Reactive Hair Editorial Team
This post was most recently updated on April 1st, 2023
So you’re thinking about dyeing your brown hair purple and you wonder if oVertone is going to do the trick for you? In this review of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair review, you’ll find real-life examples of how different people used this product to color condition their hair, if this product is meant for your hair type and how to minimize the possible side effects.
Let’s start with a brief introduction to this coloring conditioner line. Read on to learn more about how to feel absolutely regal with the right product for your brown hair.
How was Overtone for Brown Hair Born?
When most well-known brands offer vivid colors only for blondes like Pravana ChromaSilk, oVertone for Brown Hair breaks the stigma that brunettes can dye hair without ruining their tresses. Maegan Scarlett, Co-founder of oVertone said:
“We discovered a lot of our brown-haired consumers wanted a vivid color but didn’t necessarily want to pre-bleach their strands to get there. Purple for Brown Hair removes the need for lighteners and bleach due to its intense pigment levels.”
Until the launch of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair in January 2019, it already had a 4,000-people waitlist. This enthusiasm shows that many brunettes want to try the opportunity to dye their hair without necessarily bleaching it first.
What are the features of Overtone Color Conditioners?
Let’s make it clear: oVertone products aren’t hair dyes, they’re color-pigmented conditioners. It means you’ll get deep conditioning and achieve a violet hue in one go. Plus, this multitasker won’t strip your hair’s moisture and shine which leads to damage like conventional hair dyes do.
oVertone is manufactured in the U.S. using high-quality, safe ingredients. oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is vegan, cruelty-free, and curl-friendly. It is abundant in hair-enhancing ingredients and free of harsh chemicals, such as:
- Ammonia
- DEA/TEA/MEA/ETA
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Formaldehyde
- Mineral Oil
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Petrolatum
- Sulfates
- Urea
In addition to Purple for Brown Hair, oVertone offers 3 other shades for brown hair; Pastel Purple, Vibrant Purple, and Extreme Purple. If you have very dark brown hair, you may have to use Extreme Purple as it is formulated with double warm pigments for true-to-tone results.
In the next section, we discuss who can use oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner.
Is it for you?
oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is free of PPD or Ammonia, meaning the product won’t compromise the integrity of your curly or coily hair. However, coily hair is more porous than other types, but don’t worry. oVertone contains lots of moisturizing agents, so it won’t strip your hair of moisture.
However, if you have curly or coily, thick hair, you may need extra product so the color will absorb better to your hair.
When it comes to hair color bases, it is clear that oVertone is designed for brunettes. The lighter your brown hair, the more vibrant the purple will be. Purple for Brown Hair will give a subtle tint on medium or dark brown, but ultraviolet on light brown.
Below we provide the results to expect on different hair color bases.
After you get a clear understanding of the hair types and color bases, now it’s time to take a closer look at the best way to apply oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner.
The Full Process of Applying the Conditioner
Although we said that applying oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is as simple as your regular conditioner, it also could be quite tricky if this is the first time you try oVertone.
Here we give you simple guidelines on how to use oVertone Purple for Brown Hair at home.
Preparation to set expectations
As you know, oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner comes in a jar, meaning you don’t need a color mixing bowl. Plus, no need for a cream developer.
But, you do need a pair of gloves, a shower cap, an old T-shirt, plastic wrap, a color brush (optional), and petroleum jelly.
Even though oVertone is formulated with zero harsh chemicals, you should perform a patch test to see whether you have certain allergies. See how it reacts for 48 hours, and check every 12 hours to see if your skin texture or color has changed.
Moreover, you may need to do a strand test to find out the results of the purple hue and set expectations on your hair color base.
Most importantly, Purple for Brown Hair is a semi-permanent color, which is a short-term change. So, it may fade quickly and may require retouching in between shampooing.
How to apply without making a mess
oVertone has a very pigmented purple shade, and many customers reported that it will stain everywhere if not careful.
Thus, you may need to do the application in the bathroom and cover the surface with plastic wrap for easy cleansing. Plus, rub petroleum jelly on your ears, neck, forehead, and hairline to prevent staining.
Most importantly, never forget to use gloves and an old T-shirt or any clothes you won’t mind staining. Then, you can start to apply the conditioner either using your fingers or a color brush like a professional.
- Apply the conditioner to clean and dry hair, section by section.
- Put on a shower cap and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. But, if you have curly, coily, thick, or coarse hair, leave it on for about 30 minutes or a couple of hours if you wish.
- When it’s done, you can rinse your hair thoroughly.
You don’t need to use the blow dryer after applying the dye. It is because the product already contains the necessary ingredients to ensure the pigments penetrate the hair fiber. Moreover, this will open your hair cuticles which then makes your hair easily prone to damage.
How to finish and maintain
Instead of standing in the shower, rinsing your hair under the faucet can be a better way to prevent stains in your bathroom. Many users suggest to continue using gloves or your hands get stained. And, you may need to rinse the conditioner with cool or cold water for quite a while.
In addition, you should not leave the cleansing process for later. You need to do it ASAP or it would be quite hard to wipe away stain spots. Also, some users reported it will stain the pillowcase, kindly cover it with an old towel so nothing gets stained.
Purple for Brown Hair is a semi-permanent color, which means it will fade with regular washing. Make sure you use the right hair care products like color-safe shampoo. You may need to buy Purple for Brown Hair Daily Conditioner to help replace pigment loss after regular washing.
Moreover, you may have to re-apply the Coloring Conditioner every other week or when you see the color start fading.
In the next section, we cover the results of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair on various hair types and hair color bases.
oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Results
Here we cover the visualization of the results after using Purple for Brown Hair on different hair types, textures, color bases, etc.
Results of a user who has light brown with blonde balayage hair. She created a peekaboo hairstyle, and the purple amazingly pops out.
Results of a woman with lightest brown and shoulder-length hair. The color lasts about 5-6 weeks on her hair (with hair washing 2-3 times a week).
Results of a woman with thick, curly, brown, and shoulder-length hair. The color lasts about 2 weeks (with 2-3 days of shampooing) but the pinkish/ purple tint stays in her hair.
Results of a woman who has dark brown and gray hair. oVertone delivers pretty beautiful purplish with great gray coverage.
Results of a woman with naturally dirty blonde hair. The color came out very vibrant in a cool-toned, tinted purple.
Results of a boy with dark brown hair. At night his hair just looks dark, but in the sunlight, the purple vibrancy completely pops out.
Results of a woman with long, brown hair. The purple pigment looks very vibrant, and the conditioner leaves her hair feeling soft and shiny.
Results of a brunette woman with gray hair using Purple for Brown Hair to make a color change. The color looks very vibrant and makes hair shimmer with nice gray coverage.
Results of a woman with thick, natural brown, and pink (in the bleach part) hair. After using Purple for Brown Hair, the purple took over the pink and left a dark purple tint.
These are some of the results of oVertone’s Purple for Brown Hair which you can expect for your hair as well.
How Long Does oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Last?
Usually, the color will bleed pretty quickly on fine hair rather than thick hair. Many customers reported that oVertone Purple for Brown Hair started fading in the first two or three weeks right after application and with proper maintenance.
Even so, how long Purple for Brown Hair lasts depends on several factors, such as porosity, hair texture, UV exposure levels, how often you shampoo, and the health of your hair.
Where to Buy oVertone Purple for Brown Hair?
As far as oVertone is concerned, Purple for Brown Hair is available in 4 formats:
- 8 oz. Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner
- 8 oz. Purple for Brown Hair Daily Conditioner (currently discounted at )
- Purple For Brown Hair Color Duo (currently on discount at $47 USD)
- Purple For Brown Hair Complete System
Currently, you can buy Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner on Amazon for $32 per jar. Given that regular washing may quickly fade your color, we recommend using Purple for Brown Hair Daily Conditioner to refresh and maintain the violet hue every time you shower. One bottle costs $18 on Amazon.
Now, let’s take a look at the possible side effects.
Possible Side Effects & Disadvantages of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair
oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is considered safe to use as the formula contains no harsh chemicals or heavy alcohol. Only a small number of users have reported side effects, such as scalp irritation, breakage, and abnormal hair shedding after using the product over time.
To find out other possible side effects of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair, cross-check the ingredients and allergies you may have. Major side effects to look out for are below.
May cause contact dermatitis
Although oVertone is free of heavy alcohol, it still has other types of alcohol in the formula, such as Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, and Benzyl Alcohol. Even though these are safe, people with sensitive skin or scalp might develop a rash known as contact dermatitis.
Allergic reactions due to plant-sourced ingredients
oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is packed with lots of plant-based hair-enhancing ingredients, including jojoba, coconut, aloe, linseed oil, starflower, horsetail, etc. Some people may have allergic reactions to these ingredients.
It’s not silicone-free
Amodimethicone is notorious for building up on your hair because it can’t be rinsed with water only. Any product you apply can’t penetrate your hair and accumulate on top of it. This leads to your hair becoming greasy and dull, making it prone to breakage over time. Kindly use a color-safe detox shampoo to help remove build-up.
Can be risky for pregnant and nursing mothers
Even though oVertone contains no harsh chemicals, pregnant and nursing women should consult a doctor before using the dyes.
The scent may bother people sensitive to fragrance
oVertone contains Spearmint Leaf Oil, which is why the product smells sort of minty. If you’re not a fan of fragrance in hair care products, this might bother you. However, many users are fine with it since the scent isn’t too strong.
Kindly take precautions by performing a patch test to check if you have allergies. Even though oVertone is a Coloring Conditioner that also nourishes your hair, you should color your hair when it’s in optimal, healthy condition. This can help to prevent hair from easily getting damaged or falling out.
Alternatives to oVertone Purple for Brown Hair
Here we cover three other options of purple hair color for brown hair offered by Lime Crime, Keracolor, and Manic Panic.
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Genie (Deep Violet-Purple)
4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,733+ reviews
Enter this option, perfect for intensifying your brown hair with a deep violet hue. It may not be as long-lasting as a permanent dye, but it’s a great start to camouflage grays for a while. This multitasker is made with fatty acids and vitamins for deep moisturizing while also coloring in the shower.
With a sugary citrus vanilla scent, Lime Crime easily transforms your color without bleaching, ammonia, and peroxide. The price of Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage is more affordable with a flat $15.56 per jar. One jar contains 6.76 fl oz / 200 mL.
Keracolor Color + Clenditioner for Brunettes (Purple)
4.3 out of 5 stars from 405+ reviews
Not only does it deeply condition and deposit vibrant color, but Keracolor also gently cleanses. If you’re in between salon trip extensions, this 3-in-1 product helps add violet intensity with each use. It is infused with keratin, shea butter, and coconut oil to rejuvenate your hair, leaving a silkier hair finish.
This sulfate- and paraben-free formula retains color from previously colored hair and changes it mostly over the lighter part. Keracolor for Brunettes is also a better deal at $22 for 12 fl oz or 355 mL per bottle versus $32 for 8 fl oz from oVertone for Brown Hair.
Read our Keracolor vs oVertone article to find out which one is better for you.
Manic Panic Classic High Voltage (Purple Haze)
4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,410+ reviews
This well-known semi-permanent cream is specially formulated to be used on virgin, unbleached hair. Manic Panic is fortified with conditioners to add moisture while also coloring, making your hair smooth and soft after rinsing. This warm, dark purple dye transforms dark hair into deep violet-purple tones.
Manic Panic is also very upfront about the details: they list how many jars are needed for dyeing certain hair lengths and how long the color fades. This vegan semi-permanent dye costs only $14.24 for 4 fl oz on Amazon.
Bottom Line
oVertone Purple for Brown Hair is a great option for brunettes who want to color their hair without bleaching. To wrap up this review, given below are the pros and cons of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair.
PROS
- Specially designed for dark, unbleached hair or at least for level 4 or higher hair
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Comes as a pigmented conditioner that color and condition your hair, which is less damaging than conventional dyes
- Gentle formula as it contains no harsh chemicals and heavy alcohol
- Very easy to apply, which is great for beginners
- The super-pigmented formula is nice for temporary gray coverage and may last for about 2-6 weeks before retouching
CONS
- May not be effective on jet-black, black, and darkest-brown hair. But you may need to try Extreme Purple if you wish
- Curly, coily, thick, and coarse hair should use the extra product to get the best vibrancy
- Some users reported scalp irritation and hair shedding after using the conditioner
- The rinsing process after application feels like forever as it has a very thick texture
- The conditioner will stain everything and everywhere if you are not careful during the coloring
- A bit expensive compared to other competitors
Hope this review was useful to give you a clear understanding of oVertone Purple for Brown Hair.
More articles on hair color below:
- Ion Color Brilliance Review
- Wella Color Charm Review
- Pravana Review
- eSalon Review
- Madison Reed Review
- Arctic Fox Review
- Wella T18 Vs Wella T14
- Madison Reed Vs eSalon
- Goldwell Vs Redken
Hit us in the comment section with questions or thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does oVertone Purple for Brown Hair work?
Many users have proven how the conditioner gives a full violet hue or subtle tint to their hair. Plus, oVertone Purple for Brown Hair Coloring Conditioner leaves a soft and silky finish to your hair with less-to-no damage.
Is Overtone Purple for Brown Hair sulphate free?
Yes, Overtone Purple for Brown Hair is sulphate free. But unfortunately, it is not silicon free.
