What Color Can I Put Over Purple Hair?

Purple hair is fun, playful, and makes a bold statement. But once you’ve rocked the bright hue, you may be looking to change up your look. Choosing the right color to apply over purple hair is important to achieve beautiful, seamless results. Follow this guide on which shades work best so you can effortlessly transition your purple tresses to a new color.

What color cancels out purple:

Bleaching is necessary to completely strip purple color from the hair.

1. Bleach removes artificial pigments, allowing you to redye the hair any color you wish.
2. When bleaching out purple, it often transitions through blue and green stages first before getting to pale yellow. Several bleaching sessions are usually required.
3. Using anti-dandruff shampoo or vitamin C treatments can also help fade purple hair before dyeing it a new color. But bleach is the most effective way to remove bright purple hair dye.

Purple hair dye contains blue and red pigments. Cancel out purple hair color while using a color that is opposite on the color wheel.

1. The main colors that cancel out and neutralize purple are yellow and green. Adding yellow or green dye to purple hair will make it more muted and neutral.
2. Green is especially effective at canceling out the red undertones in purple. This makes green coloring a popular choice for toning down vibrant purple shades.
3. Orange can also be used to counteract purple, as it contains yellow and red pigments. However, orange may not fully neutralize the color and can leave some subtle purple hues.

Cancel out purple-colored hair with toner

Toners are translucent hair dyes that can neutralize or alter the tone of colored hair. They are effective at counteracting unwanted purple tones.

Step 1 Green-based toners will cancel out the red/magenta tones in purple hair. Look for toners with green pigments or labeled as “ash” for toning purple hair.

Step 2 A pale yellow-toned toner will also tone down purple, removing more of the blue undertones. Avoid golden yellow toners as these may turn hair orange.

Step 3 To fully neutralize bright or vivid purple shades, use the highest volume developer you can with the toner. 30 or 40 volume developer will lift more pigment.

Step 4 Apply the toner evenly throughout damp hair and leave on for the recommended development time. Keep an eye on the color change.

Step 5 Rinse with cool water and follow up with a pigment-sealing gloss treatment to lock in the toner results. Be patient and repeat toner applications if needed for stubborn purple hues. Space out toning sessions at least 1–2 weeks apart to prevent damage.

Consider doing a clarifying wash before toning to strip product buildup and allow the toner to better penetrate the hair.

How to Take Care Of Purple Hair?

• Avoid heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons as much as possible. The heat fades vibrant shades faster.

• When going outside, wear a hat or use an umbrella to provide shade and block out the sun’s rays which can accelerate fading of color.
• Use an overnight hair mask once a week. Focus on areas that seem more faded like the ends and around the hairline.
• Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water when washing to help preserve the vibrancy of the purple tones. Avoid washing too frequently.
• Apply a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week to add moisture and prevent brassiness. Look for masks with blue or purple tints.
• Use a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner made for brunettes or colored hair. These will deposit more cool, blue/purple pigments with each wash.