So, you’re thinking of taking the plunge and slapping some vibrant purple dye over your existing orange hair? Before you reach for that bottle, let’s delve into what exactly might happen. The result is often not the beautiful, deep violet you’re hoping for. Instead, you might end up with a muddy, uneven, or simply disappointing color. Understanding the principles of color theory and hair pigmentation is crucial for achieving your desired look.
Understanding Color Theory: The Key to Purple on Orange
Color theory is the foundation for understanding how colors interact with each other. Think back to elementary school art class and the color wheel. Colors opposite each other on the wheel are complementary colors, and when mixed, they neutralize each other. Orange and blue are complementary colors. Purple is a mix of red and blue.
The Orange Issue: Why It Matters
Hair color isn’t just about the dye you apply. It’s about the underlying pigments in your hair. When you lighten hair, you go through various stages of underlying pigments. These pigments range from dark red to orange to yellow. If your hair is currently orange, it means it still retains a significant amount of warm pigment.
The Purple Problem: Neutralization vs. Enhancement
When you apply purple dye, which contains blue pigments, to orange hair, the blue in the purple will attempt to neutralize the orange. The red in the purple will try to impart a reddish-violet tone. However, because orange is a strong color, the blue pigment might not be sufficient to completely neutralize it.
Possible Outcomes: From Muddy Browns to Uneven Purples
The result of putting purple dye over orange hair is unpredictable, and it largely depends on the intensity and undertone of both the orange and the purple. Here are some possible scenarios.
Muddy Brown or Ashy Tones
One of the most common outcomes is a muddy brown or ashy tone. This happens when the blue in the purple dye successfully neutralizes some of the orange, but not entirely. You’re left with a muted, dull color that lacks vibrancy.
Uneven Color Absorption
If your orange hair isn’t uniform (i.e., some parts are more orange than others), the purple dye will be absorbed unevenly. This will result in a patchy color with some areas appearing more purple, others more brown, and some retaining a hint of orange.
A Disappointing Dark Shade
Depending on the darkness of the purple dye, you might end up with a very dark, almost black color with subtle purple undertones that are only visible in certain lighting. This is disappointing if you were aiming for a vibrant, noticeable purple.
A Subdued Plum or Burgundy Hue
In some cases, especially if the purple dye has a strong red base, you might achieve a subdued plum or burgundy hue. The orange in your hair will warm up the purple, resulting in a reddish-purple shade. This might be acceptable, but it’s unlikely to be the true purple you desired.
The Rare Success: When It Works (Sort Of)
In very rare cases, if the orange is extremely light and the purple is intensely pigmented and leans heavily toward blue, you might get away with a passable purple. However, this is highly unlikely, and it’s still not the ideal way to achieve purple hair. The purple will likely fade faster and be less vibrant than if applied to a properly prepared base.
Factors Affecting the Outcome: More Than Just the Dye
Several factors can influence the final color when you put purple dye over orange hair. Consider these elements before making your decision.
The Intensity of the Orange
The darker and more intense the orange in your hair, the more difficult it will be to achieve a true purple. A light, pastel orange will be easier to work with than a bright, vibrant orange.
The Undertone of the Purple
Purple dyes come in various undertones: blue-based, red-based, and neutral. A blue-based purple is better for neutralizing orange, but it can also turn muddy. A red-based purple is more likely to result in a plum or burgundy shade.
The Porosity of Your Hair
Porous hair absorbs dye more quickly than healthy hair. If your hair is porous, it might absorb the purple unevenly, leading to a patchy result. Damaged hair tends to be more porous.
The Quality of the Dye
High-quality dyes tend to be more pigmented and deposit color more evenly than cheaper dyes. Investing in a good quality purple dye can increase your chances of a better outcome, although it still might not achieve the desired result without proper preparation.
Previous Hair Treatments
Previous dyes, perms, relaxers, and other chemical treatments can affect how your hair absorbs color. Hair that has been heavily processed might be more resistant to color or absorb it unevenly.
The Solution: Color Correction and Preparation
So, what should you do if you have orange hair and want purple? The key is proper color correction and preparation. This usually involves neutralizing the orange tones before applying the purple dye.
Neutralizing the Orange: The First Step
The first step is to neutralize the orange in your hair using a blue-toned product. This could be a blue shampoo, a blue toner, or a blue-based hair dye.
- Blue Shampoo: Blue shampoo is a gentle way to neutralize orange tones, especially if the orange is light. It’s best used on damp hair and left on for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Blue Toner: A blue toner is a more powerful option for neutralizing orange tones. It contains a higher concentration of blue pigment and can be used to significantly reduce the orange in your hair.
- Blue-Based Hair Dye: In some cases, a blue-based hair dye might be necessary to completely neutralize the orange. This is especially true if the orange is very intense or resistant to toner.
Lightening Your Hair: Creating a Clean Canvas
If the orange in your hair is too dark to be neutralized effectively, you might need to lighten it further using bleach. This should be done carefully and gradually to avoid damaging your hair.
- Professional Bleaching: The safest and most effective way to bleach your hair is to go to a professional hairstylist. They have the knowledge and experience to lighten your hair evenly and minimize damage.
- DIY Bleaching: If you choose to bleach your hair at home, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a low-volume developer to minimize damage. Always do a strand test first to see how your hair reacts to the bleach.
Applying the Purple Dye: The Final Touch
Once your hair is properly neutralized or lightened, you can finally apply the purple dye. Choose a high-quality dye in your desired shade of purple.
- Strand Test: Always do a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. This will allow you to see how the dye looks on your hair and adjust the processing time if necessary.
- Even Application: Apply the dye evenly to your hair, making sure to saturate every strand. Use a tint brush to ensure thorough coverage.
- Following Instructions: Follow the instructions on the dye packaging carefully. Do not leave the dye on for longer than recommended, as this can damage your hair.
- Proper Rinse and Aftercare: Rinse the dye out thoroughly with cool water and apply a deep conditioner to help hydrate and protect your hair.
Maintaining Your Purple Hair: Keeping it Vibrant
Once you’ve achieved your desired purple color, it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent fading and keep it looking vibrant.
Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Regular shampoos can strip the color from your hair, causing it to fade quickly. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for dyed hair.
Avoid Washing Your Hair Too Often
Washing your hair too often can also cause the color to fade. Try to wash your hair only two or three times a week.
Use Cool Water
Hot water can open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to escape. Rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticle and prevent fading.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can also cause your hair color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you’re spending time outdoors.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like curling irons and straighteners can damage your hair and cause the color to fade. Try to minimize your use of these tools or use a heat protectant spray before styling.
When to Seek Professional Help: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
If you’re unsure about any of the steps involved in color correction and dyeing your hair purple, it’s always best to seek professional help from a qualified hairstylist. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best course of action, and ensure that you achieve your desired color without damaging your hair. Attempting a drastic color change at home without proper knowledge and experience can often lead to disappointing results and potentially damage your hair. It’s an investment in your hair’s health and your desired look. A professional can also provide you with personalized advice on how to maintain your purple hair and keep it looking vibrant.
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Why does purple dye sometimes turn orange hair into a muddy brown or worse?
Purple dye is comprised of blue and red tones, and when applied to orange hair, it attempts to neutralize the orange. However, orange hair already has a strong warm undertone. The combination of blue and red (purple) with orange often results in a muddy brown or gray. This happens because the colors are essentially mixing and creating a neutralized, but undesirable, tone. The final color depends on the specific shades of purple and orange, as well as the porosity of the hair.
The intensity of the orange is also a significant factor. If the orange is very bright or vibrant, the purple dye may not be strong enough to fully neutralize it. This leads to a less-than-ideal outcome, often resulting in a dull, uneven, or even greenish-tinged color. Pre-lightening the hair to a lighter, more neutral base is usually recommended before attempting a purple color when starting with orange.
What hair color theory principles are at play when purple dye meets orange hair?
The core principle involved is color correction using the color wheel. Purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, which implies it can neutralize yellow tones in hair. However, orange is not pure yellow; it is a mix of yellow and red. Therefore, applying purple directly to orange aims to counteract both colors simultaneously, which can be unpredictable and often insufficient, particularly if the orange is intense.
Another key principle is understanding hair’s underlying pigment. All hair, even naturally dark hair, contains warm undertones that are revealed during lightening. Orange is a common undertone, especially in darker hair. Applying purple dye without considering the intensity and specific shade of the underlying orange pigment can lead to unwanted results because the purple might not have enough pigment to fully counteract the existing warmth, leading to a muddy or unbalanced tone.
Can I use purple shampoo on orange hair to achieve a purple hue?
Purple shampoo is designed to tone blonde or lightened hair, neutralizing yellow and brassy tones, not to deposit significant purple color. The pigment in purple shampoo is relatively weak and diluted, intended only to counteract subtle brassiness. While it might slightly affect very light orange tones, it’s unlikely to turn orange hair purple. It may slightly dull the orange, but a noticeable color change is improbable.
To achieve a true purple color on orange hair, you’ll need a dedicated purple hair dye. Purple shampoo is primarily a maintenance product to prolong the life of purple or blonde hair, preventing it from turning brassy. Expecting it to completely transform orange hair is unrealistic. Its purpose is to neutralize yellow, not to impart a strong purple shade.
What is the best way to prepare orange hair for a purple dye application?
The ideal preparation involves lightening the orange hair to a pale yellow or even a very light blonde. This creates a more neutral base that allows the purple dye to deposit properly and accurately reflect its intended shade. The lighter the base, the truer and more vibrant the purple color will be. This step might require several lightening sessions, depending on the original color of your hair and the intensity of the orange.
After lightening, it is crucial to tone the hair to remove any remaining yellow tones. A toner with a violet or blue base can help achieve this. This creates an even cleaner canvas for the purple dye. Also ensure hair is in good condition before applying the purple dye. Deep conditioning treatments and protein masks can help restore moisture and strength, reducing the risk of damage during the coloring process.
What type of purple dye is best suited for orange hair after proper preparation?
After properly lightening and toning the hair, a semi-permanent or demi-permanent purple dye is generally recommended. These dyes deposit color without significantly altering the hair’s structure, making them less damaging than permanent dyes. A semi-permanent dye deposits color only on the surface of the hair shaft, while a demi-permanent dye penetrates slightly deeper, offering better longevity.
The specific shade of purple should be chosen based on the desired end result and the undertones in the hair, even after toning. For example, a purple dye with blue undertones is excellent for countering any remaining warmth and achieving a cooler, more vibrant purple. A purple dye with red undertones will create a warmer, richer purple hue. Always do a strand test to assess the color outcome before applying to the entire head.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to dye orange hair purple?
A frequent error is applying purple dye directly to orange hair without pre-lightening and toning. This often results in a muddy, dull, or uneven color, as the purple dye struggles to neutralize the strong orange tones. Another mistake is using the wrong type of purple dye. Opting for a dye that lacks sufficient pigment or isn’t formulated for color correction can lead to disappointing results.
Another common misstep is skipping the strand test. The test allows you to see how the dye will react with your specific hair color and porosity, preventing unwanted surprises on your entire head. Also, failing to adequately protect the hair during the process (using gloves, protecting the hairline) can lead to staining of the skin. Neglecting proper aftercare, such as using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, will shorten the life of the color and cause it to fade quickly.
How can I fix a purple dye job gone wrong on orange hair?
The approach to fixing a botched purple dye job depends on the severity of the issue. If the color is only slightly muddy or uneven, a color-correcting shampoo or toner with warm undertones might help to balance the tone. If the problem is more significant, such as a dark, muddy brown, a color remover might be necessary to lift the unwanted color without causing excessive damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using color removers.
Once the unwanted color has been removed, it’s crucial to re-evaluate the hair’s condition and underlying tones. You might need to lighten the hair further to create a more even base, followed by a toning treatment to neutralize any remaining unwanted tones. After the hair is properly prepared, you can re-apply the purple dye, ensuring you follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test beforehand. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a colorist if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps.
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