Top 5 Permanent Purple Hair Colors: A Professional Review

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished your hair made a bolder statement? There is something truly magical about rocking a vibrant shade of violet. Whether you dream of a soft lavender or a deep, royal plum, purple hair is the ultimate way to show off your unique personality and creativity.

However, committing to a permanent purple color can feel like a big risk. You might worry about the color fading too quickly, turning into an unwanted muddy tone, or damaging your hair during the bleaching process. With so many brands and shades on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. Finding the perfect balance between a long-lasting hue and healthy-looking locks is a common struggle for everyone.

In this guide, we will take the guesswork out of your hair transformation. You will learn how to pick the best shade for your skin tone, how to prep your hair for a lasting result, and which products actually keep the color bright. We have gathered all the tips you need to achieve a salon-quality look right from your own bathroom.

Are you ready to take the plunge and embrace your inner purple queen? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to get the stunning, permanent purple hair of your dreams.

Top Permanent Purple Hair Color Recommendations

No. 1
Amethyst Purple Hair Dye Permanent with Anti-Breakage Plex Hair Care, Vegan Hair Dye & Cruelty-Free, 100% Grey Coverage, purple Hair Color, For All Hair Types. Smart Beauty
  • Transform dark blonde or brown hair to a striking new look with our permanent purple hair dye coloring kit, with a plex hair care that protects, rebuilds, and restores your hair's structure
  • Darkest purple permanent hair dye; for a full head of color, covers grey, root touch-up, balayage, undertones, lowlights. For all hair types, including chemically treated, Afro, Asian, men, women
  • Vegan, cruelty-free purple hair dye. Using UK and European approved cosmetic standard ingredients blended into a smooth cream for home use. Part of award-winning Smart Beauty hair color collection
  • Mess-free application. Mix the purple color cream and developer in the provided bottle, evenly apply with the precision nozzle and work through with gloved hands for a non-drip coloring experience
  • Smart Beauty is an independent-owned British business that produces premium vegan hair dye coloring kits. Committed to non-animal testing, ethical practice and minimal environmental impact
No. 2
Ion Permanent Brights Creme Hair Color Radiant Orchid, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz
  • Extensive shade range with beautiful brunettes, believable blondes, high lift blondes, richest reds and intense reds
  • 100% gray coverage
  • Ionic wheat germ protein, nourishing botanical extracts and low ammonia
  • Vegan and cruelty free (not tested on animals)
  • State-of-the-art European formula for long-lasting, fade-resistant color
No. 3
Ion Permanent Brights Creme Hair Color Purple, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz
  • Extensive shade range with beautiful brunettes, believable blondes, high lift blondes, richest reds and intense reds
  • 100% gray coverage
  • Ionic wheat germ protein, nourishing botanical extracts and low ammonia
  • Vegan and cruelty free (not tested on animals)
  • State-of-the-art European formula for long-lasting, fade-resistant color
No. 5
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Purple AF - Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Ammonia-Free, Conditioning - 8 Fl Oz
  • VIBRANT PURPLE SHADE: Purple AF delivers a deep, true purple color that works on platinum to light brown hair. Achieve bold, vivid results on lightened hair or subtle tints on darker shades.
  • CUSTOM COLOR BLENDING: Mix Purple AF with other shades to create unique hues. Combine with Wrath for burgundy or Poseidon for deep indigo. Perfect for creative hair color transformations.
  • VEGAN INGREDIENTS ONLY: Made with vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and no animal by-products. Free from harsh chemicals that can damage hair, ensuring a gentle coloring experience.
  • CONDITIONS WHILE COLORING: This semi-permanent hair dye is gentle for frequent use and conditions hair as it restores vibrancy. Leaves hair feeling soft, nourished, and healthy.
  • LONG-LASTING FORMULA: Enjoy long-lasting color that resists smearing and fading. Free from peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, and PPD. Features a pleasant scent for a comfortable application.
No. 7
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Ammonia-Free, Conditioning, Long Lasting, Vibrant Purple AF Color, For All Hair Types, Unisex, 4 Fl Oz
  • VIBRANT PURPLE SHADE: Purple AF delivers a deep, true purple color that looks bold on lightened hair and adds rich tints to darker shades. Great for covering faded colors and creating unique styles.
  • CUSTOM COLOR MIXING: Easily blend Purple AF with other shades to create custom hues. Mix with Wrath for burgundy or Poseidon for deep indigo. Perfect for creative hair color transformations.
  • VEGAN INGREDIENTS ONLY: Made with 100 percent vegan ingredients and no animal by-products. Free from harsh chemicals that can damage hair, ensuring a gentle and safe coloring experience.
  • CONDITIONS WHILE COLORING: This semi-permanent hair dye is gentle enough for frequent use and conditions hair as it restores vibrancy. Leaves hair feeling soft and looking healthy.
  • LONG LASTING FORMULA: Enjoy long lasting color with minimal smearing and a pleasant scent. Contains no peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, or PPD for a safer, more comfortable application.
No. 8
Schwarzkopf Got2b Metallics Permanent Hair Color, M49 Smoky Violet
  • For a multi-dimensional metallic look!
  • Head-turning radiance and anti-fading effect for permanent hair dye that lasts.
  • Formulated with metallicshine booster for cool, shimmering tones.
  • In the box: 1 tube color cream, 1 application bottle with developer lotion, 1 tube color after treatment, 1 pair of gloves, and 1 instruction leaflet.
  • If your hair is longer than shoulder length, we recommend using 2 boxes of got2b Metallic for the application.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Permanent Purple

Choosing a permanent purple hair color is an exciting way to express your style. Purple offers many shades, from deep plum to bright lavender. However, picking the right box can be tricky. This guide helps you choose the best product for your hair.

Key Features to Look For

  • Pigment Intensity: Look for “highly pigmented” labels if you want a bold, deep color.
  • Conditioning Agents: Good dyes include oils like argan or coconut to keep hair soft.
  • Ammonia-Free Formulas: These are gentler on your scalp and hair strands.
  • Fade Resistance: Check the box for “long-lasting” or “fade-defying” claims.

Important Materials

You need more than just the dye. Ensure your kit includes a developer, which opens the hair cuticle so the color can enter. You also need a pair of plastic gloves, a tinting brush, and a mixing bowl. Using a plastic bowl is important, as metal can react with the dye chemicals.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Your starting hair color changes everything. If you have dark hair, you may need to bleach it first to see the purple. If your hair is already damaged, the color might look uneven. Using a color-safe shampoo helps the purple stay vibrant for longer. Washing your hair with hot water causes the color to fade much faster. Always use cool water to keep the purple deep and bright.

User Experience and Use Cases

Most users find that permanent purple works best on pre-lightened hair. Beginners often prefer cream-based dyes because they do not drip as much as liquid formulas. If you want a subtle look, you might choose a darker violet. If you want a fun, trendy look, a bright neon purple is a great choice. Always perform a strand test before you color your whole head.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to bleach my hair before using permanent purple?

A: Yes, if your hair is dark brown or black, you usually need to bleach it to see the purple color clearly.

Q: How long does permanent purple color last?

A: It typically lasts between four to eight weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.

Q: Will permanent purple cover my gray hair?

A: Most permanent dyes cover grays well, but you should look for a box specifically marked as “gray coverage.”

Q: Can I mix different shades of purple?

A: Yes, you can mix shades to create a custom color, but use colors from the same brand for the best results.

Q: How can I prevent the dye from staining my skin?

A: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears before you start.

Q: Is permanent purple safe for damaged hair?

A: It is better to wait until your hair is healthy. Dyeing damaged hair can lead to uneven color or further breakage.

Q: How often should I touch up my roots?

A: You should touch up your roots every four to six weeks to keep the color looking uniform.

Q: Can I use heat tools after dyeing my hair?

A: Yes, but wait at least 48 hours after dyeing. Always use a heat protectant spray to prevent fading.

Q: Why did my purple hair turn green?

A: This often happens if the purple dye has a blue base and is applied to hair that was not lightened enough.

Q: What is the best way to wash purple hair?

A: Use a sulfate-free, color-depositing shampoo and wash with cold water to lock in the pigment.