Purple hair is no longer just for the daring or adventurous. It has become a mainstream color option that allows individuals to express their unique personalities. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add a touch of mystique, purple hair offers endless possibilities. However, not every shade of purple suits everyone. The key to pulling off this vibrant hue is finding the right shade that complements your skin tone. In this article, we’ll explore the best purple hair shades for every skin tone, ensuring you find the perfect match.
Before diving into the various shades of purple, it’s essential to understand the concept of skin undertones. Your skin’s undertone is the underlying hue that affects how colors look on you. Skin undertones are generally categorized into three types:
- Cool Undertones: If your skin has a bluish, pinkish, or rosy tint, you likely have cool undertones. People with cool undertones usually have veins that appear blue or purple, and they look best in silver jewelry.
- Warm Undertones: If your skin has a golden, peachy, or yellowish tint, you have warm undertones. Those with warm undertones tend to have veins that look greenish and often suit gold jewelry.
- Neutral Undertones: If you have a mix of both cool and warm undertones, or your skin doesn’t clearly lean towards either, you likely have neutral undertones. Neutral undertones can often pull off a wider range of colors.
Knowing your undertone will help you choose the perfect purple shade that complements your complexion.
Best Purple Hair Shades for Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, purple shades with a blue or violet base will work best for you. These colors will enhance the natural pink or blue tones in your skin, creating a harmonious and flattering look.
- Lilac: Lilac is a soft, pastel shade of purple that looks stunning on people with cool undertones. This delicate color adds a touch of whimsy and elegance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a subtle yet stylish transformation.
- Lavender: Similar to lilac but slightly darker, lavender is another fantastic option for cool undertones. It’s a versatile shade that can be toned down for a more natural look or intensified for a bolder appearance.
- Plum: Plum is a rich, deep purple with hints of blue that perfectly complements cool undertones. This shade is ideal for those looking to make a statement while still maintaining a sophisticated and polished look.
- Indigo: Indigo is a dark, moody shade of purple with strong blue undertones. It’s a dramatic color that works well for those with cool undertones who want to embrace their edgy side.
Warm undertones pair beautifully with purple shades that have a red or magenta base. These colors will bring out the golden or peachy tones in your skin, creating a radiant and vibrant look.
- Mauve: Mauve is a soft, muted purple with warm undertones, making it an excellent choice for those with warm skin tones. This color adds warmth and depth to your complexion, making it perfect for a subtle yet impactful change.
- Magenta: For those who want to stand out, magenta is a bold and vibrant shade of purple with strong red undertones. This color is perfect for warm undertones, as it enhances the natural warmth of your skin while making a statement.
- Burgundy: Burgundy is a deep, wine-like shade of purple with rich red undertones. It’s an elegant and sophisticated option that flatters warm undertones, adding depth and dimension to your hair.
- Amethyst: Amethyst is a beautiful, gemstone-inspired shade of purple with a hint of warmth. This color is perfect for those with warm undertones who want to try a more vivid and striking shade.
If you have neutral undertones, consider yourself lucky! Neutral undertones can pull off a wide range of purple shades, from cool to warm. The key is to choose a shade that aligns with the overall look you’re going for.
- Pastel Purple: Pastel purple is a light, airy shade that works well with neutral undertones. This color is perfect for those who want a soft, ethereal look that still makes a statement.
- Violet: Violet is a true purple shade with a perfect balance of blue and red undertones. It’s a versatile color that flatters neutral undertones, offering a bold yet wearable option.
- Grape: Grape is a medium-dark shade of purple with a balance of warm and cool undertones. It’s a great choice for those with neutral skin tones who want a rich, vibrant color that isn’t too overpowering.
- Aubergine: Aubergine is a deep, eggplant-like shade of purple that leans slightly towards the red side. This color is ideal for neutral undertones, providing a bold and dramatic look that’s still refined and elegant.
Tips for Maintaining Purple Hair
Once you’ve chosen the perfect shade of purple for your skin tone, it’s important to maintain your color to keep it looking vibrant and fresh. Here are some tips for keeping your purple hair in top condition:
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Purple hair tends to fade quickly, so it’s essential to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Look for products that are sulfate-free and designed to protect your color.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can cause the color to fade faster. Try to limit washing to two or three times a week, and use dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat: Heat styling tools can cause color to fade, so it’s important to protect your hair before using them. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair to minimize damage.
- Stay Out of the Sun: Prolonged sun exposure can cause purple hair to fade and lose its vibrancy. If you’re spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray to shield your hair from the sun’s rays.
- Touch Up Your Color: Purple hair will inevitably fade over time, so it’s important to touch up your color regularly to maintain its vibrancy. You can either visit a salon for a professional touch-up or use a color-depositing conditioner at home to refresh your color between appointments.
Conclusion
Purple hair is a versatile and stunning color choice that can be tailored to suit any skin tone. Whether you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones, there’s a perfect shade of purple out there for you. By understanding your skin’s undertone and choosing a complementary shade, you can achieve a look that enhances your natural beauty and showcases your unique style. Remember to take good care of your color-treated hair to keep it looking vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.