Applying purple dye over green hair often results in a muddy or brownish tone because purple and green are complementary colors, which neutralize each other.
The outcome depends on the shade and intensity of the green and the type of purple dye used.
Lighter, faded green may allow the purple to cover more effectively, creating a muted purple tone.
For a vibrant result, it is recommended to remove or neutralize the green before applying purple dye.
Why Does Purple Over Green Sometimes Look Muddy?
Purple and green are complementary colors. When mixed, they tend to cancel each other out, often resulting in a muted or muddy shade. The final look depends on factors like:
- The intensity of the green base
- The shade of purple applied
- The type of dye used (semi-permanent, permanent, etc.)
- Whether a developer is involved
If the green is light or faded, a muted purple hue may emerge. But if the green is strong, the result can range from brownish tones to a color that’s hard to name!
What Influences the Result?
1. Shade of Green
- Light Green: Purple can cover it better, sometimes leading to a soft, bluish-purple.
- Bright/Dark Green: The dye might struggle to overpower the green and could create an unintended result.
2. Shade of Purple
- Light Purple (Lavender): Often overpowered by green, leading to a greenish-blue tint.
- Dark Purple (Aubergine, Plum): Strong pigments can cover the green entirely, though fading might reveal green undertones.
3. Use of a Developer
- Developers open up the hair cuticle, allowing color to penetrate more effectively.
- A stronger developer (e.g., volume 30 or 40) can lighten the base color, helping the purple show up more vibrantly.
Can Purple Dye Tone Green Hair?
@zerotimesystem Sarah uses her new Zero Time System brush to save time 🥰🥰🥰 #repost @sarahh.does.rainbows Let’s go PURPLE! My client came in with 4 month of grow out from a beautiful deep green color! The fade was beautiful but we want to transition to pink soon in the spring/summer So let’s go purple! What we did: •We did a heavy money piece for the bangs •Gave her some cute curtain bangs and refreshed her layers •did a Vivid Overlay with @pulpriothair for the paint using my new @zerotimesystem brush! •@olaplex treatment And BAM! We’re purple baby! . . . @behindthechair_com @hair_slayerz @beautylaunchpad @saloncentric #hairslayerz #purplehair #vividhair #vividhaircolor #silverhair #unicornhair #hairvideo #colorspecialist #balayage #balayageartists #balayagehair #colorfulhair #hairtransformation #beforeandafter #pdxhair #pdxhairstylist #pdxcolorist #portlandhairstylist #portlandhair #pnw ♬ original sound – Jackie Richardson
No, it won’t. The purple dye is fantastic for neutralizing yellow tones, as yellow and purple are opposites on the color wheel. But for green, red is the color you need to cancel it out.
If you’re dealing with unwanted green tones in bleached or colored hair, reach for a red shampoo or toner instead.
How to Achieve the Best Results with Purple Dye on Green Hair
Step 1: Assess the Green
Is your hair a soft mint green or a bold emerald? The lighter the green, the easier it will be to cover with purple.
Step 2: Lighten the Base
If the green is dark, consider lighting it first. You can:
- Use a clarifying shampoo to fade temporary dye.
- Apply a color remover for semi-permanent or permanent dye.
Step 3: Choose the Right Purple
Opt for darker, more pigmented purples if your green base is vibrant. Light shades might get overpowered.
Step 4: Use a Developer
A medium-strength developer (volume 20 or 30) can help lift the green and allow the purple to shine. Just be cautious—overusing developers can cause damage.
Alternatives to Purple Dye for Green Hair
If purple isn’t working as you hoped, there are other options to explore.
1. Blue Dye
Green contains blue and yellow. Adding more blue will enhance the blue tones, often giving you a cooler, more uniform result.
2. Red Dye
@_that_guy_tom__ Red dye on green hair?? #fyp #fy #foryou #hairdye #greenhair #greenhaircolor #directionshairdye #hairexperiment #colortheory #strandtest ♬ I am not a woman, I’m a god – Halsey
Since red and green cancel each other out, red dye or red shampoo can neutralize green tones, though it may leave you with a neutral or reddish base.
3. Dark Colors
Dark brown or black shades can cover green completely. This is a great option if you’re looking for a reset.
What Happens with Other Color Pairings?
Let’s briefly cover a few scenarios for other dye-over-dye combinations:
1. Purple Dye Over Blue Hair
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This combination tends to work seamlessly because blue is one of the primary components of purple. Applying purple over blue hair usually enhances the depth of the color, leading to a rich and vibrant purple tone. The final result will depend on the intensity of the blue base:
- Light Blue Base: Results in a brighter purple, leaning toward lavender or lilac hues.
- Dark Blue Base: Creates a deep, regal purple shade, such as plum or eggplant.
If the blue base is faded, the purple dye may take on a more uniform tone. This combination is generally less unpredictable compared to others, making it a popular choice.
2. Red Dye Over Green Hair
Red and green sit opposite each other on the color wheel, meaning they cancel each other out. Applying red dye over green hair can neutralize the green tones, often leaving a neutral or warm base. However, the final result depends on several factors:
- Dark Green Base: A strong, pigmented red (such as scarlet or ruby) is needed to overpower the green and achieve a noticeable red tone. Lighter reds may not cover effectively, leaving a muted or brownish hue.
- Light Green Base: A lighter red shade, like copper or ginger, can show up more easily but may result in a soft, muted red tone.
For best results, it’s recommended to use a red dye with a developer or opt for a red shampoo to deposit pigments gradually while neutralizing the green.
3. Blue Dye Over Green Hair
Green is composed of blue and yellow, so adding blue dye reinforces the blue tones already present in the green. This combination works well, especially when using a dark or pigmented blue. The results depend on the shades involved:
- Light Green Base: Dark blues, such as navy, midnight, or cobalt, can effectively cover lighter greens, creating a rich, even blue tone. Lighter blues may not fully mask the green, resulting in a teal or aqua finish.
- Dark Green Base: If the green base is strong and vibrant (like emerald or forest green), the blue dye may struggle to cover it completely. In this case, lightening the green first or using a darker blue is often necessary.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a foundational tool for understanding how colors interact. Complementary colors, like green and purple, can neutralize each other when combined, often leading to muddy or muted tones instead of vibrant results.
Failing to account for this interaction can leave you with an unexpected outcome. Always evaluate the existing base color and how your desired dye will interact with it before proceeding.
Mistake #2: Skipping a Strand Test
A strand test is an essential step in any hair-dyeing process. By applying the dye to a small section of hair first, you can observe how the color behaves with your current base.
This allows you to adjust your approach—such as tweaking the shade, timing, or product—without committing your entire head to a potential mishap. It’s a quick, simple step that can save you time and frustration in the long run.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Products
Not all dyes are created equal, and some are better suited for vibrant or dark bases than others. For example:
- Lighter Shades: Require a pre-lightened or faded base for full effect.
- Darker Shades: Work better on bold or pigmented bases but may not show up on lighter tones.
- Temporary vs. Permanent Dyes: Temporary dyes may struggle to cover strong base colors, while permanent dyes often need a developer to achieve the desired result.
Before applying a new dye, take the time to research its capabilities and suitability for your hair’s current condition and color. Using the wrong product can lead to uneven coverage or colors that don’t last.
Tips for Healthy Hair After Dyeing
Coloring can be tough on your strands, especially when multiple dyes and developers are involved. Keep your hair healthy by:
- Using sulfate-free shampoos to maintain color.
- Applying deep conditioning masks weekly.
- Trimming split ends regularly to prevent breakage.
Final Thoughts
Coloring your hair is all about experimenting and having fun. While putting purple dye over green hair can yield unpredictable results, it’s part of the creative process.
Take your time to prep, choose quality products, and don’t hesitate to call in a pro if you’re unsure. Whatever the outcome, remember: it’s just hair—it can always be changed again!