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The 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes: Unleash Your Inner Unicorn! (2024)

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best purple hair dye

Seeking the most exceptional purple hair dye? You’re fortunate! We’ve curated a top 10 list of options that not solely elevate your hair’s vibrancy and vitality but are also vegan and cruelty-free. These colorants are meticulously crafted with conditioning agents and eschew harmful substances such as ammonia, guaranteeing a gentle and nurturing application.

Whether your preference lies in ethereal pastel hues for lighter locks or audacious shades for darker hair, there’s a dye tailored to every desire.

To preserve the longevity and health of your vibrant mane, consider incorporating color-protecting shampoos and conditioners into your routine, minimizing the use of heat styling tools, and indulging in nourishing hair masks and oils.

Key Takeaways

  • When searching for the best purple hair dye, it’s essential to choose products that are vegan and cruelty-free, such as Arctic Fox Vegan Semi-Permanent Hair Dye and Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme, which also prioritize hair health by excluding harmful chemicals like ammonia.
  • The longevity and vibrancy of purple hair dye can be significantly enhanced by using color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, minimizing the use of heat styling tools, and incorporating nourishing hair masks and oils into your hair care routine.
  • There are a variety of purple hair dye options available to suit different preferences and hair types, ranging from semi-permanent to permanent, and including shades like pastel purple, lilac, lavender, amethyst, and mauve.
  • To maintain the health and color of dyed hair, it’s recommended to use sulfate-free and paraben-free hair care products, apply heat or UV protectant serums before styling, and regularly treat hair with nourishing oils and deep conditioning masks.

Top 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes

Discover the top 10 best purple hair dyes that will evoke your inner unicorn! These dyes offer a range of options, from temporary to permanent, and in various shades such as pastel purple, lilac, lavender, amethyst, and mauve.

Some of the best purple hair dyes include:

Arctic Fox Vegan Semi Permanent Hair Dye

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye Pony

Manic Panic Purple Haze Hair Color

Lunar Tides Semi Permanent Hair Color

Ion Intensive Shine Hair Color Plum

L’Oréal Paris Feria Violet Vixen Hair Color

Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye

Maria Nila Color Refresh Vivid Violet

Semi-permanent Hair Color Plushy Purple

1. Arctic Fox Vegan Semi Permanent Hair Dye

ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-FreeView On Amazon

Arctic Fox Vegan Semi-Permanent Hair Dye is a top choice for those looking for a vibrant, vegan, and cruelty-free hair color option. This dye is formulated with safe, high-quality vegan ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals like peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, and PPD. It’s gentle for frequent use and conditions your hair as it restores vibrancy.

The dye is long-lasting and smears less, with a sweet scent that adds to the overall experience. It’s available in various shades, including Purple AF, which is a popular choice for those looking for a bold purple hue.

Arctic Fox hair dyes are 100% vegan and 100% cruelty-free, with 15% of all profits donated to animal-centered charities.

Best For: Those seeking vibrant vegan hair color without harsh chemicals.

Pros
  • Vegan ingredients
  • Free from peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, and PPD
  • Conditions hair
Cons
  • May require multiple applications for desired vibrancy
  • Can smear if not applied correctly
  • Some shades may fade quickly

2. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme

Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse UltraView On Amazon

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme is a popular choice for those seeking a nourishing and long-lasting purple hair dye. This permanent hair color is formulated with a blend of triple fruit oils, including avocado, olive, and shea, which nourish the hair while it colors.

It provides up to 8 weeks of vibrant color and is suitable for all hair textures and even dark bases. The product is also cruelty-free and vegan, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer to use products that align with their ethical values.

Additionally, the conditioning formula helps to detangle and soften the hair during the coloring process.

Best For: Those seeking a nourishing and long-lasting purple hair dye for all dark hair textures.

Pros
  • Nourishes hair with triple fruit oils (avocado, olive, and shea)
  • Provides up to 8 weeks of vibrant color
  • Detangles and softens hair during coloring

3. Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye Pony

Lime Crime Full Coverage UnicornView On Amazon

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye Pony is a semi-permanent hair dye that transforms your hair into vibrant violet-purple hues. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals like PPD, Peroxide, and Ammonia.

This damage-free dye is designed to condition and moisturize your hair, making it a great choice for those who want to maintain healthy locks while enjoying a bold color. It’s suitable for pre-lightened platinum to medium blonde hair, and it adds a tint of color to dark blonde and light brown hair.

The life cycle of the color depends on your hair’s condition and how often you wash it, but it’s known to last up to 3 weeks with proper care. It’s also certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA, and formulated with globally sourced ingredients for high performance wear and strong color pay-off.

Best For: Those seeking vibrant violet-purple hair color without damaging their locks.

Pros
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and damage-free
  • Conditions and moisturizes hair
  • High performance wear and strong color pay-off
Cons
  • May not be suitable for all hair types
  • Color may fade over time
  • Requires pre-lightened hair for optimal results

4. Manic Panic Purple Haze Hair Color

MANIC PANIC Purple Haze HairView On Amazon

Manic Panic Purple Haze Hair Color is a semi-permanent hair dye that offers a warm, very dark purple shade. It’s named after a Jimi Hendrix song and has been used by celebrity stylist Ted Gibson to tint the locks of Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o.

The Amplified formula is a semi-permanent hair color that has 30% more pigment than the High Voltage Classic color, making it a stronger and longer-lasting formula. It’s recommended to lighten hair to medium level 7 blonde or lighter before use for best results.

The dye is vegan, PPD and ammonia-free, and is available in 23+ shades. It’s a color-depositing conditioner that conditions hair during coloring. The color can last 6-8 weeks on pre-lightened hair.

Best For: Those looking for a temporary hair color that glows under black lights.

Pros
  • Glows under black lights
  • Washable and easy to remove
  • Mixable colors for creating custom shades
Cons
  • Not a permanent hair color
  • May not be suitable for all hair types or colors
  • May require multiple applications for desired brightness

5. Lunar Tides Semi Permanent Hair Color

Semi-Permanent Hair Color (43 colors)View On Amazon

Lunar Tides Semi-Permanent Hair Color is a vegan and cruelty-free hair dye that offers a wide range of deep, velvet colors. It’s highly pigmented and goes a long way, making it an excellent choice for those looking to tint their hair without the need for developer.

However, it’s important to note that it may not stick to freshly bleached roots and usually lasts about 3 washes.

This dye is also known for its cherry blossom and citrus scent, which adds to the overall experience of using the product.

Best For: Those looking for a semi-permanent hair dye that is vegan, cruelty-free, and highly pigmented.

Pros
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Highly pigmented and goes a long way
  • Leaves hair feeling conditioned
Cons
  • May not stick to freshly bleached roots
  • Lasts about 3 washes
  • Bleeds color while rinsing and dyes surfaces

6. Ion Intensive Shine Hair Color Plum

ION Intensive Shine Permanent Liqui-CremeView On Amazon

Ion Intensive Shine Hair Color Plum is a demi-permanent hair color that provides brilliant color and maximum shine using a proprietary blend of Moroccan Argan, Tahitian Tamanu, Camellia, and Coconut oils. This unique blend of precious oils helps transform your hair from weak and dull to silky, shiny, and natural.

The kit includes a pre-filled applicator bottle with ion™ Sensitive Scalp Crème Developer, pre-color treatment, after color treatment, gloves, and step-by-step instructions.

The standard processing time is 10-40 minutes at room temperature and 10-15 minutes with heat. After processing, rinse hair thoroughly until the water runs clear.

The kit is 100% fade resistant for gray coverage and provides up to 2.5 times more shine than untreated hair. It’s available in a demi-permanent creme hair color form.

Best For: Those looking for a demi-permanent hair color that provides vibrant color and maximum shine.

Pros
  • Covers grays
  • Excellent hair color
  • Up to 2.5 times more shine than untreated hair
Cons
  • May have a lightening agent
  • Can be harsh on bleached hair
  • Best to use with developer

7. Loreal Paris Feria Violet Vixen Hair Color

LView On Amazon

The L’Oréal Paris Féria Violet Vixen Hair Color is a permanent hair dye that offers a deep, intense violet shade with a shimmering effect. It’s part of the Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color range, which is known for its prismatic color spectrum custom-blended by L’Oréal master colorists. This hair dye is designed to deliver bold, head-turning shades without the need for an appointment.

The Violet Vixen shade is inspired by fashion and the latest trends, offering a vibrant and unique look. It comes with a Power Shimmer Conditioner that hydrates and conditions hair, ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant for a long time. The product is suitable for all hair types and is available in a 1.0 ct kit.

The Féria Violet Vixen Hair Color is formulated with a nourishing formula that seals and smooths hair, preventing it from looking dull or flat. It’s a permanent hair dye, which means it lasts for a long time and is suitable for those looking for a long-lasting color change.

When using this hair dye, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results. It’s recommended to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of the color and minimize damage from heat styling tools. Additionally, using a heat or UV protectant serum and applying a nourishing hair mask can help keep dyed hair healthy and shiny.

Best For: Those looking for a bold, permanent hair color with a vibrant violet shade.

Pros
  • Prismatic color spectrum custom-blended by L’Oréal master colorists
  • Revolutionary Power Shimmer Conditioner hydrates and conditions hair
  • Bold, head-turning shades
Cons
  • May be messy to use due to thin formula
  • Can stain towels or pillowcases when rinsing
  • Color may bleed during the first several washes

8. Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye

Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye (20View On Amazon
In the realm of hair dyes, Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye prevails as a prime selection for individuals pursuing a semi-permanent, vivid purple shade. This multi-faceted product not only purifies, nourishes, and colors your hair, but also intensifies color brilliance and neutralizes undesirable tones. With its gentle, deposition-only formula, it restores your hair while prolonging color between professional appointments.

To utilize Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye effectively, adhere to these guidelines:

  1. Commence with wet or unmoisturized hair.
  2. Divide your hair and apply the product liberally.
  3. Allow it to rest for 3-20 minutes, contingent upon the desired intensity of color saturation.
  4. Rinse and style as customary.

For optimal intensity, repeat applications until you attain your preferred color. This product is well-suited for lightened or highlighted hair to produce a vibrant, authentic color. To sustain the achieved tone, alternate with Clenditioner.

Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye is enriched with nurturing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, rose hip oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil, rendering your hair healthier and more silky with each application. It’s also free of animal testing, sulfates, parabens, and gluten.

With its 3-in-1 capabilities of cleansing, conditioning, and coloring your hair, Keracolor Clenditioner Purple Hair Dye provides a practical and efficient solution for those seeking to revitalize their hair color between salon appointments.

Best For: Individuals seeking a semi-permanent, vivid purple shade to enhance color vibrancy and tone out unwanted color.

Pros
  • 3-in-1 formula that cleanses, conditions, and colores hair
  • Non-damaging, deposit-only formula that replenishes and tones hair color
  • Infused with healthy hair ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter
Cons
  • May cause a slight burning sensation if left on for too long
  • Amount of application time can affect color intensity
  • May not be suitable for all hair types

9. Maria Nila Color Refresh Vivid Violet

Maria Nila Color Refresh, 10.1View On Amazon

Immerse yourself in the realm of radiant shades with Maria Nila Color Refresh Vivid Violet, your essential companion for a purple passion fix. Crafted in Sweden, this 100% vegan marvel not only infuses your hair with a burst of color; it’s a haircare guardian angel, hydrating and nourishing your tresses.

Sidestep the salon; in just 3-10 minutes, you can metamorphose your locks in the comfort of your own abode. And with environmentally friendly packaging, you’re not merely pampering your hair, you’re expressing your affection for Mother Earth.

So, whether your aspiration is to illuminate your blonde or inject a touch of boldness to your ‘do, this purple potion is your gateway to captivating attention without a trace of remorse.

Best For: Those seeking vibrant purple hair color without damage or commitment.

Pros
  • 100% vegan and cruelty-free ingredients
  • Hydrates and nourishes hair
  • Easy to apply and customizable for desired intensity
Cons
  • May stain palms temporarily
  • Bottle may break in transit for some customers
  • Not returnable for some customers

10. Semi-permanent Hair Color Plushy Purple

Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color,View On Amazon

Say hello to the ultimate purple hair dye that’s here to make your dreams come true. Semi-permanent Hair Color Plushy Purple is the perfect blend of vibrancy and ease. With its semi-permanent formula, you can enjoy a rich purple hue without the dedication of a permanent dye. This color is perfect for those who want to experiment with different shades without the long-term commitment.

The product is designed with a conditioning formula that guarantees your hair stays healthy and nourished while you rock your new color. And the best part? It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of ammonia, making it a great choice for those who care about their hair’s health and the environment.

With a wide range of shades available, from pastel purple to deep, rich purples, there’s a perfect shade for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to apply and persists up to 4-6 weeks, giving you plenty of time to show off your new look.

Best For: Those seeking a vibrant, semi-permanent purple hue without the commitment of permanent dye.

Pros
  • Enhances moisture, shine, and color
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals
  • Easy to apply and lasts up to 4-6 weeks
Cons
  • May not be enough to do whole head
  • Thin and runny
  • Inconsistent color results

Choosing the Right Purple Hair Dye

Choosing the Right Purple Hair Dye
When selecting the appropriate purple hair dye, it’s essential to steer clear of damaging ingredients that can compromise your hair’s integrity. Take into account your natural hair color to guarantee that the dye you choose will yield the desired hue and intensity.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

When selecting the optimal purple hair dye, it’s imperative to steer clear of detrimental ingredients. Seek out plant-based and ethical alternatives, as well as environmentally conscious options.

Choose ammonia-free formulas and conditioning formulas for impermanent purple hair dyes. For vegan purple hair dye, contemplate color-preserving shampoo and conditioner.

Cruelty-free purple hair dye should be your choice for ethical beauty. Invariably inspect the labeling to guarantee the product is in line with your values and preferences.

Considering Hair Color

When choosing the right purple hair dye, consider your current hair color. If you have light hair, opt for a pastel lavender or lilac shade. For darker hair, a bold hue like vibrant amethyst or a deep purple will look stunning.

Some dyes may require a conditioning color to achieve the desired shade. Cruelty-free options are available for those who prefer not to use products tested on animals.

Temporary purple hair dyes are perfect for trying out a bold look without the commitment of a permanent color.

Maintaining Purple Dyed Hair

Maintaining Purple Dyed Hair
To maintain the vibrancy and health of your purple dyed hair, it’s crucial to incorporate color-protecting shampoos and conditioners into your hair care routine. Furthermore, limit the frequency of heat tool usage to minimize damage and prolong the color’s longevity.

Using Color-Protecting Shampoos and Conditioners

To maintain your purple hair dye, it’s essential to use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners. Seek out sulfate-free and paraben-free formulas that are vegan and cruelty-free. Confer with a hair care expert or product specialists to identify the most suitable options for your hair type and color. These products will help retain the vibrancy of your purple hue, ensuring its longevity.

Minimizing Heat Tool Usage

Limiting heat tool use is essential for preserving your vibrant and healthy purple-dyed hair. Heat damage can cause dryness, breakage, and color fading. To protect your hair, apply heat protectant serums and test new products on a small area before full application. Choose air-drying or low-heat styling techniques whenever feasible.

Keep in mind, patience and dedication are key to maintaining your beautiful purple locks.

Enhancing Purple Hair Dye Shades

Enhancing Purple Hair Dye Shades
To enhance the shades of purple in your hair dye, consider using shimmery permanent dyes and color-depositing conditioners. Shimmery permanent dyes add multifaceted color and shimmer to your hair, while color-depositing conditioners deep condition your strands and add pigment, resulting in more subtle color than concentrated dye.

Shimmery Permanent Dyes

Immerse yourself in the realm of radiant hues with enduring purple hair dyes that pledge color brilliance and comprehensive metamorphosis. Regardless of whether you possess blonde, brunette, or ebony locks, these dyes harmonize ammonia content for enduring results with formula components that guarantee effortless application.

Embrace the artistry of a striking, novel appearance with a purple shade engineered to mesmerize and reign supreme.

Color-Depositing Conditioners

Color-depositing conditioners are a fantastic way to enhance your purple hair dye, providing subtle results with easy application and moisturizing benefits. These conditioners temporarily deposit color onto your hair without penetrating the hair shaft like permanent dye, making them less damaging to your hair. They’re available in various shades, including pastel shades, and can be used to refresh your existing color or add a pop of color to your hair.

Here are three color-depositing conditioner options to explore:

  1. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask Bordeaux: This deep crimson brown shade is suitable for light brown to dark brown hair.
  2. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask Copper: An intense copper tone for medium blonde to medium brown hair.
  3. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask Cocoa: A rich medium brown for use on light brown to dark brown hair.

These conditioners are nourishing and hydrating, making them ideal for those who want to maintain their hair’s health while experimenting with different shades.

Protecting and Nourishing Purple Dyed Hair

Protecting and Nourishing Purple Dyed Hair
To make sure your purple dyed hair stays vibrant and healthy, it’s crucial to protect and nourish it. Use heat or UV protectant serum, apply a nourishing hair mask, and oil your hair regularly. These easy steps will help maintain your color and keep your hair looking its best.

Using Heat or UV Protectant Serum

To shield your vibrant purple locks from the sun’s kiss and heat’s wrath, reach for a UV or heat protectant serum. These elixirs, infused with nourishing ingredients, not only fortify strands against daily battles with dryers and irons but also further enhance dye longevity.

A dime-sized dollop pre-styling keeps your mane majestic, without breaking the bank. Choose wisely—your hair’s armor depends on it.

Applying a Nourishing Hair Mask

Immerse yourself in the realm of vibrant purple hues with a revitalizing hair mask, your secret weapon against ravaged hair. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

  1. Repairs damaged hair, ensuring your dark-colored locks remain enchantingly healthy.
  2. Stimulates hair growth, making it ideal for long hair aspirations.
  3. Prevents frayed ends, keeping your purple locks immaculate.
  4. Enhances color intensity, paramount for purple hair dye on black or gray hair.

Embrace the transformative power of deep conditioning; your hair will eternally be grateful!

Oil Hair Regularly

To maintain the radiance of your purple hair dye and preserve the health of your hair, it’s imperative to lubricate your hair frequently. Oily scalps can pose challenges, but nourishing oils like coconut, jojoba, and argan oil can be beneficial. These oils permeate the hair deeply without dissipating, shielding it from thermal damage and mending compromised strands.

By utilizing these oils, you can safeguard the hue of your purple hair dye and maintain the optimal appearance of your hair. Remember to distribute the oil throughout your hair, omitting the roots, and refrain from applying excessive amounts to avert a greasy appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I wash my purple dyed hair to maintain the color?

To maintain your purple dyed hair, you should wash it every 2 to 3 days. This will help keep the natural oils in your hair and lead to better hair health overall. Additionally, using a sulfate-free shampoo, such as Kerastase Reflection Chroma shampoo or Renpure Argan Oil Luxurious Shampoo and Conditioner, can help keep your color longer.

Can I use heat styling tools on my purple dyed hair?

Sure, you can use heat on your purple mane, but keep it cool—low temps and heat protectants are your hair’s new best pals to keep that color from going dull.

What type of shampoo and conditioner is best for maintaining purple dyed hair?

To maintain purple dyed hair, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for purple hair. These products are formulated to maintain and enhance purple tones, nourish the hair, and protect it from fading. Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like argan oil or jojoba oil, and conditioners that provide moisture and fortify the hair.

Additionally, avoid using hot tools on your hair as much as possible, and protect it from the sun with a hat or UV protectant serum.

How can I prevent my purple dyed hair from fading too quickly?

To prevent your purple dyed hair from fading too quickly, follow these tips:

  1. Use cool water for rinsing hair: Cool water helps maintain the vibrancy of your purple color.
  2. Choose sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip your color, so opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your purple hue intact.
  3. Apply color-depositing conditioners: These conditioners are formulated with pigments that can help maintain your purple color between dye jobs.
  4. Minimize washing: Washing your hair less frequently can help prolong the color.
  5. Use a dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help soak up oil at your roots, allowing you to go longer between washes.
  6. Protect from heat and UV rays: Use heat protectant sprays and shield your hair from direct sunlight to prevent damage and color fade.

Can I mix different shades of purple hair dye to create a unique color?

Combining various purple hair dye hues can produce a one-of-a-kind color, but it’s crucial to take into account the color wheel and the undercurrents of each shade. To create a customized purple tint, blend two shades from the same assortment or incorporate a pastel mixer. The outcomes can range from vibrant amethyst to soft lavender, contingent on the shades selected.

Don’t forget to test a strand of your hair before applying the mixture to verify the intended result.

Conclusion

Discovering the best purple hair dye is a captivating adventure. To guarantee your hair retains its vibrancy and well-being, consider the top 10 options that are vegan and cruelty-free, such as Arctic Fox Vegan Semi Permanent Hair Dye or Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme.

Bear in mind to select a dye that complements your hair color and steers clear of potentially harmful ingredients such as ammonia. Preserve your purple hair with shampoos and conditioners that shield its color, limit the use of heat styling tools, and treat your hair to nourishing masks and oils.

Embrace your inner fantasy with the perfect purple hair dye!

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.