Purple and Gold are rich hues associated with royalty and they’re stunning together. Violet and yellow sit directly opposite each other on the painter’s color wheel, making them complimentary hues. When paired they magnify each other. If you were painting, the areas where these colors mixed would produce brown, but in hair color, mixing these two shades correctly produces red. That’s because hair color operates on the additive, not subtractive, color wheel, which uses light, not pigment. All you really need to know is that it works and the results are stunning. Click the style notes for formulas and tips to achieving this complementary blend. –– Laura Martin
Application: Whether using foils or hand painting a two-step process is best for achieving this look. Begin by applying one of the violet formulas below roots to ends, saturating thoroughly. The demi-permanent color will provide coverage and shine and is easier to lift than permanent colors. Process, rinse, condition and dry hair. Lighten hair in foils or with hand painting, using Silk Lift or Oxycur Platin, to a level 8 or 9 and shampoo. Tone with the one of the gold formulas for 5-10 minutes.
Formulas:
(on natural level 6)
Red-Violet: Goldwell Colorance 2 part 6RB + 1 part 6VV with 2% Lotion
Dark-Violet: Goldwell Colorance 4V with 2% Lotion
(on pre-lightened 8 or 9)
Pale Gold: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 9G + 1part 9GB with 2% Lotion
Red-Gold: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 8G + 1 part 9KG + 1 part 7KV with 2% Lotion
Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA