Magenta hair color has become a popular and fun way for people to express their creativity and sense of style. However, like any bold hair color, magenta will fade over time with washing and exposure to sun. The fading process causes magenta hair to transition through different shades until it returns to the natural or base color. Knowing what to expect can help people determine how long they want to maintain their magenta locks.
What Causes Magenta Hair Color to Fade?
There are a few key factors that cause magenta or other vivid hair dyes to fade:
Washing: Frequent shampooing opens up the hair cuticles and allows the magenta dye molecules to wash away. Warm water accelerates the process.
Sun exposure: The UV rays from the sun oxidize the color molecules in the hair shaft, breaking them down.
Heat styling: Heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners degrade the hair dye over time. The high temperatures speed up fading.
Hard water: Mineral deposits in hard water attach to the hair strands and pull out the color.
Oils on scalp: The natural oils produced by the scalp can loosen up the dye molecules. As the oils travel down the hair shaft, fading occurs.
Hair growth: As natural new hair grows in, it contrasts with the dyed magenta hair, making the color difference more apparent.
By being aware of these factors, steps can be taken to help extend the vibrancy of magenta hair.
What Colors Does Magenta Hair Fade To?
When magenta hair color starts to fade, it will transition through a spectrum of different shades. Here are the typical stages:
Pink – In the initial washings, magenta will start to fade to a bright pink shade. This may only take 1-2 washes to notice. The pink will be most vibrant on the ends and around the face where there is more light exposure.
Rose Gold – After further washing and lightening, the pink will morph into a metallic rose gold hue. This may take 3-5 washes to achieve. Rose gold is a blend of pink, gold and reddish tones.
Lavender – The next stage is a light pastel lavender. After 6-8 washes, the warmer pink and red undertones will give way to a cooler, pale purple. Lavender is essentially a white-blonde tone with hints of lilac.
Silver/Grey – More fading leads to a soft silver or ash blonde shade. This silver-grey hair can look intentionally trendy before the color disappears completely.
Natural Hair Color – With enough washing, styling, sun exposure and time (typically 4-8 weeks), magenta will eventually fade back to the natural virgin hair color. This could be anything from brown to blonde. An exception is if the hair was pre-lightened before the magenta dye.
The speed of this fading sequence depends on the individual’s hair type, maintenance routine and exposure levels. But in general, those are the transitional color stages to expect as magenta hair color washes out.
Tips to Make Magenta Hair Last Longer
While some fading over time is inevitable with semi-permanent magenta hair dye, there are techniques to help maximize the longevity and vibrancy of the shades:
– Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfate-free cleansers are gentler and help preserve hair color better than formulas with harsh detergents.
– Wash less frequently: Washing every 2-3 days instead of daily reduces color stripping from shampooing. Also use cooler water.
– Apply a glossing treatment: Using a hydrating gloss or mask after shampooing helps seal in color and provides added shine.
– Shield hair from sun: Wear protective styles or hats when outdoors to minimize UV light exposure.
– Limit heat styling: Allow hair to air dry and avoid heat tools to prevent damage to the cuticle and color molecules.
– Use a coloring conditioner: Look for conditioners or masques specifically designed to refresh color intensity between full dye jobs.
– Get a root touch up: Having your roots maintained by a colorist avoids the obvious contrast of new growth.
– Deep condition weekly: Deep treatments replenish moisture and help lock in color.
With the right maintenance approach, vibrancy of magenta hair can last 4-6 weeks or more before needing to be re-dyed.
When to Re-Dye Magenta Hair
Determining when it’s time for a refresh or full re-dye of magenta hair comes down to personal preference. Here are some general guidelines on when to schedule your next color service:
– After 4-6 weeks, when the pink tones have mostly faded and given way to softer lavender hues.
– When the gray/silver tones are dominating most of the hair length.
– When regrowth reaches 1/2 inch to 1 inch at roots.
– If the color is still vibrant but a gloss is needed to boost shine and seal in color.
– Before a special event or vacation where you want the color to be freshly done.
– When the darker natural roots make the demarcation line too obvious.
– When you start to feel the color no longer reflects your sense of style.
Keeping an eye on how quickly the magenta fades for you in the first couple months can help estimate the frequency needed for maintaining your ideal shade. Changes in length or texture may also impact timing. Let your colorist evaluate your hair’s condition at each visit.
Does Hair Have to be Re-Lightened to Go Magenta Again?
If your natural hair color is dark brown or black, then yes, the hair will need to be pre-lightened again prior to re-applying a true magenta shade.
This pre-lightening, often called bleaching, uses a developer and higher volume peroxide to lift out the natural pigment and allow the hair to accept the brighter dye. This is required every time for darker hair wanting fashion colors like magenta.
However, for those with lighter natural shades of blonde or medium brown hair, a pre-bleaching step may not be necessary each time. In these cases, the colorist can assess if the current level is light enough to deposit the magenta directly after a good clarifying wash.
Factors like how much warmth is present or how much grey hair blending needs to happen will also impact if lightening is required for subsequent magenta coloring services.
To avoid excessive damage from repeated bleaching, using a lower volume developer and doing more moderate touch-up lightening near the regrowth area only is an option. Thorough conditioning treatments are also key before and after lightening dark hair.
Can Magenta Hair be Dyed Back to Natural Easily?
Yes, magenta hair that has faded back to lighter blonde or silver tones can readily be colored back to a natural brunette or black shade if desired.
Permanent color formulated with darker pigments will help neutralize any residual warmth left behind from the magenta. Ash or cool-toned permanent colors typically work best to counteract those tones.
Using a demi-permanent darker shade could also camouflage magenta roots growing in. Demi-color washes out over time, allowing for easier color changes in the future.
For those with darker hair wanting to conceal all signs of previous lightening or magenta color, a tinted glaze or rinse may also do the trick. These provide light staining without a major commitment.
However, for paler natural blondes or greying hair, going back to their regular color after wearing magenta can be a bit more complicated. Pre-toning to balance unwanted hues, along with judiciously applying darker tones just to the roots while leaving lengths lighter, takes experience.
Overall, while it may take finesse and customized techniques, a professional colorist can successfully return magenta hair back to a natural appearance if a client wishes. The condition and integrity of the hair always factors into the process.
Should Magenta be Dyed Over Bleached Hair?
Bleached hair tends to be weaker and more porous from the lightening process. This can make it thirstily absorb deposit-only dyes like magenta semi-permanent color.
While freshly bleached hair readily takes on vivid magenta tones, it is ideal to wait 24-48 hours before applying any dye. This allows the integrity of the hair to stabilize and minimize damage.
Using a conditioning pre-treatment or bond-building product is also recommended right before coloring bleached strands. This helps provide a buffer and ensure the hair can withstand further manipulation.
Applying semi-permanent color like magenta to bleached hair should be done with minimal overlapping. Quickly saturating then rinsing avoids unnecessary stress to the strands. Keeping cool water running can help lock in moisture as the color deposits.
For bleached hair that has been toned to a paler blonde shade, using a diluted mix of magenta dye can enhance the glow without oversaturation. A lighter touch helps achieve a translucent, pearlescent effect.
While fresh bleach and hot magenta can be tempting for maximum brightness, restraint pays off for healthier hair that stays shiny and vibrant longer before needing a re-do. A pro colorist is able to strike this ideal balance.
Conclusion
Magenta hair color provides an exciting way to transform your look with a bold, fanciful vibe. Keeping realistic expectations around the fading process allows you to enjoy the shades as they transition over several weeks. With some maintenance and protection between salon visits, magenta’s eye-catching color impact can be extended and preserved. Embrace the possibilities and have fun expressing yourself with this playful magenta hair trend.