non-metallic bowl and a dedicated applicator brush for even product distribution.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh chemicals with gloves.
- Old Towels and Clothing: Bleach and dye can stain, so wear old clothes and use dark-colored towels.
- Hair Clips: Sectioning your hair makes the application process easier and more thorough.
- Petroleum Jelly or Barrier Cream: Apply this to your hairline and ears to prevent staining.
- Deep Conditioner or Hair Mask: Essential for replenishing moisture and repairing damage after bleaching.
- Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: These will help prolong the life of your purple color.
- Optional: Hair Scale or Precision Measurement Tools: This guarantees the right mixture.
The Strand Test: A Non-Negotiable Step
Before applying any product to your entire head, perform a strand test. This allows you to assess how your hair reacts to the bleach and dye, determine the processing time required, and evaluate the final color result.
Select a small, inconspicuous section of hair (e.g., underneath layers at the nape of your neck). Apply the bleach mixture and dye according to the product instructions. Monitor the strand closely, checking for damage or breakage. This simple test can save you from a full-head disaster.
The Bleaching Process: Lightening Your Hair Safely
Bleaching is the most critical and potentially damaging step. Proceed with caution and prioritize your hair’s health.
Preparation
- Protect your skin by applying petroleum jelly or a barrier cream to your hairline, ears, and neck.
- Section your hair into four quadrants using hair clips. This will help you apply the bleach evenly.
Mixing the Bleach
- Follow the bleach powder and developer instructions precisely. The typical ratio is 1:2 (one part bleach powder to two parts developer).
- Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Application
- Start applying the bleach to the roots, as they take longer to lift.
- Work your way down the hair shaft, applying the bleach evenly to each section.
- Avoid overlapping bleached areas, as this can lead to breakage.
- If you have previously dyed your hair, the mid-shaft and ends may take longer to lift than the roots. Apply bleach to those areas first.
Processing Time
- Monitor the color lift every 10-15 minutes. Do not exceed the maximum processing time recommended by the bleach manufacturer.
- The goal is to lift your hair to a pale yellow or blonde shade, depending on the desired purple intensity. For pastel purples, you’ll need a lighter base than for deeper, jewel-toned purples.
Rinsing and Toning
- Once your hair has reached the desired level of lift, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Apply a toner to neutralize any remaining brassy or yellow tones. Follow the toner instructions carefully.
- Rinse the toner with cool water.
Deep Conditioning
- After bleaching and toning, your hair will be dry and vulnerable. Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair.
- Leave the deep conditioner on for at least 20 minutes, or as directed on the product label.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Applying the Purple Hair Dye: Achieving Your Desired Shade
Once your hair is lightened and toned, you’re ready to apply the purple hair dye.
Preparation
- Ensure your hair is clean and dry.
- Protect your skin and clothing as you did during the bleaching process.
Application
- Apply the purple hair dye evenly to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
- Use an applicator brush to ensure thorough coverage.
- Massage the dye into your hair to ensure even distribution.
Processing Time
- Follow the dye manufacturer’s instructions for processing time.
- For more intense color, you can leave the dye on for a longer period, but be mindful of potential damage.
Rinsing and Conditioning
- Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear.
- Apply a conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Maintaining Your Purple Hair: Keeping Your Color Vibrant
Maintaining your purple hair requires ongoing care to prevent fading and keep your hair healthy.
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner: Sulfates can strip the color from your hair.
- Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Over-washing can cause the color to fade faster. Try washing your hair every other day or even less often.
- Use Cool Water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing the color to escape.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can damage your hair and cause the color to fade. Use heat protectant spray if you must use heat styling tools.
- Use Color-Depositing Conditioners or Masks: These can help refresh your purple color and keep it vibrant.
- Protect Your Hair from the Sun: UV rays can fade your hair color. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Keep your hair moisturized to prevent dryness and breakage.
- Touch Up Your Roots: As your hair grows, you’ll need to touch up your roots to maintain an even color.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, you may encounter some challenges during the dyeing process. Here’s how to address some common issues:
- Uneven Color: This can be caused by uneven bleach application or different porosity levels in your hair. You may need to re-bleach or re-dye certain sections to even out the color.
- Brassy Tones: If your hair is still too brassy after bleaching, use a stronger toner or repeat the toning process.
- Hair Damage: If your hair becomes dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, focus on repairing it with protein treatments and deep conditioning masks.
- Color Fading: Use color-depositing products and follow the maintenance tips above to prolong the life of your purple color.
- Allergic Reactions: If you experience any itching, burning, or swelling, stop the process immediately and consult a doctor. Always perform a patch test before applying any new product to your hair.
Choosing the Right Purple Shade
The best purple shade for you depends on several factors, including your skin tone, eye color, and personal preference.
- Cool Skin Tones: Icy, lavender, and violet purples tend to complement cool skin tones.
- Warm Skin Tones: Rich, jewel-toned purples like plum and amethyst look great on warm skin tones.
- Neutral Skin Tones: You can pull off a wide range of purple shades.
- Darker Skin Tones: Deep, vibrant purples like eggplant and indigo are particularly striking on darker skin tones.
Consider your eye color as well. Purple hair can enhance your natural eye color, making it appear more vibrant.
Transitioning from black to purple hair at home is a commitment that demands thorough planning and diligent execution. By prioritizing the health of your hair, understanding the process, and following these detailed steps, you can achieve stunning results and enjoy your vibrant purple locks. Remember that patience is key and professional help is always an option if you feel overwhelmed or unsure.
What should I consider before attempting to dye my hair from black to purple at home?
Before embarking on this color transformation, assess the health and condition of your hair. Bleaching is essential to lift the dark pigment, and this process can be damaging, especially to already weakened or dry hair. Consider performing strand tests to evaluate how your hair reacts to bleach and purple dye before applying it to your entire head. Additionally, reflect on your desired shade of purple. Lighter purples require more intense bleaching, while deeper shades might be achievable with less aggressive lifting.
Furthermore, gather all necessary supplies in advance. This includes bleach, developer, a toner (if needed to remove brassiness after bleaching), your chosen purple hair dye, gloves, a mixing bowl, applicator brush, protective clothing, deep conditioner, and purple shampoo and conditioner for color maintenance. Having everything readily available will streamline the process and minimize the risk of mistakes. It’s also crucial to understand that dyeing dark hair to a vibrant color like purple often requires multiple bleaching sessions spaced a few weeks apart to avoid excessive damage.
How much bleaching is required to transition from black to purple hair?
The amount of bleaching required depends entirely on the darkness and tenacity of your natural hair color, as well as the desired intensity of your purple. Dark black hair typically necessitates multiple rounds of bleaching to reach a pale yellow or even platinum blonde, the ideal base for vibrant purple shades. Lighter purples, pastels, and even some medium shades require a lighter base, while darker, deeper purples might be achievable with a slightly less lifted base.
Monitor your hair closely during each bleaching session to prevent over-processing. It’s recommended to start with a lower volume developer (like 20 or 30 volume) and gradually increase if necessary. Remember, patience is key. Trying to rush the process with a high-volume developer can lead to severe damage, breakage, and uneven color results. If you are unsure about the process, consulting a professional colorist is always the safest option.
What type of purple hair dye should I choose?
The type of purple hair dye depends on the look you are going for and how long you want it to last. Semi-permanent dyes are a great option for experimenting with different shades of purple, as they gradually wash out after several shampoos. These dyes don’t contain ammonia or peroxide, making them gentler on the hair but less permanent. They are perfect for those who want a commitment-free way to try out purple.
Demi-permanent dyes offer a longer-lasting color than semi-permanent but are still less damaging than permanent dyes. They contain a low-volume developer that opens the hair cuticle, allowing the color to penetrate deeper. Permanent dyes provide the most long-lasting color and are best for those who want a permanent purple hue. However, they can be more damaging to the hair due to their higher ammonia and peroxide content. Consider factors like hair health and desired longevity when choosing the right type of dye.
How can I minimize damage during the bleaching and dyeing process?
Prioritizing the health of your hair is paramount when undergoing a significant color change. Start by deep conditioning your hair regularly in the weeks leading up to the bleaching process. This will help strengthen and hydrate your strands, making them more resilient to chemical damage. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible to prevent further weakening.
During the bleaching and dyeing process, use a low-volume developer, like 20 or 30 volume, and avoid leaving the bleach on for longer than necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. After bleaching and dyeing, deep condition your hair again to replenish moisture. Consider using protein treatments to help repair any damage. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners will also help preserve the color and prevent further damage.
What is toning and why might I need it after bleaching?
Toning is a process that neutralizes unwanted undertones in bleached hair. After bleaching, hair often has yellow or orange brassy tones. A toner works by depositing complementary colors (like purple or blue) to cancel out these warm tones, creating a cleaner, more even base for your desired purple shade.
If you want a vibrant, true purple, toning is often essential, especially if your hair still has significant yellow tones after bleaching. Without toning, the purple dye may mix with the yellow and result in a muddy or less vibrant color. Choose a toner specifically designed for bleached hair, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning, which can lead to unwanted color casts.
How do I maintain my purple hair color and prevent fading?
Maintaining the vibrancy of your purple hair requires dedicated care. First and foremost, switch to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates can strip away the color, causing it to fade quickly. Invest in purple shampoo and conditioner, which deposit purple pigment with each wash, helping to counteract fading and keep the color looking fresh.
Limit how often you wash your hair. Over-washing can accelerate color fading. When you do wash, use cool water, as hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows color to escape. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using UV protectant sprays, as sun exposure can also fade the color. Deep conditioning regularly will also help keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
What if I mess up the dyeing process?
Even with careful planning, mistakes can happen during the dyeing process. If you end up with uneven color or an undesirable shade, don’t panic. Assess the damage and consider your options carefully. For minor imperfections, you might be able to correct them with a second application of dye or a targeted toner.
However, for more significant issues like over-bleached, damaged hair or a completely botched color job, it’s best to seek professional help from a hair colorist. Trying to fix it yourself without proper knowledge could exacerbate the problem and cause further damage. A professional can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action to salvage your hair and achieve your desired color while minimizing damage.