Have you ever considered adding purple highlights to your dark brown hair but felt hesitant about the process and the potential outcome? As a brunette who loves her locks, experimenting with vibrant colors like purple can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. This article documents the journey of achieving stunning purple highlights in dark brown hair, offering insights and tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.
The desire to step outside of one's comfort zone and experiment with purple highlights in brown hair is a common one. The fear of disliking the results and the uncertainty of how long it would take to revert to the original hair color can be daunting. However, with careful planning and the right approach, achieving beautiful purple highlights is within reach.
While the internet is filled with inspirational pictures of purple highlights, detailed documentation of the process is often lacking. As a blogger, I decided to document my own experience to provide a comprehensive guide for those seeking to achieve vibrant purple highlights in brown hair. Whether you choose to replicate my approach or embark on your own at-home adventure, understanding the process is key.
When working with semi-permanent hair colors, especially those with blue hues, it's important to be aware that they tend to fade quickly, typically lasting around 5-6 washes. To combat this, washing hair less frequently, using cold water, and incorporating at-home color upkeep are essential. Maintaining purple highlights in brown hair can be achieved for approximately $6-$10 per month with the right products and techniques.
To ensure the best possible outcome and avoid potential mishaps like over-bleaching, I chose to begin my purple hair journey at a salon. I researched salons in my area known for their expertise in vibrant color jobs, particularly blues, purples, and pinks. During the consultation, the stylist provided an estimate of the cost, which typically includes a base price based on the stylist's level and the chosen service, with additional charges for extra bleach or color applications.
Read also: How to Use Oribe Purple Shampoo
Thrifty Little Mom Tip: Consider getting the bleaching done at the salon and then tackling the color application at home to save money.
Contrary to some claims online, achieving truly vibrant purple hair on dark brown hair requires bleaching. Without lightening the hair, the purple will appear more like a tint, visible primarily in bright sunlight. While semi-permanent hair color depositing conditioners can offer a temporary, cost-effective way to experiment, achieving those unmistakable, rock star purple locks necessitates bleaching. The lighter the hair, the brighter the purple; the darker the hair, the harder it is to see.
When seeking inspiration, it's crucial to find pictures of individuals with similar original hair color and length to your own. For example, purple on auburn hair will differ significantly from purple on dark brown hair. By managing outcome expectations and considering your hair's unique characteristics, you can avoid disappointment.
Before heading to the salon, determine your desired style: a full head of purple, purple highlights, purple balayage/ombre, or just tips. I opted for purple highlights in a balayage style to test the waters and ensure I liked the look.
Don't hesitate to advocate for the specific hue of purple you desire. When the stylist mixes the color, request to see it on a white paper towel to gauge whether it leans towards the pink-purple or blue-purple family. Remember, your hair might not perfectly replicate a reference photo due to various factors, but you should still leave the salon with the purple hair you envisioned.
Read also: Using Purple Shampoo on Brown Hair
Be prepared for a potentially long salon visit, especially if you have long hair or are undergoing a balayage bleaching process. Depending on the amount of bleaching required and other variables, the process can take several hours. Schedule your appointment on a day when you have ample free time and consider booking an early morning slot to ensure your stylist is fresh and focused.
Before the transformation begins, take a "before" photo to capture your starting point. This will allow you to appreciate the full extent of the change once the process is complete.
In my case, we opted for a balayage bleaching process to create a natural transition of purple highlights throughout my hair. This involved applying bleach to sections of hair, leaving the roots untouched.
Throughout the bleaching process, the stylist checked different pieces of foil to monitor the level of lightness achieved. Once the desired tone was reached, the rinsing process began.
It's important to note that the hair may not bleach to the same exact level of blondeness across the entire head. This is due to natural variations in hair color, with some areas being naturally lighter or darker. Embracing these variations can enhance the finished product, adding depth and dimension.
Read also: Cool Tones for Brown Hair
After bleaching, the stylist mixed the purple color and applied it thoroughly to each section of hair. For optimal results, the color should be applied to dry hair, ensuring better saturation and less mess.
Once the color is applied, allow it to soak in for 30-40 minutes. Previously permed hair may absorb the color more quickly, requiring adjustments to the processing time.
Follow the instructions on the back of the color container for rinsing. Some recommend rinsing with cold water, while others suggest washing and conditioning the hair. Rinse until the water runs clear and no color is visible.
The moment the first piece of dry, shiny purple hair falls over your shoulder is a moment of pure excitement. The finished result, with its varying lights, darks, and hues, is a testament to the successful transformation.
To maintain the vibrancy of your purple highlights, consider using the best purple dyes for at-home upkeep. Regular touch-ups and proper hair care practices will ensure your purple locks remain stunning for weeks to come.
tags: #purple #hair #foils #on #dark #brown
