Do you find yourself toying around with the idea of going purple but cringing at the thought of exposing your hair to peroxide and ammonia?

Well, don’t. You can color your hair without using bleach.

How? 

We’ll go over the steps to change your dark hair to a beautiful new color scheme without the use of harsh chemicals. We’ll also cover some great tips on how to maintain the color afterward.

How to Dye Dark Hair Purple Without Bleach

Ready to go purple? Here’s a step-by-step guide showing you how to dye your hair from black to purple without bleaching.

Step 1: Gather your supplies 

Before you get down to dyeing your hair, ensure that you have gathered all the necessary supplies. You don’t want to rush the store with half-done hair because you forgot to get the plastic cap. 

Here are the supplies you will need:

• Latex gloves or disposable rubber gloves
• Applicator brush
• Coconut oil
• Alligator clips
• Purple Dye
• Plastic bag or shower cap

Step 2: Put on gloves

Start by putting on your disposable rubber or latex gloves so that you don’t stain your hands or, worse, damage your skin. 

Step 3: Pick a shade

There are different shades of purple to choose from- from the intense purple hues to the subtle ones. Pick the shade that will complement your skin tone the most. To decide which is right for you, look for one with a depth of color at least two shades lighter or darker than your skin tone. This will keep you from looking washed out.

Step 4: Wash and deep condition 

Start preparing days in advance by deep conditioning and shampooing your hair at least five days before starting. This is to ensure that your hair is well moisturized before beginning the color process.

Even though you are not using bleach to dye your hair, you are still exposing your hair to harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils and moisture from it. This step will prevent your hair from getting too damaged during the procedure. 

Step 5: Section your hair

Part your hair into sections and secure each section with alligator clips or hair ties. It’s easier to work on hair section by section rather than the entire head all at once. A pro tip is to divide your hair into seven sections: top, left side, right side, left crown, right crown, left nape, and right nape.

However, the number of sections will entirely depend on how much hair you have. The more the sections, the higher the chance that all the strands will be well coated, so take your time sectioning your hair correctly. 

Step 6: Mix the Dye

Get a plastic or glass bowl that is big enough to mix the color solution. Follow the instructions on the package; if any ingredients need to be mixed, make sure to use the recommended ratios.

Using your applicator brush, combine the ingredients until the color is evenly distributed and the solution is totally smooth.

Step 7: Do a strand test

To prevent staining, apply coconut oil on your forehead, along your hairline, and at the back of your neck before you begin. Drape an old t-shirt or towel over your shoulders to keep your clothes protected from the stain.

If this is your first time trying out the purple dye, perform a strand test on a small section of your hair to gauge the final results before making the full application.

A strand test is also a good way to determine whether your hair will react to any of the product ingredients and avert hair damage. It will also prevent you from wasting your time applying a product that doesn’t work or a color you won’t like.

Step 8: Apply the dye to the hair

If you want to dye your whole head, work on tiny sections of hair at a time to ensure that all the strands are well coated and no hairs are left out. 

Comb or brush slowly through your hair to evenly distribute the color. If you are applying the dye on your own, try to use multiple mirrors to help you see all sides of your head.

If you find it challenging to apply the solution yourself, have someone else do it for you. The best outcome will largely depend on how well you apply the color and how evenly it’s distributed through your hair.

Step 9: Time yourself

Once you’ve applied the solution, use a shower cap or plastic bag to cover your head. The heat trapped inside will help facilitate the chemical process. If you don’t cover it, it will cool down and slow down the process, and you will end up with uneven coloring. 

Different manufacturers recommend different waiting times, so pay attention to the instructions on your color kit. However, most suggest that you allow the dye to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour to achieve excellent results. The minimum waiting time is typically at least 20-30 minutes before the color sets.

Step 10: Rinse the product off

Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and finish off with cold water. Using the right water temperature determines whether you will maintain all the dye pigments you applied or if half of them will be lost, leaving you with a faded look.

Avoid washing with shampoo immediately after dyeing. This will cause the color to fade quickly and can also cause your hair to break. Instead, apply conditioner to add moisture back to the hair and help retain the color.

Step 11: Dry and style your hair

Let your hair dry naturally. Avoid using heated tools because they tend to cause excessive dryness and breakage, especially to color-treated hair. 

Finally, style your hair.

Tips to Maintain Color After Dye Application

Here are some tips that can help you maintain your hair after dyeing it purple: 

• Once you have rinsed the dye out, use an after-color sealer to help lock in the color.
• Avoid using sulfate and clarifying shampoos and conditioners. These may cause your hair color to fade more quickly.
• To help preserve your new hair color for longer, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners.
• Always wash your hair using cold water after dyeing. Avoid using warm or hot water as it opens your hair cuticles, which causes the color to run out.
• Use heat protectant spray on your hair whenever you want to style it. This prevents damage to your hair and helps preserve the color as well.

Dos and Don’ts When Dyeing Black Hair Purple Without Bleach

To help you avoid damaging your hair from the dyeing process and ensure that your color turns out as desired, here is a list of some of the essential hair-dyeing “dos and don’ts” that you need to know: 

Dos:

• Make sure to maintain a balance of protein and moisture during and after the dyeing process. This is because some of the dyeing products can be drying, which may cause your hair to experience split ends and damage.
• Allow enough time for the dye to set in for the best possible results. A minimum of 30 minutes is advisable before rinsing your hair.
• Carry out thorough research for the best techniques and products for your specific hair type.

Don’ts:

• Do not get distracted during the dyeing process. This will help to avoid undesirable purple haze or damage to your hair, and you’ll get the best results if you monitor the whole process closely.
• Do not continue with the dyeing process if you experience any allergic reactions. Try and consult a dermatologist for expert advice before proceeding.

Conclusion

Purple is a vibrant color synonymous with those that are bold, daring, and fun at heart. It’s a great color to make a statement, and the best part is you can dye your hair purple without necessarily using any bleach. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to achieve this.

Remember to follow the instructions on the product package to the tee for the best possible outcome. Also, be sure to do some after-dye care to help the color last longer.

If you are looking for a bold purple shade, I suggest you look into Manic panic. They have a great range of purple hues, and their dyes are safe and gentle.

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Best Highlights for Black Hair

The Best Hair Styling Tools for Women Over 50

Expert Tips for Transitioning Your Dyed Hair to Gray