Dyeing Dark Brown Hair Purple: The Complete Guide

Have you always dreamt of transforming your hair from a rich shade of dark brown to a vibrant purple? While achieving this stunning hue might seem daunting, it is entirely doable with the right steps. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best methods for dyeing your hair from a dark brown base to a vivid purple, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and seeking professional help when needed.

Understanding the Process

It's crucial to understand that dyeing your hair purple from a dark brown base color may require some pre-lightening to achieve a vibrant result. For a more subtle purple tone that is visible under sunlight, a deposit-only violet dye without pre-lightening can be an option.

Permanent Purple Dye

For a permanent purple hair color that closely mimics your natural hair shade, you can use a violet-based color formula. However, the results will be limited to the current shade of your hair. For more drastic changes, a temporary purple dye can be applied, but it will last for only 1–3 washes.

L-89 High-Lift Color

One exception to this rule is the L-89, a high-lift color formula by Schwarzkopf. This unique blend of purple and red can give you a more vibrant magenta hue, though not a true purple. Due to its highly potent nature, it is essential to consult a professional before attempting to dye your hair with L-89 at home. This professional hair dye requires a specific chemical developer and should never be attempted by novices.

Confidence in Your Target Color

When considering your target color, keep in mind that achieving a true purple from dark brown hair will depend on your starting shade. If your hair is naturally black, purple cannot be achieved without bleaching. However, some shades of dark brown can take on a purple or a dark black/purple hue, depending on the dye used.

Impact of Bleaching

For a darker purple or more vibrant shades, bleaching your hair can be the answer. However, it's important to remember that extremely dark purple hues, such as those that can only be seen in extreme sunlight, might still result in a very dull effect. Proper preparation and professional guidance are crucial to achieving the desired outcome.

Personal Experience with Dark Brown to Blue to Purple

I once experimented with dyeing my darkest brown hair blue, and the results were remarkable. Although it was barely noticeable to most people, a one-inch girl could see the difference in bright sunlight. To achieve this, I first had to bleach my hair, a process I undertook at home. Despite my initial skepticism, I consulted multiple YouTube tutorials and carefully followed the procedure. The results were stunning; my hair turned a dark bluish-purple and stayed healthy even after repeated dyeing processes.

Steps for Pre-Lightening

Pre-lightening your dark brown hair can significantly enhance the vibrancy of your purple dye. If you plan to achieve a deeper purple, you'll need to bleach your hair to remove the underlying brown tones. This process should be done by a professional for safety and optimal results. Your hair care products should also be adjusted accordingly, incorporating purple-specific shampoo and conditioner to maintain the color.

Conclusion

Transforming your dark brown hair into a striking purple hue is not only achievable but can be a transformative experience. With the right preparation, either through pre-lightening or by using the right dye, you can achieve the vivid purple you've always dreamed of. Remember, the key to success lies in the correct application and consistent use of the right hair care products. So, whether you want a subtle and stunning hue or a bold and vibrant purple, the journey is one worth embarking on.