Most rainbow-colored dyes, including purple shades, are semi-permanent or temporary, which means they will not lighten your hair when you apply them. Because of this, they may not show up as well on dark hair. Bleaching may not be safe for your hair if it’s been previously colored or chemically treated. Also, if your hair is very thick or dark, it may take several bleaching sessions before you get the color you desire. If any of these are true for your hair, consult a stylist before attempting to bleach at home.
The amount of coconut oil you need will depend on your hair thickness and length. Start with a pea-size amount, then use more if needed.
It may be helpful to have an extra pair of gloves nearby in case yours tear.
Do not mix bleach in a metal bowl, as it could create a chemical reaction.
If you only want a few purple streaks, you only need to bleach those areas.
If your hair isn’t the color you wanted, you’ll need to wait a few weeks before you bleach it again. In the meantime, deep condition your hair frequently to keep it as healthy as possible. If you’re happy with the color, you can proceed to the purple dye. Since most purple dyes are non-toxic, you can apply them immediately after you bleach your hair.
Many temporary and semi-permanent dyes should be applied to clean hair, so a thick conditioner might interfere with your hair’s ability to absorb the purple hue.
This will create a purplish base that will help your color show up better. The final result will depend on your hair’s color and texture, but if you use a highly-pigmented purple dye over this base, you should get a deep, rich purple hue. Keep in mind that using a box dye may be cheaper, but a color correction with a professional stylist will be expensive if you don’t like your results.
You might also want to keep a damp towel nearby to clean up any spills.
There’s no need to condition your hair. Conditioner seals your hair’s cuticle, so you don’t need to apply it until after rinsing out the dye. If your hair tangles easily, you can use a small amount of a lightweight conditioner. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly.
You can also use coconut oil or even a thick moisturizer.
If your hair is short and thin, you might only need to divide it into 2 sections in the front and 2 in the back. However, if you have very long, thick hair, you might need to clip your hair into 8 or more sections. It’s important to comb your hair before you dye it, since tangles could make the dye go on unevenly.
With most semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes, there’s no mixing required. Unless the instructions state otherwise, all you have to do is open the container and apply the color to your hair. If the dye came in a bottle, you may need to squeeze it into a bowl if you want to use a brush. Keep in mind the bowl may get stained. Some people prefer to dye from back to front, since the back of your hair takes longer to accept color.
For instance, you might dye just the underside of your hair, or just your bangs.
This is a fun way to try out a bold color without committing to an all-over look.
If you don’t have plastic wrap or a shower cap, you don’t have to use them. However, this will help lock in the heat from your scalp, which can help the dye penetrate deeper into your hair, helping it last longer. A plastic grocery bag will also work as a cover for your hair.
Do not use clarifying shampoo to wash your purple hair, as it will strip the color. Sulfate-free shampoo is best for color-treated hair. If you don’t want to use vinegar, you don’t have to, but it may help your new hair color last longer.
If your hair gets oily between washes, use dry shampoo to help keep it looking clean.
Many drugstores and supermarkets now carry affordable sulfate-free shampoos.
Don’t forget to rinse your conditioner with cool or cold water!
Many semi-permanent dyes contain rich conditioners, so they can actually make your hair healthier when you use them, as opposed to permanent dyes, which contain harsh chemicals.
