Here’s How I’ve Kept My Purple Hair Vibrant for 5 Years Without Frequent Trips to the Salon

I’ve received compliments on the streaks of purple hair framing my face from gentlemen in suits, construction workers, senior citizens, little girls in tutus, and more. Who would have thought purple hair was so universally appealing?

If you’re going to take the plunge on purple or other fantasy-colored hair, it is worth it to make the extra effort to keep it looking bright and fresh. This largely determines whether it looks like a fashion statement or a mistake.

Step 1: First of all, yes, my hair is bleached under the purple.

Unless your hair is already very light, you simply won’t get a bold color without lifting first. I only trust a professional with this step, personally.

Step 2: Next professional dye plus regular maintenance with Overtone gives me the best results.

Again, I choose to have my stylist create the initial color and then I use a color depositing conditioner called Overtone to keep the color fresh. I sometimes go as long as 6 months or more between salon visits due to travel. I use the coloring conditioner every time I wash by applying it to dry hair and then letting it sit for a few minutes before hopping in the shower.

Step 3: Get used to washing your hair less frequently.

Face it, every time you shampoo and rinse, you are washing some of your beautiful color down the drain. You can either wash less often or spend a lot more on Overton. Make friends with a dry shampoo and experiment with hairstyles that work with not-so-freshly-washed hair.

Here are some additional tips:

These are things that you don’t want to have to learn the hard way, especially if you are staying in an Airbnb or at someone’s house.

• Dry your hair with a towel you won’t mind transferring a little color onto. A pillowcase isn’t a bad idea either.
• I’m a monster and don’t bother with gloves and although my fingers do turn purple at first, they are usually fine by the time anyone sees me. But yeah, gloves are a great idea.
• Wipe up any spills or splatters immediately. It will stain, so be careful.

If you decide to go for a bold color and use any of these tips, or if you have some additional tips of your own, let me know — I’d love to connect!

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