Purple hair is no longer a trend relegated to the fringes of society. It’s become a mainstream statement, embraced by everyone from celebrities to everyday individuals looking to express their unique personality. But the question remains: how does this vibrant hue play out on the most common hair color – brown? And more importantly, can purple truly “take on” brown hair, creating a stunning and wearable look?
The Allure of Purple Hair: Why It’s Trending
Purple, with its rich history and diverse shades, holds a unique appeal. Historically associated with royalty and spirituality, purple evokes feelings of creativity, mystery, and individuality. In the beauty world, it’s a color that allows for incredible personalization. From delicate lavender to deep plum, there’s a purple shade to suit nearly every skin tone and personal style.
The rise of social media has undoubtedly fueled the purple hair trend. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with inspiring images of purple transformations, making it more accessible and less intimidating for people to experiment with. Hair color products have also evolved, making it easier and safer to achieve vibrant purple shades at home or in a salon.
Brown Hair as the Perfect Canvas
Brown hair, often considered a neutral base, presents both challenges and opportunities when it comes to adding purple. Unlike blonde hair, which readily absorbs most colors, brown hair typically requires a bit more preparation to achieve a true and vibrant purple. However, this also allows for greater nuance and dimension.
The depth of brown hair (light, medium, or dark) significantly impacts the final result. Lighter brown shades will naturally show purple more vibrantly, while darker browns might require lightening to achieve the desired intensity. This is where understanding hair undertones and color theory becomes crucial.
Purple Shades for Brown Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
The beauty of purple lies in its versatility. With countless shades available, finding the perfect purple for brown hair is a matter of understanding which tones complement your complexion and desired aesthetic.
Light Purple Hues: Lavender and Lilac
Lavender and lilac are soft, pastel purples that offer a whimsical and ethereal look. These shades work best on lighter brown hair, as they require a relatively light base to truly shine. On darker browns, they may appear muted or barely visible without pre-lightening.
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones with cool undertones.
Style Tip: Pair with soft, romantic hairstyles like loose waves or braids.
Medium Purple Tones: Amethyst and Orchid
Amethyst and orchid are mid-range purples that strike a balance between vibrancy and subtlety. These shades are generally flattering on a wider range of brown hair colors and skin tones. They add a pop of color without being overly dramatic.
Best for: Medium to olive skin tones with neutral or warm undertones.
Style Tip: Experiment with ombre or balayage techniques to create dimension.
Dark Purple Shades: Plum and Eggplant
Plum and eggplant are deep, rich purples that exude sophistication and elegance. These shades work beautifully on dark brown hair, adding depth and dimension without requiring extensive lightening. They can even enhance the natural warmth of brown hair.
Best for: Olive to deep skin tones with warm or cool undertones.
Style Tip: Opt for all-over color or strategically placed highlights for a subtle effect.
Vibrant Purple Options: Electric Purple and Violet
Electric purple and violet are bold, intense purples that make a statement. These shades require a significant level of lightening, especially on dark brown hair, to achieve their true vibrancy. They’re perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones with cool undertones (exercise caution with warm undertones).
Style Tip: Commit to regular touch-ups to maintain the intensity of the color.
Techniques for Achieving Purple Hair on Brown Hair
The method used to apply purple to brown hair significantly impacts the final outcome. The choice depends on the desired intensity, longevity, and overall aesthetic.
All-Over Color: A Bold Transformation
An all-over purple color is a dramatic and eye-catching choice. This technique involves saturating the entire head of hair with purple dye, creating a uniform and vibrant look. It’s best suited for those who are committed to the color and are willing to invest in regular maintenance.
On darker brown hair, achieving an all-over purple often requires pre-lightening the hair to a lighter shade, typically a level 7 or 8. This process can be damaging to the hair, so it’s crucial to consult with a professional stylist who can minimize damage and ensure an even lift.
Highlights and Lowlights: Adding Dimension and Depth
Purple highlights and lowlights are a more subtle way to incorporate purple into brown hair. Highlights add pops of purple to brighten the hair, while lowlights add depth and dimension. This technique is ideal for those who want to experiment with purple without committing to a full head of color.
Highlights and lowlights can be achieved using various techniques, such as balayage, foil highlighting, or chunky highlights. Balayage offers a more natural and blended look, while foil highlighting provides more precise and controlled placement.
Ombre and Balayage: Gradient Color Melting
Ombre and balayage are popular techniques that create a seamless transition between brown roots and purple ends. Ombre involves a more defined color change, while balayage offers a softer and more gradual blend.
These techniques are particularly flattering on long hair, as they showcase the gradient effect beautifully. They also require less maintenance than all-over color, as the roots remain brown, minimizing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Purple Streaks: A Playful Pop of Color
Purple streaks are a fun and edgy way to add a pop of color to brown hair. This technique involves strategically placing individual strands of purple throughout the hair, creating a playful and dynamic look.
Streaks can be achieved using various methods, such as temporary hair color, hair chalk, or permanent dye. Temporary options are ideal for those who want to experiment with purple without making a long-term commitment.
The Importance of Pre-Lightening
As mentioned earlier, pre-lightening is often necessary to achieve vibrant purple results on brown hair. The darker the brown hair, the more lightening is typically required. However, pre-lightening can be damaging to the hair, so it’s essential to take precautions.
Consulting a Professional: A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition and determine the best lightening strategy to minimize damage.
Using Quality Products: Invest in high-quality lightening products that are designed to be gentle on the hair.
Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to replenish moisture and repair damage.
Maintaining Purple Hair on Brown Hair
Maintaining purple hair, especially on brown hair, requires consistent care and attention. Purple dye tends to fade quickly, especially when exposed to sunlight, heat, and frequent washing.
Washing Your Hair Less Frequently
Washing your hair less often helps to preserve the color and prevent it from fading too quickly. Aim to wash your hair only two or three times a week.
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair and help to prolong the life of your purple color.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals and Heat Styling
Harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, can strip the hair of its color. Avoid products that contain these ingredients. Also, minimize the use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, as heat can cause the color to fade.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
The sun’s UV rays can cause purple hair to fade quickly. Wear a hat or scarf when spending extended periods of time in the sun. You can also use hair products that contain UV protectants.
The Verdict: Can Purple Take on Brown Hair?
The answer is a resounding yes! Purple can absolutely take on brown hair, creating stunning and personalized looks. The key is to choose the right shade of purple for your skin tone and hair color, and to use the appropriate techniques to achieve the desired intensity.
With careful planning, proper execution, and consistent maintenance, you can transform your brown hair into a vibrant and head-turning masterpiece. Whether you opt for a subtle pop of purple or a bold all-over color, embracing the purple hair trend is a fantastic way to express your individuality and add a touch of magic to your look.
What shades of purple work best on brown hair?
The best shades of purple for brown hair depend largely on the base shade of brown and the desired intensity. For darker brown hair (levels 1-3), deeper, richer purples like plum, eggplant, or violet tend to show up best without requiring extensive bleaching. These shades create a subtle, yet noticeable tint that enhances the brown tones with a cool, mysterious vibe.
For lighter brown hair (levels 4-6), more vibrant purples like lavender, lilac, or amethyst can be considered. These pastel and brighter shades will still require some lightening, but the process won’t be as harsh as trying to achieve the same result on darker hair. Opting for a balayage or ombre technique can also help incorporate lighter purples while maintaining dimension and minimizing damage.
Will purple hair dye damage my brown hair?
Yes, any hair dye, including purple, can potentially cause damage to brown hair. The extent of the damage depends on several factors, including the type of dye used (permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary), the strength of the developer (if any), and the overall health and condition of your hair. Permanent dyes generally require the use of a developer to open the hair cuticle and deposit color, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends.
To minimize damage, consider using semi-permanent or temporary purple dyes, especially if you are experimenting with the trend or have already damaged hair. These types of dyes deposit color on the surface of the hair without significantly altering its structure. Also, prioritize using high-quality hair products specifically designed for color-treated hair, and incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to maintain moisture and elasticity.
How can I maintain purple hair on brown hair?
Maintaining purple hair on brown hair requires careful attention to prevent fading and keep the color vibrant. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners is crucial, as sulfates can strip the color and dry out your hair. Wash your hair less frequently, ideally only two or three times a week, to minimize color loss. When you do wash, use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can also cause the dye to fade more quickly.
Incorporate color-depositing conditioners or purple shampoos and conditioners into your hair care routine to refresh the color between dye jobs. These products contain pigments that help to counteract fading and maintain the purple hue. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using UV-protectant sprays, as sunlight can also cause color to fade. Finally, avoid using heat styling tools excessively, as the heat can damage the hair and cause the purple color to dull.
What are some purple hair color techniques for brown hair?
Several techniques can be used to incorporate purple into brown hair. Balayage is a popular choice, as it allows for a gradual transition of color, creating a natural and dimensional look. This technique involves hand-painting the purple dye onto sections of the hair, typically focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Ombre is another option, which involves a more defined transition from brown to purple. This technique is ideal for those who want a bolder, more dramatic look. Highlights or lowlights can also be used to add subtle pops of purple throughout the hair, creating a multi-tonal effect. For a more all-over color, a full head of purple dye can be applied, but this may require more maintenance and potential for damage.
How much does it cost to get purple hair on brown hair?
The cost of getting purple hair on brown hair can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the salon’s location, the stylist’s experience, the complexity of the desired look, and the type of dye used. A simple ombre or balayage with purple accents may cost anywhere from $100 to $300, while a full head of purple color, especially if it requires significant lightening, can range from $200 to $500 or more.
Home dyeing kits offer a more affordable option, typically costing between $10 and $30. However, it’s important to consider the potential risks of DIY dyeing, such as uneven color, damage to the hair, and difficulty achieving the desired shade. If you’re unsure about the process or want a specific look, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist to ensure the best results and minimize potential damage.
Are there temporary purple hair options for brown hair?
Yes, several temporary purple hair options are available for those who want to experiment with the trend without committing to permanent dye. Hair chalk is a popular choice, as it’s easy to apply and washes out with shampoo. Hair chalk comes in a variety of shades and can be used to create streaks or highlights of purple. It’s a great option for a one-night event or a quick color change.
Another option is hair wax or hair mascara, which can be applied to individual strands or sections of hair to add a temporary purple hue. These products typically wash out easily with shampoo and provide a more vibrant color payoff than hair chalk. For a more subtle effect, tinted hair sprays can be used to lightly coat the hair with a purple tint. These temporary options are ideal for those who want to try out the purple hair trend without the commitment or potential damage of permanent dye.
What should I tell my stylist when asking for purple on brown hair?
When consulting with your stylist about adding purple to your brown hair, clarity is key. Start by showing them inspirational photos of the exact shade and placement of purple you desire. Be specific about whether you want a balayage, ombre, highlights, or a full head of color. Discuss your hair’s current condition, including any previous chemical treatments, to help the stylist assess the best approach and minimize potential damage.
Also, communicate your desired level of commitment and maintenance. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, a balayage with a more natural transition may be a better choice than a full head of vibrant purple that requires frequent touch-ups. Ask about the type of dye they plan to use, the lightening process (if any), and the recommended aftercare routine to ensure you can maintain the color and keep your hair healthy. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express any concerns you may have before proceeding with the treatment.