14 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Purple Hair Dyes – 2024
Give your tresses that transcendental vibe with these affordable hair dyes.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.
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Purple hair dyes are quite a rage today. If you have been waiting to try, get your hands on one of the best drugstore purple hair dyes listed below. With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry leading the way, purple hair had a bomblastic entry among the masses in recent history. It is a color that adds a dynamic, vibrant, and glamorous look to your overall look. While the color purple is the talk of the town, it comes in several beautiful shades ranging from the elegant lavender to the bold violet, or the wintery plum to the elegant amethyst. To help you get started, you can choose any of the 15 best drugstore purple hair dyes listed below.
In This Article
Top 14 Drugstore Purple Hair Dyes You Need In 2024
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 semi-permanent 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
"The vibrant color makes a statement that lasts longer than I had expected. The bold hue makes my hair stand out vibrantly. The dye's pleasant scent is a good feature. I like that it's workable even on darker, unbleached hair."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 25,398 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best Ammonia-Free: XMONDO Super Purple Hair Healing Color-Super Purple
The temporary hair dye, XMONDO Super Purple Hair Healing Color, contains hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture and vegetable proteins that revitalize the hair strands effectively. With superb bond-building technology that delivers high-impact color, the semi-permanent hair dye not only looks luxurious on your hair but also has no harmful chemicals like ammonia and peroxide that cause damage to your tresses. The dark purple hair dye helps restore damaged fibers, and strengthen and revitalize dry, damaged hair. It works best on coloring blonde or pre-lightened hair.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Fast-coloring formula
- Non-damaging
- Built-in bond builder
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Fades quickly
Pro Tip3. 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 conditioning purple hair dye is formulated with baobab seed oil that deeply nourishes your hair, leaving it hydrated 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
"This product delivers a vibrant color. It is richly pigmented, so the color payoff is impressive. It has good staying power on the hair. Just be ready for some extra care to keep the vibrancy in check."
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.
"This hair dye offers a vibrant range of shades, though the final color may vary slightly based on your natural hair. It's easy to apply, and gentle on hair and scalp. It's worth a try."
5. 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 this fade-resistant purple hair dye 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.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 74,862 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best For Shine: Schwarzkopf Go t2b Metallic Permanent Hair Color – Amethyst Chrome
The Got2b Metallic range of hair colors from Schwarzkopf contains an array of dazzling shades. Amethyst Chrome is our favorite metallic purple dye shade 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. This permanent purple hair dye 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.
"This is a hit for achieving a range of purples on different base colors without pre-bleaching. It is particularly good for at-home dye jobs. The formula is strong and the color pops. The god-quality conditioner is a big help for softening the hair post-dye."
7. 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
8. 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 vegan purple 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.
9. 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 to achieve the ideal base color 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 or light hair.
"This dye is highly pigmented and has a beautiful effect on my strands. It also lasts for a good while through multiple shampoo sessions and masks. My hair feels softer and looks wild! I love it!"
10. Best Ready-To-Use: Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color, Splash Of Purple
The Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color offers a bold and beautiful shade of purple. This gentle and ultra-hydrating formula helps moisturize your hair and boost its shine while maintaining your hair health. With no harsh chemicals and unpleasant chemical fragrances, this high-pigmented purple hair dye does not require any mixing, even if you are using it on gray hair. Additionally, this easy-to-apply dye is cruelty-free.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- PPD-free
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Washes off easily
- May leave behind stains
"This gives my hair the right pop of color that sticks around. The colors are rich and intense. If you're open to a little color adventure and don't mind some maintenance, these dyes could be worth a shot."
11. Best For Bleached Hair:L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple
The Lunar Tides Hair Color in the shade ‘Plum Purple’ coats your hair with a vibrant, eye-catching hue while leaving your strands well-nourished. Rejuvenating and non-damaging, this dye fetches the best results when applied to pre-bleached or platinum-blonde dry hair texture. With no harsh chemicals added, this semi-permanent hair color is beginner-friendly and washes out gradually over time, settling for lighter and natural-looking hues. This long-lasting purple hair dye also works on delicate hair and controls excess frizz.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Vegan
- Easy to use
Cons
- Inconsistent color results
12. Best Vegan: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. As part of a range of hi-fashion hair color shades, this intense purple hair dye delivers bold, vivid, and vibrant 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.
"This product consistently delivers vibrant results that charm the onlookers. It's a good match for those looking to maintain color between salon visits. It may not be ideal for dark hair without pre-lightening but it's a good choice for maintaining or refreshing color at home."
13. Best Gentle Formula: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. This creamy purple hair dye 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.
"This semi-permanent dye gives my hair a lively color that's long-lasting, even after multiple washes. The formula conditions my hair and the color fades gracefully. Heads up, it stains and leaves its vivid mark on more than just your hair."
14. Best Anti-Frizz: Lunar Tides Hair Color- Plum Purple
The Lunar Tides Hair Color in the shade ‘Plum Purple’ coats your hair with a vibrant, eye-catching hue while leaving your strands well-nourished. Rejuvenating and non-damaging, this dye fetches the best results when applied to pre-bleached or platinum-blonde dry hair texture. With no harsh chemicals added, this semi-permanent hair color is beginner-friendly and washes out gradually over time, settling for lighter and natural-looking hues. This long-lasting purple hair dye also works on delicate hair and controls excess frizz.
Pros
- Ready to use
- Long-lasting
- Full coverage
- Highly pigmented
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave stains
"This dye is good for its vibrancy and ability to leave the hair feeling healthy. The pigment clings well even on darker shades and doesn't fade from the roots. It's excellent for those seeking a burst of color without harsh chemicals."
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 purple 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.
Infographic: Tips For Maintaining Purple Hair
Maintaining your mesmerizing purple hair requires some extra care as the color is prone to changing and fading. From using color-preserving shampoos to avoid heat styling, make necessary changes to your hair care routine to keep your purple locks looking fresh and fabulous. The infographic below summarizes a few tips for maintaining your purple hair color. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
You will often find several pop stars and actors sporting their purple-dyed hair! If you want a similar look, you should try out the various drugstore purple hair dyes that can make everyone stop and stare at your tresses. The Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Plum is an excellent hair dye as it offers a distinctive hue with conditioning benefits, while the XMONDO Super Purple Hair Healing Color-Super Purple boasts intense color and strengthens damaged hair fibers. For those who are seeking a fade-resistant hair color, then try the Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Purple Rain. These hair dyes come in different shades of purple. You can mix and match or use one shade to cover your entire hair and achieve a beautiful color. Choose those drugstore hair dyes that don’t cause damage to your hair and elevate the shine of your locks. However, steer clear of the ones that contain harmful chemicals and toxins.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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