the Lowdown of Lilac Hair

As a self confessed pastel hair ADDICT (just check out my Pinterest if you don't believe me!), lilac locks hold the key to my heart. No matter how many times I feel like deviating to mint, or turquoise, or even a hint of pink, I always come back to lilac. I've had lilac locks for around 3 years now, and here's my guide to achieving the perfect pastel hue.

How to Dye...

First of all, a disclaimer: I am not a hairdresser so these techniques are just a guide, please ensure you do a patch test on your skin before bleaching and that you do a strand test and all that jazz.

First off, you have to ensure that your hair as white as possible. I bleach mine at home using Live Colour XXL in Absolute Platinum If you're new to bleaching, or have particularly dark hair, it would be best to pay to have this stage done at a salon. You want to start with your hair in as good a condition as possible to keep the colour strong.


My next tip would be steer well clear of dyes that look lilac on the box. The first time I tried to dye my hair lilac I used Directions in Lilac and while it turned out lovely, it faded to nothing before I'd even washed it. I know lilac is a notoriously difficult colour to maintain but thought this took the Michael somewhat. Undeterred from my quest for the perfect lilac, however, I searched the internet and came across this easy tutorial that recommended buying a highly pigmented purple dye (I stuck with Directions as I liked the tub design, and went with 'violet') and watering it down with conditioner.


For my bob length, thick hair, I bought the cheapest white conditioner I could find (Superdrug's own Pro-vitamin, 2 400ml bottles for £3.00) and used roughly 200ml. I would suggest adding tiny amounts of the colour at a time, but the perfect lilac for me is 1 teaspoon of dye to 200ml of conditioner.

Ensure you stir carefully, and then dampen and comb your hair. Apply with gloves (purple nail beds make you look like a dead person) and a tint brush payng particular attention along hairline, crown and parting. Apply in sections for an even finish. Ensure it's completely even before whacking on a shower cap (3 for 99p from Superdrug again) and leave for at least an hour. Rinse out then wash your hair as normal.


Upkeep

So not only does this method increase the lifespan of your lovely lilac locks, but it's a lot cheaper too - my hair is quite short, but I only get through a tub of Directions every other month.

I re-lilac every week, because I'm unfortunately one of those that has to wash their hair every day. Using the conditioner method means my hair is super nourished, though, and I also keep a bit of the conditioner mix back for everyday use - just use it like your normal conditioner to add a hint of extra colour every time you wish.

So would you dare to go lilac? Have any other tips you'd like to add?