Dyeing hair is a common practice among people who want to experiment with their looks by changing their hair color. It may seem like a straightforward process; however, many people often encounter unexpected results when trying to achieve their desired outcome. A frequent question among those who dye their hair is why their hair turned red when they intended to dye it purple.
This article endeavors to explore the science behind hair dyeing and examine why hair might turn red instead of purple. Various factors, such as hair composition, natural pigments, and chemical reactions with dyes, can all contribute to these unexpected outcomes. By gaining an understanding of these factors, individuals can be better equipped to achieve their desired hair color without any surprises.
Understanding the Science of Hair Pigments
Understanding the science of hair pigments is essential to comprehend why your hair turns red when you dye it purple. The color of your hair is determined by the amount and the type of melanin pigments that are available. Melanin is produced by melanocyte cells found in the hair follicle. The two types of melanin are eumelanin, which produces dark brown or black hair, and pheomelanin, responsible for lighter colors like blonde and red.
When you dye your hair, the color pigments in the dye replace your natural hair pigments. Purple hair dye contains a combination of blue and red pigments. When the hair dye is applied to your hair, the blue pigments penetrate the hair shaft, but the red pigments are too big to penetrate the cuticle layers and remain attached to the outside of the hair, forming red undertones. Depending on the amount of red undertones already present in your hair, this can result in a reddish hue rather than a pure purple.
The Role of Bleach in Hair Coloring
Bleach is an essential component of hair coloring, especially for those who want to achieve a vibrant and long-lasting color. The primary role of bleach is to strip off the natural color of the hair, making it lighter or blonde, before applying the desired dye. Without the bleach, the dye may not adhere as effectively, and the color may not show up as vibrantly as desired.
Hair bleach is typically made of hydrogen peroxide, which can break down melanin, the pigment that gives hair its natural color. The higher the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the more lift and lightening effect it can achieve. However, bleach can be damaging to the hair if used improperly or left on for too long. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional hair colorist to minimize the risks and ensure the best results.
How Hair Color Products Work
Hair color products work by penetrating the hair shaft and altering the natural pigment of the hair. The two types of hair color products are permanent and semi-permanent. Permanent hair color contains ammonia and a developer such as hydrogen peroxide. The ammonia opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to penetrate and change the hair color from the inside out. The developer oxidizes the dye molecules, creating a chemical reaction that locks the color into the hair shaft.
Semi-permanent hair color works differently as it does not contain ammonia or a developer. Instead, it uses smaller dye molecules that only penetrate the outermost layer of the hair shaft, the cuticle. The color molecules fade away over time, making it a non-permanent solution. Semi-permanent hair color works best for those looking to darken or enrich their natural hair color. Knowing how hair color products work can help you make informed decisions about what products to use and how to care for your hair after coloring.
The Red Undertones of Purple Hair Dye
When people dye their hair purple, they may not realize that it can turn red. This is because purple hair dye often has red undertones. The red undertones in the dye can become more prominent depending on the type and shade of the person’s natural hair color.
For example, those with blonde hair may notice more red undertones because their natural hair color is lighter. On the other hand, those with darker hair may notice less red undertones. It’s important to consider these factors before dyeing hair purple to avoid any unwanted red tones. Additionally, using a purple shampoo or conditioner can help neutralize any red tones and maintain the desired shade of purple.
Factors That Affect How Hair Takes on Color
When it comes to dyeing hair, there are many factors that can affect how the final color turns out. The natural color of the hair, the type of dye used, and the condition of the hair can all play a role in the final outcome. For example, if the hair is already damaged or porous, it may take on color more easily and appear darker or more vibrant than intended.
Another factor that can affect how hair takes on color is the amount of pigment already present in the hair. For instance, if the hair is already a reddish color, it may be more difficult to achieve a true purple shade as the red undertones will likely show through. In order to counteract this, a color corrector may be needed to neutralize the red tones before applying the purple dye. Ultimately, understanding these factors will help to ensure a successful and satisfactory dye job.
How to Prevent Unexpected Hair Color Results
Nobody wants a shocking hair color result after they’ve spent time and money on dyeing their locks. To prevent unexpected hair color results, start by doing your research. Consult with a professional stylist or read product reviews online before purchasing a hair dye. Check if the dye contains harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide, and make sure it is compatible with your current hair color and type.
It’s also essential to perform a strand test before dyeing your entire head of hair. Apply the dye to a small section of your hair and wait for the recommended amount of time. If you’re happy with the results, go ahead with the full dye job. But if the color turns out unexpected or patchy, it’s time to re-evaluate the shade and method you’re using. Finally, moisturize your hair regularly to avoid dryness and maintain the vibrancy of the color. With these precautions, you’ll be able to achieve your dream hair color without any shocking surprises.
Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Purple Hair Color
After spending time and money to achieve that perfect purple hue, it’s natural to want to maintain your vibrant hair color for as long as possible. Here are some tips that can help:
Firstly, limit your hair washing to twice a week or less. The more you wash your hair, the faster your color will fade. When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water to prevent the color from bleeding and fading. Secondly, avoid high heat styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons. Heat can cause damage to your hair and fade your color. Instead, opt for low heat settings or natural hair drying methods. Finally, invest in hair products formulated specifically for colored hair. These products will help preserve the vibrancy of your color and keep your hair healthy and nourished.
Verdict
As we’ve learned, the reason behind hair turning red when it’s dyed purple is due to the underlying pigments present in the hair. The red tones in hair can easily override the blue and purple tones from the dye, resulting in a reddish-hue. It’s essential to consider the starting color of your hair before dyeing it, to avoid unexpected results like this.
If you’re aiming for a vibrant purple color, it’s best to bleach the hair first, which will strip most of the natural pigments from hair. Bleached hair provides a blank canvas for vivid colors to show up. Besides, it’s incredibly vital to use the right hair dye that has a higher concentration of blue and purple pigments, necessary to counteract the red and yellow tones present in the hair. Overall, with careful consideration and preparation, you can achieve a beautiful, vibrant purple that stays true to the intended color.