If you've always dreamed of trying a pretty purple hair color shade (or are looking for a fresh update to the one you have), this is all the inspiration you need, from subtle lilac to dark plum and everything in between. Whether you're looking for a temporary hair color refresh or a permanent change, these purple hair color ideas these vivid shades will have you feeling and looking bold.
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1
Midnight Violet
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If you love your dark hair, you can try a deep violet tint like singer Katy Perry's all over. It's less drastic, but still offers a striking transformation.
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2
Royal Purple
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You can never go wrong with long, purple braids, as seen on actress Regina King. This hairstyle is fun, dynamic, and absolutely stunning.
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3
Indigo Bob
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This short colorful bob definitely makes a statement. If you’re planning to chop your locks (or just want to try something fun!), vamp it up with a bold indigo hue like Kelly Osbourne's.
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4
Pale Purple
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This pretty light purple hair color will brighten up your look for spring or summer, whether you’re out enjoying the sun or spending time indoors.
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5
Indigo Blend
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Love blue and purple? You don't have to pick just one! Try blending them together for bluish purple shade that's totally unique, a la singer Demi Lovato.
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6
Violet Spectrum
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With this ombré hair color, you don’t have to stick with one shade of purple —you can choose all of them from the darkest purple to nearly white.
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7
Cerulean & Purple Braids
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Cerulean always compliments violet. Add hints of the pale blue to your violet braids for a little more pop. You can wear them up in a bun or down — they look great both ways.
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8
Half & Half
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Looking for something a little more avant-garde? Show off your edgy side with this two-tone hairstyle—half black, half purple.
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9
Eggplant & Sapphire
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Who knew short hair and ombré would pair so well together? This cute cut flaunts eggplant purple in the front and sapphire blue in the back.
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10
Pretty Pastel
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When in doubt, pastels are flattering for all skin colors and hair textures. This pastel purple hair color is versatile and stunning.
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11
Violet Ombré
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If you have long, dark hair and crave a little color, try this deep violet ombré hue. The rich tone will give your hair some intensity yet keep it subtle.
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12
Cosmic Purple
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Fascinated with the cosmos? Then you might love this eye-popping galaxy-inspired tricolor hairstyle with purple roots, magenta tips, and a kick of blue.
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13
Pretty Plum
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This juicy plum hue is perfect for someone with a darker complexion who's not afraid to go big and bold with their hair color.
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14
Purple Balayage
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This is a great purple hair color for brunettes or for those who are hesitant to dye all of your hair. You can try balayage with violet, orchid, periwinkle, or any shade of purple you desire.
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15
Lavender Tips
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If you’re looking for a fun updo with a splash of color, dip your ends into a little aqua and lavender dye, then wrap it in a braid, as sported by singer Britney Spears.
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16
Soft Lilac
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If you’re considering dyeing your hair a light purple color, this shade of lilac is a great choice. It’s soft and pretty, yet striking.
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17
Electric Purple
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If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dye your hair electric purple like rapper Cardi B. This shade is sure to get attention wherever you go!
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18
Violet Streak
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Wary of committing to major purple? Try dyeing a few streaks of the shade underneath or in the back of your hair. You can bring your hair forward over your shoulder or pull it up whenever you decide to show the hue off.
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19
Touch of Periwinkle
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Just a couple streaks of periwinkle in the front of your hair can make a eye-catching difference, as it frames and brightens your face.
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20
Dreamy Lavender
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This iconic Kylie Jenner look parades a whimsical shade of lavender. Make this hair color your signature and you’ll feel like royalty everywhere you go.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.
Tatiana Velasco is a New York City-based beauty writer who joined Good Housekeeping in 2020 as a Beauty Intern and continues to produce stories for the brand as a freelancer. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism at New York University where she also worked as a writer and editor for the student newspaper, Washington Square News. She is passionate about skincare, hair care, health and fitness. When she’s not researching and sampling beauty products, you can find her working out at the gym, hiking on the Appalachian Trail or relaxing with a good book.