Are there salon dyes in bright colors that work on dark hair?
October 20, 2023 6:09 AM Subscribe
I've used Overtones (the formulas for brown hair) at home on my dark brown hair with good results. When I get my hair dyed at a salon, the colors are disappointing and not nearly as bright. Are there salon formulas (permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent) that actually show up on dark hair without bleaching first? Looking for purple ideally but open to other colors. Bonus points if you can recommend NYC salons that stock these dyes. Thanks!
Came in to suggest Elumen , there is nothing else remotely like it
posted by hortense at 2:23 PM on October 20, 2023
posted by hortense at 2:23 PM on October 20, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions! Never heard of Elumen. I found this color chart: https://www.fashionandbeautystore.com/goldwell-elumen-color-chart - not sure if it's accurate, but my hair is roughly a #5 "base shade" and it looks like the purple would come out very dark on my hair, similar to other dyes I've used. Let me know if I'm misinterpreting.
posted by whitelily at 7:36 AM on October 21, 2023
posted by whitelily at 7:36 AM on October 21, 2023
I use Elumen, I’ve got very light brown hair (between 8 and 7 on the chart) and it comes out dark purple on me.
posted by ellieBOA at 9:04 AM on October 21, 2023
posted by ellieBOA at 9:04 AM on October 21, 2023
Yes, it will be dark, but in bright light or sun will glow purple.
If you mean "bright" as in lighter shades than your hair already is, you'd need to bleach some or all of it. Dye is always additive (and if people say things like "dye my hair lighter" what they really mean is bleach, because you need to bleach to remove pigment). There are washable hair colors that can have light pigment that sits on top of the hair, but those won't permanently change your hair color.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:47 PM on October 22, 2023
If you mean "bright" as in lighter shades than your hair already is, you'd need to bleach some or all of it. Dye is always additive (and if people say things like "dye my hair lighter" what they really mean is bleach, because you need to bleach to remove pigment). There are washable hair colors that can have light pigment that sits on top of the hair, but those won't permanently change your hair color.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:47 PM on October 22, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks all. Trying to understand what is different about Elumen vs other dyes - is it the glowing in the sun thing? The color chart looks like every other dye but you’re all describing it as very different which is why I’m asking. Thanks!
posted by whitelily at 7:45 PM on October 22, 2023
posted by whitelily at 7:45 PM on October 22, 2023
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It's a multi-step process and can only be done by a Goldwell pro, so it is not cheap. I've had purple Elumen hair for years now and the great thing is that it doesn't dye all your towels and things because of the two-step process. My hair is light brown and looks reliably purple, and glows purple in the sun or bright light. You should be able to go on Goldwell's site and find a salon.
posted by oneirodynia at 1:30 PM on October 20, 2023 [2 favorites]