When it comes to hair color, there are endless possibilities, and experimenting with different shades can be both exciting and intimidating. One of the most frequently asked questions in the hair color community is whether it’s possible to put blonde over purple hair. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors, including the current state of your hair, the type of purple dye used, and the desired shade of blonde. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hair color and explore the possibilities of achieving the perfect blonde locks over purple hair.
Understanding Hair Color
Before we dive into the specifics of putting blonde over purple hair, it’s essential to understand the basics of hair color. Hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin present in the hair shaft. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces brown and black pigment, and pheomelanin, which produces red and yellow pigment. The combination and ratio of these two types of melanin determine the natural hair color.
When you color your hair, you’re essentially altering the melanin structure to produce a new shade. Permanent hair color uses ammonia and other chemicals to penetrate the hair shaft and deposit color. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent color, on the other hand, coat the hair shaft without penetrating it, resulting in a less permanent color change.
The Challenges of Coloring Over Purple Hair
Purple hair is a vibrant and unique color that can be challenging to work with, especially when trying to achieve a new color. The main issue with coloring over purple hair is that the purple pigment can be difficult to remove or cover up. Purple dye tends to be more stubborn than other colors, and it can leave behind a pink or blue Undertone that can affect the final result.
Another challenge is that purple hair often requires a significant amount of processing to achieve the desired shade. This can lead to damaged hair, especially if you’re using permanent color or bleach. When you try to put blonde over purple hair, you may need to use additional processing steps, which can further damage your hair.
Preparing Your Hair for the Color Change
Before attempting to put blonde over purple hair, it’s crucial to prepare your hair for the color change. This involves several steps to ensure your hair is in the best possible condition for the new color.
First, it’s essential to remove as much of the purple pigment as possible. You can use a color remover or a bleach bath to lift the purple color. However, be cautious when using bleach, as it can damage your hair, especially if it’s already been processed.
Next, you’ll need to neutralize the hair to remove any remaining purple tones. This can be done using a toner or a color corrector. A toner can help to adjust the pH level of the hair, while a color corrector can help to eliminate any unwanted tones.
Finally, it’s essential to condition and moisturize your hair to restore its natural health and shine. Use a deep conditioning treatment or a hair mask to nourish your hair and prepare it for the new color.
Choosing the Right Blonde Shade
With your hair prepared, it’s time to choose the right blonde shade. This can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to hair coloring. There are many different types of blonde shades, ranging from ash blonde to honey blonde.
When choosing a blonde shade, consider your skin tone, eye color, and natural hair color. Cool skin tones tend to look best with ash or platinum blonde, while warm skin tones look better with honey or golden blonde. If you have blue or green eyes, you may want to opt for a cooler blonde shade to bring out the color of your eyes.
It’s also essential to consider the level of lift required to achieve the desired blonde shade. If you’re going from a dark purple to a light blonde, you may need to use a significant amount of bleach or high-lift color. However, be cautious when using bleach, as it can damage your hair and cause breakage.
The Coloring Process
Once you’ve chosen your blonde shade and prepared your hair, it’s time to start the coloring process. This can be a lengthy and complex process, especially if you’re trying to achieve a significant color change.
The first step is to apply a pre-color treatment to protect your hair from damage and ensure the color takes evenly. This can be a pre-color treatment or a bond multiplier, which helps to repair and restore the hair’s natural bonds.
Next, you’ll need to apply the blonde color using a permanent or semi-permanent dye. If you’re using a permanent dye, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test to ensure the color takes evenly.
If you’re trying to achieve a lighter blonde shade, you may need to use a high-lift color or bleach. However, be cautious when using bleach, as it can damage your hair and cause breakage. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to protect your hair.
Toning and Glossing
After the coloring process, it’s essential to tone and gloss your hair to achieve the desired shade and finish. Toning can help to adjust the pH level of the hair and eliminate any unwanted tones, while glossing can add shine and depth to the hair.
There are many different types of toners and glosses available, ranging from ash to beige. When choosing a toner or gloss, consider the desired shade and finish you want to achieve. If you want a cool, ashy blonde, you may want to opt for a purple-based toner. If you want a warm, honey blonde, you may want to opt for a golden gloss.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Once you’ve achieved your desired blonde shade, it’s essential to maintain and upkeep your hair to keep it looking its best. This involves regular touch-ups, conditioning treatments, and protective styling.
To maintain your blonde shade, you’ll need to touch up your roots regularly to prevent regrowth. You can use a root touch-up spray or a permanent dye to touch up your roots.
It’s also essential to condition and moisturize your hair regularly to keep it healthy and strong. Use a deep conditioning treatment or a hair mask to nourish your hair and prevent dryness and breakage.
Finally, it’s crucial to protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling, sun exposure, and environmental factors. Use a heat protectant spray or serum to prevent damage from heat styling, and wear a hat or use a hair sunscreen to protect your hair from the sun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When putting blonde over purple hair, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is not removing enough of the purple pigment before applying the blonde color. This can result in a uneven, brassy tone that’s difficult to correct.
Another common mistake is not using the right type of blonde color. If you’re trying to achieve a cool, ashy blonde, you may want to opt for a purple-based toner. If you’re trying to achieve a warm, honey blonde, you may want to opt for a golden gloss.
Finally, it’s essential to not over-processing your hair. Over-processing can cause damage, breakage, and dryness, especially if you’re using permanent color or bleach. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to protect your hair.
In conclusion, putting blonde over purple hair is a complex process that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. By understanding the challenges of coloring over purple hair, preparing your hair for the color change, choosing the right blonde shade, and following the coloring process, you can achieve the perfect blonde locks. Remember to maintain and upkeep your hair regularly to keep it looking its best, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a successful color change. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve a stunning blonde shade that’s sure to turn heads.
Q: Can you put blonde over purple hair without damaging it?
Putting blonde over purple hair can be a challenging process, and it’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid damaging your hair. Purple hair dye can be quite stubborn, and it may require multiple processes to achieve the desired blonde shade. However, with the right approach and proper care, it’s possible to achieve beautiful blonde locks without causing significant damage to your hair. It’s crucial to consult a professional stylist who has experience in color correction and hair repair.
To minimize damage, it’s recommended to use a high-quality bleach or hair lightener specifically designed for colored hair. It’s also essential to follow a gentle and nourishing hair care routine after the coloring process. This includes using sulfate-free shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and hydrating masks to keep your hair healthy and strong. Additionally, consider using a hair repair treatment or a bonding agent to help repair and restore your hair’s natural bonds, which can be damaged during the coloring process. By taking these precautions, you can achieve the perfect blonde locks while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Q: How do I prepare my purple hair for a blonde color correction?
Preparing your purple hair for a blonde color correction requires some planning and preparation. First, it’s essential to assess the current state of your hair and determine the best course of action for achieving the desired blonde shade. This may involve removing the existing purple dye, toning the hair to neutralize any brassy tones, and then applying the blonde dye. It’s also crucial to choose a reputable and experienced stylist who can guide you through the process and help you achieve the desired results.
To prepare your hair, start by using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and impurities that may affect the coloring process. You may also need to use a color remover or a bleach to remove the purple dye, depending on its intensity and how long it’s been since you last colored your hair. It’s also essential to perform a strand test before applying any color correction treatment to ensure the desired results and to check for any potential damage or allergic reactions. By taking the time to prepare your hair properly, you can set yourself up for success and achieve the perfect blonde locks you’ve always wanted.
Q: What are the best products to use when going blonde over purple hair?
When going blonde over purple hair, it’s essential to use high-quality products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. This includes a gentle and nourishing shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, and a hydrating mask to keep your hair healthy and strong. You may also need to use a color correction treatment, a bleach or hair lightener, and a toner to achieve the desired blonde shade. Look for products that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and formulated with natural ingredients that promote hair health and vitality.
Some popular products for going blonde over purple hair include Olaplex, Wella, and L’Oréal Professionnel. These brands offer a range of products specifically designed for color-treated hair, including color correction treatments, bleaches, and toners. It’s also essential to use a bonding agent or a hair repair treatment to help repair and restore your hair’s natural bonds, which can be damaged during the coloring process. By using the right products and following a gentle and nourishing hair care routine, you can achieve beautiful blonde locks while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Q: How long does it take to go from purple to blonde hair?
The time it takes to go from purple to blonde hair can vary depending on several factors, including the intensity of the purple dye, the desired blonde shade, and the condition of your hair. In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days or even weeks to achieve the desired results. This is because removing the purple dye and achieving the perfect blonde shade can be a gradual process that requires patience, dedication, and multiple salon visits.
It’s essential to work with a reputable and experienced stylist who can guide you through the process and help you achieve the desired results. They will be able to assess your hair and determine the best course of action, which may involve multiple sessions to remove the purple dye, tone the hair, and apply the blonde dye. It’s also crucial to be patient and not to rush the process, as this can lead to damage, over-processing, and unwanted results. By taking the time to do it right, you can achieve the perfect blonde locks you’ve always wanted and enjoy healthy, vibrant hair for months to come.
Q: Can I go from purple to blonde hair at home?
While it’s technically possible to go from purple to blonde hair at home, it’s not recommended unless you have extensive experience with hair coloring and correction. Removing the purple dye and achieving the perfect blonde shade can be a complex and nuanced process that requires professional expertise and guidance. Without proper training and experience, you risk damaging your hair, causing uneven color distribution, and achieving unwanted results.
If you still want to attempt to go from purple to blonde hair at home, make sure to follow a gentle and nourishing hair care routine, and use high-quality products specifically designed for color-treated hair. It’s also essential to perform a strand test before applying any color correction treatment to ensure the desired results and to check for any potential damage or allergic reactions. However, keep in mind that going to a professional stylist is always the best option, as they have the training, experience, and expertise to help you achieve the perfect blonde locks while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Q: How much does it cost to go from purple to blonde hair?
The cost of going from purple to blonde hair can vary depending on several factors, including the length and thickness of your hair, the intensity of the purple dye, and the desired blonde shade. In general, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the process and the expertise of the stylist. This cost includes the initial consultation, the color correction treatment, and any follow-up appointments needed to achieve the desired results.
It’s essential to factor in the cost of any additional treatments or products needed to maintain your hair’s health and integrity, such as hair repair treatments, moisturizing masks, and sulfate-free shampoos. While the cost may seem high, it’s essential to invest in your hair and work with a reputable and experienced stylist who can help you achieve the perfect blonde locks. By taking the time to do it right, you can enjoy healthy, vibrant hair for months to come and avoid costly corrections or repairs down the line.
Q: How do I maintain my blonde hair after going from purple to blonde?
Maintaining your blonde hair after going from purple to blonde requires a gentle and nourishing hair care routine, as well as regular touch-ups to keep your color looking vibrant and healthy. It’s essential to use sulfate-free shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and hydrating masks to keep your hair healthy and strong. You may also need to use a color-depositing treatment or a toner to maintain your blonde shade and prevent any brassy tones from developing.
Regular trims and salon visits are also crucial to maintaining your blonde hair. This will help prevent split ends, breakage, and other forms of damage that can lead to uneven color distribution and a dull, lackluster appearance. By following a gentle and nourishing hair care routine, and working with a reputable and experienced stylist, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy-looking blonde hair for months to come. Additionally, consider using a hair mask or a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair moisturized and nourished, and to prevent any damage or dryness that can lead to color fade or brassy tones.