This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Curly Hair Specialist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair.
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If you go to a private school, or just want to experiment with something new, here's how you can colour your hair purple temporarily with Gentian Violet!
Steps
Buy a bottle of Gentian Violet from your local drugstore. It is used to treat cuts and wounds and should be relatively cheap. Don't buy a bottle that is too big as you'll only be using a little bit (even if your hair is long).
Prepare by washing your hair thoroughly.[1] Put a towel down where you'll be working. If you're working in a bathroom, be careful! Gentian Violet will stain porcelain and furniture.
Place a few drops (4-8) of Gentian Violet in a small, disposable container and dilute it. To dilute, it is a good idea to use any water-based hair product such as heat protection, although water is fine.[2]
Put gloves on your hands to prevent staining of skin
Using a small, soft, flat brush such as a paintbrush or make-up brush, apply the gentian violet to small areas of hair at a time. If you run out, use more drops. Make sure to dilute it, though or it may turn out black.[3]
Leave it on your hair to set for approximately 5 minutes
Rinse your hair under cool water. If rinsing in a porcelain bathtub, keep some rubbing alcohol handy to remove any purple stains.
Dry and style hair as desiredAdvertisement
Community Q&A
- QuestionWill the color go away if I wash my hair?
Community AnswerIt depends on how long you left the color in for. It's also best to wash your hair with cold water instead of warm water, because warm water fades your hair. - QuestionIf I added too much gentian violet and caused my hair to turn black, what can I do to get it to be purple, as it should be?
Community AnswerShampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo (you can also use regular) as soon as you can and it will take out some of the gentian violet. - QuestionCan I curl my hair after dying it with gentian violet?
Community AnswerYes, you may curl it.
Tips
- The more damaged your hair is, the longer it will take to wash out.Thanks
- Gentian violet can be removed from surfaces with rubbing alcohol.Thanks
- It should wash out completely after 4 to 9 washes.Thanks
Warnings
- Do not ingest.Thanks
- Gentian Violet stains anything it comes into contact with.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Gentian Violet
- Disposable container
- Small, soft, flat brush
- Towels
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
References
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