Why Your Hair Turned Purple After Using Indigo-Based Natural Hair Dye.
If you’ve used a natural hair dye containing a high concentration of Indigo, such as Soft Black or Dark Brown, and your hair turned purple 2-3 days after application, it’s likely due to the Indigo failing to develop properly. Here’s what might have gone wrong and how to avoid it in the future.
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Why Does Hair Turn Purple After Indigo Dye?
Indigo requires moisture to oxidize and develop its dark tones. If your hair turns purple, it usually means that the Indigo’s oxidation process stopped prematurely. This can happen due to:
1. Using a Hair Dryer Immediately After Dyeing
- Applying heat and forcing the hair to dry too quickly removes the moisture necessary for Indigo to develop fully.
- This is one of the most common causes of purple discoloration.
2. Dry Environment
- Even if you didn’t use a hair dryer, living in a dry environment or exposure to dry air can cause hair to lose moisture too quickly. This can prevent Indigo from fully developing and result in uneven or incomplete coloration.
The Right Way to Dry Hair After Dyeing
To ensure Indigo develops correctly and avoids turning purple, follow these steps after dyeing:
• Avoid Using a Hair Dryer:
Let your hair dry naturally without applying heat.
• Wrap Hair in a Towel:
After rinsing out the dye, gently pat your hair with a towel, then wrap it to keep the moisture in while it dries slowly. This helps Indigo oxidize properly.
• Maintain a Moist Environment:
If the air is particularly dry, use a humidifier or stay in a bathroom with some steam to slow the drying process.
Understanding Color Differences Between Drying Methods
Here’s an example of how drying methods can impact Indigo-based dyes:
Soft Black (1 Hour After Dyeing)
- Hair Dryer: The color appears faded and uneven.
- Natural Drying: The color appears rich and even.
Soft Black (72 Hours After Dyeing)
- Hair Dryer: The hair turns purple due to incomplete oxidation.
- Natural Drying: A deep black tone fully develops.
The same results can occur with Dark Brown or other Indigo-heavy shades.
What to Do If Hair Turns Purple
If your hair has already turned purple:
1. Rehydrate the Hair Quickly
- Within 1-2 days after dyeing, try reactivating the Indigo by lightly wetting your hair and wrapping it in a towel. This provides the moisture needed to complete the oxidation process.
2. Re-Dye If Necessary
- Unfortunately, if it’s been more than 2-3 days and your hair is still purple, adding moisture will no longer trigger oxidation. You’ll need to re-dye the hair for the proper color.
Tips for Preventing Purple Hair in the Future
• Always allow your hair to dry naturally after using Indigo-based dyes.
• Avoid using a hair dryer or exposing your hair to extremely dry air immediately after dyeing.
• If your hair looks too light after the initial application, rehydrate it by misting with water and wrapping it in a towel to encourage proper development.
Final Advice
If you notice your hair turning purple after dyeing, act quickly to rehydrate it within 1-2 days. By following the correct drying techniques, you can achieve the rich, dark tones you expect from Indigo-based natural hair dyes without worrying about discoloration.
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below! Let’s ensure every Indigo application is a success.
