Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Here’s a guide on how to keep purple hair color from fading. Also I’ve listed out a few tips on how to dye hair purple at home.
A change in the season always leaves us craving something *new*. For a few of us, it means a wardrobe overhaul, while for others, it’s about heading to an unexplored destination.
For me, it means changing my hair color. From shades of deep red to blue and even parrot green (yes!), I’ve done it all. The latest color to catch my eye is purple.
Right now, my Instagram timeline looks like a color shade card for purple, and I am loving it. So what’s stopping me from indulging, you ask?
Purple hair color requires a TON of maintenance, and I don’t fancy bi-monthly trips to the salon to keep the color intact, which is why I’ve done my research and put together this hair care guide for maintaining purple hair.
Whether you are thinking of coloring your hair or already have a head full of lavender hues, here’s everything you need to know about maintaining that purple tone.
The color purple comes with both warm and cool undertones, which means that it compliments almost every skin tone. Plus, there’s something about the hue that adds an instant touch of ‘cool’ to your overall look, right?!
Before you head to the salon, remember to deep condition your hair. I add coconut oil to my haircare routine two weeks before I go for my hair transformation appointment.
Apply a generous amount of the oil to your scalp and leave it for two hours before your hair wash.
Post shampooing, spend at least five minutes conditioning your hair. Also, use a hair mask to lock in the moisture. This routine will ensure that the damage caused to your hair is at a minimum.
How to Keep Purple Hair Color from Fading
Maintaining this color requires a lot of care, but it becomes a breeze once you recognize the correct care routine.
Invest In A Conditioning Hair Dye
Color does damage your tresses, no matter which brand you opt for or which technique you use to apply it.
It’s a good idea to pick a dye with a deep-conditioning base to add moisture to your hair cuticles while also giving you a new look.
Look for products with the word ‘conditioning’ or ‘protects hair health’ on the packaging.
Related: What Will Purple Hair Color Look Like After Fading
Pick A Darker Shade Of Purple
Lighter shades of lavender have their charm, but since your color will lose its brightness eventually, you might as well start with a deeper, darker shade.
As the color fades, your hair will turn a brilliant tone of pastel purple, letting you enjoy the transformation for a more extended period.
Wait For Three Days Before The First Shampoo
You’ve colored your hair, probably gotten a blowdry, and now your tresses look like something that belongs in a shampoo ad.
Hold on to that look. It is a good idea to wait at least three days before you shampoo freshly-dyed hair.
This allows the color to settle in and causes less washout when you shampoo your hair.
- Related: How To Care For Color Treated Hair
- Related: Which Hair Colour Fades The Least?
Invest In Sulfate-Free Shampoo And Conditioner
Sulfate is an Enemy No. 1 when it comes to hair care. While caring for your colored tresses, make sure you pick a sulfate-free option that doesn’t dry out your hair or damage your cuticles and allows your hair to retain its moisture and hold on to the color for longer.
It’s also a good idea to get your hands on purple shampoo and conditioner so that each time you wash your hair, some color goes back in.
If you cannot find purple shampoo and conditioner around you, invest in a color-depositing product and use it every three weeks. Mix parts of it with your conditioner and let it sit on your hair for an added dose of purple.
Limit Your Hair Wash To Twice A Week
Overwashing your hair is never a good idea, and when you have some color added to the mix, you want to keep the washes to a minimum.
Washing your hair twice a week is a good haircare routine and will ensure that the color fades slowly. Also, infrequent hair washes ensure that natural oil stays on your scalp and hair for longer, thus leading to a healthy mane.
Who knew not washing your hair was actually a good decision!
PS: You have dry shampoo for days when your head feels greasy!
Cold Showers Are Your BFFs
We’ve read enough articles on how a cold water rinse is excellent for your hair.
However, a 15-minute cold shower sounds like a highly uncomfortable idea, which is why I tend to break down my hair wash routine.
I use warm (never hot) water to shampoo my hair as the higher temperature allows the shampoo to work on each strand and then shift to a cold water rinse when I condition my hair.
The cold water helps lock up your hair’s cuticles, retaining the moisture and the color.
Minimize The Use Of Heat Styling Tools
You already have the ‘cool’ hair; trust me, you don’t need the damage that heat styling tools cause.
Avoid the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curlers, not only to protect your hair but also to maintain the color.
If you cannot avoid it, use one on a low-temperature setting and make sure you use generous amounts of heat protectant spray. Let your hair air dry as much as possible.
Use a Color Depositing Shampoo To Keep Refresh Color
Invest In A Cap
Protect your hair from the harsh sun with a fashionable cap or a hat. If you have a pool party lined up, trust me, your purple hair needs to be protected at all costs.
The chlorine in the pool will only mess up your beautiful color, so ensure that you always wear a shower cap.
Once you are out of the pool, rinse your hair with water to eliminate any chemicals.
Tips on How To Dye Your Hair Purple At Home
If you plan to dye your hair at home, here are some essential tips to bookmark.
- Don’t get taken in by the hair color of the model on the box. As a hair color enthusiast, trust me when I say that’s a scam. Instead, look at the color swatch on the side of the box to get a better idea of the shade.
- While it’s a good idea to pick a deeper shade of purple to ensure it lasts longer, if you are coloring at home, and especially if it’s your first time doing so, I’d say go with a lighter tone. If you mess up, you only have to hide it for a few weeks.
- If you have shoulder-length hair invest in two boxes of hair dye. It’s always a good idea to have an extra box versus running out of hair dye in the middle of a dyeing session!
- Your hair type does affect the way the color will eventually look. If your hair is coarse, curly, or frizzy, pick a warmer shade, and for fine and straight hair, pick cooler shades of purple.
- If you only wish to touch up your roots, consider using coconut oil or a hair mask on the rest of your tresses. That way, the rest of your hair doesn’t catch the color, and you can achieve the desired look.
- Stock up on hair clips that’ll let you section out your hair and distribute the color evenly.
- Don’t tie your hair up in a bun once it’s colored and you are waiting to rinse it. Trust me; it doesn’t work. Instead, leave your hair down, so the color is evenly spread. Don’t forget to put a towel around you to avoid spoiling your clothes.
- Right before you rinse the dye, sprinkle a little water on your head and give yourself a gentle head massage for a few seconds. This helps to emulsify the color.
- If you hate the color, here’s a little tip. Immediately apply a deep conditioner to your damp hair, and then cover your head with a hot, damp towel. Leave it for 20-30 minutes. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair; don’t forget the conditioner. The color will look lighter, and if you are lucky, most of it will wash out soon. If you still hate it, head to a salon.
Final Thoughts on How To Take Care Of Purple Hair Color
Use the right shampoo and conditioner to avoid damaging your hair and keep the color on for longer.
Here are some expert-approved (fellow purple hair lovers) products you can invest in.
From dark amethyst to light lavender, you have a lot of choices when it comes to coloring your hair purple.
Bookmark these hair care tips, and be ready to take care of your mane before you plunge into that purple haze. I am convinced, and I hope you are too.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
How to make purple hair dye turn to lavender
How To Remove Purple Hue From Purple Shampoo Out Of Hair
How Long Does Pink Hair Dye Last
To Summarize
