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It goes without saying that purple hair dyes aren’t the easiest shades to get. What’s to say your dark hair won’t turn into a flaming red mess or turn into an ugly green shade, right?
While not all hair dyes will have bad results, purple hues have several undertones, and getting the wrong shades can very much happen if you’re not too careful.
What’ll pose even more of a challenge is getting a purple dye right on black hair or brown hair without bleaching. Fortunately, turning your hair purple without bleaching or a disastrous result is possible!
In this guide, we’ll expand on this topic, and hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll be able to get gorgeous purple hair without bleaching, so keep on reading!
Table Of Contents
- Can You Dye Black Hair Without Bleach?
- How Do I Dye Dark Hair Purple?
- 1. Figure Out Your Natural Hair Shade
- 2. Prep Your Hair
- 3. Get Your Tools Right
- Best Purple Hair Dyes for Dark Hair That Work Without Bleaching
- Permanent Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair (No Bleach Required)
- Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color - Dark Intense Violet
- Semi-Permanent Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair
- Arctic Fox Vegan Semi Permanent Hair Dye
- Manic Panic - Purple Haze Hair Color
- Amethyst Purple Hair Dye
- Punky Plum Semi Permanent Conditioning Hair Color
- Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color Purple Rage
- Tips and Tricks
- Avoid the Sun
- Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners
- No Daily Washes
- Wash With Lukewarm Water
- Avoid Heat Styling
- Avoid Chlorine
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Can You Dye Black Hair Without Bleach?
Yes! Dying dark hair purple is within the realm of possibilities, and there’s a range of products on the market to help you get the perfect purple hair shade you want.
You have 3 ways to achieve this: permanent hair dye, semi-permanent dye, and temporary dye. Temporary hair dyes are the easiest ones to get, but it goes away with only one wash, and it might not give you the perfect purple hair color you desire. Alternatively, permanent and semi-permanent dyes will stay longer and provide excellent results.
How Do I Dye Dark Hair Purple?
Follow these tips below to find out how to dye your dark hair purple without bleaching:
1. Figure Out Your Natural Hair Shade
It’s essential to identify your natural hair color to know what type of result you’ll get. Dye manufacturers usually provide charts for their purple dyes so you can understand better what results to expect. Light brown hair, for instance, will react differently to black hair.
Because you’re putting a purple shade on unbleached hair, one would think that the results could be unpredictable, but this simply isn’t true.
2. Prep Your Hair
Next, you’ll need to use a strong shampoo in your hair first before applying the dye. It’s worth noting, however, that these shampoos are harsh on the hair, especially if your hair is dry as it is.
To avoid dry and brittle hair, use your favorite conditioner or a deep conditioning hair mask; this will rebalance the moisture level in your hair.
3. Get Your Tools Right
Dying black hair purple isn’t an easy process, so make sure you have hair clips, gloves, a shower cap, and your product.
Now, choosing the best hair dye is the most crucial part of the process.
Scroll on to see our best recommendations …
Best Purple Hair Dyes for Dark Hair That Work Without Bleaching
Below are the best options we’ve picked covering permanent and semi-permanent products that you can use depending on your commitment level.
Permanent Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair (No Bleach Required)
If you’re looking for a permanent purple dye, here’s the best one that works:
The Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color – Dark Intense Violet is one of the best permanent hair dyes. It works wonders with dark brown hair and darker hair colors in general, giving them an attractive dark purple shade.
Dyes, even ones without bleach, can strip hair of natural oils due to the harsh chemicals they contain. Luckily though, this product includes natural, nourishing ingredients, like shea butter, olive oils, and avocado.
What’s more, this particular purple hair color won’t fade quickly; it’ll last for more than six months. For that, experts and consumers like this permanent dye the best.
Beware, though, that some undertones, like red, tend to get sharper as you dye your hair with Garnier Nutrisse ultra color, so dying your hair brown every six months will keep the red from coming out.
Semi-Permanent Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair
Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes will last for a shorter time. Still, a semi-permanent hair color offers more flexibility, especially if you’re unsure that the purple color will look good against your skin tone.
If that’s what you’re seeking, here are our top recommendations:
Deep purple shades are the best and are often the purple color that most clients ask for at any hair salon. With this product, you can get it at home! This dye, also known as Purple Rain, works well with different base colors, so it’ll give you a deep dark purple color if you have dark, brunette hair and vibrant color as you move up the spectrum.
Ingredients are one of the main concerns for most people. Luckily, you needn’t worry about this if you dye hair purple with this product, as it contains vegan ingredients.
Also, if you’re looking for bold and extraordinary results, try pairing this dye with other colors from the brand, such as blue or burgundy.
If you want your dyed hair to have a warmer tint, this semi-permanent hair dye is for you. You can dye your hair purple without bleach with this one and get excellent results, but be mindful that it works better with lighter hair colors. Of course, the lighter your hair color is, the better.
This dye is also cruelty-free and contains vegan ingredients. Unfortunately, it only stays for 4-6 weeks on your hair, though, which is a pretty short duration as opposed to other products on this list.
Also, be sure to check the product’s colored hair guide to know exactly what result you’ll get as you dye your dark hair.
Some dyes work well with certain hair types, but you’d be surprised to find that this one works almost for every hair type!
The Amethyst hair dye doesn’t contain bleaching agents, doesn’t require a developer, and will give you luscious semi-permanent colors depending on your hair.
Moreover, this hair cream deposits the molecules directly into your hair strands but doesn’t penetrate them; hence, your hair will be soft and shiny after you’re done. The good thing about this semi-permanent hair dye is that it’ll remain on your dark locks after 20 washes, more or less, so be ready for your hair to give an amethyst purple glow for a long time!
Nothing works best like a vegan-based dye cream that’s also highly affordable. While most cheap hair dyes can be worrisome, many people still favor Punky Plum Semi Permanent Conditioning Hair Color over other expensive options. This is mainly because you can effortlessly turn your dark hair purple with this dye in mere 15-30 minutes.
This one will also last for 25 shampoos, so it fares well in the permanence aspect. Furthermore, it’s quite nourishing compared to other hair dyes, as it’ll condition hair and minimize breakage, so you don’t need to add peroxide to this dye.
All in all, an affordable hair dye that gives bold colors and relatively conditions the hair is a sweet deal!
Purple rage might be very hard to get if you haven’t bleached your hair by little, but this Adore Purple Rage dye will give purple bleaching products a run for their money!
This product is arguably the best purple hair dye for people with darker hair. The striking results you can see scattered all over the internet confirm this as well.
With vegan, alcohol-free, peroxide-free, and ammonia-free ingredients, it’s safe to say that this product should be suitable for all hair types and won’t strip your hair as much as other products.
Make sure to check the color guides with this dye if you want to get the best results to know which shade you’ll get on your hair color.
Besides following the instructions with the dye, you might want to experiment a little with the dye before applying. For example, you might not want to condition your hair before dying it, as it’s already gentle on the hair and will give the molecules a chance to penetrate the hair strands even better.
Speaking of conditioners, you can utilize the oldest trick in the book and add some conditioner to your dye; this will give you lighter results.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know some of the best purple dye products on the market, dyeing dark hair purple should be a breeze. The only thing left now is to pamper your purple strands with some aftercare.
Avoid the Sun
Unfortunately, UV rays are dyes’ mortal enemy, and it’d be wise to cover your hair or avoid the sun altogether if you want to keep your hair color purple for as long as possible. However, it’s impossible to avoid the sun, so what you can do is cover your hair with a hat, a scarf, or any headwear you prefer.
Related:
- Tips to protect hair from the sun.
Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners
As colors keep bleeding out every time you shower, the simplest way to keep the color looking fresh is with color-depositing shampoos and conditioners.
If you can’t find these products, you can create one yourself by adding some leftover dye to your conditioner and using it!
No Daily Washes
Aftercare can also mean no care at all. Frequent washes of your purple hair will typically bleed the color out of it pretty fast. In fact, we recommend that you don’t wash your hair after dying it for a few days. Instead, shampoo it when necessary, and use sulfate-free shampoos.
Wash With Lukewarm Water
Heat can cause the pores of your hair to open up and allow the color to seep out more quickly, so it’s best to avoid hot water, especially around your scalp. Cool water is also great, but you should wash your hair with cold water during the hotter days.
Avoid Heat Styling
People with textured hair don’t need to worry about this since they’re probably not heat-styling their hair at all times. However, people with straight and wavy hair might be using styling tools more frequently.
Let your hair dry naturally instead of using the blow-dryer or use a heat protectant product if necessary.
Avoid Chlorine
That’s right. Swimming pools can do a number to your perfectly dyed hair, which is why you should minimize exposure to them.
The best way to do this is by wearing a swimming cap. For extra protection, you can use a chlorine-protective hair product.
Related:
- Why purple toning shampoos won’t work on green pool hair.
FAQs
Which Purple Shades Can I Get for My Dark Hair?
You’ll get shades that aren’t on the lighter side of the spectrum, such as deep royal violet, berry shades, indigo, and ruby.
What Other Dye Colors Can I Use With Purple for My Dark Hair?
You can try burgundy and blue colors, depending on how warm or cool the purple in your hair is.
Which Skin Undertone Goes Well With Purple?
Fortunately, all skin undertones will look great against different shades of purple!
Which Skin Undertone Goes Well With Purple?
Fortunately, all skin undertones will look great against different shades of purple!
Conclusion
With that said, you now know some of the best purple hair dyes for dark hair without bleach that are safe for your hair and how to take care of your dyed hair afterward! Protectant products are your best friends, so remember to use them and avoid heat as much as possible.
Shehnaz Shirazi
Chief Editor
Shehnaz is the co-founder and the chief editor for Salon-Worthy Hair.
She combines an interesting background in cosmetics and copywriting, which fires her passion for this blog.
When she’s not busy trying out new hair treatments or editing, you can find her curled up with a good book or taking long walks with her cute dog.
Read More Articles from Shehnaz
FAQs
What is the best way to dye dark hair purple? ›
The quickest and most effective way to transition from very dark hair (e.g., dark brown hair or black hair) to a vibrant purple color is to lighten your hair with bleach before applying color.
What is the best permanent purple hair dye for dark hair? ›In a hurry? Here are the best purple hair dyes for dark hair: Best Permanent Cool-Toned Purple Hair Dye: L'Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in V28 Midnight Violet. Best Permanent Warm-Toned Purple Hair Dye: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in V2 Dark Intense Violet.
What happens when you dye brown hair purple without bleach? ›Like any other color that is applied to non-bleached hair, your purple hair result depends on the original color of your hair. If your hair is black, expect a darker shade of purple. If your hair is brown, expect it to have a lighter purple shade.
Is there a way to dye dark hair without bleaching it? ›The first option for coloring dark hair without bleach is to use temporary hair color that's made to work with a dark base color. These hair dyes are specifically formulated to be vibrant and true without having to lighten your dark strands prior. They're also super convenient for experimenting since they wash out.
Will purple hair dye go over dark brown? ›Yes. Dark hair can be dyed purple without bleaching. Several brands manufacture hair colors that do not require bleaching for a good color payoff.
Will purple take on brown hair? ›Purple shampoo works the same way to eliminate brassiness on brown hair as it does on blonde. It helps to prevent color fade, while emphasizing shine, keeping brown hair vibrant and rich. Using purple shampoo on brown hair regularly will take out any unwanted warm tones in your strands.
Does purple hair dye look good on dark hair? ›Light and bright purples will generally work better on blonde or light brown hair but if you have dark brown hair or black hair, you can still get stunning results. You also need to consider how the shade of purple will look against your skin tone. Warm purples have a reddish undertone and go well with warm-toned skin.
What color does purple cancel out in hair? ›Purple cancels out yellow. Blue cancels out orange. Green cancels out red.
What purple dye stays in longest? ›The longest-lasting purple dye we've found is Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Colour Permanent Purple Hair Dye, as it guarantees up to eight weeks of bold and vibrant colour – more than any other brand.
What color can you dye over brown hair without bleach? ›Deep rich purple is one of the few colours you can apply to brown hair without lightening it first.
How to go from black hair to purple? ›
This color option involves coloring the underneath layer of your hair with a purple hair dye. First, you'll need to bleach the bottom layer of your black hair. After you've lightened your hair, wait at least 14 days before reaching for your permanent purple hair dye.
How can I make my dark hair lighter without bleach? ›Apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar are easy and cheap options for lightening your hair. Rinse your hair in vinegar and then rinse it again in cold water to lift color and revitalize dull strands. Top with a gloss or conditioner to seal in moisture—this is crucial if you've had a bleach mishap before.
What color shows up on dark hair? ›- Dark brown. If your hair is naturally black and you just want to make it 2-3 shades lighter, a dark brown is all you need. ...
- Chestnut brown. ...
- Mahogany. ...
- Burgundy. ...
- Auburn. ...
- Warm purple. ...
- Oil your hair at least once a week. ...
- Use a mild organic shampoo.
You're Going To Need Bleach
To bring brown hair to a bright and eccentric purple, bleaching pretty much a guaranteed part of the process. To start this look, the most important step is to pre-lighten your base or natural hair color.
The most straightforward reason behind your hair not taking color is that you didn't use enough dye during the coloring process. When you color your natural hair, you should thoroughly saturate your strands with dye.
Does purple work with brown? ›The brown and purple colour combination is a no-brainer. Dark purple like plum looks great next to tan, coffee, or beige. For an outfit, the combo results in a more muted, professional look with just a hint of colour.
What Colour does purple fade to on black hair? ›What color does purple hair dye fade to? Purple hair dye typically fades to a lighter version of purple initially, but you may also notice a red or blue tint, depending on the specific purple shade you use.
What does it mean when a woman has purple hair? ›What does purple hair say about a woman? Purple is often used to express culture and individuality. Those who love purple or violet hair have a tendency to think deeply and search inside themselves to decide what are the important things in life, and what the best way is to communicate that to the world.
What skin tone does purple hair look good on? ›Bluish purples and ashy lilacs usually work well on deep and cool skin tones. On the other hand, warm skin tones look great with violet, orchid, and magenta shades.
Can purple damage your hair? ›Did you know that most purple shampoos can make your hair too dry? It's designed to remove brassiness from your hair, but if used incorrectly they can leave a buildup on your strands that makes them brittle and dull.
What color does purple take out? ›
On the color wheel, purple is the opposite of yellow, which is why purple pigments cancel out brassy, yellow tones.
How long can I leave purple dye in my hair? ›Depending on the shade you're going for, here are our suggested developing times: Pastels: leave on for 15 minutes, or 20 minutes for more vibrancy. Vivids: leave on for 20 minutes, or 30 minutes for more vibrancy.
How do you make purple dye last longer? ›Invest in a specific, color-saving shampoo
Purple shampoos work best on neutralizing warm shades like pastels, blonde and white hair. So, if you have a richer tone of purple, a sulfate-free shampoo (it won't strip your color) like Living Proof Color Care Shampoo is a great option to protect your dye job from fading.
Purple or Blue Hair
If you have dark hair and you want to go blue or purple, costs can range from $300 to $400. If you have light or blonde hair, dying it purple or blue will be less expensive, since your hair will require less processing. The average cost ranges from $150 to $200.
As natural brunettes, brown hair dyes can last the longest compared to other hair dyes. There's no need to bleach your hair colour as the eumelanin content will allow the hair colour to stay on longer. Besides, with the aforementioned colouring techniques, you can still flaunt your beautiful brown locks.
Should I wash my hair after dying it purple? ›"After having your hair colored, wait a full 72 hours before shampooing," says Eva Scrivo, a hairstylist in New York City. "It takes up to three days for the cuticle layer to fully close, which traps the color molecule, allowing for longer lasting hair color."
What does purple hair say about you? ›Purple is often used to express culture and individuality. Those who love purple or violet hair have a tendency to think deeply and search inside themselves to decide what are the important things in life, and what the best way is to communicate that to the world.
What color can brunettes dye their hair? ›Brunettes should avoid going any lighter than two shades of your natural color. To pick the best hair color, you can use chocolate as a reference, with the coolest shade being dark chocolate and the warmest being milk chocolate. Any color in between can suit brunettes.
How can I dye my dark brown hair light brown without bleach? ›You can lighten your dark brown hair with natural ingredients such as green tea, honey, cinnamon, henna, or coffee. You can opt for a lighter brunette shade or go for funkier shades like purple or blue to change up your look.
What color makes brown hair stand out? ›Orangey-reds, gold, bark browns and deep forest greens are a terrific complement to brown hair. You also look great in a range of greens — mossy to olive and sage.
Which box dye is least damaging? ›
- The Overall Best Permanent Color: REVLON Colorsilk. ...
- The Runner-Up: Garnier Olia. ...
- The Best Demi-Permanent Color: Clairol Natural Instincts. ...
- The Best For Natural-Looking Dimension: L'Oreal Paris Feria. ...
- The Best For Touch-Ups: L'Oreal Paris Magic Root Rescue.
Lemon juice, baking soda, sea salt, and tea are all great hair-lightening agents. These natural hair-lightening methods can be done at home with ingredients you already own.
How can I temporarily lighten my dark hair naturally? ›To try out this method while mitigating the risk of damage, combine one cup of baking soda with no more than three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix it up and apply the paste to your hair, letting the mask sit 30 minutes for lighter hair and 45 minutes for darker.
How can I lighten my dark hair overnight naturally? ›First, you can try mixing lemon juice and water with a ratio of two tablespoons of lemon juice to one cup of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, apply to hair and let dry in the sun. For overnight effects, once your hair is dry, wrap it up and sleep with the solution in your hair overnight.
How do brunettes get purple hair? ›You're Going To Need Bleach
To bring brown hair to a bright and eccentric purple, bleaching pretty much a guaranteed part of the process. To start this look, the most important step is to pre-lighten your base or natural hair color.
Ruby red, burgundy, plum and claret are all winners for brunettes. Purple is the trendiest color of this season, and it's extremely flattering on women with dark hair. Go for a purple with blue undertones.
What color can I dye my brown hair without bleaching? ›It is possible to dye brown hair lighter, but you won't get the color on the box without bleaching it. Instead, choose a light, medium, or dark shade of blonde. The lighter the blonde is, the lighter your hair will turn out.
Can you add purple to black hair? ›This color option involves coloring the underneath layer of your hair with a purple hair dye. First, you'll need to bleach the bottom layer of your black hair. After you've lightened your hair, wait at least 14 days before reaching for your permanent purple hair dye.
Why does my purple hair dye look red? ›Red and purple are very close together on the color spectrum. This means stylists need to be precise to ensure you don't end up with the wrong hue. Boxed dyes can be deceptive. The color may appear auburn on the model and turn out completely purple on your hair!