This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Ready to rock that royal purple?
You’ll find your perfect match among top-rated options like Violet Dream for vegan vibrancy or Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color for darker hair.
The best purple hair dye for you depends on your commitment level – permanent formulas last 6-8 weeks, while temporary options let you test the waters.
For stunning results, consider your natural hair color (lighter shades don’t need bleaching) and skin tone (fair skin loves lavender, while deeper skin rocks plum).
With the right prep and care routine, you’ll keep that purple popping longer than you’d expect.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Top 8 Purple Hair Dyes
- Choosing The Right Purple Dye
- Pre-Dyeing Preparation
- Applying Purple Dye
- Post-Dyeing Care
- Maintaining Purple Hair
- Other Things to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best purple hair dye brand?
- Is manic panic or arctic fox better?
- Is manic panic purple permanent?
- Does purple hair dye fade fast?
- What are the best purple hair dyes for beginners?
- How long does purple hair dye last?
- How do I remove purple hair dye?
- What are the best purple hair dye brands?
- Can purple hair dye stain pillowcases and clothes?
- How does hair texture affect purple dye absorption?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll find your perfect match among permanent (6–8 weeks), semi-permanent (4–8 weeks), and temporary (1–2 days) purple dyes, based on your commitment level and desired outcome.
- If you have dark hair, you don’t always need bleaching—brands like Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color can transform brown hair without pre-lightening, while lighter shades work best with pre-lightened hair for vibrant results.
- Your skin’s undertones matter—choose cool purple tones (lavender) for warm skin and warm purple shades (plum) for cool skin to create the most flattering look.
- You’ll keep your purple hair vibrant longer by using sulfate-free shampoo, limiting heat styling, protecting it from UV rays, and deep conditioning it weekly with color-depositing products.
Top 8 Purple Hair Dyes
You’ll find your perfect match among these eight game-changing purple hair dyes, from vibrant semi-permanent options to long-lasting permanent colors.
Whether you’re a purple hair newbie or a seasoned color enthusiast, these top-rated formulas deliver stunning results.
while keeping your hair healthy and happy.
1. Violet Dream Hair Color Dye
View On Amazon
Meet your new purple-hair game-changer: Violet Dream Hair Color Dye.
This vegan formula packs a punch with its floral purple tones and magenta undertones, creating a head-turning look that’ll fade to a dreamy pink.
Perfect for level 7 or lighter hair, it’ll banish those brassy tones without harsh chemicals.
Mix it with other shades to create your signature purple, or dilute with Arctic Mist for a softer pastel.
No gloves included, but trust us – you’ll want them for this vibrant adventure.
Best For: Those with light blonde to medium brown hair (level 7 or lighter) looking for a vibrant, long-lasting purple hair color that fades beautifully.
- Vibrant, highly pigmented color.
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula.
- Relatively easy to apply and clean up.
- Can be staining.
- Longevity varies depending on hair type.
- May require pre-lightening for optimal results.
2. Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye
View On Amazon
Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair Dye in Pony delivers a stunning violet purple that’ll turn heads.
This vegan, cruelty-free paste is packed with fatty acids and vitamins, ensuring your hair stays healthy while rocking that bold color.
It works best on pre-lightened platinum to medium blonde hair, though dark blondes and light browns will catch a subtle tint.
The thick consistency prevents drips, and the light scent won’t overwhelm you during application.
Best For: Those with pre-lightened hair aiming for vibrant, violet-purple locks, or those with lighter hair wanting a subtle tint.
- Vibrant, long-lasting color payoff.
- Thick, easy-to-apply consistency that doesn’t drip.
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and conditioning formula.
- May stain skin, surfaces, and clothing.
- Color results vary depending on hair type and color; may not show on darker hair.
- High shipping costs.
3. Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Ultra Colo
View On Amazon
Want to release your inner violet vixen? Garnier’s Nutrisse Ultra Color V2 packs a powerful purple punch that transforms light to dark brown hair without the bleach drama.
This color warrior comes armed with Triple Fruit Oils – avocado, olive, and shea – leaving your hair nourished while it works its magic.
The cream formula’s Colorboost technology delivers high-impact violet that lasts up to 8 weeks, though some users report earlier fading.
Here’s a pro tip: this dye adapts to different hair textures, but always do a strand test first to avoid any color plot twists.
Best For: Those with light to dark brown hair seeking a vibrant, long-lasting dark purple or violet shade with nourishing benefits.
- Nourishes hair during and after coloring with triple fruit oils.
- Delivers high-impact, bold color in one application.
- Adapts to various hair textures.
- Color longevity and accuracy may vary; some experience faster fading or shades different from advertised.
- Price point may be considered high by some consumers.
- Scent may be bothersome to those with sensitivities.
4. L’Oreal Violet Vixen Hair Dye
View On Amazon
L’Oreal’s Violet Vixen packs a serious purple punch with its multi-faceted permanent formula.
You’ll love how the nourishing blend seals and smooths while delivering vibrant, lasting color.
Plus, the conditioning crème and shimmer serum leave your hair looking healthy and radiant.
Best For: Those wanting a vibrant, long-lasting violet hair color, especially those with pre-lightened or bleached hair.
- Intense, brilliant color payoff.
- Nourishing formula leaves hair healthy and shiny.
- Relatively affordable for a high-quality brand.
- Color may fade quickly, lasting around 18 days.
- Messy application due to thin formula.
- May not suit all skin tones.
5. Natural Hair Wax Purple Styling
View On Amazon
Commitment-phobes rejoice – Natural Hair Wax Purple Styling lets you rock vibrant purple locks without long-term strings attached.
Perfect for those who want to try a temporary hair dye that doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide like semi-permanent options.
Made with natural ingredients like beeswax and tea extract, this temporary color provides medium hold and washes out easily.
Just remember to dry thoroughly to prevent transfer to clothing.
Best For: Those wanting a temporary, vibrant hair color without harsh chemicals, ideal for experimenting with bold shades or covering gray hair temporarily.
- Easy application and washes out easily.
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Provides medium hold for styling.
- Color intensity varies depending on hair color.
- Can transfer to clothing when wet.
- Drying time can be significant.
6. Keracolor Purple Clenditione
View On Amazon
Transform your hair care routine with Keracolor Purple Clenditione, a powerhouse 3-in-1 formula that cleanses, conditions, and deposits vibrant color in one go.
You’ll love how this sulfate-free blend, packed with keratin and five nourishing oils, maintains your purple dreams while keeping your locks healthy.
It’s ideal for touch-ups between salon visits, though you’ll get the most punch on pre-lightened or blonde hair. This 3-in-1 formula is a powerhouse for your hair.
Best For: Those looking to refresh or enhance purple tones in bleached or light blonde hair, needing a convenient 3-in-1 cleanse, condition, and color treatment.
- 3-in-1 functionality: cleanses, conditions, and colors simultaneously.
- Enriched with nourishing oils and keratin for healthy hair.
- Easy color removal and minimal staining.
- Color payoff may be less intense than expected on some hair types.
- May not fully deposit color on gray hair.
- Packaging size might be considered small by some users.
7. OVERTONE Purple Hair Conditione
View On Amazon
OVERTONE’s Purple Hair Conditioner gently deposits rich amethyst pigments.
It nourishes your strands with coconut oil and shea butter.
It’s perfect for achieving subtle purple tones on light to medium brown hair without damage.
The vegan formula keeps your conscience as clean as your color.
Best For: Those looking to add subtle purple tones to light to medium brown hair without harsh chemicals.
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula.
- Nourishes hair with coconut oil and shea butter.
- Semi-permanent color that fades gradually.
- Pricey for the amount of product.
- Color results may vary depending on hair type.
- May require multiple applications for vibrant results.
8. Manic Panic Plum Passion Purple Hair Dye
View On Amazon
Manic Panic Plum Passion delivers a bold, warm-toned purple that’ll make heads turn.
This vegan, cruelty-free formula doesn’t need a developer and lasts 4-6 weeks.
While it works best on pre-lightened hair, you’ll love how it fades to dreamy shades of magenta and rose gold.
Best For: Those wanting a vibrant, warm-toned purple hair color that’s easy to apply and fades beautifully.
- Vibrant, long-lasting color.
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula.
- Easy application, no developer needed.
- Best results on pre-lightened hair.
- Can stain easily.
- Color longevity varies.
Choosing The Right Purple Dye
You’ll need to match your dream purple shade with the right dye type, whether it’s a wash-out option for commitment-phobes or a permanent purple for bold color enthusiasts.
Your natural hair color will determine if you’ll need bleaching first.
Your preferred undertone (cool or warm) will guide you to that perfect purple that’ll make heads turn.
Dye Type
Regarding rocking purple hair, your first big decision is choosing between three main dye types.
Each option offers different color vibrancy and dye longevity, balancing your commitment level with hair damage concerns.
From wash-out temporary purple hair color for weekend warriors to semi-permanent purple dye for month-long adventures, to permanent purple hair dye for total color commitment, there’s a perfect match for everyone’s style journey.
– Permanent
Permanent purple hair dye offers the longest-lasting color transformation for your rebellious spirit. While most options contain ammonia for deep penetration, damage-free alternatives exist for those seeking gentler solutions.
- Expect 6-8 weeks of vibrant purple that won’t quit
- Choose between cool violet or warm plum undertones
- Look for ammonia-free formulas to minimize damage
- Consider pre-lightening for maximum color payoff
- Factor in root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks
– Semi-permanent
Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent shades offer a commitment-free way to rock purple hair.
These dyes typically last 4-8 weeks, gradually fading with each wash.
The best temporary purple hair color options come from trusted brands like Arctic Fox and Lime Crime, which pack serious pigment without harsh chemicals. Plus, they’re perfect for dark hair without bleaching. semi-permanent shades
– Temporary
Temporary purple hair dye gives you the freedom to experiment without commitment. From DIY tips to the best brands at Target, these wash-out options let you rock purple hair for a day or two.
Your choice depends on four key factors:
- Your natural hair shade
- How much color pop you want
- Your dream purple shade
- Your regular hair care routine
Looking for color vibrancy with application ease? Consider Manic Panic or L’Oréal.
Bleaching
While temporary dyes wash out easily, bleaching your hair opens up a whole new world of purple possibilities.
But here’s the deal: you’ve got two paths to that perfect purple.
Going the bleaching route lets you rock those dreamy lavender and pastel shades, but it comes with some hair health trade-offs.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Bleaching | Level of Lift | Hair Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Level 8 or higher | High |
| No | Level 5 or lower | Low |
– Yes
Before diving into bleaching, let’s talk about making those vibrant purple dreams come true.
You’ve got three key factors to think about when choosing the best permanent hair dye purple for bleached hair:
- How light your hair needs to be
- Your natural undertones (warm or cool)
- The final look you’re aiming for (pastel or deep violet)
– No
You don’t need bleach to rock purple hair!
Match these vibrant purple hair dye shades to your skin tone for stunning results:
| Skin Tone | Undertone | Purple Dye |
|---|---|---|
| Fair | Cool | Lavender |
| Medium | Warm | Plum |
| Dark | Neutral | Burgundy |
Undertones
Understanding undertones transforms your purple hair journey.
Just like choosing the perfect sunset shade, matching your skin’s undertones with your dye choice makes all the difference:
- Cool tones complement warm skin
- Warm tones suit cool skin
- Neutral tones flatter all
– Cool
Looking for those winter vibes? Cool purple shades create a striking statement that’s perfect for dark hair. Start by picking icy tones that match your skin’s cool undertones – think lavender, plum, or deep violet.
Here’s what makes cool-toned purple hair dye stand out:
- Creates a modern, edgy look that turns heads
- Works beautifully with fair to medium skin tones
- Fades into gorgeous pastel purples over time
- Shows up vibrantly on pre-lightened hair
- Requires less maintenance than warm-toned dyes
Expert tip: The best purple hair dye for dark hair often comes in deep, cool-toned variations.
– Warm
While cool purples bring an icy edge,
warm purple tones create rich, sultry vibes that flatter golden and olive complexions, much like the golden brown and caramel highlights recommended for warm skin tones hair colors.
Think deep plums, rich burgundies, and luxurious amethysts – these shades add depth and dimension to your look.
Best warm purple dyes like Garnier Nutrisse and Manic Panic Plum Passion complement warm undertones beautifully.
Pre-Dyeing Preparation
Now that you’ve picked your perfect purple shade, let’s prep your hair for its colorful transformation.
Before you turn into a walking work of art, you’ll need to do a quick hair health check and run two important tests.
- Perform an allergy test 24 hours before – just dab a tiny bit of dye behind your ear
- Do a strand test on a hidden section to preview your final color
- Protect your workspace with old towels and newspapers
- Gather supplies: gloves, mixing bowl, brush, and timer
Remember, whether you’re working with bleached hair or going straight to purple, proper prep prevents purple problems!
Applying Purple Dye
Four essential steps transform your dream of purple hair into reality. Start by protecting your skin with a barrier cream along the hairline and ears – petroleum jelly works perfectly.
Before you start applying the dye, consider shopping for the best purple hair dye products at a reliable online store like top-rated purple dyes.
Mix your dye to achieve the right consistency, following the product’s instructions for best color vibrancy. Section your hair into four manageable parts, then apply the dye using these pro techniques:
| Time | Application Step | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Root Coverage | Start 1/2 inch from scalp |
| 15 min | Mid-Length | Use zigzag motions |
| 10 min | Ends | Massage thoroughly |
| 5 min | Final Check | Look for missed spots |
Let the dye develop according to the package instructions – typically 30-45 minutes for maximum purple perfection.
Post-Dyeing Care
You’ve rocked that perfect purple – now let’s keep it stunning! Start your post-dye journey with sulfate-free and color-safe products specifically designed for vibrant hair, such as using a purple hair dye shampoo that helps lock in that gorgeous shade.
Deep conditioning becomes your new best friend, helping lock in that gorgeous shade while keeping your strands silky smooth.
Shield your purple masterpiece from the sun’s sneaky rays with UV protection, and always arm yourself with heat protection before styling.
Here’s your power move checklist:
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Skip daily washing – dry shampoo is your ally
- Apply deep conditioning masks weekly
- Use heat protection before styling
- Rock protective styles when swimming
- Keep UV protection handy
Maintaining Purple Hair
While rocking purple hair can make you feel like royalty, keeping that vibrant color requires some dedication. Here’s your essential guide to looking after purple hair and preventing color fading:
- Switch to sulfate-free shampoo choices immediately – these gentle cleansers won’t strip your gorgeous purple hair color like harsh detergents can
- Treat sun protection as seriously as your skincare routine – UV rays are color-killers, so rock a hat or use UV-protective products when outdoors
- Say goodbye to scorching heat styling tools – they’re your color’s worst enemy and can make touch-ups necessary way too soon
- Deep condition weekly with color-depositing products designed for permanent purple hair dye or semipermanent purple hair to maintain that rich, head-turning shade. You can find the best purple hair dye products by reading purple hair dye reviews on websites like Purple Hair Dye Products
Remember: maintaining purple hair isn’t just about the products – it’s about building new habits that protect your investment in self-expression.
Other Things to Consider
Taking the leap into purple hair isn’t just about picking a trendy shade.
Hair health should be your top priority – consider how the dye type (permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary) impacts your strands, and if you’re looking for a natural alternative, using baking soda and apple cider vinegar can be a great option to lighten your locks before dyeing.
Factor in your budget for products and tools, plus the timeline for maintenance.
Always do a skin test before application, and plan ahead for looking after purple hair.
Remember: the longest lasting purple hair dye might require more commitment to prevent color fade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best purple hair dye brand?
L’Oréal Paris Feria V28 Midnight Violet delivers stunning results with its long-lasting, high-pigment formula.
For a gentler option, Arctic Fox Purple AF offers vibrant semi-permanent color that’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Is manic panic or arctic fox better?
Like choosing between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, both Arctic Fox and Manic Panic deliver stellar results.
Arctic Fox edges ahead with longer-lasting color and conditioning ingredients.
Manic Panic offers more vibrant initial results.
Is manic panic purple permanent?
No, Manic Panic’s purple dye isn’t permanent.
It’s semi-permanent and typically lasts 4-6 weeks.
You’ll notice the color gradually fading with each wash, but you can extend its life using color-safe products.
Does purple hair dye fade fast?
Just as a sunset’s purple hues fade into night, your purple dye will gradually wash away.
You’ll notice fading within 4-8 weeks for semi-permanent dyes, while permanent options can last 6-12 weeks with proper care.
What are the best purple hair dyes for beginners?
For your first purple adventure, try semi-permanent dyes like Arctic Fox Purple AF or Lime Crime Unicorn Hair.
They’re gentle, wash out gradually, and don’t need bleaching.
Perfect for experimenting with vibrant colors.
How long does purple hair dye last?
Like a chameleon’s changing hues, your purple hair’s longevity varies:
temporary dyes last 1-2 days,
semi-permanent 4-8 weeks, and permanent dyes stay vibrant for 6-12 weeks with proper care and maintenance.
How do I remove purple hair dye?
Try vitamin C tablets mixed with clarifying shampoo to gradually fade purple dye, or use a color remover.
Regular shampooing with hot water can also help.
Deep condition afterward to maintain hair health.
What are the best purple hair dye brands?
Manic Panic’s Purple Haze, Arctic Fox’s Purple AF, and Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair lead the pack.
Garnier Nutrisse and L’Oréal Feria offer excellent permanent options.
OVERTONE’s purple conditioner provides gentle color deposit.
Can purple hair dye stain pillowcases and clothes?
According to salon surveys, 87% of new purple hair dye users report staining.
Yes, you’ll need to protect your linens and clothes.
Use dark pillowcases for the first week and rinse with cold water until it runs clear.
How does hair texture affect purple dye absorption?
Your hair’s texture directly impacts dye absorption.
Coarse, thick strands need more dye and processing time, while fine hair absorbs color quickly.
Porosity levels affect how evenly the purple shade distributes throughout your hair.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dreaming of lavender locks or craving deep violet vibes, finding the best purple hair dye is your ticket to head-turning color.
From commitment-free temporary tints to long-lasting permanent dyes, there’s a perfect purple waiting for you.
Remember to prep properly, follow application instructions carefully, and maintain your color with purple-specific products.
Ready to take the plunge? Your perfect purple transformation awaits – just pick your shade and get ready to rock your new look with confidence.
