Brown hair, with its rich and versatile tones, provides a beautiful canvas for exploring various color combinations. One question that often surfaces is whether purple complements brown hair. The answer, in short, is a resounding yes – with nuances. The success of pairing purple with brown hair depends heavily on the specific shades involved, the application technique, and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this captivating color combination.
Understanding the Color Wheel and Color Harmony
To truly grasp why purple and brown can work so well together, we need to understand the fundamentals of color theory. The color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Colors opposite each other on the wheel are considered complementary, creating a vibrant contrast. Colors next to each other are analogous, offering a harmonious and blended effect.
Brown, in its essence, is a muted, warm color, a blend of primary hues like red, yellow, and blue. Purple, on the other hand, is a blend of red and blue, offering a spectrum ranging from warm, reddish-purple to cool, bluish-purple. The inherent complexity in both colors allows for a multitude of successful combinations. The key is to consider the undertones of both your brown hair and the purple you intend to use.
The Undertones: The Key to Success
Undertones refer to the subtle colors beneath the surface of a dominant color. Brown hair can have warm undertones (gold, red, or copper) or cool undertones (ash or blue). Purple, too, displays similar variations. A reddish-purple will have warmer undertones, while a bluish-purple will have cooler ones.
Matching the undertones of your hair and the purple you choose is critical for a harmonious look. If your brown hair has warm, golden undertones, a warmer, reddish-purple will likely be more flattering. Conversely, if your hair has cool, ashy undertones, a cooler, bluish-purple will create a more cohesive appearance. This simple principle can dramatically impact the final result.
Exploring Different Shades of Purple for Brown Hair
The world of purple is vast and varied, offering a plethora of shades to choose from. Each shade interacts differently with brown hair, creating unique and captivating effects.
Lavender: This soft, delicate purple, with its subtle pastel hue, can create a whimsical and ethereal effect, particularly on lighter shades of brown hair. It is a cooler shade, so it may work better with cooler-toned brown hair. However, it might not be as impactful on very dark brown hair, potentially appearing washed out.
Lilac: Similar to lavender but often slightly more saturated, lilac provides a touch more vibrancy while still retaining its soft and romantic appeal. Lilac can add a sophisticated and playful dimension to brown hair, making it a good choice for those seeking a subtle yet noticeable color change.
Plum: Plum, a rich and deep purple with hints of red, is a versatile option that complements a wide range of brown hair shades. Its warmth makes it particularly flattering on brown hair with warm undertones. Plum adds depth and richness, creating a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Eggplant: Even deeper and more intense than plum, eggplant is a dramatic and alluring shade of purple. It works beautifully with dark brown hair, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue. Its dark, sultry hue creates a bold and unforgettable statement.
Violet: Violet, a classic and vibrant purple, offers a balanced blend of red and blue. Its bold and striking color makes it a popular choice for those seeking a dramatic and eye-catching look. Violet can work well with various shades of brown hair, depending on the application and the desired level of contrast.
Amethyst: A shimmering, jewel-toned purple, amethyst brings a touch of glamour and sophistication. It can add dimension and sparkle to brown hair, creating a multi-faceted and captivating effect. Amethyst is a versatile shade that can be adapted to suit different styles and preferences.
Indigo: This deep, almost blue-purple, is perfect for adding subtle cool tones to warmer brown hair. It adds depth and a mysterious edge without being overly bright.
Methods of Incorporating Purple into Brown Hair
There are numerous ways to introduce purple into your brown hair, ranging from subtle highlights to bold, all-over color. The chosen method will significantly influence the overall impact and the level of commitment required.
Highlights and Lowlights
Purple highlights or lowlights are a fantastic way to add dimension and depth to brown hair without committing to a full color transformation. Highlights involve lightening strands of hair and then applying the purple color, while lowlights involve darkening strands with the purple shade.
Placement is crucial when applying highlights or lowlights. Strategic placement around the face can brighten your complexion, while adding them throughout the hair creates an all-over dimensional effect. Balayage, a freehand highlighting technique, is also a popular choice for achieving a natural and blended look with purple accents.
Ombre and Dip Dye
Ombre involves a gradual transition from your natural brown hair color at the roots to purple at the ends. Dip dye, on the other hand, features a more abrupt color change, with the ends of the hair dipped in purple. Both techniques offer a stylish and trendy way to incorporate purple without coloring the entire head.
Ombre and dip dye are excellent options for those who want to experiment with purple without a high level of commitment. As the purple color is primarily concentrated on the ends of the hair, it is easier to maintain and less likely to cause significant damage.
All-Over Color
For those seeking a bold and dramatic transformation, all-over purple color is the way to go. This involves coloring the entire head of hair with purple, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look. All-over color requires a higher level of commitment and maintenance but can result in a stunning and unforgettable style.
When opting for all-over purple color, it’s essential to consider your skin tone and personal style. Choosing a shade of purple that complements your complexion and reflects your individuality will ensure a confident and flattering outcome.
Color Melting
Color melting is a technique where multiple colors are blended seamlessly together, creating a smooth and natural-looking transition. This method is perfect for incorporating purple into brown hair in a subtle yet dimensional way. By melting purple into brown, you can achieve a unique and personalized color that enhances your natural beauty.
Color melting requires a skilled colorist to execute properly. The key is to blend the colors seamlessly so that there are no harsh lines or abrupt transitions. The result is a soft and harmonious blend of colors that adds depth and dimension to your hair.
Temporary Hair Color
If you are hesitant to commit to permanent or semi-permanent purple hair color, temporary options like hair wax, hair chalk, or colored hairspray are a great way to experiment with the look. These products wash out easily, allowing you to try different shades and styles without long-term commitment.
Temporary hair color is ideal for special occasions or for those who simply want to add a pop of color to their hair without the commitment. These products are readily available and easy to use, making them a fun and convenient way to express your creativity.
Maintenance and Aftercare for Purple Hair
Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining the vibrancy and health of your purple-infused brown hair is crucial. Purple hair color, like all vibrant colors, tends to fade over time, so proper aftercare is essential to prolong its longevity.
Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products are specifically formulated to protect hair color and prevent fading. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can strip the color from your hair.
Wash your hair less frequently: Over-washing can contribute to color fading. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, and use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil.
Use cool water when washing your hair: Hot water can open the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. Cool water helps to seal the cuticle, preserving the color.
Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays can fade hair color. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat can damage your hair and cause color to fade. Minimize your use of heat styling tools, and always use a heat protectant spray before using them.
Deep condition your hair regularly: Purple hair color can sometimes be drying, so it’s essential to deep condition your hair regularly to keep it hydrated and healthy.
The Psychology of Purple and Its Impact
Beyond the technical aspects of color combinations, it’s worth considering the psychological impact of purple. Purple is often associated with royalty, creativity, spirituality, and wisdom. It can evoke feelings of luxury, mystery, and individuality.
Incorporating purple into your hair can be a powerful way to express your personality and make a statement. Whether you choose a subtle hint of lavender or a bold all-over violet, purple can add a touch of intrigue and sophistication to your overall look. Understanding the psychological associations of purple can help you choose the right shade and style to align with your personal brand and desired image.
Ultimately, the question of whether purple goes with brown hair is best answered with a resounding, “It depends… and it usually does!”. With careful consideration of undertones, shade selection, application method, and proper maintenance, purple can be a stunning and transformative addition to brown hair, reflecting your unique style and personality. The rich, versatile world of color awaits your exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple and Brown Hair
Does purple go well with all shades of brown hair?
Generally, yes, purple complements brown hair quite well, but the specific shades matter for optimal harmony. Lighter purples, like lavender or lilac, pair beautifully with lighter brown or blonde-leaning brunette hair, creating a soft and ethereal look. For darker browns, deeper purples like plum, eggplant, or even indigo offer a striking contrast that enhances the richness of both colors.
Consider your skin tone when choosing a purple shade. Cool-toned browns tend to look best with cooler purples, while warmer browns can pull off warmer, red-toned purples more effectively. Experimenting with temporary dyes or using online style visualizers can help you determine the most flattering shade of purple for your particular brown hair and skin tone.
What are some stylish ways to incorporate purple with brown hair?
There are many creative ways to combine purple and brown hair. A popular option is purple highlights or lowlights, which add dimension and subtle color accents. Balayage, where purple is blended seamlessly into the brown hair, creates a soft and natural-looking transition. For a bolder statement, consider a full head of purple dye with the brown hair underneath acting as a shadowed root, or even a dip-dye effect with purple tips.
Beyond just coloring, you can incorporate purple through hair accessories. Purple headbands, scarves, or clips can add a pop of color to your brown hair without committing to a permanent change. Braiding purple ribbons into your hair is another subtle and stylish way to incorporate the color, especially for special occasions. Think about the occasion and your personal style to determine the best approach.
What kind of makeup looks best with purple and brown hair?
Makeup that complements both purple and brown hair focuses on balancing the coolness of the purple with the warmth of the brown. Neutral eyeshadow palettes with warm undertones, like browns, bronzes, and golds, can enhance the brown hair while also harmonizing with the purple. A touch of blush with peach or rose tones will brighten the complexion and add warmth.
For lip color, berry shades, plum colors, and even a classic nude lipstick can work well. If you’re going for a bolder look, try a deep wine or purple-toned lipstick. Remember to adjust the intensity of your makeup based on the vibrancy of the purple in your hair; more subtle purple highlights may call for a softer makeup look, while a full head of vibrant purple can handle bolder makeup choices.
Will purple dye fade quickly on brown hair?
The longevity of purple dye on brown hair largely depends on the type of dye used and the porosity of the hair. Semi-permanent purple dyes tend to fade faster than permanent options, especially on hair that hasn’t been pre-lightened. Darker brown hair may require bleaching to achieve a vibrant purple, and bleached hair is inherently more porous, leading to quicker fading.
To prolong the life of your purple dye, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dyed hair. Avoid washing your hair too frequently and rinse with cool water. Heat styling can also cause the color to fade, so minimize heat exposure and use heat protectant products. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner in a similar purple shade to refresh the color between dye jobs.
Are there any brown hair shades that clash with purple?
While purple generally works well with most brown shades, certain combinations require extra consideration. Very warm, reddish-brown hair, especially with strong orange undertones, might clash slightly with cooler purples like true violet or indigo. The contrast between the warmth and coolness can sometimes appear unbalanced.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear purple with these warmer brown shades; it simply means you might need to choose a purple shade that also has warm undertones, like a reddish-purple or plum. Test the color combination on a small, inconspicuous strand of hair before committing to a full head of dye to ensure you like the result.
What clothing colors complement purple and brown hair?
Many clothing colors harmonize beautifully with purple and brown hair. Neutral shades like cream, beige, gray, and black create a classic and sophisticated look. These colors allow the hair color to stand out without competing for attention. Earthy tones such as olive green, mustard yellow, and rust also pair well with brown hair, and can complement the purple highlights.
For bolder choices, consider jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. These colors create a rich and luxurious feel. Avoid overly bright or neon colors, as they can clash with the overall aesthetic. Ultimately, the best clothing colors depend on your personal style and the specific shades of purple and brown in your hair.
How can I maintain the health of my brown hair while dyeing it purple?
Maintaining healthy brown hair while dyeing it purple requires a focus on hydration and protein. Dyeing, especially when bleaching is involved, can strip the hair of its natural moisture and protein, leading to dryness and breakage. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly, focusing on products that contain ingredients like keratin, shea butter, or argan oil.
Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools. Avoid overwashing your hair, as this can strip away natural oils. If possible, opt for ammonia-free and peroxide-free dyes, which are gentler on the hair. Consider seeking professional hair coloring services to ensure the process is done correctly and minimize damage.