Red-violet hair is a beautiful, vibrant hair color that lies between the primary colors of red and blue on the color spectrum. When hair is dyed red-violet, also known as burgundy or wine-red, the color molecules penetrate the hair shaft and remain trapped inside. Over time, these color molecules fade due to washing, sun exposure, and other environmental factors. This fading causes red-violet dyed hair to transition through various shades until it reverts back to the natural hair color. So what colors can you expect red-violet hair to fade to?
Understanding Hair Color Fade
Hair color fading occurs because permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain dye molecules that are too large to fully penetrate the hair cortex. The dye molecules sit on the outside of the hair shaft, causing the color to fade more quickly.
Several factors contribute to fading:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Washing | Frequent washing with shampoo and water causes dye molecules to wash away |
| Sun exposure | The sun’s UV rays break down dye molecules |
| Hard water | Minerals in hard water strip color from the hair |
| Heat styling | Heat from blow drying, straightening, curling damages hair and accelerates fading |
| Swimming | Chlorine and salt water strip color from the hair |
| Pollution | Environmental pollutants damage hair and cause fading |
Because red-violet hair dye contains a mix of red and blue pigments, it will fade through various shades of red, purple, and brown until it fades back to the natural hair color.
Stages of Fading for Red-Violet Hair
Red-violet hair dye goes through several distinct stages as it fades:
Stage 1: True Red-Violet
When red-violet hair is freshly dyed, it appears as a rich burgundy shade. The red and blue pigments reflect light to create a vibrant true red-violet color. This stage lasts 1-4 weeks with proper care.
Stage 2: Red Tones
The blue pigments in the hair dye fade more quickly than the red pigments. This causes red-violet hair to take on more of a red tone. It will fade to a more vibrant red, dark copper, or auburn shade. This stage can last 4-8 weeks.
Stage 3: Warm Brown
As more color fades, the hair transitions to a warm chestnut or chocolate brown shade. These brown shades take on red or orange undertones from the remaining red dye pigments. This fade stage typically lasts 8-12 weeks.
Stage 4: Cool Brown
In the next stage, the brown shade cools as the red undertones fade further. This leaves hair with an ash brown, taupe, or cool beige brown color. The fading red dye molecules leave the hair color muted and less vibrant. This stage lasts 10-16 weeks.
Stage 5: Light Brown
Without re-dyeing, the hair color continues to fade to a light brown shade. At this point, the hair may develop some subtle blonde tones as the underlying natural hair color begins to show through. Light brown fading can last 4-6 months.
Stage 6: Natural Hair Color
Eventually the dyed hair will fade back to the natural hair color as all the artificial dye molecules are stripped away. Most red-violet shades take 4-6 months to completely fade back to natural. Proper hair care can help extend the vibrancy.
Factors that Influence Fade
Several factors affect how quickly red-violet hair color will fade and the shades it fades through:
Hair Color Base
Hair that is pre-lightened to a blonde or pale brown shade before dyeing will show warmer red tones as the color fades. Hair dyed red-violet without pre-lightening will fade to cooler brown shades.
Natural Hair Color
Those with warm brown natural shades will see their color fade to flattering red tones before fading back to natural. Cool-toned hair will fade directly to cool ash brown tones.
Color Application
Heavy application or multiple coats of red-violet dye results in deeper, longer-lasting color. Lighter application fades faster through red tones.
Damage
Porous and damaged hair fades color quickly as the dye molecules are less able to penetrate the rough hair cuticle. Healthy hair holds onto color longer.
Sun & Heat Exposure
Minimal sun exposure and heat styling allow red-violet hair color to fade slowly over many months. Frequent sun exposure and hot styling tools can cause rapid fading through stages.
Products & Maintenance
Colored shampoos, conditioning treatments, and other products help retain red-violet hair color. Regular trims remove dry split ends and keep hair healthy.
How to Make Red-Violet Hair Color Last
To extend the life of freshly dyed red-violet hair:
– Wash hair less frequently, using cool water and sulfate-free shampoo
– Use conditioner after every shampoo to hydrate and nourish hair
– Avoid chlorinated pools and rinse hair after swimming
– Limit sun exposure by wearing hats, seeking shade, using protective hair products
– Let hair air dry instead of blow drying with hot air
– Use heat protecting sprays if using hot styling tools
– Get occasional trims to remove split ends and keep hair healthy
– Use color depositing shampoos and conditioners to refresh color
– Get a color glaze or toner refresh every 4-6 weeks at the salon
Complementary Makeup Shades for Fading Red-Violet Hair
As red-violet hair color fades, adjust makeup shades to complement the new hair tones:
| Hair Color Stage | Complementary Makeup |
|---|---|
| True Red-Violet | Plums, berries, deep reds |
| Red Tones | Brick reds, rusty oranges, copper |
| Warm Brown | Peaches, golden browns, camel |
| Cool Brown | Mauves, purples, pinky nudes |
| Light Brown | Soft pinks, rose gold |
Adjusting makeup and clothing colors to complement the hair will allow you to retain a polished, put-together look even as red-violet hair color begins to fade.
How to Revive Faded Red-Violet Hair
Once red-violet hair has faded significantly, it can be re-vibed with a few options:
Full Re-Dye
Book a salon appointment to have hair re-dyed back to a true red-violet shade. This will provide long-lasting vibrant color. Be sure to touch up roots every 4-6 weeks.
Color Refresh Gloss
Red-violet gloss treatments deposit temporary color on faded hair for quick color revival that lasts 4-6 weeks. Ammonia-free glosses minimize damage.
Color Depositing Conditioner
Look for color depositing hair conditioners in red or burgundy shades. With regular use, these can help revive faded red-violet hair’s vibrancy.
DIY Rinse at Home
For quick red tone revival, rinse hair at home with an herbal tea mixture. Steep red hibiscus or rosehip tea bags in hot water, cool, and pour over clean damp hair.
Consult a Stylist
To determine the best option for refreshing faded red-violet hair, consult a professional hair stylist. They can assess hair health, damage, and the current color state in order to make personalized recommendations for color revival and continued maintenance.
With proper maintenance between salon visits, you can keep red-violet hair looking vibrant for months before needing to re-dye. Embrace the fading as a natural process and adjust your color care routine as your hair color evolves.
Conclusion
Red-violet hair is a standout, eye-catching hair color that gradually fades through stages ranging from bold red to beige blonde. While dying hair this vibrant shade requires commitment and maintenance, you can prolong the color and complement fading tones with strategic hair care, styling, and makeup choices. Consult professional hair stylists to determine the optimal timeline and methods for refreshing your red-violet color. With the right techniques, you can rock red-violet hair for months before having to redye.