Understanding the Outcome:
* Brown Hair is Not a Blank Canvas: Unlike bleached or very light blonde hair, brown hair already has significant color. This means the violet dye will need to be strong enough to overcome the brown pigments.
* Expect a Tint or Highlights: On darker brown hair, you might only see a subtle violet tint, especially in sunlight. Lighter browns may get a more noticeable, but still toned-down, violet hue. To achieve a more vibrant violet, the hair would need to be pre-lightened.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply the color:
1. Preparation is Key:
* Strand Test (Crucial): This is non-negotiable! Apply a small amount of the dye to a hidden strand of your hair (underneath or behind your ear is ideal). Follow the full application instructions on that strand, including processing time. This will show you what color result you'll get on your specific hair and how long you need to leave the dye in.
* Gather Your Supplies:
* Color Fiend Violet Shock hair dye
* Old towel (that you don't mind staining)
* Old t-shirt or smock
* Gloves (included in the dye kit, or buy your own)
* Petroleum jelly or barrier cream (to protect your hairline and ears)
* Hair clips
* Tint brush or applicator bottle (if not included)
* Non-metallic bowl (if needed for mixing)
* Timer
* Shampoo and conditioner (color-safe is best)
2. Protect Your Skin and Clothes:
* Barrier Cream: Apply petroleum jelly or a similar barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and the back of your neck to prevent staining.
* Old Clothes and Towel: Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting stained. Drape the old towel around your shoulders.
3. Application:
* Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into four sections (or more if it's very thick) using hair clips.
* Apply the Dye: Starting at the roots, apply the Color Fiend Violet Shock evenly throughout each section, working your way down to the ends. Use the tint brush or applicator bottle to ensure thorough coverage. If you want highlights, only apply to the sections you want violet.
* Massage and Ensure Coverage: Once you've applied the dye to all sections, massage it into your hair to make sure every strand is coated.
* Check for Missed Spots: Carefully check your hair in the mirror to ensure you haven't missed any spots.
4. Processing Time:
* Follow the Instructions: The processing time is *crucial*. Follow the instructions on the Color Fiend Violet Shock packaging *exactly*. Do not leave the dye in longer than recommended, as this could damage your hair. Start with the shorter processing time if you are nervous about how the color will turn out.
* Monitor: Keep an eye on the strand test.
5. Rinsing and Conditioning:
* Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. This may take a while!
* Condition: Apply a color-safe conditioner to help seal the color and add moisture back to your hair.
* Final Rinse: Rinse out the conditioner with cool water.
6. Drying and Styling:
* Gently Towel Dry: Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can fade the color faster.
* Air Dry or Style: Air dry your hair if possible. If you use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage and color fading.
Important Considerations:
* Hair Porosity: Porous hair absorbs color faster, so you might get a slightly more intense result. Less porous hair may require more time to absorb the color.
* Previous Treatments: If your hair has been previously colored, permed, or chemically treated, it may react differently to the dye. A strand test is even more critical in this case.
* Fading: Fashion colors like violet tend to fade quickly. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, wash your hair less frequently, and avoid hot water to prolong the color.
* Pre-Lightening for More Vibrant Results: If you want a true, bright violet color, you will *need* to pre-lighten your hair (bleach it) to a light blonde or even white blonde. However, bleaching can damage your hair, so it's best to have it done professionally or do your research carefully.
In summary, applying Color Fiend Violet Shock to brown hair will likely result in a subtle violet tint or highlights. For a more vibrant purple, pre-lightening is necessary. Always do a strand test to see how the color will look on your specific hair before applying it all over.