Category Archives: Life

You guys… I recently (finally!) mustered up the courage to dye my hair purple (by myself!) and its causing me to question why my genes ever thought I should be a brunette.

I am obsessed to the point of annoying narcissism; frequently asking my boyfriend what it looks like in different types of lighting, posting selfies on my various social media accounts, and buying clothes that accentuate it’s luxurious vibrance.  This, too, shall pass.

When I was researching how to turn brown hair purple without bleaching it first, I found some helpful videos and articles online, but no one-stop-question-and-answer-shop.   So here I am writing one out in hopes that it will help someone out there who’s having the same dilemma.  Because I’m totally an expert now that I’ve done it once, right?!

Q: What brand did you use and why?
A: Manic Panic, because I had used it when I was younger (90’s kid alert) so I sort of knew what to expect.  I used Purple Haze mixed with just a touch of Infra Red mixed in.  Manic Panic has a ton of color options and bonus – their dyes are vegan and don’t damage your hair.  Mine felt much softer and was much shinier AFTER dying than before.  No, this post isn’t sponsored.

Q: Would you consider other brands?
A: Sure, but I’m super happy with the results from using Manic Panic.

Q: Is dying your own hair difficult?
A: Not really.  I’ve been coloring my own hair for more than 10 years, so I have definitely found my own rhythm for it.  As long as you’re careful and you prep yourself and your space properly, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Q: Do you need to bleach your hair to dye it purple?
A: Not necessarily.  It depends on what shade of purple you’d like to achieve.  I didn’t want grape bubble gum colored hair (although some people can rock the hell out of it – I’m looking at you, Katy  Perry) so I didn’t lighten my hair at all before the purple.  My hair is naturally dark brown so it ended up with a purple tint to it, which is more vibrant and fuchsia colored in natural sunlight, and takes on a dark violet look in fluorescent light.

Q: Why didn’t you bleach first?
A: Friends, I’ve been 50 shades of blonde in my lifetime, and with how dark my hair naturally is, it’s just too much time and money to maintain it.

Q: Did you apply the dye to “virgin hair”?
A: No.  The last time I dyed my hair (a few months before going purple) I went with boxed dye in a hue a few shades lighter than my natural color.  My hair had only grown about an inch since then, so even though the color had faded, the brown was permanent and still existent on my hair shaft.

Q: What are your best technique tips for dying your hair at home?
A: Protect all the surfaces!  Use petroleum jelly to protect your face, neck and ears from staining (Aquaphor is great for this).  Wear clothes that you don’t give a flip about.  Wear rubber gloves.  Use a dye brush for your hairline and apply to your entire length of hair with gloved hands.

Q: Wait, this stuff stains your skin?
A: Oh honey, so very much.  My entire scalp was BRIGHT purple for the first two days.  It’s unavoidable unless you’re only coloring your ends.  Also, if you’re hair is super long, you may want to wear it up for a day or two while the dye fully sets in. Or just wear a purple shirt!  Matchy matchy!  My hair isn’t even shoulder length so I didn’t have to worry about any transferring.

Q: How long did you leave it in?
A: Two hours.  I told you, my hair is DARK brown.  I wanted to be 100% sure you could see the color.

Q: How long will it last?
A: The dye is semi-permanent so it will last around 3-5 weeks without maintenance.  I’m in week three and there has been some fading, but not much.  In fact I really only noticed some mild fading this morning.  I plan to refresh the color in the next week or two.

Q: Tips on prolonging the vibrance of your color?
A: Say it with me: DRY SHAMPOO IS MY FRIEND.  I only “wash” my hair every other day, sometimes every third day.  I put the word wash in quotes because I don’t actually shampoo.  I recently started using the Wen system, and I am sold on that too.  My hair is EXTREMELY  fine, and I am shocked at how much bounce and shine it has now!  And they’re summer scent, coconut lime verbena… I’d eat it if I didn’t know it was a beauty product.  Again, this post is NOT sponsored.  I just like giving my opinion.

Okay, blogville, those are all the faq’s I could think of.  If you’re thinking of going purple, or any other crazy color, I hope this helps you confidently jump in head first!  Hashtag YOLO, or something like that.  If you have questions that I didn’t address – let me hear them in the comments section!

Alright, I’m off to post more selfies of my lovely locks! #PurpleHairDontCare

xo