Quick Answer
Yes, you can put lavender color over blue hair. However, the results will vary depending on the specific shades of blue and lavender used. In general, lighter shades of lavender will show up better over darker shades of blue. To get the best results, it’s recommended to lift or lighten the blue hair first before applying the lavender. Using a toner or purple shampoo can also help the lavender shade come through. Proper preparation and using professional hair color products will give you the best chance of successfully layering lavender over blue hair.
What Happens When You Put Lavender on Blue Hair?
When you put lavender dye directly on top of blue hair that hasn’t been pre-lightened, the results will be a darker, mixed shade rather than a true vivid lavender. This is because the blue undertones will dull and darken the vibrancy of the lavender color.
However, the specific results you get will depend on the starting shades of blue and lavender used. For example:
| Starting Blue Shade | Lavender Shade Applied | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Navy blue | Pastel lavender | Darker purple |
| Royal blue | Lilac | Dark lavender |
| Light blue | Light lavender | Soft pastel purple |
As you can see, the darker the original blue color, the more it will mute out a lighter lavender shade applied on top. Meanwhile, lighter blue hues will mix more gently with lavender, creating a soft blended purple.
How to Get Vibrant Lavender over Blue Hair
To get a vivid, true lavender shade over blue hair, you’ll need to lift or lighten the underlying blue first before applying the lavender color. Here are some tips:
- Use a clarifying or color-removing shampoo to help strip and fade the blue dye first.
- Lighten the blue by bleaching or using color remover. Aim to lift it to a light pastel blue or silver shade.
- Tone the hair using an ash or purple toner to cancel out brassiness.
- Rinse hair well and then apply the lavender shade as desired.
- Focus the lavender on the mid-lengths and ends for a blue-to-lavender ombre look.
- Use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent lavender dye for the best deposit of color.
- Maintain results with purple shampoo and conditioner.
Pre-lightening is crucial for the lavender to show up bold and bright on blue hair. This removes the dark blue base that would otherwise make lavender appear faded and muddy.
You can also use temporary options like lavender hair chalk, spray, or clip-ins if you don’t want to commit to permanent dye. These can add pops of lavender over blue hair without lightening first.
Does Hair Need to Be Lifted First? Can You Go Directly Over Blue?
It is possible to apply lavender directly over unlifted blue hair, but the results will be much more subtle and muted. The blue base will act as a barrier, preventing the true vibrancy of the lavender from showing through.
Many people opt to use lightening or stripping techniques first to remove the blue undertone and create a blank canvas for the new lavender color. This removes any barriers between the hair and the dye molecules.
However, you can achieve a blended, darker lavender look by applying it directly over medium to light blue shades. The lighter the base color, the more the lavender will be able to show through. Just don’t expect a vivid, intense lavender result unless you prep the hair first.
What Level to Lift Blue Hair to Before Lavender?
To get the most vivid results from lavender dye, aim to lift and lighten blue hair to a level 9 or 10 before applying it. This means lightening to a pale yellow or lightest silver-blonde tone.
Here’s a run-down of what level you should lift blue hair to before lavender:
- Level 9 pale blonde – ideal for bold lavender shades
- Level 8-9 light blonde – suitable for softer pastel lilac lavenders
- Level 7-8 medium blonde – will work for muted lavender tones
- Level 6-7 darker blonde – will allow subtle, smokey lavender
Lifting higher to a lighter level leaves no blue undertone behind, allowing the true lavender pigment to shine through. Lower lifts may still retain some of the blue base, which creates a darker, less vibrant end result.
Does Hair Need to Be Toned Before Lavender?
It’s highly recommended to tone hair after lightening blue to blonde prior to lavender application. This helps cancel out any brassy, orange tones left behind after lifting.
Using a purple or ash toner will help neutralize warm tones and ensure the hair is an even, cool canvas before lavender is applied. Toner provides a smooth base for the new color and prevents other undertones from clashing with the cool lavender shade.
You especially want to avoid brassiness when lifting darker blue shades, as the orange casts can mix with lavender to create an unsightly swampy, muddy color. Taking the time to properly tone hair first results in optimal lavender color payoff.
What Kind of Toner Should You Use Before Lavender Dye?
Here are the best toner shades to use before applying lavender:
- Purple shampoo or toner
- Silver or ash blonde toner
- Blue or violet-based toner
These all deposit purple, blue, or gray pigment to neutralize warmth and provide an icy base for the lavender shade.
Stay away from gold, red, orange, or yellow-based toners, as these can actually make hair warmer and prevent the lavender from showing up properly. Stick with cool, violet-leaning tones only.
Also avoid toning with permanent dye, as this can make it harder for the lavender color to penetrate and deposit later on. Semi-permanent or demi-permanent toner is best.
How to Maintain Lavender Hair Over a Blue Base
Maintenance is key for keeping lavender hair looking freshly-dyed and vibrant, especially when applied over stubborn blue undertones. Here are some tips:
- Use a purple shampoo 1-2 times per week.
- Wash hair in cool water using a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Rinse with a few drops of purple toner added to conditioner weekly.
- Re-dye the lavender every 3-6 weeks as needed.
- Avoid heat styling and use heat protectant when blow-drying.
- Add temporary lavender colors between salon visits.
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or gentle products.
Without proper maintenance, lavender can fade back to a blue-ish undertone quickly. Combat this with diligent use of toning and coloring products to keep the bright lavender hue looking fresh.
How Long Does Lavender Last Over Blue Hair?
How long lavender lasts over blue hair depends on several factors:
- The original shades of blue and lavender used – darker blue fades faster
- Whether the blue was pre-lightened before lavender application
- The type of dye used – permanent vs semi-permanent
- Your hair type and condition
- How you care for and maintain the color
Typically, lavender lasts 1-4 weeks over unlifted blue hair before fading. Over pre-lightened blue hair, it may last 4-8 weeks with proper maintenance.
Permanent dyes tend to have the most longevity, but be aware these can also permanently stain hair more than semi-permanent options. Those with dry or damaged hair will also find the color fades more quickly.
Prevent fading by using shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for color-treated hair. Also limit washing to 2-3 times per week and avoid heat styling when possible.
Conclusion
While it is possible to put lavender dye directly over blue hair, you’ll get the best results by properly prepping and lifting the hair first. Aim to remove the blue base and create an even canvas at a light blonde level before applying the lavender shade. Be sure to tone hair after lightening as well. This helps the true vibrancy and tones of the lavender come through. Maintain the look with purple shampoos and periodic re-dyeing. With the right preparation and maintenance, you can keep beautiful lavender locks over your blue base.