How to Dye your Hair Purple? How to Remove Purple from Hair?

How to Dye Your Hair Purple?

The key to a good dyeing experience is to be prepared. You don’t want to ruin your favorite t-shirt or stain your bathroom sink. With the right steps, you can dye your hair purple at home safely and get salon-quality results.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you open the dye box, gather these supplies:

• Purple hair dye (semi-permanent or permanent, depending on your goal)
• Old towel (one you don’t mind staining)
• Old t-shirt or salon cape
• Hair clips or elastics
• Gloves (usually included with dye)
• Petroleum jelly or coconut oil
• Wide-tooth comb or brush
• Timer or phone
• Plastic wrap or shower cap (optional)

Step-by-Step Purple Hair Dye Process

Follow these steps carefully to dye your hair purple without mess or mistakes:

• Wait 24-48 hours after washing your hair. Clean hair sounds good, but slightly oily hair actually protects your scalp during the dye process. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove all tangles before you start.

• Divide your hair into four to six small sections. Use hair clips to keep each section separate. This helps you apply dye evenly and prevents you from missing any spots.

• Protect your skin and clothes. Put on an old t-shirt you don’t care about. Apply petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, behind your ears, and on your neck. This creates a barrier that stops the dye from staining your skin.

• Put on your gloves. Purple dye stains skin fast. Never apply dye without gloves.

• Read the instructions on your specific purple hair dye. Every brand is different. Some need to be mixed. Others come ready to apply. Read the full instructions at least twice before you start.

• Apply the dye from roots to tips. Start with one section at a time. Use your fingers or the applicator bottle to work the dye through your hair. Make sure every strand is coated completely. Don’t rush this step.

• Set a timer. Most purple dyes need 20 to 40 minutes to process. Check your product instructions. For deeper color, you can leave it on longer (but not past the maximum time listed).

• Rinse with cool water. When time is up, rinse your hair until the water runs clear. Cool water helps seal the color in. Avoid hot water, which opens the hair cuticle and lets color escape.

• Condition your hair. Most dye kits include a conditioner. Use it. This step adds moisture back into your hair after the dye process.

Does Hair Color Matter?

Yes. Your starting hair color changes how purple will look on you.

Starting Hair Color	Purple Dye Result	Bleach Needed?
Platinum blonde or white	Bright, vibrant purple	No
Light blonde	True purple with slight tint	No
Medium blonde	Darker purple or plum	Optional
Brown or dark brown	Purple tint (subtle)	Yes, for vibrant color
Black	Almost no visible color	Yes
Previously dyed red or orange	Unpredictable (muddy or burgundy)	May need color removal first

If you have dark hair and want bright purple, you will likely need to lighten your hair first. Semi-permanent dyes work best on pre-lightened or naturally light hair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the strand test. Always test a small hidden section first to see how the color will turn out.
• Applying dye to wet hair. Unless the instructions say otherwise, apply dye to dry or damp hair. Wet hair dilutes the color.
• Using heat without instructions. Some dyes work better with heat, but only if the label says so.
• Washing your hair too soon. Wait at least 48 hours after dyeing before washing to let the color set.

How Long Should You Wait to Wash Your Hair After Coloring?

Wait at least 48 to 72 hours before you wash your hair after coloring it. This gives the dye molecules time to lock into the hair shaft.

If you wash too soon, the color will fade faster. Your hair may also feel drier because the cuticle hasn’t fully closed yet.

Always check the instructions on your specific dye product. Some newer formulas may have different wait times. If you’re in a hurry and need to wash sooner, contact a hairstylist for advice.

What to Do During the Waiting Period

• Avoid sweating or getting your hair wet from rain or swimming
• Use dry shampoo if your roots get oily
• Sleep on a dark pillowcase to avoid staining
• Don’t use heat styling tools

Top 3 Purple Hair Dyes Available Online

How to Dye Dark Hair Purple Without Bleach?

The challenge with purple hair dye is that it doesn’t show well on dark hair. Many people bleach their hair to get vibrant purple. But bleach damages hair. If you want to avoid bleach, you have other options.

Use Semi-Permanent Purple Hair Dyes

Semi-permanent dyes sit on top of the roots and coat the hair shaft. Their color molecules don’t fully enter the hair cuticle. This means they won’t lighten your hair, but they will add a purple tint.

On dark brown or black hair, the purple will show as a subtle shine in bright light. You won’t get neon purple, but you’ll see a hint of color.

Try Temporary Purple Hair Color Products

Temporary options like hair chalk, color spray, or wash-out gels let you test purple without commitment. These products sit on the surface and wash out in one to two shampoos.

Use Natural Lightening Methods First

Some products, like Katam hair dye or Clairol Color Crave Semi-permanent Hair Color, lift dark hair slightly without the harsh damage of bleach. Once your hair is a shade or two lighter, purple dye will show better.

Best Purple Dyes for Dark Hair (No Bleach)

• Arctic Fox Purple Rain (semi-permanent, vegan)
• Manic Panic Ultra Violet (works on dark brown hair for tint)
• L’Oréal Colorista Hair Makeup (temporary, washes out)
• Overtone Purple for Brown Hair (deep treatment and conditioner)

Remember: without bleach, your result will be more of a purple hue than a bold purple color. If you want bright, true purple, you’ll need to lighten your hair first.

What Happens If You Put Purple Dye on Dark Hair?

Purple dye on dark hair without lightening usually creates a subtle tint. In indoor lighting, it may look the same as your natural color. In sunlight, you might see a purple or violet shimmer. The darker your hair, the less visible the purple will be.

How to Remove Purple from Hair Without Bleach?

Bleaching is the fastest way to remove purple dye, but it damages your hair. If you want to remove purple with less harm, try these gentler methods.

Color Reducers

Color reducers shrink artificial dye molecules so they wash out of your hair. They target only the dye, not your natural hair color. This means minimal damage.

Pros:

• Least damaging option
• Removes only artificial color
• Safe to use multiple times

Cons:

• Strong chemical smell
• Requires 3 to 4 applications for complete removal
• Can take several hours

Popular brands include Color Oops and One ‘n Only Colorfix.

Color Strippers

Color strippers are similar to bleach but gentler. They come in powder form and work by breaking down dye molecules. They cause more damage than color reducers but less than bleach.

Pros:

• Works faster than color reducers
• No strong smell
• Effective on stubborn dyes

Cons:

• Can dry out hair
• May lighten natural hair color slightly
• Requires deep conditioning after use

Bath Salts (Epsom Salt Method)

This is one of the best home remedies for fading purple dye. Epsom salt and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) open the hair cuticle and pull out dye molecules.

How to use:

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water.
2. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt.
3. Soak your hair in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo.
5. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week until color fades.

Clean the tub after each use to prevent purple stains.

Vitamin C Method

The Vitamin C method is one of the safest and most popular ways to remove semi-permanent dye. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an acid that breaks down dye molecules without harsh chemicals.

How to use:

1. Crush 10 to 15 Vitamin C tablets into a fine powder.
2. Mix the powder with enough clarifying shampoo to make a paste.
3. Apply the mixture to damp hair, covering all dyed areas.
4. Put on a shower cap and leave it for 45 to 60 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water and shampoo again.

This method works best on semi-permanent dyes. You may need to repeat it 2 to 3 times for full color removal.

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup from hair. They also strip away semi-permanent dye over time.

Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo every day or every other day. Each wash will fade the purple a little more. This method takes longer but is very gentle.

Baking Soda and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Mix equal parts baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo. Apply to damp hair and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, and the anti-dandruff shampoo helps strip color.

Use this once or twice a week. It can be drying, so follow with a deep conditioner.

Hot Oil Treatment

Coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil can help fade semi-permanent dye while conditioning your hair.

Warm the oil and apply it generously to your hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Wash out with shampoo. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week.

How Long Does It Take to Remove Purple Hair Dye?

The time it takes depends on the type of dye and method you use:

Method	Time to Remove	Damage Level
Vitamin C	1-3 sessions	Very low
Color reducer	3-4 applications	Low
Color stripper	1-2 applications	Moderate
Clarifying shampoo	2-3 weeks	Very low
Bath salts	1-2 weeks	Low
Bleach	1 session	High

How Much Does It Cost to Dye Your Hair Purple?

The average cost to dye your hair purple at a salon ranges from $60 to $150. The final price depends on your hair length, thickness, and starting color. If you have dark hair and need bleaching, expect to pay more.

Salon Cost Breakdown

Service	Price Range
Purple dye only (light hair)	$60 – $100
Bleaching + purple dye (dark hair)	$100 – $200
Full head at premium salon	$200 – $300
Touch-up (roots only)	$40 – $80
Purple highlights or balayage	$120 – $250

High-end salons in major cities can charge $300 or more. The cost also increases if your hair is very long or thick.

DIY Cost

Doing it yourself at home is much cheaper. You’ll spend around $10 to $40 depending on the brand and type of dye.

Product	Average Cost
Box dye (drugstore)	$8 – $15
Semi-permanent dye (Arctic Fox, Manic Panic)	$12 – $18
Professional-grade dye (Pulp Riot, Pravana)	$15 – $30
Bleach kit (if needed)	$8 – $20
Gloves, clips, tools	$5 – $10

Total DIY cost: $30 to $50 (including all supplies)

For a complete breakdown of professional coloring costs, check out our guide on how much it costs to get your hair dyed at salons versus at home.

DIY vs. Salon: Which Is Better?

Choose DIY if:

• You’re on a budget
• Your hair is already light or bleached
• You’re using semi-permanent dye
• You’re comfortable following instructions

Choose a salon if:

• You have dark hair and need bleach
• You want a custom purple shade
• You’re worried about damage
• You want highlights or ombré

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Color-safe shampoo and conditioner: $20 to $40
• Purple toning shampoo: $10 to $25
• Deep conditioning treatments: $8 to $30
• Touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks: DIY $10 to $20 / Salon $40 to $100

Maintaining purple hair costs more than maintaining natural hair. Plan for ongoing expenses if you want to keep the color vibrant.

How to Make Purple Hair Dye Last Longer

Purple hair fades faster than most colors. But with the right care, you can keep it vibrant for weeks.

Wait Before Washing

Don’t wash your hair for at least 48 to 72 hours after dyeing. This gives the color time to set into the hair shaft.

Use Color-Safe Shampoo

Regular shampoos strip color. Switch to a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Look for products labeled “color protecting” or “for dyed hair.”

Popular options:

• Overtone Purple Shampoo
• Keracolor Color Clenditioner
• Joico Color Infuse Purple Shampoo

Wash Less Often

Every time you wash your hair, some color washes out. Try to wash only 2 to 3 times per week. Use dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair fresh.

Wash with Cool Water

Hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets color escape. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead. It helps seal the cuticle and lock in color.

Condition Regularly

Dry hair fades faster. Use a moisturizing conditioner every time you wash. Once a week, use a deep conditioning mask to keep your hair hydrated.

For those with curly hair, using a deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner can help maintain both the color and the health of your curls.

Avoid Heat Styling

Flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers cause color to fade. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest setting.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

UV rays fade hair color fast. Wear a hat when you’re outside for long periods. You can also use hair products with UV protection.

Trim Before Dyeing

Healthy hair holds color better. Trim split ends before you dye your hair. Damaged ends soak up dye unevenly and fade faster.

Touch Up Every 4 to 6 Weeks

Even with great care, purple fades. Refresh your color every 4 to 6 weeks to keep it looking vibrant. You don’t always need to dye your whole head—sometimes just the roots or faded areas need a boost.

Use Purple Depositing Conditioner

Color-depositing conditioners add a little purple pigment back into your hair each time you use them. Brands like Overtone and Keracolor make purple conditioners that keep your color fresh between dye sessions.

Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water

Swimming pools and ocean water fade purple hair fast. If you swim, wear a swim cap or rinse your hair immediately after getting out of the water.

What Color Does Purple Hair Fade To?

Purple hair doesn’t stay purple forever. As it fades, it changes color. What it fades to depends on your starting hair color and the type of dye you used.

Common Fading Patterns

Starting Hair Color	Fades To
Platinum blonde	Pastel lavender, then silver
Light blonde	Pink, then peachy blonde
Medium blonde	Mauve, then light brown
Bleached orange tones	Reddish pink, then orange
Brown	Warm brown with red undertones

If you’re curious about what color purple hair eventually fades to, check out our article on what color does purple hair fade to for more details about the fading process.

Why Does Purple Fade Quickly?

Purple dye molecules are larger than other color molecules. This makes them sit on the surface of the hair instead of deep inside. Every time you wash or expose your hair to heat or sun, those molecules wash away.

Can You Mix Purple Hair Dye with Other Colors?

Yes. Mixing purple dye with other colors creates custom shades. But you need to know which colors work well together.

What Happens If You Mix Red and Purple Hair Dye?

When you mix red and purple hair dye, you get burgundy or wine-colored hair. This deep, rich shade is popular and looks great on many skin tones.

Celebrities often wear this color on red carpets. You can create it at home by mixing equal parts red and purple dye. Adjust the ratio to make it more red or more purple based on your preference.

If you’re interested in exploring other color combinations, check out our guide on mixing hair color shades for creative and beautiful results.

Other Purple Color Combinations

Mix	Result
Purple + Blue	Deep violet or indigo
Purple + Pink	Magenta or fuchsia
Purple + Silver	Lavender gray
Purple + White conditioner	Pastel purple

Always mix a small test batch first. Apply it to a hidden section of hair to see the result before doing your whole head.

Best Hair Types for Purple Dye

Purple dye can work on any hair type, but results vary. Here’s what to expect based on your hair texture.

Straight Hair

Purple shows up boldly on straight hair. The smooth surface reflects light well, making the color look shiny and vibrant. Application is easy because you can see every section clearly.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair takes purple dye beautifully. The waves add dimension, which can make the color look multi-tonal. Just make sure to saturate each section completely.

Curly Hair

Curly hair can be trickier. Curls are naturally drier, so they soak up dye unevenly. Divide your hair into small sections and use plenty of product. Deep condition before and after dyeing to keep curls healthy.

Coily or Kinky Hair

Coily hair is very porous, which means it absorbs dye quickly. Purple may look darker or more intense on this hair type. You may also need to bleach your hair more to see vibrant purple. Always use a protein treatment and deep conditioner after bleaching to prevent breakage.

Fine Hair

Fine hair is delicate. Use semi-permanent dye instead of permanent dye to reduce damage. Avoid over-processing. Fine hair also shows color very vividly, so start with a lighter shade if you’re unsure.

Thick Hair

Thick hair takes more product and more time. You may need two boxes of dye. Divide your hair into at least six sections and apply dye generously to make sure every strand is covered.

Purple Hair and Skin Tone: What Works Best?

Not all shades of purple suit every skin tone. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right one.

Cool Undertones

If your skin has pink or blue undertones, try:

• Lavender
• Violet
• Deep eggplant
• Plum

These cool purples complement your natural coloring.

Warm Undertones

If your skin has yellow or golden undertones, choose:

• Reddish purple (burgundy)
• Magenta
• Warm plum

Avoid cool lavenders, which can make warm skin look washed out.

Neutral Undertones

If you have neutral undertones, you’re lucky. Almost any shade of purple will work. Experiment with pastels, bold violets, or deep purples.

Fair Skin

Light skin pairs well with soft lavender, lilac, and pastel purple. Avoid very dark purples, which can create too much contrast.

Medium Skin

Medium skin tones look great with bright purple, violet, and plum shades. These colors stand out without overwhelming your features.

Dark Skin

Deep skin tones shine with bold, vibrant purples. Try electric purple, deep eggplant, or berry shades. These rich colors pop beautifully against dark skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Purple Hair

1. How long does purple hair dye last?

Semi-permanent purple dye lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. It starts to fade after the first few washes. Permanent purple dye lasts 6 to 8 weeks before it fades noticeably. Your hair care routine affects how long the color stays vibrant. If you’re curious about what color purple hair eventually fades to, check out our article on what color does purple hair fade to for more details about the fading process.

2. How much does it cost to dye your hair purple at a salon?

It costs between $60 and $150 to dye your hair purple at a salon. The price depends on hair length, thickness, and whether you need bleaching. Premium salons may charge $200 to $300. Dark hair costs more because it requires bleaching first.

3. How to get purple hair dye out fast?

The fastest way to remove purple dye is bleaching, but it damages hair. Safer methods include color reducers, Vitamin C treatments, and clarifying shampoo. Vitamin C mixed with shampoo can remove semi-permanent purple in 1 to 3 treatments. Color reducers take 3 to 4 washes but cause less damage.

4. How to make purple hair dye last longer?

To make purple hair dye last longer, wait 48 to 72 hours before washing after dyeing. Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water. Wash your hair only 2 to 3 times per week. Use a purple color-depositing conditioner weekly. Avoid heat styling, chlorine, and sun exposure. Deep condition regularly to keep hair healthy.

5. What happens if you mix red and purple hair dye?

When you mix red and purple hair dye, you get a burgundy or wine color. This deep, rich shade is popular and flattering on many skin tones. You can adjust the ratio to make it more red or more purple. Many people do this at home to create custom colors without going to a salon. If you’re interested in exploring other color combinations, check out our guide on mixing hair color shades for creative and beautiful results.

6. Do you need to bleach hair before applying purple dye?

It depends on your hair color and the shade of purple you want. If your hair is dark brown or black, you need to bleach it to see vibrant purple. If you have light brown or blonde hair, you may not need bleach. Pastel purple always requires pre-lightened hair. Semi-permanent purple can tint dark hair without bleach, but the result will be subtle.

7. Can you dye your hair purple if it’s already colored?

Yes, but the result depends on your current color. If your hair is blonde or light-colored, purple will show up well. If your hair is red, orange, or warm brown, purple may turn out muddy or burgundy. If your hair is dark, you may need to remove the old color first using a color remover or bleach.

8. Will purple hair dye stain my skin?

Yes. Purple dye stains skin, especially around your hairline, ears, and neck. Apply petroleum jelly or coconut oil to these areas before dyeing to create a protective barrier. If you do get stains, remove them with rubbing alcohol, makeup remover, or a paste of baking soda and water.

9. Is purple hair dye damaging?

Semi-permanent purple dye is not very damaging because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide. Permanent dye is more damaging because it opens the hair cuticle. Bleaching before dyeing causes the most damage. Always use deep conditioner and protein treatments to keep hair healthy after coloring.

10. Can you swim with purple hair?

You can swim, but chlorine and salt water will fade purple dye fast. If you swim often, wear a swim cap. Rinse your hair immediately after swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner. Use a color-depositing conditioner once a week to refresh faded purple.

11. What’s the difference between semi-permanent and permanent purple dye?

Semi-permanent dye coats the outside of your hair. It doesn’t use developer or ammonia. It lasts 4 to 6 weeks and fades with each wash. Permanent dye penetrates the hair shaft using developer and ammonia. It lasts 6 to 8 weeks and grows out instead of washing out completely. Semi-permanent is gentler. Permanent gives longer-lasting color.

12. Can you use purple shampoo instead of dye?

Purple shampoo is not the same as purple dye. Purple shampoo is designed to cancel out yellow or brassy tones in blonde or gray hair. It won’t dye your hair purple. If you want purple hair, you need actual purple hair dye, not purple shampoo.

13. What should you avoid after dyeing your hair purple?

Avoid washing your hair for 48 to 72 hours after dyeing. Don’t use hot water, sulfate shampoos, or heat styling tools. Stay away from chlorine, salt water, and direct sun. Avoid heavy workouts that make you sweat a lot in the first few days. These things cause your color to fade faster.

14. How do you fix uneven purple hair color?

If your purple came out uneven, identify which areas are lighter or darker. Apply more dye to the lighter spots and leave it on for the recommended time. If some areas are too dark, use a clarifying shampoo or Vitamin C treatment to lighten them slightly. Reapply dye evenly across your whole head if needed.

15. Can you go back to your natural color after purple dye?

Yes, but it takes time. If you used semi-permanent dye, it will fade naturally in 4 to 6 weeks. You can speed it up with clarifying shampoo or color removers. If you used permanent dye, you’ll need to either let it grow out or dye over it with your natural color. If your natural color is dark, you may need to use a color remover or visit a salon.