Purple hair is a fashion color that runs from pale lavender and lilac through violet to deep plum. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Purple hair at a glance
- Type: Vivid
- Tone: Cool
- Lightening needed: For lavender and bright violet, yes. Deep plum can work on dark hair with little or no lift.
- Maintenance: Medium to high
- Touch-ups: 4 to 6 weeks
What makes it different
Dark purples show even on unbleached brown hair as a tint; pastel purples need a platinum base.
Who it suits
Cool undertones for lavender and violet; plum and eggplant suit warm and deep skin tones too.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Say lavender, violet or plum.
- Ask how light your base needs to be.
- Ask how it will fade: often to silver or pink.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use cold water and a purple color-depositing conditioner.
Shades and variations
- Lavender: pale and pastel.
- Violet: bright, true purple.
- Plum: deep purple with red.
- Purple peekaboo: hidden underneath.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see purple hair on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
FAQ
What is purple hair?
Purple hair is a fashion color that runs from pale lavender and lilac through violet to deep plum.
Who suits purple hair?
Cool undertones for lavender and violet; plum and eggplant suit warm and deep skin tones too.
Do you need bleach for purple hair?
For lavender and bright violet, yes. Deep plum can work on dark hair with little or no lift.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 4 to 6 weeks.
