Are you tired of your black locks and yearning for a bold, new look? Dying your hair purple can be a thrilling way to express yourself and showcase your personality. However, transitioning from black to purple hair can be a challenging and daunting task, especially if you’re new to hair dyeing. In this article, we’ll take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to dye your hair purple from black, covering everything from preparation to maintenance.
Understanding the Challenges of Dying Black Hair Purple
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand the challenges involved in dying black hair purple. Black hair is notoriously difficult to dye, especially when trying to achieve a vibrant, pastel color like purple. This is because black hair has a lot of pigment, which can make it hard for the dye to penetrate and take hold.
The Science Behind Hair Dyeing
To understand why black hair is challenging to dye, let’s take a look at the science behind hair dyeing. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is surrounded by a layer of pigment. When you dye your hair, the dye molecules penetrate the hair shaft and bind to the keratin, changing the color of your hair.
However, black hair has a lot of eumelanin, a type of pigment that gives hair its black color. Eumelanin is a large molecule that can make it difficult for dye molecules to penetrate the hair shaft. As a result, the dye may not take hold evenly, leading to patchy, uneven color.
Preparing Your Hair for the Dyeing Process
Before you start the dyeing process, it’s essential to prepare your hair. This involves several steps, including:
Choosing the Right Products
To dye your hair purple, you’ll need to use a high-lift bleach or hair lightener to remove the existing pigment from your hair. You’ll also need a toner to achieve the desired shade of purple.
When choosing a bleach or hair lightener, look for a product that is specifically designed for black hair. These products usually contain a higher volume developer, which helps to break down the pigment in black hair.
For the toner, choose a product that is ammonia-free and contains a moisturizing ingredient like argan oil or coconut oil. This will help to nourish and moisturize your hair during the dyeing process.
Performing a Strand Test
Before you start the dyeing process, it’s essential to perform a strand test. This involves taking a small section of hair and applying the bleach or hair lightener to it. This will give you an idea of how your hair will react to the dye and help you to avoid any unexpected results.
To perform a strand test, follow these steps:
- Take a small section of hair from the back of your head
- Apply the bleach or hair lightener to the section of hair, following the instructions on the packaging
- Process the hair for the recommended amount of time
- Rinse the hair thoroughly and evaluate the results
Protecting Your Hair and Scalp
Dying your hair can be damaging, especially when using bleach or hair lightener. To protect your hair and scalp, follow these tips:
- Use a pre-dye treatment to nourish and moisturize your hair
- Apply a barrier cream to your scalp to prevent irritation
- Wear old clothes and an apron to protect your skin and clothing from stains
The Dyeing Process
Now that you’ve prepared your hair, it’s time to start the dyeing process. This involves several steps, including:
Bleaching or Lightening Your Hair
To dyeing your hair purple, you’ll need to use a high-lift bleach or hair lightener to remove the existing pigment from your hair. This will help the dye to penetrate more evenly and achieve a more vibrant color.
To bleach or lighten your hair, follow these steps:
- Apply the bleach or hair lightener to your hair, following the instructions on the packaging
- Process the hair for the recommended amount of time
- Rinse the hair thoroughly and evaluate the results
Toning Your Hair
Once you’ve bleached or lightened your hair, it’s time to tone it. This involves applying a toner to your hair to achieve the desired shade of purple.
To tone your hair, follow these steps:
- Apply the toner to your hair, following the instructions on the packaging
- Process the hair for the recommended amount of time
- Rinse the hair thoroughly and evaluate the results
Maintaining Your Purple Hair
Now that you’ve dyed your hair purple, it’s essential to maintain the color. This involves using color-protecting products and avoiding heat styling tools.
Using Color-Protecting Products
To maintain your purple hair, use color-protecting products like shampoos and conditioners. These products are specifically designed to nourish and moisturize color-treated hair, helping to keep the color vibrant and long-lasting.
Avoiding Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage your hair and cause the color to fade. To maintain your purple hair, avoid using heat styling tools or use a heat protectant spray to help prevent damage.
Conclusion
Dying your hair purple from black can be a challenging and daunting task, but with the right preparation and maintenance, you can achieve a vibrant, long-lasting color. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully dye your hair purple and maintain the color over time. Remember to always follow the instructions on the packaging, perform a strand test, and protect your hair and scalp during the dyeing process.
What are the necessary precautions I should take before dyeing my hair purple from black?
Before dyeing your hair purple from black, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. First, perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions to the dye or bleach. Apply a small amount of dye or bleach to a discreet area of your skin, such as behind your ear, and wait 24-48 hours to see if any irritation occurs. Additionally, wear protective clothing, including gloves and a plastic cape, to prevent staining your skin and clothes.
It’s also crucial to prepare your hair for the dyeing process. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, and towel-dry it to prevent excess moisture from interfering with the dye. If you have previously colored or chemically treated hair, consider consulting a professional stylist for guidance on how to achieve the best results. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of damage or complications and achieve the desired purple color.
What type of bleach should I use to achieve the best results when going from black to purple hair?
When going from black to purple hair, it’s essential to use a high-lift bleach to achieve the best results. High-lift bleach is designed to lift the hair up to 4 levels, which is necessary to remove the dark pigment from black hair. Look for a bleach that contains ingredients such as ammonia or olamine, which help to break down the pigment and lift the hair. It’s also important to choose a bleach that is specifically formulated for your hair type, whether it’s virgin, colored, or chemically treated.
Some popular types of bleach for going from black to purple hair include Olaplex, L’Oréal Professionnel Blondifier, and Wella Blondor. These bleaches are known for their high-lift capabilities and are gentle on the hair. However, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist for guidance on choosing the right bleach for your specific hair type and needs. They can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that you achieve the desired results.
How do I mix the bleach and developer to achieve the right consistency and ratio?
Mixing the bleach and developer is a crucial step in the hair dyeing process. The ratio of bleach to developer will depend on the type of bleach you’re using and the desired results. Generally, a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of bleach to developer is recommended for going from black to purple hair. This means that for every 1 part of bleach, you’ll need to mix it with 2 or 3 parts of developer.
To mix the bleach and developer, combine the two ingredients in a well-ventilated area and mix until you achieve a smooth, consistent paste. Be careful not to inhale the fumes, as they can be irritating to the lungs. The mixture should be thick enough to apply to your hair without dripping, but still thin enough to spread evenly. If you’re unsure about the ratio or consistency, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist for guidance.
How long should I leave the bleach on my hair to achieve the desired lift?
The length of time you leave the bleach on your hair will depend on the type of bleach you’re using, the desired lift, and your hair type. Generally, it’s recommended to leave the bleach on for 20-45 minutes, depending on the level of lift you need. For going from black to purple hair, you’ll likely need to leave the bleach on for the full 45 minutes to achieve the desired lift.
However, it’s essential to monitor the processing time closely to avoid over-processing, which can cause damage to your hair. Check the bleach’s instructions for specific guidelines on processing time, and perform a strand test to ensure you’re achieving the desired results. If you’re unsure about the processing time or notice any signs of over-processing, such as burning or breakage, rinse the bleach out immediately and consult a professional stylist for guidance.
What type of toner should I use to achieve a vibrant purple color?
After bleaching your hair, it’s essential to use a toner to achieve a vibrant purple color. There are several types of toners available, including purple-based toners, blue-based toners, and violet-based toners. For a vibrant purple color, look for a toner that contains ingredients such as purple dye, violet pigment, or blue pigment.
Some popular toners for achieving a vibrant purple color include Wella Color Charm T14, L’Oréal Professionnel DiaLight 9V, and Pravana Purple Toner. These toners are designed to deposit purple pigment onto the hair, creating a vibrant, long-lasting color. However, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist for guidance on choosing the right toner for your specific hair type and needs. They can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that you achieve the desired results.
How do I apply the toner to my hair to achieve an even, vibrant color?
Applying the toner to your hair is a crucial step in achieving an even, vibrant color. After bleaching your hair, apply the toner to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a tint brush or applicator bottle to apply the toner, and be sure to saturate your hair evenly.
Leave the toner on for the recommended time, usually 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of toner you’re using. Keep an eye on the processing time, as over-processing can cause the color to become too dark or uneven. After the toner has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual, and follow up with a color-depositing treatment to maintain the vibrant purple color.
How can I maintain my purple hair color and prevent fading?
Maintaining your purple hair color requires regular upkeep to prevent fading and keep the color vibrant. To maintain your purple hair color, use a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner, which will help to deposit purple pigment onto your hair with each wash. You can also use a color-enhancing mask once a week to keep the color looking vibrant and healthy.
In addition to using color-depositing products, it’s essential to avoid using hot water, which can cause the color to fade faster. Instead, use warm or cool water when washing your hair, and avoid using heat styling tools, which can also cause the color to fade. By following these tips, you can help to maintain your purple hair color and keep it looking vibrant and healthy for longer.