Top 15 Drugstore Purple Hair Dyes
1. Best Overall: Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Plum
This drugstore purple hair dye from Punky Color comes in a delicious shade called Plum. It is a natural blend of purple and red tones that is somewhere between burgundy and eggplant. It is distinctive without being too crazy and looks flattering on almost everyone. The hair dye has a conditioner in the pigmenting agent. It revitalizes your hair and imparts a healthy appearance, making it smooth and shiny without feeling greasy. There are no harsh chemicals or surfactants that can cause damage to your hair. Pros
Conditions hair No harmful chemicals No harsh smells Vegan Cruelty-free Leak-free packaging
Cons None
2. Best Ammonia-Free: Adore Shining Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender
This is a lovely shade of lavender from Adore Shining Semi-Permanent Hair Color. It contains a nourishing blend of natural ingredients. What you get is a vibrant color with enhanced shine. You don’t have to worry about the dye damaging your hair because it actually leaves your hair in a better condition than what it was prior to coloring. The semi-permanent hair dye looks natural and luxurious and is free of harmful chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. Pros
Gentle on damaged hair Vegan Pleasant fragrance Alcohol-free Ammonia-free Peroxide-free Cruelty-free
Cons None
3. Best For All Hair Types: INH Insert Color Here – Amethyst Purple
The range of hair dyes offered by INH is impressive and tempting. The Amethyst Purple shade is both fun and intense and just what you need to shake things up a little. Unlike other hair dyes that damage your hair, this semi-permanent hair color is formulated with baobab seed oil that deeply conditions your hair, leaving it nourished and smooth. It is suitable for all hair types, is free from harmful chemicals, and gives the best results on pre-bleached and platinum blonde hair. Pros
Ammonia-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Peroxide-free Bleach-free Easy to use Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons
Might stain clothes and skin
4. Best Nourishing Formula: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Creme – Dark Intense Violet
Garnier is easily the most well-recognized brand on our list. This nourishing creme hair color comes in a luscious shade called Dark Intense Violet. The hair dye is formulated using color boost technology and a nutrient-rich blend of fruit oils of olive, avocado, and shea. It gives your hair a bold, permanent color, whether your hair is originally blonde or brunette. The ultra-bold violet shade comes in a rich, non-drip, creme formula. It is suitable for root touch-ups and enhancing your natural hair color. Pros
Nourishes hair Contains triple fruit oils Non-drip formula Easy to apply Pleasant fragrance After-color conditioner included
Cons
The result may look different.
5. Best Vegan: Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple Rain
This drugstore semi-permanent color from Arctic Fox is one of the most loved DIY hair colors in the markets. The purple rain shade is a true dark purple shade that works on most of the base colors. The formula conditions your hair and restores vibrancy, making the purple look gorgeous like never before. Moreover, you can also mix-and-match it with color colors for a fun and unique shade. This vegan formula causes no damage to your hair and is most effective on pre-bleached hair. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Ammonia-free Ethyl alcohol-free No PPD Peroxide-free Pleasant scent
Cons
Not very long-lasting Bleeds quickly
6. Best Long-Lasting: Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple Rain
Purple Rain is a favorite of Arctic Fox users. It is a versatile shade of semi-permanent hair color that looks great on a wide range of base shades from light brown to platinum blonde. It delivers deep tints of color on darker hair but shows up quite vibrantly on bleached or lightened hair. You can also use it to cover up previously faded colors without leaving a trace. The color is also suitable for mixing with other Arctic Fox shades to create exciting shades like burgundy and indigo. Pros
Long-lasting color No peroxide No ammonia No ethyl alcohol No PPD Pleasant smell
Cons
May leave stains.
7. Best For Shine: Schwarzkopf Go t2b Metallic Permanent Hair Color – Amethyst Chrome
The Got2b Metallic range of permanent hair colors from Schwarzkopf contains an array of dazzling shades. Amethyst Chrome is our favorite for its sheer radiance. This drugstore purple hair dye gives you a multidimensional metallic look that is sure to turn heads, no matter where you go. The formula includes a metallic shine booster that delivers cool, shimmering tones. For longer hair, you can be set with two boxes of the hair dye. Pros
Unique, attractive shade Permanent hair color Cream consistency Contains anti-fading effect Suitable for bleached blonde to medium brunette hair.
Cons
Does not deliver on darker hair.
8. Best Cruelty-Free: Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Amethyst Purple
The Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color has a beautiful shade called Amethyst Purple, which looks gorgeous on almost everyone. It delivers differently based on your original hair color, but still looks great. On darker hair, it may appear as somewhat more of a tint than vibrant global hair color. The formula is enriched with ample doses of Joico’s revolutionary Bio-Advanced Peptide that nourishes your hair while dyeing and protects it from damage. Pros
Delivers even on darker hair Conditions as it colors Pleasant smell Lasts really long Fades nicely Cruelty-free
Cons
Contains alcohol Contains parabens
9. Best Budget-Friendly: Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Purple
Another offering in the purple drugstore hair dye range from Punky Color is this vivid shade of Purple. Get this for the next time you are up for a complete hair makeover or feeling particularly adventurous. This shade is not to be taken casually. After all, purple is called a royal color. If a pop of excitement is all you want, you can use this hair dye to create playful streaks on your hair. Pros
Contains color-enhancing keratin complex Easy to apply No harmful chemicals Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
Strong smell Needs to be applied on pre-bleached hair.
10. Best Glow-In-The-Dark: Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream – Electric Amethyst
Electric Amethyst is best described as a medium violet hair dye with cool blue undertones. But what’s most interesting is that it glows in the dark! Nothing better to make an impression. Manic Panic hair colors are easily mixed, so you can get creative and make your own shade using two or three different colors. The semi-permanent hair dye can easily last you 4-6 weeks, depending on how frequently you wash it. Bleach your hair before application for best results. Pros
Vegan Glows in the dark PPD-free Ammonia-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free
Cons
Contains alcohol Needs to be applied on pre-bleached hair.
11. Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Intense Purple
Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intense Purple should be perfect if you want a basic purple hair color without too much fuss. The hair-nourishing formula is enriched with olive oil, argan oil, keratin, and collagen. This will leave your hair in better shape than before applying color. Aloe vera water provides the much-needed hydration to keep your hair from drying out with each application. Pros
No ammonia No peroxide No sulfate Non-drying
Cons
Does not last long. May leave behind stains.
12. L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple
If you have been eyeing a vivid purple color, then this semi-permanent purple shade from L’Oreal Paris Colorista is the one for you. It is formulated with pure dyes in a conditioning hair mask that washes off easily without causing damage to the hair. The ready-to-use formula requires no mixing, is gentle on your hair, and generally lasts up to 4-8 washes. You can also mix it with other trendy shades from the brand to get striking mermaid hair or halloween hair! Pros
Ammonia-free Peroxide-free Vegan Easy to use
Cons
Inconsistent color results
13. Ion Brights Semi-Permanent Creme Hair Color – Lavender
Ion Brights Semi-Permanent Creme Hair Color has this lovely shade of lavender that looks great on light or pre-bleached hair. It is part of a range of hi-fashion hair color shades that deliver bold, vivid, and intense results. It takes just 20 to 40 minutes to deposit color on your hair, provided it is pre-lightened. Darker hair may show some deep tints, and not much more. Pros
Easy to apply Ready-to-use formula No ammonia No peroxide Affordable
Cons
Not easily available. Hair needs to be pre-bleached.
14. Iroiro Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple
The semi-permanent Purple hair color from Iroiro uses a gentle formula, derived from natural ingredients. There’s 100% organic coconut oil, along with a natural fragrance derived from yuzu-cranberry, and some natural preservatives. There are no toxic, petroleum-based chemicals, or artificial preservatives. The cream-based hair color conditions your hair during every application, leaving it softer and healthier. The eco-friendly pouch packaging makes it easy to use and travel-friendly. Pros
Conditions as it colors Vegan Cruelty-free Based on natural ingredients
Cons
Does not last long. Does not deliver on darker hair.
15. Clairol Color Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender
Clairol Color Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Color has a direct-dye formula that does not require any mixing before application. The packaging includes a stylist brush to make things easier during application. The lavender-violet shade delivers a bold hair color that lasts two weeks or up to 15 washes. The true-tone formula provides an even, color-accurate fading. Pros
Ammonia-free Paraben-free Peroxide-free Ready to use formula
Cons
Not enough product for medium to long hair. Does not last very long.
Purple hair dyes are perfect for those who want to transform their hair color into something more exciting. It is a more friendly shade than many others and quite easy to pull off. Even for someone scared of committing to overall hair color, purple streaks can jazz up your look without looking too edgy. Read on for a few tips and tricks to help you make the best of your purple hair dye.
What To Think About Before Purchasing The Best Purple Hair Dye
Do a strand test and an allergy test before applying any hair dye to your entire head. This lets you know what you are dealing with and what to expect in terms of the final color. Make sure you have a proper mirror set up to help you see what you are doing during the application. Depending on the level of commitment to purple hair color, you can go for a permanent or semi-permanent hair dye. The former will last much longer but will also require a fair amount of maintenance on your part. You need to be careful with how frequently you wash your hair as it may cause the color to bleed and fade faster. Purple is available in several attractive shades, as you may have noticed on our list. Pick one closest to what you have in mind for how you want your hair to look. Some shades deliver better on blonde, bleached, or pre-lightened hair. If you have darker hair and are looking for something more than a deep tint, it is best to get your hair bleached at least two days before applying the hair dye. Hair dyes are traditionally quite drying and may cause damage to your hair health, especially with frequent applications. For a safe and fun hair color experience, choose hair dyes with conditioners in the formula that are gentle on your hair and leave it soft with each application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, is a hair care enthusiast and loves to experiment with new looks. According to her, salon-style highlights are achievable at home with the right products. Her list of the best drugstore purple hair dyes are based on user feedback available on e-commerce sites and thorough research of product specifications. Depending on how dark the shade is, purple hair dyes convey a vibe of vivacity or soft elegance, allowing you to reinvent your style effortlessly. Does dyeing your hair purple damage it? Whether a hair color is damaging doesn’t dependent on the shade of color you pick; it depends on the formula. Every hair dye is harsh on your hair cuticles to some extent. But if you choose a premium, gentle formula, you can enjoy a new hair color while preserving the health and vibrancy of your hair strands. How long do you leave purple dye in your hair? It takes 20-40 minutes for the purple dye to sink thoroughly into your hair cuticles. How do you keep purple hair from fading? First and foremost, avoid daily showers to reduce the fading. Avoid using heating tools on your hair. Additionally, try color-depositing shampoos that will help retain the shade for a more extended period. This way, your purple hair dye will last for a month. How often should you re-dye your hair purple? Re-dye your hair every 2 months. Dying your hair too frequently might damage it. In the meantime, you can use color-depositing shampoos and conditioners and toners to keep the color vibrant for longer. How do I remove purple hair dye? Wash your hair with hair care products containing sulfates to instantly wear off the purple hair. Use it a few times until all the color is gone. You can also use hair color extractors for better and faster results.
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