Gentian Violet: Find out what it’s for and how to use it

Gentian violet is one of those cheap, simple and beneficial compounds for health, skin, hair and even for the treatment of some diseases. The gentian violet solution is obtained by extracting a substance from a plant that bears the same name. Despite being well known for its effect on hair, its use goes much further and you will love discovering what violet is for:

5 uses of gentian violet

Gentian violet has antifungal, antimycotic and also antiseptic action in our body, and is also used as a treatment for skin and oral health problems, as explained by pharmacist Letícia Gonçalves (CRF-PR: 31041).

1. Treatment for canker sores: due to its antibacterial action, it acts in the healing of canker sores and oral conditions, and can be applied with the aid of gauze two to three times a day.
2. Treatment for candidiasis: according to the pharmaceutical company, gentian violet is a great fighter against the Candida fungus, responsible for causing candidiasis. It can be used as a sitz bath, being diluted in warm water. Letícia recommends that, in stronger cases, it is necessary to seek medical advice.
3. Wound treatment: this solution, if diluted in water, can help treat skin wounds and prevent mycoses and inflammation. It is also sometimes used to treat nipple infections caused by breastfeeding.
4. Treatment of burns: It is a great agent to relieve the burning in the skin caused by rashes, says the pharmacist, as well as relieving the red appearance of the skin caused by these rashes.
5. Hair tinting and dyeing: one of the most common uses of gentian violet is its effect on tinting blonde hair, being a great option to remove the yellowish aspect of the hair. You can add a few drops and dilute it in a neutral shampoo or some moisturizing cream. If used in larger amounts, it can also be used as a dye to make the hair purple.

According to the pharmacist, the use of gentian violet can be an alternative for the treatment of the situations mentioned. It is necessary to remember that for each type of symptom or disease there are more effective treatments, so it is necessary to consult a doctor before using it for health treatments.

How to use gentian violet in hair

The greatest demand for gentian violet in pharmacies is for its aesthetic use on hair. There are several ways to apply this solution to the hair, which will vary according to the desired effect. Here are some options and how to use them:

How to dye hair with gentian violet

In this tutorial, Chayene Martins shows you how to color your hair using a white moisturizing cream and a few drops of gentian violet. An interesting tip to avoid drying your hair is to leave the product open the day before you dye your hair, so the alcohol will evaporate. To make your hair purple like in the video, you must leave it on for approximately 40 minutes.

Dyeing hair with gentian violet

Learn how to color your hair in a super easy and fast way, by dipping it in a solution of gentian violet diluted in water. It is not necessary to leave the hair in the solution for a long time, just dip it strand by strand and the hair immediately absorbs the product and the matting effect appears.

How to de-yellow blonde hair with gentian violet

See the step-by-step guide on how to tint blonde hair with gentian violet, in the test carried out by Scarlet Manali in a very yellowish application. In the test, Scarlet shows how the thread absorbs the color diluted in water, and how the amount of the product influences the hair color.

How to platinum hair at home with gentian violet

For those who want a platinum blonde that is cheap and easy to do, this step-by-step guide is perfect for achieving the desired effect. Just dilute a few drops of violet in a little pot of water, and in the bathroom, pour it all over your hair, as Nay Firens shows. Then you can wash and dry, without leaving more than 2 to 3 minutes in the hair, so that it doesn’t turn purple.

The amounts and time of action of the product on the hair vary according to the desired shade. It is recommended that, before applying it all over your hair, you do some tests on small strands to check how the color will look. It’s also important to keep your hair hydrated after using gentian violet if you want to avoid drying it out.

Gentian Violet side effects

According to Letícia, prolonged use or in very concentrated solutions can cause the following side effects:

• Ulcers
• intense itching
• skin dyeing
• skin irritations
• wire drying

For the use of gentian violet in health cases, the guidance of a professional is essential before starting to use the product, given that there are some side effects and contraindications.

For whom is gentian violet contraindicated?

Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use gentian violet, as the pharmacist explains. It can be used by lactating women in cases of breast infections, but only with medical advice and not exceeding the period and amount of treatment.

People with ulcers and skin sensitivity should avoid using gentian violet, as its side effects can worsen the condition.

As an inexpensive and easy-to-find solution, gentian violet can be a great choice for a variety of treatments. For use on hair there are no severe contraindications, it is only necessary to avoid prolonged use of the product.

If you like products that are versatile, economical and practical, you can add gentian violet among your favorites. It costs from 2 to 5 reais and can be easily found in pharmacies or cosmetics stores. Follow the directions for use to avoid possible damage and use correctly so that it has the desired effect.