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Purple is the color of royalty for a reason.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Jan 10, 2021
Purple is a beautiful color with a rich history — literally, in fact. The color is often associated with royalty, and has inspired many to try dark purple hair dye and change their look.
Whether you’re putting the past behind you, moving on from a toxic situation, or just want a change, dying your hair is just one important form of self-care. Not only does it give you an opportunity to experiment with different colors or trends, but it’s truly an expression of yourself.
And what better way to show yourself a little love than trying something new to reveal your colors, both literally and figuratively?
If you’re new to dying your hair or have never used purple hair dye, there are a few things to keep in mind during the process.
First, can you dye your hair dark purple without bleaching it? You probably will have to bleach your hair, but it depends on what shade you’re going for and what color your own hair is.
For a darker, deeper purple, you may not have to bleach your hair, which makes things easier and safe. However, if you have dark hair and are going for a lighter color, you’ll need lighter hair to get the shade you desire.
Eventually, hair color will fade over time and hair will grow out, meaning you’ll have to dye your hair again after four-to-six weeks if you’re using permanent dye. But what color does purple hair dye fade into?
If you have dark hair, you may find that the purple dye fades into a color similar to your natural one; the color itself also won’t be as vivid. If you have blonde or light hair, the color will become a pale or dull purple, or even a grayish shade.
Now, what happens if you want to change your purple color to something darker? Can purple hair be dyed black? Of course you can change your hair to any color you desire! But there’s some work involved.
Keep in mind that changing your hair from black to any lighter color will require a color removal kit (black hair is very hard to remove!), treated with a conditioner, and lightened using bleach.
If you want the hair of a royal queen, consider going for a bolder shade of purple. It's edgy and moody, but also fun and bright. And it's actually easier to do yourself than you might imagine.
Best Permanent Purple Hair Dye
1. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Cream in Ultra Bold Violet
Made with grapeseed, avocado, shea, and olive oil, this hair kit comes with everything you need to dye your hair and keep it moisturized. You can even use it for root touch-ups if you’ve been rocking the color.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. L'Oreal Paris Feria High-Intensity Shimmering Color in Power Purple
For a deep color, this hair dye is shimmery and edgy, and is “fade-defying.” It’s the perfect shade for any fashionista trying to rock a good purple.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Best Temporary Purple Hair Dye
3. Good Dye Young Poser Paste Temporary Hair Makeup
Poser Paste is hair makeup and is completely washable once you apply it to your hair. The product stays intact when exposed to limited amounts of water, like light rain.
(Sephora, $18)
4. Beyond the Zone Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Purple Passion
Get bright, vivid, vibrant color that’s quick and easy to apply. The conditioning formula leaves hair smooth, and you can control the intensity of the tone by mixing and matching shades to create your own signature color.
(Sally Beauty, $5.79)
5. Manic Panic Purple Haze Dye Hard Gel
This temporary hair color styling gel is perfect for those who want color without commitment. Apply in thick layers for spikes or highlights, or let it dry and then comb out for an effect similar to hair chalk.
(Manic Panic, $9.99)
6. Joico Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color In Amethyst Purple
For color that’s truly vibrant and intense, this is the right option. It’s semi-permanent, so it will come out after a few washes. It’s suggested to lighten hair before applying this product.
(Walmart, $16.99)
7. Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Purple Rage
Free of peroxide, ammonia and alcohol, this color keeps hair looking natural with a purple tinge. You just can’t compete with natural ingredients.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
8. Sephora Collection Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Parisian Purple
Great for any hair type and texture, this cream is cruelty- and ammonia-free, and lasts up to 10 washes.
(Sephora, $12)
Best Dark Purple Hair Dye
9. Manic Panic Purple Haze Semi-Permanent Cream Hair Color
As a bright and warm hue of violet, this Purple Haze color is named after a Jimi Hendrix song — and it’s no wonder. Add beautiful highlights to even the darkest shades of hair.
(Sally Beauty, $10.99)
10. Lunar Tides Semi-Permanent Vegan Hair Dye in Nightshade Dark Purple
Dark and luscious, these deep colors feature velvet tones that are highly pigmented to last long and create richer tones. Plus, it’s vegan!
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. Ion Intensive Shine Hair Color Kit in Plum
This formula provides shiny plum hair and includes a blend of Moroccan argan, Tahitian tamanu, camellia, and coconut oils. Transform your hair from weak and dull to shiny and natural-looking.
(Sally Beauty, $9.99)
Best Light Purple Hair Dye
12. Splat Rebellious Fantasy Complete Hair Color Kit in Lusty Lavender
This kit comes complete with lightening bleach, shampoo and conditioner, gloves, and color. It’s easy to apply and stays vibrant for up to 30 washes or more.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Tints in Oyster
This formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and is an easy DIY formula. It also protects hair and after washing leaves hair soft.
(Lime Crime, $16)
14. Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye in Girls Night
Girls Night is a lilac color, meaning hair should be blonde or platinum before applying. It’s vegan, has no harmful chemicals, and is gentle on hair.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Best Purple Hair Dye For Dark Hair
15. Punky Colour Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Violet
This is a conditioning dye that lasts 6-to-8 weeks, depending on frequency you wash your hair. It deposits deep, intense pigments for a color payoff that lasts. Punky Colour offers two dark purple options: Plum and Violet.
(Ulta, $9.99)
16. RAW Deep Purple Demi-Permanent Hair Color
This temporary, brilliant color lasts for weeks and is easy to apply. It’s free of PPD, is affordable, and works on all hair types.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
17. Clairol Color Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Orchid
For a bold and vibrant color that stays for over 15 washes, this dye is good for any hair type. You can even use a bleach kit to make the color more vivid.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Best Purple Hair Dye For Blonde Hair
18. Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids in Violet
This product is easy to use and apply, and doesn’t require a developer. No matter your hair type or texture, it works best with lighter hair.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
19. Sparks Semi-Permanent Creme Color in Violet Vibes
Bold hair has never been easier with this semi-permanent creme. It lasts for up to 20 washes and doesn’t alter your hair’s natural pigment.
(SalonCentric, prices vary)
20. Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye in Purple Rain
Just like the other purple shades, this long-lasting color doesn’t bleed as much as other brands. With added conditioners, there are no harsh chemicals like peroxide, ammonia, or ethyl alcohol.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
21. Got2b Creative Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Perky Purple
This kit comes with everything you need, including a brush, tray, gloves, creams and conditioner. You can mix it with the pastelizer as well to make your own shade.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Best Pastel Purple Hair Dye
22. Fudge Paintbox Hair Colourant in Lilac Frost
While this product may be difficult to get if you live outside the UK, it’s free of ammonia and peroxide, and contains keratin proteins to keep hair nourished.
(Mankind.co, prices vary)
23. Garnier Color Sensation Hair Color Cream in Sweet Lavender Dreams
This cream contains “multidimensional pigments” to give vibrant and bold color. It comes with a kit that contains all you need, so there’s no need to worry about a messy clean up.
(Walmart, $3.97)
24. Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Lavender
There’s no alcohol, ammonia or peroxide in this product, meaning your hair’s health stays intact. Enhance your color with this beautiful shade.
Walmart, $5.50)
25. Smart Beauty Semi-Permanent Hair Dye in Lilac Haze Purple Pastel
With no sulfates, parabens or ammonia, and a vegan formula, you can’t go wrong with this shade of pastel. It’s best used on blonde hair.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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