When it comes to dyeing hair, many people love experimenting with different color combinations. Two popular shades that look great together are pink and purple. But what actually happens when you mix these two vivid colors? Let’s take a look at the chemistry behind it.
How Hair Dye Works
First, it’s helpful to understand the basics of how hair dye works. Most semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes used at home contain color pigments and developers. The color pigments are what give your hair the desired shade. Developers act as oxidizing agents that open up the hair cuticle so the pigments can deposit inside the hair shaft.
Permanent hair dyes use developers with higher volumes or percentages of peroxide to fully penetrate and permanently change the color. Semi-permanent dyes deposit less color that washes out over several weeks. So mixing two semi-permanent dyes will produce a shade that eventually fades.
Mixing Color Theory
When mixing any colors together, including hair dyes, the resulting shade is determined by color theory. This refers to the visual outcomes that occur when combining different colors on the color spectrum.
Pink and purple sit next to each other on the color wheel. Pink contains more red tones while purple contains more blue tones. When mixed together, these complementary hues create a new shade.
Specifically, mixing pink and purple hair dye will result in a magenta or fuchsia color. This bright vivid shade lies exactly between pink and purple.
| Pink Dye | + | Purple Dye | = | Magenta/Fuchsia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More red tones | More blue tones | Mix of red and blue |
This concept applies whether you’re mixing pink and purple paint, ink, fabric dyes, or any other coloring mediums besides hair color.
The Importance of Hair Level
It’s worth noting that the existing color and lightness level of your hair will also affect the final look when mixing dyes. Pink and purple shades show up best on light blonde hair. Pre-lightening with bleach lets the vibrant magenta tone shine.
If you mix pink and purple on darker brown or black hair, the shades will blend together differently. You’ll likely end up with a subtle reddish-purple tint instead of a vivid magenta.
| Hair Level | Color Result |
|---|---|
| Light blonde | Vibrant magenta |
| Dark blonde/brown | Muted purple-pink tint |
| Black | Subtle red-purple tint |
So consider lightening your hair first if you want the true mixed color to shine through.
Trying Different Pink & Purple Ratios
Another fun part of mixing dyes is experimenting with different ratios. Using more pink versus purple, or vice versa, will result in shades ranging from bold fuchsia to warm burgundy.
Here are some examples of ratios and outcomes:
| Pink Parts | Purple Parts | Color Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Intense fuchsia |
| 2 | 2 | True bright magenta |
| 1 | 3 | Deep burgundy purple |
Keep in mind your hair color and tone when adjusting the pink to purple ratio. On darker hair, using more pink can help the color show up boldly.
How Long Will the Mixed Color Last?
Since most vivid fashion shades are semi-permanent dyes, mixing pink and purple will create a fun magenta shade that lasts 4-8 weeks before fading. Proper hair care can help extend the lifespan.
Using sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes will prevent the color molecules from stripping out quickly. Additionally, limiting wash frequency to every 2-3 days will keep the mixed shade looking vibrant longer.
You can also refresh the color in between salon trips by using a semi-permanent toner or dye. Opt for one that matches the exact mixed shade you’re trying to maintain.
Do a Strand Test First
Before mixing shades on your whole head, it’s wise to do a strand test first. This involves quickly dyeing a small section of hair to preview the color result.
Testing pink + purple dye on a few strands will confirm you like the magenta shade before committing. It also verifies that your hair lifts to an even blonde tone so the colors take evenly.
You can tweak the ratio or lifts levels as needed based on the strand test. Then you’ll be ready to create your custom pink-purple blend all over.
Professional Help for Best Results
While it’s fun to experiment mixing colors at home, visiting a professional hair colorist will ensure the best results. They can expertly lighten your hair, then mix and apply the perfect pink and purple shades for your base.
Stylists have access to high quality vivid dyes in every color imaginable. They can custom blend shades to create a stunning magenta look tailored to you. This helps the mixed color come out even, shiny, and long-lasting.
Salon coloring services do cost more than box dye. But the added vibrancy and longevity can make it worthwhile for creating special effects like pink + purple hair.
Aftercare Tips for Dyed Hair
Caring for freshly dyed hair correctly is key to keeping the color looking amazing. Here are some important aftercare tips:
- Wait 2-3 days before washing newly dyed hair. This allows the cuticle to fully close and oxidize.
- Shampoo minimally, only lathering your scalp to prevent dryness.
- Rinse with cool water instead of hot to keep color sealed in.
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Let hair air dry instead of heat styling when possible.
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or gentle products.
- Use a coloring conditioner or gloss between salon visits.
Fun Ideas for Rocking Magenta Hair
Once you’ve successfully mixed pink and purple on your strands, it’s time to show off your brightly hued locks! Here are some trendy magenta hair ideas to try:
- Half & Half: Dye the top section of your hair pink and the bottom purple.
- Ombre: Create a blended ombre starting with pink at the roots fading into magenta ends.
- Full-Head Color: Rock magenta hair all over for a vivid monochrome look.
- Peekaboo Highlights: Add scattered magenta highlights throughout brown hair.
- Undertones: Boost shine by having your stylist add subtle magenta undertones.
The possibilities are endless when you harness the power of pink + purple hair dye. Have fun with this trendy hair color combo!
Conclusion
Mixing pink and purple hair dye produces a beautiful magenta or fuchsia shade by combining their complementary red and blue pigments. While the mixed color will show up vibrantly on pre-lightened hair, you can customize the pink to purple ratio to achieve different takes on magenta. This vivid hair color trend offers endless possibilities for a fun and expressive look. Just be sure to properly care for dyed hair so your custom creation lasts 4-8 weeks before fading.
