Purple is one of the boldest colour trends and is on the rise in mainstream fashion. It is extremely versatile across hair lengths, textures and skin tones and can be daring or subtle. For example, lavender highlights can provide a more subtle look whereas an overall violet dye is more eye-catching and daring. This blog will look at purple hair ideas as well as styling tips.
Why Choose Purple Hair?
Purple hair is a great way to express creativity, self-expression and empowerment. Shades can range from playful lilacs all the way to deep plums. These shades have been seen on many celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga.
10 Popular Purple Hairstyles
1. Vibrant Purple Ombre
This look radiates bold, high-energy glamour and seamlessly fades from a deep violet at the roots to a lighter, purple ends. The darker base adds depth and richness and the transition into a lighter shade creates a stunning dimensional effect. This results in a head-turning ombre which feels both daring and elegant. Seen on celebrities such as Katy Perry.
Best for: This is great for those with medium to longer hair as the length best displays the ombre effect.
Styling tip: Use a lightweight shine serum to amplify the vibrancy.
2. Subtle Purple Highlights
Subtle purple highlights add a hint of personality with delicate streaks of purple woven through natural hair. These soft highlights catch the light, adding dimension and a gentle shimmer without being overpowering. Perfect for those who are looking for a touch of colour that still feels wearable. The purple tones can range from soft lavenders to muted violets, all depending on your base colour. Seen on celebrities such as Nicole Richie.
Best for: This is a great option for those with cool or neutral undertones as lavenders and violets compliment these complexions beautifully.
Styling tip: Loose waves and curls help add movement to the hair, showing off the hints of colour beautifully.
3. Lilac Balayage
Lilac balayage is a soft, dreamy hair technique that blends natural tones seamlessly into shades of pastel purple. Unlike highlights, balayage is hand painted on, creating a gradient effect that is effortlessly dimensional. This style balances bold colour with subtle hints of sophistication and is great for those who want a creative yet elegant look. Seen on celebrities such as Demi Lovato.
Best for: This is a great style for those who want a low maintenance colour, since balayage grows out naturally it requires less frequent touch ups.
Styling tip: Use colour safe and sulphate-free shampoo and conditioners to maintain the colour.
4. All-Over Purple Hair
All-over purple hair is a bold, head-turning style where the hair is saturated in uniform purple from roots to ends. This style delivers maximum vibrancy and impact, making it a perfect option for those looking to embrace the love of the colour. The tone can be tailored to suit your personality and exudes confidence and creativity. Seen on celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne.
Best for: This is perfect for anyone ready to make a statement and embrace vivid colour.
Styling tiP: Use a heat protectant when using heat to prevent the colour dulling.
5. Amethyst Shag
This style combines a bold, jewel-toned purple with a textured, layered cut that’s edgy, playful and full of movement. This shade gives the shag depth and shine and the shags feathered layers and wispy ends creates effortless volume and dimension. This is the perfect style for those who want a vibrant, fashion-forward colour paired with a carefree, modern cut that’s full of personality. Seen on celebrities such as Olivia O’Brien.
Best for: This is great for those with finer hair as the layers add texture and volume.
Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray to amplify the “piecy, lived-in” vibe.
6. Pastel Purple Bob
The pastel purple bob is a dreamy take on short hair, featuring lilac and lavender tones throughout a chic bob cut. The muted purple shades create a whimsical, feminine vibe while keeping the style wearable and sophisticated. The pastel tones add a gentle shimmer that catches the light giving it a luminous finish. Seen on celebrities such as Hilary Duff.
Best for: This style works on all skin tones and stylists can tweak undertones to flatter warm and cool complexions.
Styling tip: Style the bob’s edges inward at the ends to accentuate the bob’s shape.
7. Plum Lob
This sophisticated take on a long bob, features deep plum tones that balance boldness with elegance. The colour can range from dark, moody violets at the roots to slightly lighter plum at the ends, giving subtle dimension and shine. This style is perfect for someone who wants a vibrant purple look that is polished. Seen on celebrities such as Selena Gomez.
Best for: This is a great option for those who seek low maintenance styles, lobs grow out gracefully and the darker plum base helps the colour last longer between touch ups.
Styling tip: Style into a smooth, straight finish to emphasise the sleek cut.
8. Violet Money Piece with Darker Base
This style combines a rich, dark base with bold, face-framing streaks of vivid violet. These are strategically placed highlights around the face and add brightness, contrast and instant personality without colouring the entire head. The darker base makes the violet pop, creating a striking, modern look that’s edgy and wearable. Seen on celebrities such as Julia Fox.
Best for: This is great for those who want a pop of colour without full commitment, it is a subtle yet dramatic way to experiment with bold tones.
Styling tip: Use a shine serum to enhance the violet colour.
9. Galaxy Melt
Galaxy melt is a vibrant, multidimensional style inspired by the colours of the cosmos. The roots are a deep indigo that gradually transitions into vivid purples, magentas and hints of teal or blue towards the ends. The result is mesmerising and the tones shift and sparkle in different lighting, giving your hair depth and movement. Seen on celebrities such as Rihanna.
Best for: This is a great option for those bold, adventurous personalities who want to make a statement.
Styling tip: Styling the hair in loose, tousled waves allows all the colours to be displayed.
10. Iridescent Lavender Pixie
This short, edgy style is infused with shades of lavender, lilac and subtle silver highlights that change slightly depending on the light. This eye-catching style combines boldness with elegance, creating a multi-tonal effect perfect for someone ready to embrace a statement-making look. Seen on celebrities such as Florence Pugh.
Best for: This is a great style for those who like to experiment with styling, the pixie cut can be textured, sleek or tousled depending on personal preference.
Styling tip: Use a texturising cream or wax to enhance layers.
How to Maintain Purple Hair
Purple hair can be maintained several ways. Using sulphate-free products will help maintain the colour. Avoiding hot water is another great way to maintain the colour as hot water opens the hair cuticle, causing the colour to bleed. Purple dyes, especially bright and pastel shades can be drying on the hair, use a deep conditioning mask weekly to lock in moisture. Depending on the vibrancy of the purple, a touch-up or glossing session every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the hue, at Rush Hair, our stylists can tailor the session for your hair type and shade to have your hair moisturised and looking its best.
Purple is one of the boldest colour trends and is on the rise in mainstream fashion. It is extremely versatile across hair lengths, textures and skin tones and can be daring or subtle. For example, lavender highlights can provide a more subtle look whereas an overall violet dye is more eye-catching and daring. This blog will look at purple hair ideas as well as styling tips.
Book Your Purple Hair Appointment at Rush
If you are ready to take the leap into purple hair, Rush stylists can tailor the appointment to find the perfect purple shade for you. Book your appointment today.
FAQ's
How long does purple hair last?
Purple hair can last for 6-8 weeks before noticeable fading; the colour may gradually soften and some hues like lilac or violet can shift in tone as it fades.
Can I dye my hair purple at home?
Yes, you can dye purple hair at home, however more complex styles like galaxy melt or vibrant ombre require professional help.
Is purple hair hard to maintain?
Purple hair can be harder to maintain than stereotypical shades such as brunette and blonde. Your hair may need a refresh more often, depending on the vibrancy of your look.
Does purple hair suit all ages?
Yes, purple hair isn’t limited by age, it’s all about picking the right shade, style and intensity to match your personality and lifestyle.
Best products to treat purple hair?
Using products such as leave-in toning treatments will help tone and protect the hair. Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping any colour and rinse with cold water to stop bleeding.
