While your hair is with you for life, there’s no reason why it can’t be a vibrant expression of yourself. If the thought of going purple excites you, you’re in luck! This whimsical color is perfect for making a statement. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best purple hair dye for your locks.
From subtle sun-kissed hues to eye-catching electric purples, we’ll explore the top 10 best dyes worth trying out. Along the way, we’ll cover important factors to consider when shopping, such as current hair color, commitment level, ingredients, and price. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution, our guide will give you the confidence to go purple with pride.
How to Choose the Right Hair Dye
When it comes to choosing a hair color, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of imagining yourself with the perfect shade. However, the reality is that there’s more to it than just picking a color and hoping for the best. There are several factors you should consider before making your final decision.
Current Hair Color
When considering a hair dye job, it’s essential to consider the current color of your locks. The undertones of your existing hue will significantly impact the outcome. For instance, individuals with light blonde locks may be in luck – they often require minimal bleach or none at all. In contrast, those with dark brown tresses typically need to rely on bleach and hair lighteners as a precursor to dyeing.
If you’ve already got artificially colored strands, adding more dye can lead to unpredictable results, including color shifts or no change at all. Hair science may seem complex at first, but it’s indeed a scientific process that requires understanding the intricate interactions between your hair’s natural pigments and the dye itself.
Commitment
Dyeing your hair purple requires a significant investment of time and effort. Unlike natural colors, purple hair doesn’t last long without regular maintenance. It’s akin to making a lifelong commitment, just like getting married. You’ll likely need to bleach your locks to achieve vibrant or pastel shades, which means scheduling frequent touch-ups as your hair grows out.
If you have darker hair, such as brown or black, the purple color on the box won’t translate to reality unless you’re willing to lighten it to a platinum blonde. Even light brown or dark blonde hues may not produce the desired results without some degree of bleaching. After dyeing, maintenance becomes crucial. You’ll need to touch up your roots every three to four weeks and reapply color to the mid-lengths and ends as they start to fade.
Be mindful of how often you wash your hair and what products you use. Choose gentle, color-safe shampoos that are specifically designed for dyed locks to prevent the color from fading prematurely. If you’re not willing or able to commit to regular maintenance, dyeing your hair purple may not be the best choice. It’s a high-maintenance endeavor that requires constant care and attention.
Price
When investing in hair dye, it’s essential to consider the true cost beyond just the price tag. Time and effort are also significant expenses, especially for those with super dark hair who may need to dedicate an entire day or more to the process. Before you begin, take a moment to reflect on the following factors:Time: Be prepared to spend at least half a day, if not longer, whether dyeing your hair at home or in a salon. Make sure to clear your schedule accordingly.
Quantity: One box of dye may not be enough for everyone, particularly those with longer, thicker, or darker locks. This can result in increased costs, as you may need to purchase additional product for full coverage. Mistakes: Even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts can make errors, such as over-processing or missing spots. These mistakes can lead to costly corrections and potential trips to a professional salon.
For instance, let’s say you have long hair that requires two boxes of dye, but you encounter issues during the process. If each box costs $10, your total expenditure could reach $30-$40. Not only will this impact your wallet, but you may also end up with an undesirable outcome that requires further correction. While not every at-home dye job will result in a disastrous outcome, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and prices before making any decisions.
Now, let’s take a look at some top-rated purple hair dyes.
Top 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes 2024
Best Overall Purple Hair Dye: Arctic Fox Purple Rain
This vegan-friendly hair dye stands out for its impressive performance. It’s free from harmful chemicals like peroxide, PPD, and ammonia, making it a safer choice for those looking to try a bold new color. What we love most about this product is its ability to condition your hair while you use it. Unlike other dyes that can dry out or damage your locks, this one actually improves the health of your hair. The non-natural ingredients used are gentle and won’t irritate your scalp.
The Purple Rain shade is a deep, rich purple that looks stunning on blonde hair and dramatic on darker hair. On brown hair, it takes on a dark, almost black hue that can be further enhanced by sunlight. However, those with very dark hair may need to bleach their locks first for the best results. As a semi-permanent dye, this product lasts up to eight weeks, depending on your hair type and care routine. Frequent washing, sun exposure, and swimming can all impact the color’s longevity.
Darker hair tends to fade more quickly than lighter hair, but that’s not always a bad thing – the resulting tones can be quite unique. When the color starts to fade, it may take on blue or red undertones, giving your locks a lovely magenta, pink, blue, or lavender hue. The rate of fading is largely dependent on the colors present in your hair before dyeing. Overall, this vegan hair dye impresses with its well-rounded performance.
It’s not too temporary or permanent, vibrant or subtle, and offers a safer alternative to many other options on the market. Whether you’re new to bold hair colors or just looking for a fun purple hue, this product is definitely worth considering.
Best Budget Purple Hair Dye: Adore Creative Image – Violet Gem
For those on a budget or looking to test the waters with purple hair, this dye is an excellent choice. Unlike some other options that can be pricey and commit you to a long-term color, this semi-permanent dye offers a more flexible solution. With no ammonia, alcohol, or peroxide in its formula, it’s safe for your locks and won’t cause any damage. As you use it, the dye leaves your hair looking shiny and vibrant, making the purple hue pop even more.
The resulting color is a beautiful dark grape shade that looks stunning on light hair. On darker hair, it takes on a deeper tone and actually appears more vibrant in sunlight. However, it’s worth noting that this dye may not show up as well on black hair. Additionally, its semi-permanent nature means the color won’t last forever – some people may lose significant dye after just one wash, while others might be able to enjoy the color for several washes before it starts to fade.
One thing to keep in mind is that this dye does tend to fade more quickly than other options. As it fades, the red undertones can cause your hair to take on orange, red, and pink tones – a natural process, but one that might not be ideal if you’re looking for long-lasting results. Overall, though, this budget-friendly dye is a great way to dip your toes into the world of purple hair without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for those who are unsure or just want to try something new.
Best Premium Purple Hair Dye: Keracolor Clenditioner Purple
This color-depositing cleansing conditioner is a game-changer for those who want quick and easy dye jobs or maintenance for already dyed locks. The high-quality formula is free from harsh chemicals, making it perfect for sensitive hair types. The more you use this product, the deeper the color will deposit. For instance, one wash on light blonde hair can produce a vibrant grape purple, while two washes result in a rich plum purple, and three washes yield a stunning deep indigo.
You can apply it to dry hair for an even more intense color. Designed specifically for blonde hair, this product won’t show up on darker locks unless used repeatedly, resulting in a subtle tint. When you want to refresh the color, simply use the Clenditioner again – it will last around 12 shampoos. As the dye fades, it may turn shades of blue or green, but frequent washing with regular shampoo can speed up the process.
This product is also great for maintaining purple hair that’s already been dyed – just be aware that it might fade hair previously dyed with another brand. Overall, this easy-to-use alternative to traditional dyeing methods allows you to achieve vibrant colors while in the shower and maintain them for longer periods.
Most Long-Lasting Purple Hair Dye: Punky Colour – Purple
The Punky Colour Purple hair dye is a popular choice among those who want to achieve long-lasting, vibrant purple locks. With the ability to last up to twenty-five washes, this semi-permanent dye offers great value for those who are committed to their purple hairstyle. The product’s formula is also free from harsh chemicals and acid dyes, making it an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin or scalps.
One of its standout features is its ability to reduce the risk of scalp staining, a common issue with many hair dyes. The Punky Colour Purple dye produces a bright purple shade with red undertones, which can result in a pinkish-purple hue on some hair types. Users have reported varying degrees of purple, pink, and even red tones depending on their natural hair colour and texture. For instance, those with darker hair may not achieve the same level of vibrancy as individuals with lighter locks.
In terms of duration, this dye is designed to provide long-lasting results, with a significant amount of colour expected to remain after the initial two or three washes. As with most semi-permanent dyes, frequent washing can lead to faster fading, although the product’s conditioning properties help to keep hair healthy and shiny. As the colour begins to fade, users may notice shades of pink, orange, or red emerging.
The rate at which this occurs will vary depending on individual hair types, but the Punky Colour Purple dye is generally praised for its ability to condition and shine hair while being gentle on locks.
Lowest-Effort Purple Hair Dye: Color X-Change – Plushy Purple
The pre-mixed Plushy Purple hair dye is a convenient option for those short on time or looking for an easy at-home coloring experience. This vegan formula, certified by PETA, boasts a range of benefits, including the absence of harsh chemicals like PPD, peroxide, and ammonia. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, making it accessible to individuals with dietary restrictions.
The dye’s blue undertones give it a unique selling point – when it fades, it tends to blend in with the rest of the hair more naturally than red-based purples do. This means you might occasionally see green tones emerge as it washes out. While some users have reported a relatively short lifespan (around two washes), others have experienced a longer-lasting color that persisted for about a month.
In terms of application, the dye is easy to use: simply pour it into a bowl, don gloves, and get coloring – no need to add peroxide or fuss with complicated techniques. As an added bonus, this product is pre-mixed, so all you’ll need besides the dye itself are basic tools like a comb or brush to apply the color.
Best Permanent Purple Hair Dye: Garnier Nutrisse – Deep Intense Lilac
While most purples are semi-permanent dyes, this particular shade stands out as a more permanent option. What’s appealing about it is that the color is subtle enough to be worn in an office setting without drawing too much attention. The dye’s ingredients list includes natural elements like avocado, shea, and olive oils, which help create bold colors while keeping hair moisturized.
However, the formula also contains hydrogen peroxide and several alcohols, making it less than ideal for hair health. Additionally, the dye doesn’t explicitly advertise itself as ammonia-free, although it does contain a warning label regarding skin irritants. As with most permanent dyes, this one is meant to last a few months, with some users reporting that the color fades too quickly.
The deep violet shade is particularly noteworthy, as it appears brownish-purple from a distance and brightens up in sunlight or certain lighting conditions. This dye’s unique selling point is its ability to be worn on darker hair without drawing attention, making it a great option for those who want to express themselves without going overboard. That being said, the dye does have some drawbacks, including the use of potentially harmful chemicals and the potential for rapid fading.
On balance, this dye is suitable for medium to dark brown hair, but may not be the best choice for those looking for a clean, vegan-friendly option.
Best Vibrant Purple Hair Dye: Lime Crime Pony – Electric Violet
If you’re looking for a vibrant, attention-grabbing hair color that’s neither too bright nor too subtle, Electric Violet by Lime Crime is an excellent choice. This semi-permanent dye boasts a unique blend of fruity scent and conditioning properties, making it a pleasant experience to use. Unlike many other hair dyes on the market, this vegan and cruelty-free formula doesn’t contain ammonia, peroxide, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, earning certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny.
The Electric Violet shade is a bright, grape-like purple that will make you stand out in a crowd – if you’re not looking for attention, this might not be the best fit. On darker blonde hair, the color appears deeper, while on light brown locks, it only tints the hair; unfortunately, it doesn’t show up at all on dark hair. To achieve this electric color, bleaching is necessary.
The dye’s duration depends on your hair type and care routine, but its heavy pigmentation ensures a long-lasting color that will resist fading. With each wash, the color will gradually fade to a fuchsia hue due to its natural undertones. For those seeking bold, long-lasting results, Electric Violet is an excellent option – just be prepared for it to require regular bleaching and may not show up on dark hair.
Best Purple Hair Dye for Light Hair: Manic Panic Amplified – Purple Haze
We’re drawn to this dye for several reasons. Not only does it produce a stunning, vibrant purple color, but it’s also free from harsh chemicals like PPD, ammonia, and parabens. This means it’s safe not just for your hair, but also for the environment and animals – it’s vegan and cruelty-free. The shade itself is truly remarkable. Imagine a rich, eggplant-purple hue that’s three times more pigmented than other Manic Panic dyes. It’s no wonder this color stands out from the crowd.
However, it’s essential to note that it only works as intended on light blonde hair. If you can achieve platinum locks, you’ll get the best results. On medium and dark brown hair, the dye will appear much darker, and on black hair, it may not show up at all. In terms of durability, the product promises six to eight weeks of color retention, but many users have reported that it only lasted a few washes. As with any hair dye, the longevity ultimately depends on how well you care for your locks.
Since this dye is designed specifically for light hair, you can expect it to last longer on platinum strands than on darker hair. When the color does start to fade, it will gradually shift into a light purple or mauve hue before potentially taking on a greyish tone in some areas. Another thing to keep in mind is that this dye has a tendency to transfer onto surfaces like pillowcases and couches, so be cautious when using it.
To avoid any accidents, make sure to dry your hair thoroughly before coming into contact with any surfaces. Overall, if you have light blonde or platinum hair, this dye is undoubtedly the most vibrant option available. However, its tendency to fade faster than expected and its potential to transfer onto fabrics are significant drawbacks.
Best Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair: Splat Naturals – Purple
One of the standout features of this hair dye is its ability to deliver vibrant color without requiring any bleach, making it a game-changer for brunettes. The formula is designed specifically with dark-haired individuals in mind and has received rave reviews from users who have seen noticeable results. The dye itself is free of harsh chemicals and even includes vitamin B5 to promote healthy hair.
Additionally, the packaging is eco-friendly, using significantly less material than many other dye kits on the market. While this dye may not offer a whimsical pastel or vibrant grape color without lightening one’s hair (a trait typically reserved for blondes), brunettes can still expect to see a lovely plum shade of purple. Light brown hair tends to work best with this formula, resulting in a rich, noticeable plum hue that is sure to turn heads.
Darker hair will also receive a darker plum color that becomes even more striking in the sunlight. It’s worth noting that the duration of this dye can vary significantly depending on individual results. Some users have reported enjoying the color for over a month with little change, while others may see the color fade away after just a few washes. Darker hair tends to lose color more quickly, but this doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.
As the plum color begins to fade, red tones are likely to emerge, giving users with darker hair a subtle, natural-looking finish. Overall, this dye is an excellent option for brunettes who want to add some vibrancy to their locks without compromising on health or eco-friendliness.
Best Temporary Purple Hair Dye: HailiCare Hair Color Wax
We’re huge fans of this hair wax because it offers a convenient way to add vibrant color to your locks without making a long-term commitment. It’s perfect for special occasions, kids’ parties, or even just a fun weekend look that can be washed out come Monday morning. The ingredients list is impressive, with mostly natural components like beeswax, tea extract, and licorice extract.
While it’s not vegan-friendly due to the presence of beeswax, the product has very few chemicals and washes out easily, making it a great option for those who worry about irritation. In terms of color payoff, this purple shade stays true to its vibrant hue in the jar. It may look brighter on lighter hair and darker on darker locks, but it still maintains a lovely vibrancy on most dark-haired individuals.
Black-haired friends might find it takes a bit more effort to get the color to show up, but brunettes will be thrilled with the result. As a temporary dye, this product is designed to wash out quickly – usually after one shampoo cycle, although it may take two washes in some cases. What’s unique about this hair wax is that it doesn’t deposit color into your locks, so you won’t experience fading or long-term effects.
Instead, the color sits on top of your hair, much like sunscreen sits on your skin. Overall, we think this dye is ideal for those who want to add some fun and flair to their look without making a commitment. Parents, if your little ones are begging for crazy hair colors, this is a great option that’s gentle on their locks and easy to remove come Monday morning. Just be aware that the wax can dry up and flake over time, but it shouldn’t stain any surfaces.
Guide to Buying the Best Purple Hair Dye
When it comes to choosing a hair dye, the options can be overwhelming. With so many shades and formulas available, it’s natural to feel uncertain about which one to pick. The purple hue, in particular, can be a challenge as it requires finding the right tone that complements your skin tone and personal style. Furthermore, you’ll also want to consider whether the dye will hold up well against daily wear and tear.
While trying out different dyes is the best way to determine what works for you, there are some general guidelines you can follow to increase your chances of finding a purple shade that suits your hair type.
Know Your Hair
When it comes to understanding the intricacies of your hair, many people overlook one crucial factor: porosity. Whether you’re dealing with fine, medium, or thick locks, straight, wavy, or curly hair, knowing how porous your strands are can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of hair dye. But what exactly does it mean if your hair is very porous? To determine the porosity of your hair, simply submerge a strand of it in water and observe its behavior.
If it floats effortlessly to the surface, you likely have non-porous hair. A strand that sinks but doesn’t reach the bottom of the bowl indicates normal porosity, while one that plummets to the very bottom suggests extremely porous hair. As you might expect, this has a direct impact on how well your hair absorbs moisture – and by extension, how long hair dye will last on your locks. Porous hair tends to soak up water like a sponge, which can lead to longer-lasting colors.
On the other hand, non-porous hair may not absorb dye as readily, causing it to fade more quickly. When considering how long a particular dye job will last, porosity is an important factor to keep in mind. If you’re looking for temporary results, extremely porous hair might be just what you need. However, if you’re seeking longer-lasting colors, normal or non-porous hair may be a better bet.
Temporary vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Dye
When it comes to hair dye, you’ll often encounter terms like permanent, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and temporary. While the differences may seem straightforward (a permanent dye will clearly last longer than a temporary one), it’s the underlying science that truly sets them apart. Let’s dive into the world of hair dye chemistry.
Temporary dyes operate at the surface level of your hair, providing a fleeting color boost that typically lasts only until the next wash.
However, if you have porous hair, the color may cling to it for a bit longer. In such cases, temporary waxes like HailiCare Hair Color Wax can offer an alternative.
Semi-permanent dyes, on the other hand, don’t contain the necessary chemicals to penetrate deeply into your locks. Instead, they deposit color only in the outer layer, providing a relatively safe and lasting solution for up to 12 shampoos.
Demi-permanent dyes fall somewhere in between, offering a longer-lasting solution than semi-permanent options while still being safer than permanent dyes. With a duration of around 24 shampoos, these dyes are suitable for covering grey hair, something that temporary and semi-permanent options can’t achieve.
Permanent dyes, as the name suggests, make significant changes to your hair’s color by using ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
These chemicals penetrate deep into each strand, altering its natural hue permanently. As such, they’re the least safe option, but also the most dramatic in terms of results. With a permanent dye like Garnier Nutrisse – Deep Intense Lilac, you can achieve long-term color that won’t wash out and will require touch-ups as your hair grows.
Choosing What Suits Your Skin Tone
When selecting a shade of purple, consider your skin tone and undertones. To determine your undertones, examine the color of the veins on your wrist: blue indicates cool undertones, while green suggests warm undertones. Based on this assessment, individuals with dark hair and cool undertones may opt for deeper, richer purples, as these colors tend to complement their features well. In contrast, those with light hair and warm undertones can pull off warmer or pastel purple shades with ease.
It’s worth noting that darker hair tends to absorb color more readily than lighter hair, making it slightly more challenging to maintain a warm or pastel purple hue. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible; individuals with dark hair and cool undertones can still achieve a beautiful look by investing time and effort into maintaining their chosen shade. Ultimately, the choice of purple shade depends on personal preference, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Long-Term Care for Long-Term Color
To maintain vibrant purple locks, you’ll need to adopt a few unconventional habits. First, slow down the frequency of washing your hair – sulfates in shampoo can strip away color, and over-washing will only accelerate fading. Instead, wait a few days after dyeing before washing again, and limit yourself to 1-3 washes per week. Dry shampoo will become your new BFF.
Next, avoid heat styling tools like curling irons and hair dryers, as well as excessive sun exposure – the UV rays can quickly drain your purple pigment. Opt for cold water showers and protect your locks with protective sprays when styling. To further prolong the life of your color, use a conditioning treatment that deposits purple dye onto your strands. This may not be a foolproof solution, but it’ll definitely help slow down the fading process.
Finally, be prepared to commit to regular touch-ups – purple hair requires frequent reapplication to maintain its vibrancy. It’s an investment in time and money, but the payoff is a head-turning hue that’s all your own.
Final Thoughts
When venturing into the realm of vibrant locks, purple is often considered a challenging yet tantalizing shade to achieve. With its bold and eye-catching nature, this color demands a significant amount of upkeep, but the striking results are well-worth the effort. Whether you’re a newbie to the world of hair dyeing or an experienced color chameleon, embracing a galaxy-inspired ‘do can be a thrilling adventure.
