Dark Purple Hair: How to Dye It at Home in 5 Steps

Are you ready to transform your look with gorgeous dark purple hair? This bold and trendy color choice has been taking the beauty world by storm, and for good reason! Dark purple hair adds mystery, depth, and a touch of edginess to any style. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune at the salon to achieve this stunning look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of dyeing your hair dark purple at home. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy the convenience of transforming your locks on your own schedule. Follow these 5 easy steps for flawless, salon-quality dark purple hair results that will turn heads wherever you go!

What You’ll Need for Dark Purple Hair

Before diving into the coloring process, gather all your supplies. Having everything ready will make your dark purple hair journey smooth and stress-free!

Hair Dye

Choosing the right dark purple hair dye is crucial for achieving your desired shade. Here are some top options:

• Arctic Fox Purple Rain (semi-permanent, vegan)
• Manic Panic Deep Purple Dream (semi-permanent, vegan)
• L’Oréal Colorista Purple (semi-permanent)
• Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Dark Intense Purple (permanent)
• Splat Midnight Amethyst (semi-permanent)

For beginners, semi-permanent dyes are more forgiving and less damaging to your hair. If you want longer-lasting results, permanent dyes are your best bet.

Tools

Having the right tools on hand will make your dark purple hair dyeing process much easier:

• Plastic gloves (to prevent stained hands)
• Application brush (for precise color application)
• Mixing bowl (preferably plastic, not metal)
• Hair clips (to section your hair)
• Old towel and t-shirt (dye can stain fabrics)
• Petroleum jelly (to apply around hairline to prevent skin staining)
• Timer (to track processing time)

Pre-Treatment

Properly preparing your hair will help the dark purple color adhere better and last longer:

• Clarifying shampoo (removes product buildup)
• Coconut oil or hair protectant (shields hair from damage)
• Deep conditioning treatment (for the week before dyeing)

Post-Dye Care

To maintain that vibrant dark purple hair color, you’ll need:

• Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo
• Color-protecting conditioner
• Leave-in conditioner with UV protection
• Purple-tinted shampoo (to refresh color between dyes)

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Proper preparation is key to achieving stunning dark purple hair that lasts. Follow these steps to get your hair ready for color:

1. Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, natural oils, and impurities. Skip conditioner, as it can create a barrier that prevents the dark purple dye from penetrating evenly.
2. Towel-dry and then completely air-dry or blow-dry your hair. Most hair dyes work best on dry hair (but always check your specific dye’s instructions).
3. Apply petroleum jelly or coconut oil around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the dark purple dye from staining your skin. This creates a protective barrier while still allowing you to color close to the roots.
4. If you have particularly long or thick hair, consider applying a thin layer of coconut oil to your ends. This helps protect already-processed or damaged ends while still allowing color to take hold.
5. Wear an old shirt and drape an old towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes from potential dye splatters.

Step 2: Mix & Apply the Dye

Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to transform it into that gorgeous dark purple shade you’ve been dreaming of:

1. Before mixing your full dye amount, perform a patch test following the package instructions. This helps ensure you won’t have an allergic reaction to the dark purple hair dye.
2. In your plastic bowl, mix the dark purple hair dye according to the package directions. If using a permanent dye, this typically involves mixing the color with a developer. For semi-permanent dyes, you might use the product straight from the bottle.
3. Section your hair into four parts (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right) using clips to keep sections separate and manageable.
4. Starting at the back bottom section, take small 1-inch subsections and apply the dark purple dye from roots to ends. Use your tint brush for precise application, ensuring every strand is completely covered.
5. Continue working through each section methodically. For the most even color, ensure each strand is saturated with the dark purple dye.
6. Pay special attention to the roots and hairline, as these areas can be tricky to cover. Use a hand mirror to check the back of your head to ensure no spots are missed.
7. If you have very thick or long hair, ask a friend to help you apply the dye to ensure complete coverage for your dark purple hair transformation.

Step 3: Process the Color

Patience during the processing stage will ensure your dark purple hair comes out rich and vibrant:

1. Once all your hair is covered in the dark purple dye, gather it on top of your head and secure it with a clip if needed.
2. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. This prevents the dye from drying out and helps maintain consistent temperature, which can improve color absorption.
3. Set your timer according to the dye instructions. Most dark purple hair dyes process between 30-45 minutes, but this can vary by brand and whether you’re using semi-permanent or permanent color.
4. About halfway through the processing time, check a small strand to see if the color has developed to your desired dark purple intensity. If it’s not dark or purple enough, continue processing for the full recommended time.
5. For maximum color intensity, some people find that applying gentle heat with a blow dryer for a few minutes helps open the hair cuticle for better color absorption.

Step 4: Rinse & Condition

Proper rinsing and conditioning are crucial steps for locking in your beautiful dark purple hair color:

1. Rinse your hair with cool water until it runs clear, without using shampoo. Be patient, as this process may take several minutes. Avoid hot water because it can cause the color to fade more quickly; stick with cool temperatures instead.
2. Once the water runs clear, apply a generous amount of color-safe conditioner throughout your hair. This helps to seal the cuticle and lock in your dark purple color.
3. Allow the conditioner to rest in your hair for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.
4. Gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Avoid rough towel-drying, as this can cause damage and color fading. Instead, blot your hair with an old towel.
5. Apply a leave-in conditioner or color-protecting serum to add another layer of protection to your fresh dark purple hair.

Step 5: Maintain Your Color

Dark purple hair may fade over time, but with proper care, you can maintain its vibrant look between touch-ups:

1. Wait at least 48 hours before washing your newly dyed dark purple hair to allow the color to fully set into the hair shaft.
2. When washing your hair, use lukewarm or cool water along with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Hot water opens the cuticle, which causes the dark purple pigment to escape.
3. Wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week to prevent color fading. On days you don’t wash, consider using a dry shampoo if necessary.
4. Every 1-2 weeks, use a purple-tinted shampoo or conditioner to refresh your dark purple hair color and prevent it from becoming dull.
5. Touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks, or whenever you notice significant regrowth. For a unified look, apply fresh dark purple dye to your roots first, then refresh the lengths of your hair during the last 5-10 minutes of processing time.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Dark Purple Hair

Enhance your dark purple hair with these expert maintenance tips:

1. Limit the use of heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons, as they can cause color to fade more quickly. When using heat, always apply a heat protectant first.
2. Protect your dark purple hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection. Sunlight can quickly fade vibrant colors.
3. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and dye transfer. Cotton pillowcases can damage the hair cuticle and absorb color particles.
4. For healthy, shiny, and vibrant dark purple hair, deep condition once a week. Healthy hair retains color better than damaged hair.
5. Keep a small bottle of your dark purple dye mixed with conditioner in your shower to use as a color-refreshing treatment whenever your shade starts to look dull.

FAQs About Dark Purple Hair

Will Dark Purple Hair work on dark hair?

Dark purple hair can work on naturally dark hair, but the results will be subtle unless you lighten your hair first. For vibrant dark purple results on dark hair:

• Consider pre-lightening with bleach for maximum color impact
• Choose a specific dark purple dye formulated for dark hair
• For a more subtle effect, try dark purple highlights instead of all-over color
• Remember that bleaching requires skill and can damage hair, so research thoroughly or consult a professional

How long does Dark Purple Hair dye last?

The longevity of your dark purple hair depends on several factors:

• Semi-permanent dyes typically last 4-8 weeks, fading with each wash
• Permanent dyes can last 6-8 weeks before significant fading
• Your hair type and porosity affect how well it holds color (damaged or porous hair may fade faster)
• Your hair care routine dramatically impacts color longevity
• Exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water can accelerate fading

Can I dye over previously colored hair?

Yes, you can achieve dark purple hair over previously colored hair, but consider these factors:

• Going from lighter colors to dark purple is easier than covering darker shades
• If your hair is currently a vivid color, you may need to use a color remover first
• For hair with multiple colors or an uneven base, consider a protein filler before applying dark purple dye
• Previously bleached hair may absorb dark purple dye unevenly
• If your hair has been dyed black, you’ll likely need to lighten it before purple will show up

Conclusion

Achieving gorgeous dark purple hair at home is absolutely doable with the right products, preparation, and aftercare. By following these 5 simple steps—prep, apply, process, rinse, and maintain—you’ll be rocking a head-turning dark purple hair color that expresses your unique style and personality.

Remember that practice leads to improvement, and don’t feel disheartened if your first attempt isn’t precisely what you envisioned. Your dark purple hair journey is a creative process that gets easier with time!

Ready to rock dark purple hair? Tag us in your transformation photos on social media! We’d love to see how you’ve used this guide to create your own stunning dark purple look. Have questions or need personalized advice? Drop them in the comments below, and our color experts will help you achieve the dark purple hair of your dreams!