Mixing different shades of hair dye is a common technique used by hair stylists and DIY hair colorists to achieve unique shades and color combinations. With the right approach, it is possible to mix red and blue hair dyes together to create a shade of purple hair color.
The Basics of Mixing Hair Dye Colors
In general, mixing complementary colors on the color wheel will create a shade in between the two. Red and blue are complementary colors opposite each other on the color wheel. When blended together, they will make a purple hue. How dark or light the purple shade turns out depends on the particular shades of red and blue used and the ratio in which they are mixed.
Some key considerations when mixing dyes include:
- Semi-permanent vs permanent – Mixing semi-permanent dyes allows more flexibility if you want to modify the color later. Permanent dyes will blend permanently into the hair.
- Tone – Warm, cool, or neutral tones will affect the end result. Mixing complementary warm and cool shades often produces the most vibrant results.
- Ratio – Adjusting the ratio of each color adds more of one shade over the other.
- Level of pigmentation – More pigmented dyes produce deeper, richer color.
- Hair’s base color – The natural color of your hair will influence how the mixed color comes out.
Doing a strand test first to observe how the colors mix on your hair is recommended.
Mixing Specific Shades of Red and Blue
With the right red and blue shades, you can mix dye to create different purple hues. Some potential combinations include:
| Red Shade | Blue Shade | Mixed Purple Result |
|---|---|---|
| Intense red | Navy blue | Deep purple |
| Bright candy apple red | Royal blue | Vibrant purple |
| Copper red | Electric blue | Warm reddish purple |
| Light pink-red | Pastel periwinkle blue | Soft lilac purple |
As shown, the intensity of the red and blue shades used impacts whether you’ll get a deeper, brighter or softer purple result. Testing out ratios by adding more or less red or blue dye allows you to fine tune the purple color.
Step-by-Step Process for Mixing
If you’ve decided which red and blue shades you want to use, follow these steps to mix them and apply to your hair:
- Mix the dyes together in a bowl, using a ratio to control the purple shade. A 1:1 ratio to start is recommended.
- Apply petroleum jelly to skin around hairline to avoid staining.
- Separate hair into sections and use a tint brush to apply the mixed dye.
- Evenly coat hair strands from roots to ends.
- Cover head with plastic wrap and allow to process for the recommended time.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Shampoo and condition as normal.
- Blow dry and style as desired.
- Maintain color vibrancy with purple shampoo/conditioner.
Be sure to follow all directions from the hair dye products. Performing a patch test before full application is best. Process the mixed color for at least the minimum development time stated to allow full saturation.
What to Avoid When Mixing Dyes
While combining two dye colors can produce fun hair colors, there are some hazards to avoid:
- Don’t mix permanent with semi-permanent/temporary dyes – This can lead to uneven results.
- Avoid mixing too many shades – Stick to two shades for best mixing results.
- Don’t mix bleach or lightener with dye – Bleach should be used separately first.
- Watch out for color cancellation – Red can cancel out green or blue can cancel out orange.
- Don’t apply directly to lightened hair – Porous hair should be filled first.
Doing a patch test is always recommended when experimenting with mixing dyes to preview the color outcome.
Other Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional pointers for successfully mixing red and blue dye:
- Use professional quality or vegetable-based dyes – These contain more pigment for better mixing.
- Choose shades within the same color family for cohesion.
- Adjust your technique for different hair types – Fine hair often needs less processing time.
- Enhance shine with a glossing treatment.
- Pre-lighten hair first for brighter results on darker bases.
- Use semi-permanent dye for easier color removal or correction.
- Look for ammonia-free formulas if you have hair sensitivities.
- Wear gloves during application to avoid stained hands.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your new red-blue mixed purple hair color looking vibrant with:
- Purple shampoo – Helps prevent brassiness.
- Sulfate-free shampoo – Preserves color longer.
- Cool water rinses – Hot water opens cuticles causing color to fade faster.
- Limit washing frequency – Washing less preserves your color.
- Hair masks – Boost moisture to counteract drying effects of dye.
- Avoid chlorine and salt water – Can cause color to fade.
- Gloss treatments – Refresh color between dye touch ups.
- Trim regularly – Removes dry ends to minimize fading.
Conclusion
Mixing red and blue hair dye allows you to create beautiful purple shades to customize your hair color. With some planning selecting the right shades and ratios to mix, applying properly, and maintaining the color, you can achieve gorgeous long-lasting purple hair color results.
