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How to Fade Purple Hair to Silver
If you have purple hair and want to transition to a silver or white shade, it is possible to fade the purple color without causing excessive damage to your hair. However, fading purple hair to silver requires patience and the right technique to achieve the desired results.
When learning how to fade purple hair to silver, it’s important to understand the hair dye fading process so you can get optimal results. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to successfully and safely fade your purple hair color to a beautiful silver hue.
What to Consider Before Fading Purple Hair into Silver?
Before beginning the process of fading your purple hair to silver, here are some key points to consider:
- Fading purple hair will require multiple applications and washes over several weeks or months to completely remove the pigment. It may take multiple sessions with hair dye or toner to achieve the desired silver shade.
- Bleaching your hair is usually necessary to lighten the base and ensure the purple dye fades completely. Using hair bleach helps lift and strip the color so new silver dye can deposit evenly.
- Fading dark purple hair will require more treatments than light purple. The darker and more vivid the shade, the more difficult it will be to achieve a perfect silver.
- Avoid heat styling during the fading process, as heat can seal in the purple pigment, making it harder to remove.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to help fade the purple tones more quickly.
- Deep condition hair after each bleaching or dye session to maintain the health of your hair.
- Patience is key! It can take 4-6 weeks or longer to fade purple hair dye to a silver shade without damage. Allow the color to fade gradually for best results.
What products should I use to dye my purple hair to silver?
The products you use are crucial when learning how to fade purple hair dye to silver. Here are some must-have items:
- Clarifying shampoo – Use a clarifying shampoo containing sulfates weekly to remove buildup and strip color faster.
- Silver hair dye – A semi-permanent or demi-permanent silver dye helps neutralize purples tones once your hair is light enough.
- Toner – Purple neutralizing toners cancel out violet and blue tones as your hair fades to prepare it for silver dye.
- Deep conditioner – Condition hair intensely 1-2 times a week to combat dryness and damage from bleaching.
- Sulfate-free shampoo – Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo in between clarifying washes to prevent over-drying.
- Purple fading treatment – Look for hair products designed to remove direct dye or fade fantasy colors quickly.
What tools do I need?
Aside from the right hair products, having the proper tools on hand ensures you can safely and effectively fade your purple hair at home:
- Shower comb – A wide-tooth comb prevents breakage on delicate hair when wet.
- Hair clips – Section off hair cleanly for bleach and dye application.
- Tint brush – To evenly apply bleach and hair color from roots to ends.
- Mixing bowl – For preparing and mixing your bleach and dye mixtures properly.
- Gloves – Protect your hands from stains when applying bleach and color.
- Timer – Time precisely how long your bleach and dye is on for even results.
- Shower cap – Keep hair contained during the processing time.
Do I need to bleach my hair first before achieving silver color?
In most cases, yes, you will need to bleach your hair before attempting to dye it silver when fading from purple. Bleaching is necessary because:
- It lifts your natural base pigment so the hair is an even, pale shade.
- Bleaching strips out artificial purple pigment from the strands.
- It prepares the cuticle to readily accept and absorb the new silver color.
- You need nearly white hair for the coolest silver shades to show true.
Bleach to a pale yellow base before applying silver hair dye. Be sure to deep condition after lightening to avoid damage. Watch for signs of damage like severe dryness or a stretchy texture before bleaching again.
How to fade purple hair to silver step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to fade purple hair safely to a beautiful silver hue:
1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo – Use a sulfate-based shampoo weekly to start stripping the color. Massage it thoroughly from roots to ends.
2. Bleach your hair – Lighten your hair with bleach to lift the base pigment and remove purple tones. Apply carefully, watch the time, and don’t exceed 30 minutes.
3. Deep condition hair – Comb a hydrating hair mask through from roots to ends. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Repeat 1-2 times per week.
4. Use a toner – Once hair lightens, use a toner formulated to neutralize purple and blue tones. This preps hair for the true silver color.
5. Dye hair silver – Apply a semi-permanent or demi-permanent silver hair dye once your hair is pre-lightened enough to a pale yellow.
6. Use purple fading shampoo – Continue using a clarifying or color removal shampoo 1-2 times per week to lift more purple pigment.
7. Touch up roots – Maintain your silver color by re-applying dye to the regrowth every 4-6 weeks as needed.
8. Deep condition regularly – Continue deep conditioning treatments to nourish hair and prevent dryness or damage.
Below you’ll find a video of a girl I found on Youtube that went from purple to white. Although it isn’t going to silver, there are a lot of things that are the same in the process. So, if you rather see the stept from a video, look the one below!
How often should I dye my hair to maintain the silver shade?
To keep your new silver hair color looking crisp and bright, plan to re-dye your roots every 4-6 weeks. The regrowth will look especially noticeable with silver hair since the contrast between the natural roots and colored lengths will be stark.
Using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent silver dye for maintenance will help limit damage from repeat dyeing. Avoid permanent dyes which can be harsher on already processed hair. Always do a strand test first when re-applying color to be sure the shade takes evenly over your processed lengths.
Can I do this at home, or do I need to go to a professional salon?
It is possible to fade purple to silver hair safely at home as long as you take the proper steps. However, visiting a salon is best if:
- You don’t want to deal with the hassle and maintenance yourself.
- Your hair is extra long or thick, making application tricky.
- You have sensitive scalp or skin.
- You’ve never used bleach before. Professionals can formulate it precisely for your hair’s needs.
No matter where you choose to transition your hair, always do a stand test first to determine how light you need to go and how porous your hair is. Having a professional’s guidance your first time fading unnatural shades like purple to silver can give you the insight you need to maintain it properly on your own.
How to maintain the Silver hair dye job?
Keeping your new silver hair color vibrant requires a little maintenance in between salon visits. Be sure to:
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner to retain moisture and shine without stripping color.
- Rinse hair with cool water instead of hot to prevent the cuticle from opening and color fading out.
- Limit use of heat tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons which can cause fading over time.
- Gloss your hair with a semi-permanent silver dye in between full coloring services.
- Use a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to keep your silver strands hydrated and healthy.
- Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove dry, damaged ends and prevent breakage.
Following these pro tips will help keep your silver hair looking salon-fresh longer!
How can I protect my hair from damage during the fading process?
Fading your purple hair to a silver shade involves chemical processes that can dry your hair out over time. Here are some ways to prevent damage:
- Always do a strand test before lightening or coloring hair to check your hair’s condition.
- Space out bleaching or dyeing sessions every 4-6 weeks to allow your hair to rest.
- Use the lowest volume peroxide bleach for your goals to avoid over-lifting.
- Never leave bleach on longer than 30 minutes to avoid chemical burning.
- Rinse hair very thoroughly after bleaching and dyeing to remove all traces of product.
- Deep condition after each lightening or coloring session to maintain moisture.
- Avoid heat styling tools during the fading process.
- Get occasional trims to snip away dry, damaged ends.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to nourish your hair shaft and seal in moisture.
Following these precautions will help you achieve the silver hair color you want while keeping your locks healthy.
Will transitioning from purple to silver hair cause damage to my hair?
Fading purple hair to silver does put your hair through chemical processes that can lead to damage when not done properly. To minimize damage:
- Space out bleaching sessions 4-6 weeks apart so hair can recover.
- Never bleach hair that feels gummy, stretchy or otherwise compromised.
- Use a gentle bleach formula and watch the processing time closely.
- Always deep condition after lightening and toning hair.
- Avoid heat styling and additional chemical processes during the fading period.
- Use bonding treatments and Olaplex to strengthen and prevent breakage.
- Get occasional trims to remove damaged ends.
- Use repairing masks, oils and leave-in conditioners to keep hair conditioned.
While some dryness is normal when transitioning colors, following these tips will help ensure you end up with healthy, beautiful silver hair!
Which hair care products should I use to keep my silver hair healthy?
Silver hair requires specialized products to keep the icy color bright and your strands conditioned. Use:
- Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
- Purple or blue toning shampoos to cancel brassiness
- Deep conditioning masks and masques for moisture
- Leave-in conditioners or serums to tame flyaways
- Heat protectant sprays before hot tool use
- Bonding treatments like Olaplex to prevent breakage
- Hydrating hair oils or creams to seal in moisture
- Anti-frizz products like glosses, oils or creams
Using products specifically formulated for color-treated and dry hair ensures your silver strands stay maximally moisturized and shiny.
Are there any specific hair care routines to make my silver hair look its best?
Silver hair color requires some adjustments to your regular routine to help it stay vibrant. Be sure to:
- Shampoo less often, only 1-2 times per week, to retain color vibrancy with a sulfate-free formula.
- Rinse with cool water instead of hot to prevent the cuticle from opening up.
- Apply hydrating masks or oils and let them soak in for 10+ minutes before rinsing out.
- Blot wet hair gently with a towel. Avoid harsh rubbing.
- Use a wide tooth comb on wet hair to prevent snapping and pulling.
- Let hair air dry instead of blow drying when possible to prevent heat damage.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to avoid dryness and friction.
Adjusting your hair care routine to accommodate processed strands will help you get the most out of your new silver locks!
Key points:
- Fading purple hair to silver is a gradual process requiring multiple bleaching and toning sessions over 4-6 weeks or longer.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to help strip purple dye followed by a hydrating shampoo to prevent dryness.
- Bleach is necessary to lift underlying pigment and remove all traces of purple for an even silver result.
- Always do a stand test and deep condition regularly during the fading process.
- Apply silver toner to neutralize remaining purple/blue tones once hair is light enough.
- Maintain silver hair with a color-safe shampoo and occasional glossing/toning treatments.
With the right products and techniques, you can achieve stunning silver hair from purple safely with minimized damage. Take it slow and let your hair fade gradually for best results!