26 Examples of Dark Purple Hair to Inspire Your Next Dye Job
The shade is more versatile than you think.
Purple hair may have gotten its roots (no pun intended) in the 1970s, when punk rockers dyed their hair bright, funky colors as an act of rebellion. Those same punks probably wouldn’t have expected that forty-something years later, crazy-colored hair would become part of the mainstream, worn by everyone from pop stars to talk show hosts. When it comes to the purple hair trend, lilac shades have reigned supreme in the past, with celebs like Kelly Osbourne and Nicole Richie making the hair color part of their style signature. Now, it’s time for dark purple hair to be in the spotlight.
Unlike its lavender cousin, dark purple is more edgy, and a little goth—perfect for fall. Instead of a pretty pastel, a stunning jewel tone might even bring about an air of mystery. How can you resist that sexiness? Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile: If you’re drawn to a more subtle look, you can either opt for a dark, royal purple wash over your entire hair, add secret violet strands underneath, or go for an ombré that starts dark at the top and fades into a lighter shade.
If you've been thinking about going the dark purple route but need a little bit of convincing, you’ll be happy to know that this shade also looks incredible in a variety of different hairstyles, including pinup waves to box braids. To get you inspired, we’ve curated the best violet-hued looks, from Katy Perry to Nicki Minaj. Ahead, find 26 inspiration photos that will get you excited to finally take the dark purple hair plunge.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj perfectly executes sexy, wet hair with this two-toned violet. A look we can call “purple rain.”
Regina King
Regina King switched up her box braids by adding a gorgeous purple tone, then wearing them in to half-up, half-down look.
Lana Condor
Lana Condor’s hairstylist, Matt Fugate, used Overtone’s Purple for Brown Hair Deep Treatment on her entire head for this look, then added a couple of dyed extensions strands for a temporary pop of violet that peeked out from her bob.
Kylie Jenner
Note to self: Kylie Jenner’s wet, wavy bob is dyed the the kind of electric violet that is guaranteed to make heads turn.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s Veronica Lake-inspired hairstyle shows how versatile purple hair can be.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato nailed this edgy ombré like a boss. The best part? You don’t have to worry about touching up your roots.
Justine Skye
The “Maybe” singer has rocked purple hair for much of her career, so she’s had a lot of opportunities to experiment with styles. Take a page out of her book and sport a cute, curly, tuft on top like this.
Jessie J
Jessie J is serving some serious goth-girl vibes with these dipped eggplant ends. Consider it another look that relieves the stress of keeping up with root touch-ups.
Lil' Kim
Waist-length hair and breezy bangs are not for the faint of heart. When you’re looking to make an impression, take those purple locks to Rapunzel status.
Ella Purnell
At first glance, you wouldn’t be able to gauge that this was purple hair on the English actress. When the sunlight hits it, however, you better believe your hair will look like shiny amethyst.
From Larisa Love
The always-popular beachy waves hairstyle looks even more stunning when you paint it purple.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry lets purple work for her in myriad of lengths, including this cute pixie. If you’re not fully committed to the color, you can give it a 10-shampoo trial period, like she did with Joico’s Color Butter Purple.
Pom Klementieff
To get a super deep purple, you don’t need to go too light with the bleach. Take a cue from Guardians of the Galaxy star Pom Klementieff for a nice grape that is subtle enough to make someone do a double take.
Eva Marie
Even a slicked back, Katniss Everdeen-inspired braid as seen on this WWE star looks badass when it’s dyed purple.
Olivia O'Brien
The roots on singer Olivia O'Brien start dark, then fall into a lighter violet waves for a multi-level colored look.
Vivica A. Fox
Vivica’s ‘70s-inspired ‘do is a lovely way to wear a more magenta-inspired tone.
Venus Williams
Venus shows how an ombré purple can bring a whole new world to tight ringlet curls.
Jordin Sparks
When you’re in the mood to spice up straight, long hair but don’t want to do a full color transformation, add in a few striking purple streaks. Easy-peasy.
Katy Perry
Purple hair may have started with the punks, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look regal. This sleek chignon is proof that you can make bright-colored hair look formal.
From Hair By Franco
These electric violet mermaid waves are given some extra dimension with smoky lilac pieces underneath.
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