You’ve gone bold and beautiful with vibrant purple hair, but now you’re feeling the itch for a change. The question is, what color can you put over purple hair without ending up with an unexpected shade, or worse, a disastrous mess? The answer, as with most things in the world of hair color, is: it depends.
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The color you choose for your next hair makeover depends heavily on the shade of purple you’re currently sporting. Purple hair can range from the lightest lavender to the deepest indigo, each shade requiring a different approach to color correction and layering. This detailed guide will explore the best colors to use over purple hair, the potential challenges, and how to achieve your desired shade with minimal damage.
Understanding Purple Hair
The first step to choosing the right color to put over purple hair is understanding the factors influencing the ultimate outcome. Purple pigments are incredibly strong and notoriously difficult to remove completely. This is because they have a deep, complex chemical structure that clings tenaciously to the hair shaft.
Before embarking on a color change, it’s essential to understand the “base” color of your hair. This refers to the color of your hair before any dye is applied. For example, someone with naturally black hair who has dyed it purple will have a much darker base than someone with naturally blonde hair who has used a lighter purple dye.
The “Rule” of Color Theory
Color theory plays a crucial role in hair color. Color experts often use a color wheel to guide their decisions, as it helps predict how different colors will blend or clash. When choosing a color to go over purple hair, remember the following:
- Warm tones over warm tones: If your purple has warm tones (like reddish-purple), consider warm colors like reds, oranges, or even yellow-toned blondes. These shades will blend well with your existing color and create a cohesive look.
- Cool tones over cool tones: For cool shades of purple (like blue-purple), cool tones like blues, greens, or silvery blondes are a better match. Using cool tones on a cool base will minimize the risk of unwanted orange or brassy tones.
However, these are general guidelines. The best color to use over your purple hair will ultimately depend on the specific shade and the look you’re aiming for.
What Colors Can You Put Over Purple Hair?
Now, let’s dive into the most common color choices for covering purple hair:
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1. Blonde
Blonde is a popular option to cover purple, particularly lighter shades. However, it’s important to remember that the purple base will often influence the final blonde shade, leading to unexpected hues.
- Light purple: Lighter purples tend to fade more easily, making it easier to achieve blonde shades. But, you could still end up with warm, brassy tones if your natural base is darker.
- Dark purple: Darker purple shades will require more lifting and multiple bleaching sessions to get a vibrant blonde. It’s best to seek professional help if you’re going from dark purple to blonde.
2. Red
Red hues, especially those with warm undertones, can be effective in covering purple hair. The purple base will often add depth and richness to the red, creating a bolder, more vibrant look.
- Light purple: With light purple hair, a fiery red or copper tones will work well.
- Dark purple: Darker purples might require a few sessions of color correction to get a vibrant red.
3. Brown
Brown is a versatile option for covering purple hair, offering a more subtle and natural look. However, just like with blonde, the outcome will depend on the initial shade of purple:
- Light purple: Lighter shades of purple might only need a toner to achieve a soft, natural brown.
- Dark purple: Darker purples will require color correction and multiple sessions to achieve a richer brown, but it’s worth the effort for a beautiful, subtle change.
4. Black
Black is the ultimate color for covering any prior hair color, but it’s important to use caution. Applying black dye over purple can lead to a muddy, blue-black effect. If you’re going for a dramatic black, consider consulting a professional colorist.
5. Other Colors
While blonde, red, brown, and black are the most popular choices for covering purple hair, other colors can also work, depending on your personal preference and the existing purple shade:
- Blue: A subtle hue of blue can beautifully blend with a cool-toned purple.
- Green: Green can create a unique and interesting look when used over purple, especially for those with a darker base.
- Pink: Pink is a popular choice for those who want to keep a vibrant look while transitioning from purple.
Challenges of Covering Purple Hair
Covering purple hair isn’t always a walk in the park. Here are some potential challenges:
- Color Correction: Color correction, the process of neutralizing unwanted tones, might be necessary, especially when moving away from dark or bright purples. This usually involves multiple sessions with a colorist.
- Damage: Lifting and color correction processes can cause damage to your hair. Make sure to nourish your hair with deep conditioning treatments and use heat-protectant products before styling.
- Unforeseen Tones: Even well-intentioned color changes can result in unexpected tones. It’s essential to work with a professional colorist to minimize the risk of unwanted results.
Tips for Covering Purple Hair
Follow these tips to ensure a successful color change:
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the best color for your existing purple shade, it’s best to consult a professional hair colorist. They can assess your hair condition, base color, and desired outcome and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
- Use High-Quality Products: Opt for high-quality hair color products that are designed to work on pre-treated or previously colored hair.
- Test a Strand: Before applying any color to your entire head, test a small strand of hair to see how the color will react with your current purple shade. This will give you an idea of the final result before taking the leap.
- Be Patient: Changing hair color over purple might take multiple sessions, depending on your starting shade.
What Color Can I Put Over Purple Hair
Conclusion
Changing your hair color after rocking purple can be a fulfilling journey filled with both excitement and the occasional hiccup. Understanding your existing color, choosing the right tones, and seeking expert advice will help you achieve your desired look while minimizing the risk of unwanted tones or damage. So, go forth and embrace your next hair adventure!
