In today’s generation, trends are constantly changing. And the same thing goes for hair colouring!
Everything is just continuously evolving. And it only seems like yesterday that blonde highlights are the biggest trend. Now it’s kind of not!
While highlights are a look that is absolutely fab, purple hues bring out that edgier, more daring look!
However, not everyone is gifted with naturally light hair that embraces purple as it is. Some of us are blessed with darker locks which makes it a challenge to find the best purple hair dye for dark hair.
And if that’s the case with you, worry not! You can still rock that beautiful, daring purple look!
This article will guide you through every piece of information you need to know: from finding the right purple hair dye, down to that perfect application! So sit back, relax, and read on because we got you covered!
9 Best Purple Hair Dye for Dark Hair Reviewed
Are you not gifted with naturally blonde hair that just absorbs any color of dye well? Worried that the purple hues might not work well on your dark locks?
Well, fear no more! We got your hair goals figured out!
Below are ten of the best purple hair dye that you can apply to your naturally dark hair.
1. Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Orchid
A semi-permanent formula, Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Orchid is an interminable formula that is easy to use and can be applied straight from the tube.
- Vibrant color that lasts long
- Infused with Kukui Nut Oil that leaves the hair conditioned
- Intermixable formula
- Easy application
- Semi-permanent
If you’re looking to have that bold, edgy purple hair, then look no further than this hair color from Joico! The Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color in the shade of Orchid is a semi-permanent dye that is made with concentrated pigments that create over-the-top results!
And when they say semi-permanent, Joico does mean semi-permanent! Each tube of this hair color will adhere well to your hair for up to more than 20 washes!
Another thing that is just admirable about this product is its interminable formula! That’s right, you may choose to solely go for that rich, purple color, or mix it with another pigment to meet your heart’s desires!
One more thing: Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color in the shade of Orchid can be used straight from the tube! That’s right, no developers, no mixing, no unnecessary mess needed!
Moreover, Joico offers an over-the-top vibrant color that lasts, so if you’re into the whole purple look, then you’ve definitely landed the right product! And don’t worry about drying out your roots – Joco got you covered! The formula boasts an ultra-nourishing and moisturizing Kuku nut oil that will leave your hair conditioned, dye after dye!
What we liked best about it:
- It has a vibrant color that lasts long!
- It has a nice cherry and almond-like scent that isn’t overpowering to the nose!
- It is very easy to apply!
- No developer needed! It can be applied straight out of the tube!
- It is semi-permanent and can withstand up to 20 washes!
- The formula is infused with Kuku nut oil that keeps the hair moisturized and condition after the dye session!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- The packaging could’ve been a little better.
- The “purple” color is more of a fuschia than a deep violet.
- It may look “burgundy” on people with really dark hair.
2. Manic Panic Purple Haze
Manic Panic Purple Haze is simply brilliant without the hassle; its formula provides a warm, dark purple that leaves dark hair toned and vibrant.
- Semi-permanent formula
- Lasts for up to six weeks under regular washing routines
- Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly formula
- Safe and non-toxic
- Mixable and versatile
Manic Panic Purple Haze is a formula that is created for rockstars! It is dark, vivid, and long-lasting! This formula works well on all hair types, regardless of the texture and condition! You also need not bleach your hair for it to achieve a vibrant color, the formula works nicely even on virgin, unbleached hair!
Mixable and versatile, Manic Panic Purple hair lets you customize the way you want the color to appear. The product can be easily mixed with other colors that will let you achieve the pigment that you want.
Another thing that is worth noting about this product is its gentle formulation. Made only from ingredients that are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and ethically-sourced, you are given the assurance that this hair dye won’t ever damage your hair.
Made in the United States, Manic Panic Purple Hair boasts a cream formulation that is free from ammonia, parabens, gluten, resorcinol, phthalates, and other synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to the health. Additionally, this hair dye requires no developer! Use it straight from the tub, no extra mixing required!
What we like best about it:
- It provides a nice, deep purple color!
- It coats the hair shaft evenly!
- It is pretty easy to apply!
- It works well on all hair types!
- It is safe and non-toxic!
- It is PETA accredited and certified!
- It is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and is made of 100% all-natural ingredients!
- It doesn’t dry out the hair strands!
- It is free from synthetics!
- It is conditioning!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It comes in small, 4oz packaging which may require you to buy more if you have medium to long hair length.
3. Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids
A revolutionary formula in hair coloring, PRAVANA ChromaSilk Vivids delivers that deep, edgy purple color that lasts for long periods.
- Suitable for all hair types
- Long-lasting
- Vivid, edgy, deep purple color
- Easy to use
- No developer needed
Next up is a revolutionary product from PRAVANA! A hair dye that offers a vivid coloring experience PRAVANA ChromaSilk Vivids will surely bridge that small gap between permanent creme hair coloring and direct hair dye!
Easy to use, this hair color from PRAVANA can be used alone or intermixed with other colors from the same manufacturer! Oh, and did we mention that this hair dye requires no developer?
That’s right! PRAVANA ChromaSilk Vivids can be used straight from the tube! Apply as you wish, no mixing, no other procedures needed!
Additionally, this PRAVANA offers a pigment that lasts for long periods! It is also suitable for all hair types, so regardless of your hair texture, expect to have that nice, vivid, edgy purple color!
What we liked best about it:
- It is suitable for all hair types!
- It is long-lasting!
- It is easy to use!
- No developer needed! It can be used straight from the tube!
- It offers a nice, vivid, deep purple color!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- The formula is slightly lumpy.
4. Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye
A hair color that leaves your hair looking adventurous, Punky Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color provides that deep purple hue without compromising the health of your strands.
- Semi-permanent
- Vibrant color that lasts long
- Leaves the hair conditioned and full of moisture
- Easy to apply and ready to use
- Deep, edgy purple color
You’re in for an extra adventurous look, then Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye is your perfect match! Lasts long and vibrant, this hair dye doesn’t dry the hair down after use!
Additionally, Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye is easy to use! That’s right, you can easily achieve a nice, edgy, more adventurous look in the comfort of your own home! And the best part? Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye can be used straight out of the box, without the need of developers!
Moreover, Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye is fast-acting! You don’t need to soak your hair in the dye for hours just to achieve that deep purple color because this dye works its magic in a matter of a few minutes! In as quick as 15 to 30 minutes, your hair will be achieving an entirely different look!
And what we admire the most about this hair dye is not only does it deliver good results, it is also vegan and 100% cruelty-free! That’s right, Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye is made in a very environmentally friendly way, without the need to test it on animals. Paraben-free and free from other harmful synthetics, Punky Colour Purple Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Dye boasts a unique formula that is gentle to the hair minus all the animal by-products!
What we liked best about it:
- It has a nice, deep purple color that lasts long!
- Its color lasts for up to 25 hair washes!
- It is easy to use and can be applied straight from the box!
- It doesn’t need long periods for the color to adhere to the hair! It can work its magic for as fast as 30 minutes, max!
- It leaves the hair soft and conditioned!
- It is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free!
- It is free from synthetic and harmful chemicals that can damage the hair!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Extra caution is needed when applying this product as it can easily stain sinks and tiles.
- It doesn’t last as long as we expect it to.
5. Arctic Fox Purple Rain
- DIY formula that is easy to use
- Can be mixed with other Arctic Fox products
- Gentle and conditions the hair as you color
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Long-lasting color
For those looking for a vegan-friendly formula, then look no further than Arctic Fox Purple Rain! A gentle concoction of ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients, this hair dye has just the right strength of pigments to give you that beautiful, vibrant purple strands.
Additionally, the formula is free from animal products and other synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to your health. The best part? Arctic Fox Purple Rain will never damage your hair!
Another thing that we liked the most about its product is that it conditions the hair as it colors it, which we find as a total win-win! And unlike other hair dyes, you can use Arctic Fox Purple Rain as frequently as you wish – no need to wait for long periods in between for the next touch up! Touch it up as soon as you wish to!
Moreover, the product doesn’t leave any harsh smell on the hair. In fact, each tub comes with a sweet scent that is free from peroxide, ammonia, and alcohol.
Lastly, Arctic Fox Purple is a product that is extremely blendable with other Arctic Fox dye, giving you that ls ability to find the shade that you want for your hair.
What we liked best about it:
- It has a nice, deep purple color!
- It is formulated using all-natural ingredients!
- It is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free!
- It is gentle to the hair!
- It conditions the hair as it is applied!
- It is fairly priced!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It may require more time for the color to fully adhere to the hair strands.
- The color doesn’t last as long as we expect it to.
6. HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax
Versatile and highly-pigmented, HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax is easy to apply and can be easily washed off should you decide it’s time to go back to your natural hair color.
- Style and color as you go
- Temporary formula
- Versatile and easy to apply
- All-natural ingredients
- Easy to wash off
If you’re not 100% ready to commit to a more permanent purple color, then this next product is perfect for you! HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax offers that nice, deep purple pigment that doesn’t require you to hold onto it for longer periods!
A product that lets you style and colors your hair at the same time, HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax is a very versatile hair pomade that lets you be in control of your hair. Style, color, sculpt, and create texture as you wish!
Additionally, this product is very easy to use! It is easy to apply, easily colors the hair, and is also very easy to wash off! Another thing that we admired about it is that it doesn’t really leave any crummy residues on the hair!
Moreover, HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax is made of 100% all-natural ingredients that are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. So when it comes to its quality, you are assured that it performs well without irritating your scalp and damaging your hair. The best part? It doesn’t hurt the environment as well!
So, if you’re looking for something extremely short-term, then HailiCare Unicorn Purple Hair Wax should make it to your list of hair essentials! In fact, as of this moment, this product has simply become the best temporary hair color for us!
What we liked best about it:
- It offers a unique approach to hair coloring!
- It smells nice!
- It is made of all-natural, 100% organic ingredients!
- It is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly!
- It is easy to use and apply!
- It is matte and sets pretty quickly!
- It is easy to wash off!
- It lets us be extra creative with the look!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It is not semi-permanent.
- It feels a little greasy on the hair.
7. Special Effects SFX Hair Color Pimpin Purple
- Semi-permanent
- Cream formula
- Made in the United States
- Safe and non-toxic
- Conditioning
Do you just love purple? If yes, then this product from Special Effects is absolutely your perfect match!
A cream-based formula that is also conditioning, Special Effects SFX Hair Color Pimpin Purple is a breakthrough hair dye that will give you that nice, deep, electric purple color that will last you for a couple of weeks! Made from natural ingredients, you can rest assured that the product is very safe to use and is non-toxic.
Made in the United States, Special Effects SFX Hair Color Pimpin Purple creates a beautiful purple hue, especially when applied to bleached hair! Additionally, this product from Special Effects is cruelty-free, meaning its formula never harmed any animals in the making!
What we liked best about it:
- It has a nice, thick cream formula!
- It is pretty easy to apply!
- It lasts a good couple of weeks!
- It is safe and non-toxic!
- It is cruelty-free and never tested on animals!
- Its formula is conditioning!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- The dye bleeds quite badly after the first couple of washes.
- It may take a longer application time for the purple to fully adhere to the hair.
8. Sparks Color Purple Passion
Sparks Color Purple Passion is a product that ignites artistry and style, at the comfort of using your own fingertips.
- Easy to use
- Nice, deep purple color
- Long-lasting
- Conditioning
- Dual-action color system
Sparks Color Purple Passion is yet among the best semi-permanent hair color. Formulated with ingredients that are natural, the product provides a beautiful, deep purple color that can last for a good couple of weeks under regular washing!
You are truly dared to be extra bold by using Sparks Color Purple Passion. This formula especially encourages you to bring out artistry with the vibrant hue it produces!
One thing that we really liked about this hair dye is its outstanding formula! It is engineered with a bunch of amino acids that strengthen the hair shafts as they are colored. Additionally, we adore how long-lasting and vibrant the purple color that this dye produces!
Additionally, Sparks Color Purple Passion is very easy to use! And when we say easy, we do mean easy-peasy! The dye doesn’t require any developer, so not only is it easy to apply, it also saves you time and keeps you from the hassle of mixing formulas!
Sparks Color Purple Passion can be applied directly to your hair, using their ultimate product lifting guide. Moreover, in just under 30 minutes, the product lets you have that deep, electric purple color that lets you be as bold as you have ever imagined!
What we like best about it:
- It has a nice purple color!
- It coats the cuticle evenly!
- It is pretty easy to apply!
- It is safe and non-toxic!
- It lasts a good couple of weeks – for up to 20 washes!
- Its formula doesn’t alter the natural pigment of your hair!
- It delivers results in under 30 minutes!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- Its purple color isn’t as deep as we wanted it to be.
- For its size, the price is a little bit on the expensive side.
9. Splat Rebellious Colors – Lusty Lavender
Purple and daring, Splat Rebellious Colors – Lusty Lavender offers a pigment that brings out the edge in your look without the need to go to the salon.
- Vivid, long-lasting formula
- Complete kit: dye, bleach, gloves, and instruction guide
- Lasts up to 30 regular washes
- Conditions the hair as you color
- Single-application
If you’re in to look extra daring and edgier, then Splat Rebellious Colors – Lusty Lavender is your perfect match! A hair coloring kit that includes all the essentials you need to achieve that nice, deep purple color, the product will give you amazing results at the comfort of your own home!
What’s in the box? Each kit contains all the things you need for that deep, purple hair color: the bleach (should you want a brighter, more vivid color), hair dye, developer, protective gloves, and an instruction guide.
Despite having to mix the formula with a developer to achieve amazing results, the dye is still pretty easy to use! It is also very long-lasting which can last for up to 30 washes!
A single-application product, Splat Rebellious Colors – Lusty Lavender conditions the hair as you color. The formula is also very versatile, making it suitable for all hair types!
What we liked best about it:
- It has a nice, deep purple color that lasts long!
- Its color lasts for up to 30 [regular] hair washes!
- It comes with a bleaching kit that can help you prepare your strands for a deeper purple color!
- It doesn’t need long periods for the color to adhere to the hair! It can work its magic for as fast as 45 minutes, max!
- It leaves the hair healthy, soft and conditioned!
What we didn’t like so much about it:
- It requires extra help to get the job done.
- It’s not as easy to use as the other products we featured.
- You have to be extra careful with the bleach.
Buying Guide: Here’s How You Should Choose The Best Purple Hair Dye For Your Dark Hair
Prior to purchasing a purple hair dye for dark hair, you should be aware of a few things! After all, you want to be able to maximize and rock those purple hues, right?
So, without any further ado, here are a couple of things that you should consider when choosing the best purple dye for your dark hair.
First, make sure that the dye is semi-permanent!
Semi-permanent dyes last for longer periods, making them really worth the money.
Another thing to remember is that most hair dyes only last for a week or so, so it’s best you get that rain checked, too. Some colors might even fade after just a couple of washes – yikes!
That said, if you happen to be someone who wants to rock purple hues for a few months, then best to make sure that you’re buying a product that is semi-permanent.
Second, check the formula closely!
We all know this – dying your hair has its cons. And we’re all well-aware that shifting hair colors may also mean exposure to certain chemicals.
That said, it’s in your best interest to make sure that the product you are buying doesn’t have any harmful chemicals that can cause more harm than good to your precious strands. Remember that these chemicals won’t only dry your hair, they may also irritate your scalp.
That said, it is your responsibility to make sure that the product doesn’t have any harsh chemicals and that it is safe to use. Essentially, you may want to stay away from the following:
- Ammonia
- Peroxide
- Diaminobenzene
- Toluene-2
- Resorcinol
- 5-diamine
Next up: consider the convenience!
Traditional hair dyes make use of developers or toners for the pigment to stick to the strands of the hair. However, in today’s very much advanced technology, there are dyes that are formulated without the need to be assisted by a developer or toner.
Ready-to-apply dyes offer not just convenience but extra ease. They are also very simple to use and comes easy-to-follow instructions. Moreover, this type of hair dye also allows for direct application.
Direct application of the dye is pretty much the ideal way to achieve a bold and unique look for the hair.
Lastly, go for a product that is suitable for your hair!
This should be a no-brainer when it comes to picking the best purple hair dye for dark hair. You must, at all costs, a hair dye that is suitable for your hair type.
Some products will work best only on thin strands, some in thicker strands. And if you happen to have curls, of course, that’s another factor to consider.
Additionally, you may want to consider vegan-friendly and products that are cruelty-free! These aren’t only organic and more natural approach to hair coloring, they are also 100% free from harsh chemicals! This is especially helpful in keeping your hair healthy while rocking that nice, deep, edgy purple!
Not a Fan of Bleaching? Here’s How You Can Dye Your Hair Purple!
If you’re among those who don’t want to risk getting their hair dried out by bleaching, then worry not. You can still dye your hair purple!
Generally, bleach damages the hair pretty badly by stripping off not only its pigment but as well as all the keratin (a natural protein that keeps the hair healthy) and natural oils in it. And if you don’t already know, your hair might not be as nice and healthy after you bleach it.
So for ladies with dark hair, the key to achieving that nice purple hue is by finding the right product! While it’s nearly impossible to achieve a bright, striking purple color, you can still get a stunning look!
Opt for a semi-permanent dye. This essentially adheres to the strands better than most dyes out there. Most of these semi-permanent dyes are also very heavily pigmented, leaving a nice pop of color on your hair.
However, do take note that a bright purple may not exactly be achievable. And if you really want it, and we mean you DO really want it, then go ahead and feel free to give your hair a little bleaching!
Want to Achieve That Perfect Hair Color? Follow These Simple Steps!
You might want to be well aware that your purple hair isn’t going to last forever. And while it is an absolute bummer (we know, right?!), it’s just how it is!
But… that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t make it last longer and get the most out of your precious purple locks!
So, if you want to hold on to your purple hair for as long as you could, here’s what you can do:
Avoid too much sunlight whenever possible!
When you are heading out and it’s sunny, you may want to keep your strands protected by wearing a hat. Remember, nothing can make those purple hues fade away faster than the UV rays from the sun!
Be wary of the washing!
We can’t keep you from washing your hair, can we? Yes, wash your hair! But by all means, avoid using intense and clarifying shampoos! These types of shampoos won’t just dry your hair down to the roots (if frequently done), but they may also speed up the fading process of your hair.
Additionally, you may want to wash your hair using cold water only! Remember that heat, aka hot water, tends to strip off the color a lot faster.
Get the right product!
Lastly, the key to achieving the perfect hair color is through finding the right product! Invest on a hair dye that you think will last longer. Remember, it’s okay to spend once than to spend more in the long run!
Opt for a high-quality, semi-permanent hair dry. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
A Few More Tips To Get Your Hair Color Last Even Longer
We get it, you’re most probably so in love with your purple hair now! And for sure, you want to hold on to it for as long as you can, right?
So without further ado, here are a few more tips on how you can make your purple hair last even longer!
Use a shampoo specially formulated for color-treated hair!
You’ve heard about lessening the washing of color-treated hair to preserve its color for longer periods, but did you know that the wrong shampoo may also strip the pigment off a lot faster than you think?
That’s right! Clarifying shampoos and ordinary shampoos may cause your purple hair to fade faster. So, if you want to keep it purple for as long as you can, go for a shampoo that is made for color-treated hair.
These shampoos generally are much “milder” to the strands, allowing your hair to be refreshed without necessarily stripping the color off of the strands. Additionally, most shampoos for color-treated hair have a color-locking formula that preserves the dye on your hair.
Wash and focus only on your roots!
When shampooing your hair, avoid spreading the shampoo all over your hair. You may want to only apply it to your roots and scalp, as these areas generally have the most oil and dirt build-up.
Don’t worry about the shafts! They’ll be fine and refreshed without the need for them to be thoroughly scrubbed. All they need is a little gentle scrubbing and they should all be good to go, without necessarily stripping off your hair color.
Use a conditioner that is color-treated friendly!
Just like with your shampoo, your conditioner is also a big factor when it comes to keeping your color-treated hair in its mint condition! For this reason, you should opt for a conditioner that is color-treated friendly!
When buying a conditioner, make sure to have a look at the label closely. You may want to avoid anything that is formulated with salt, as this can affect your hair color. Keep in mind that most conditioners contain salt to maintain their consistency but also remember that salt can strip off your hair color prematurely.
That said, find a conditioner that is especially and specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Sure, they may be a little pricier than the regular ones, but hey, it’s better to spend a couple more bucks on your daily conditioner rather than frequently touching up your hair color. After all, too much hair coloring may eventually dry your strands out!
Hold off a little on the heat!
Are you used to styling your hair on a daily basis? Does this styling require applying heat onto your shafts? Well, if you answered yes to both, keep reading!
Frequent blow-drying may cause your color-treated hair to fade quicker than it’s supposed to. And if you’re someone who irons your hair on a daily basis – oh no! – time to put the hair straightener down, especially if you want your hair color to last.
Heat, when applied directly, may cause the pigment to become weak and fade away. Additionally, too much heat applied onto your hair strands may cause it to get dry. This causes frizz, damage, and breakage.
So, if you must style your hair with heat, opt for the lowest setting. Trust us, not only will you be able to keep your hair color for a longer period, but you are also saving your hair from overall damage!
FAQs:
Should I bleach my hair first prior to dying it purple?
The answer here is totally dependent on you. There are products that are very pigmented, that when they are applied onto dark hair, they still give vibrant and amazing results. On the down low, coloring can be a little challenging for people with naturally dark strands. And this is pretty much why most people choose to bleach their hair first.
Bleaching strips off any dark pigments on the hair, allowing it to absorb as much of the color that you are about to apply. However, be aware that bleaching may dry your hair drastically. That said, it’s totally up to you if you are willing to bleach your hair and take some risks!
What color does purple hair dye usually fade to?
The answer here depends on the color of your hair prior to the purple dyeing. If you dyed your hair without bleaching it, chances are the purple will only fade back into your usual hair color. It may or may not leave you with dark brown strands, but it will really depend on the intensity of the pigment and the quality of the hair color.
However, if you bleached your hair before applying purple color, then the faded results will also be a lot different. Depending on how light you bleached your hair, the faded purple dye may turn your bleached hair into light, reddish, pink strands.
Which hair color fades the fastest?
Generally speaking, there is not one specific color that fades the quickest. How fast your hair color will fade away depends on the quality of the dye that you used. So that being said, opting for a good quality hair dye will definitely assure you of colored strands that last longer.
Can I dye my hair purple at home?
By all means – yes! You can absolutely dye your hair purple (or pretty much any color you want!) at home. You just have to find the right product to use. Going for a formula that doesn’t require a developer can also be a plus! This doesn’t only make things really easier for you, developer-free products also save you the time it takes for you to dye your hair at home.
The Final Takeaway
Perhaps, today’s generation is indeed extra daring! Hair coloring and hair trends are constantly changing.
And if you happen to be among those who are looking for an extra edgier look this year, then maybe purple locks are all you need…or want!
While it may sound a little too complicated to achieve, getting purple hair is really not that hard! All you need are the right products, the time, and the will and guts to actually get the job done!
For us, finding the best purple hair dye for dark hair doesn’t require much! You just have to be aware of what you want, and what your hair needs!
Remember to take your hair texture and hair type into consideration when buying a hair dye, and you should be good to go! And most importantly, confidence is the key – don’t hesitate to hit the stores and buy yourself that box of hair dye!
After all, we just welcomed a new decade, you might as well express your style and artistry through your deep purple strands!