Best Drugstore Purple Hair Dyes 2023

Give your tresses that transcendental vibe with these affordable hair dyes.

There has been a recent surge in popularity for purple hair color. If you’ve been curious about trying a purple hair color, here are some of the finest options available at your local drugstore. In recent years, the trend of wearing one’s hair in a vibrant shade of purple has exploded onto the mainstream scene, thanks largely to the efforts of artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. To your overall appearance, this hue will lend energy, vibrancy, and glitz. While amethyst may be the most well-known hue of purple, there are many other lovely tones in the spectrum, from delicate lavender to daring violet to rich plum to sophisticated emerald. Here is a list of the 15 finest drugstore purple hair dyes to get you started.

Our Top Picks

Review

Best Overall: Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Plum

Plum is a delectable purple hue, and it’s the name of this Punky Color hair dye you can buy at the drugstore. It’s a naturally occurring shade halfway between burgundy and aubergine, characterized by a fusion of purple and red tones. It stands out without being garish, and can be worn with confidence by almost anyone. The pigmenting substance in the hair dye also functions as a conditioner. It refreshes and adds a healthy sheen to your hair without making it feel sticky. There are no surfactants or other harsh substances that can harm your hair.

Pros

• Conditions hair
• No harmful chemicals
• No harsh smells
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Leak-free packaging

Cons

None

Best Ammonia-Free: Adore Shining Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender

Adore Shining Semi Permanent Hair Color in Lavender is a beautiful hue. Various healthy, all-natural components are included. The result is a highly reflective, vivid hue. There is no need to concern about the dye doing any harm to your hair because it actually improves the condition of your hair after coloring. Free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide, the semi-permanent hair color still manages to achieve a beautiful, high-end appearance.

Pros

• Gentle on damaged hair
• Vegan
• Pleasant fragrance
• Alcohol-free
• Ammonia-free
• Peroxide-free
• Cruelty-free

Cons

None

Pro Tip

Ammonia-free shampoos maintain your hair’s pH level and preserve the necessary proteins and nutrients.

Best For All Hair Types: INH Insert Color Here – Amethyst Purple

INH’s selection of hair colors is both extensive and alluring. You need a little bit of a change, and the Amethyst Purple color will do just that. This semi-permanent hair color is made with baobab seed oil, which, unlike other hair dyes, actually nourishes and smoothes your hair as it colors it. The best effects are seen on pre-bleached or platinum blonde hair, but it is safe for use on all hair types.

Pros

• Ammonia-free
• Sulfate-free
• Paraben-free
• Peroxide-free
• Bleach-free
• Easy to use
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Might stain clothes and skin

Best Nourishing Formula: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Creme – Dark Intense Violet

We can safely say that Garnier has more name recognition than any other company we’ve included. This luxurious Dark Intense Violet creme hair dye is infused with nourishing ingredients. The hair coloring incorporates color boost technology and is formulated with a nutrient-rich blend of fruit oils like olive, avocado, and shea.

Whether your hair is naturally golden or dark brown, this treatment will give it a striking, long-lasting hue. The composition of the ultra-bold violet creme is thick and won’t run. It can be used to conceal gray hair and blend gray roots with 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.

Best Vegan: Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple Rain

Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent color is one of the best-selling do-it-yourself hair dyes on shop shelves. Purple rain is a true, dark purple that complements a wide range of base hues. The formula moisturizes the hair and revives the color, making the purple appear as stunning as ever. In addition, it’s easy to create a one-of-a-kind hue by blending it with other colors. This cruelty-free solution works best on previously bleached hair without damaging the strands.

Pros

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Ammonia-free
• Ethyl alcohol-free
• No PPD
• Peroxide-free
• Pleasant scent

Cons

• Not very long-lasting
• Bleeds quickly

Best Long-Lasting: Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple Rain

Arctic Fox fans love to listen to Purple Rain. This semi-permanent hair color appears fantastic on a variety of base colors, from light brown to platinum blonde. It leaves rich undertones on black hair but shines brightly on lighter hair. It can also be used to cover up hues that have faded without leaving any residue. It can also be combined with other Arctic Fox hues to make bold new colors, like burgundy and blue.

Pros

• Long-lasting color
• No peroxide
• No ammonia
• No ethyl alcohol
• No PPD
• Pleasant smell

Cons

• May leave stains.

Pro Tip

Always cover up when outside in the sun, and use UV-protected shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. Remember to wear a cap in a pool, as chlorinated water can affect your hair color.

Best For Shine: Schwarzkopf Go t2b Metallic Permanent Hair Color – Amethyst Chrome

Schwarzkopf’s Got2b Metallic permanent hair color line features a plethora of radiant tones. The iridescence of Amethyst Chrome is unparalleled, and it is therefore our top pick. Applying this drugstore purple hair dye will give you a multidimensional metallic appearance that will get you lots of attention wherever you go. One of the key ingredients in the recipe is a metallic shine enhancer that gives off icy metallic tones. You only need two packets of the hair dye if you have long hair.

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.

Best Cruelty-Free: Joico Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Amethyst Purple

The Amethyst Purple hue of Joico’s Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color is a universally flattering choice. It’s not universally flattering, but it does deliver depending on your natural hair color. This bright global hair color may look more like a tint on darker hair. To prevent dryness and breakage during the coloring process, Joico’s innovative Bio-Advanced Peptide is infused throughout the formula.

Pros

• Delivers even on darker hair
• Conditions as it colors
• Pleasant smell
• Lasts really long
• Fades nicely
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Contains alcohol
• Contains parabens

Best Budget-Friendly: Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Purple

This pungent purple hue is part of Punky Color’s line of drugstore hair dyes. Get this for the next time you want to experiment with your hair or are in the mood for a radical change. No one should take this slant on life too lightly. After all, purple is often associated with royalty. This hair dye is perfect for creating playful stripes in your hair when a splash of color is all you’re after.

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.

Best Glow-In-The-Dark: Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream – Electric Amethyst

Hair color in the shade known as “Electric Amethyst” is a medium violet shade with icy blue undertones. But the most intriguing thing about it is that it shines in the dark! There’s no better way to create an impression. Thanks to the versatility of Manic Panic hair dyes, you can mix and match hues to create a look that’s uniquely you. Depending on how often you shampoo your hair, the semi-permanent dye can last for up to six weeks. For best effects, bleach your hair before applying.

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.

Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Intense Purple

If you just want a simple purple hair color without a lot of maintenance, you should be fine with Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intense Purple. Olive oil, argan oil, keratin, and collagen are just a few of the hair-nourishing ingredients that have been added to the recipe. Because of this, your hair will be in better condition after coloring than it was before. Applying aloe vera water regularly will prevent your hair from becoming parched and brittle.

Pros

• No ammonia
• No peroxide
• No sulfate
• Non-drying

Cons

• Does not last long.
• May leave behind stains.

L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple

This L’Oreal Paris Colorista semi-permanent purple hue is perfect if you’ve been looking for a deep purple tone. It’s a conditioning hair treatment made with pure dyes that washes out quickly and leaves no residue. The ready-to-use formula can be used right out of the bottle, is mild on the hair, and can last for several treatments before needing to be replaced. Mermaid or Halloween hair is easy to achieve when you combine this hue with others from the same line.

Pros

• Ammonia-free
• Peroxide-free
• Vegan
• Easy to use

Cons

• Inconsistent color results

Ion Brights Semi-Permanent Creme Hair Color – Lavender

This lavender hue from Ion Brights Semi-Permanent Creme Hair Color is perfect for use on light or previously bleached hair. It’s a trendy tone from a collection of hair dyes that produces eye-catching hues with a dramatic impact. Assuming your hair has been pre-lightened, the actual coloring process will take only 20 to 40 minutes. Hair that is already dark may only reveal the darkest of highlights.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Ready-to-use formula
• No ammonia
• No peroxide
• Affordable

Cons

• Not easily available.
• Hair needs to be pre-bleached.

Iroiro Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple

Iroiro’s Purple semi-permanent hair color uses a gentle formula derived from natural components. Natural ingredients such as coconut oil, yuzu-cranberry extract (for aroma), and vitamin E (for preservation) are all included. No harmful compounds, additives, or petroleum byproducts were used. As you apply the cream-based hair dye, it conditions your hair and leaves it feeling and looking healthier and softer. Because it comes in a reusable and recyclable bag, it can be taken anywhere.

Pros

• Conditions as it colors
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Based on natural ingredients

Cons

• Does not last long.
• Does not deliver on darker hair.

Clairol Color Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender

Direct-dye technology means that Clairol Color Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Color can be applied directly from the bottle. Included in the package is a designer brush for simple application. This vibrant lavender-violet hue can stay in your hair for two weeks, or through 15 treatments. Colors fade evenly and faithfully thanks to the true-tone composition.

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.

If you’re looking to spice up your hairstyle, purple hair coloring is the way to go. It’s easier to wear than many other colors and has a warmer tone. Purple hair streaks are a great way to spice up your appearance without going too far in the edgy direction if you’re afraid to dye your hair all one color.

What To Think About Before Purchasing The Best Purple Hair Dye

• Before applying hair dye to your entire scalp, conduct a strand test and an allergy test. This gives you an idea of the materials you’re working with and the final hue you can anticipate. Get a good mirror put up so you can see what you’re doing while filling out the application.
• You can choose between a permanent and a semi-permanent hair dye to achieve your desired degree of purple hair commitment. The former requires less upkeep but wears out much faster than the latter. You should be cautious with how often you wash your hair, as this can cause the color to run and fade more quickly.
• You may have observed that the color purple comes in a variety of appealing tones from the options we’ve provided. Select the one that comes nearest to the vision you have for your hair. Blonde, bleached, and pre-lightened hair can get the most out of particular tones. Hair should be bleached at least two days prior to hair color application if the desired result is anything other than a deep tint and the hair is naturally dark.
• Conventional hair dyes tend to be very drying, which can be detrimental to your hair’s health, particularly if you use it frequently. Hair dyes that incorporate conditioners into their composition are gentle on the hair and leave it feeling soft after each application, making the hair-coloring process both safe and enjoyable.

Many famous people, including singers and performers, have purple hair. You can achieve a similar appearance by using one of the many purple hair dyes available at your local drugstore. Different hues of purple are available in these hair dyes. You can use a single color to dye your hair or experiment with a variety of hues. Pick out a cheap hair dye that will not harm your strands while still bringing out their natural luster. However, avoid the ones that are loaded with poisonous substances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dyeing your hair purple damage it?

Damage caused by hair dye relies not on the color chosen but on the dye’s formula. The cuticles of your hair will be damaged by any hair color you use. But if you pick a quality, mild formula, you can get a new hair color without damaging your hair.

How long do you leave purple dye in your hair?

The purple color needs 20-40 minutes to permeate the hair cuticles.

How do you keep purple hair from fading?

In order to delay the fading process, you should avoid taking daily baths. If you want to keep your hair healthy, you should stay away from heat styling products. As an added measure, you can use a wash with color-depositing ingredients to help the dye stay in your hair for longer. In this manner, your purple hair color will last for a full month.

How often should you re-dye your hair purple?

You should color your hair every two months. Overprocessing your hair with chemical dyes can be harmful. Color-depositing shampoos, moisturizers, and toners can help extend the life of dyed hair.

How do I remove purple hair dye?

Using sulfate-based shampoo and conditioner will quickly remove the purple dye. Keep using it until the pigment is gone. The use of hair color extractors can speed up the process and improve the quality of the end product.

Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API