Have you ever dreamed of a hair color that whispers mystery and screams sophistication? Dark purple is that shade. It’s deep, rich, and catches the light beautifully. But when you have dark hair, finding the *right* dark purple dye can feel like searching for a hidden gem in a vast ocean of options.
Many people with dark brown or black hair face the same frustration. You buy a dye, hoping for that royal violet, only to end up with a color that barely shows up, looking more like a dull shadow than a vibrant purple. It’s disappointing when your hair doesn’t match the picture on the box! We know you want a dramatic change without having to bleach your hair completely.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which dark purple dyes work best on darker bases, how to apply them for maximum impact, and how to keep that gorgeous color from fading too fast. Get ready to unlock the secret to truly stunning, noticeable dark purple hair!
Top Dark Purple Hair Dye For Dark Hair Recommendations
- Lifts color up to 3-4 levels, no bleach needed.
- Achieve vibrant color on naturally dark hair only, not recommended for use on previously colored hair.
- Helps combat damage with a built-in metal purifier.
- Vegan and free of phthalates and parabens, with 5 nourishing lipids for hair that is hair soft and smooth to the touch.
- Even tone from root to tip.
- Rich Color That Pops: Our Dark and Lovely Hair Dye is expertly made permanent hair color for textured hair that pops on dark hair for up to 8 weeks with up to 2.5 levels of lift. This hair dye formula works for all curls, coils and hair textures
- After Color Care: Our hair dye kit includes a new 97% natural derived Moisture Mask. Our conditioner hair mask features Shea Butter, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E for expert curl care. Nourish and detangle for smooth, vibrant, muti-dimensional hair
- No Drip Formula for Easy Application: Prepare by putting on gloves then conduct strand test. Mix developer and color, apply mixture on to dry hair and smooth out. Wait 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly, then condition
- Perfect For 4C Hair: Dark and Lovely Hair Color is the number 1 hair color for African American women with the largest shade palette to complement a range of skin tones. Our vegan hair dye is paraben and silicone free
- Softsheen-Carson: For over 110 years we have provided beauty to all consumers of African descent with our innovative, tailor-made, superior hair products and services specially designed for their needs
- VIBRANT PURPLE SHADE: Purple AF delivers a deep, true purple color that looks bold on lightened hair and adds rich tints to darker shades. Great for covering faded colors and creating unique styles.
- CUSTOM COLOR MIXING: Easily blend Purple AF with other shades to create custom hues. Mix with Wrath for burgundy or Poseidon for deep indigo. Perfect for creative hair color transformations.
- VEGAN INGREDIENTS ONLY: Made with 100 percent vegan ingredients and no animal by-products. Free from harsh chemicals that can damage hair, ensuring a gentle and safe coloring experience.
- CONDITIONS WHILE COLORING: This semi-permanent hair dye is gentle enough for frequent use and conditions hair as it restores vibrancy. Leaves hair feeling soft and looking healthy.
- LONG LASTING FORMULA: Enjoy long lasting color with minimal smearing and a pleasant scent. Contains no peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, or PPD for a safer, more comfortable application.
- Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color: This shimmering deep purple color with 3X highlights delivers intensified, brilliant results, featuring a prismatic color spectrum custom-blended by our master colorists
- Nourishing Formula: Seals and smooths, never leaving hair dull or flat; Kit includes Conditioning Colour Crème, Conditioning Developer Crème, Aromatic Shimmer Serum and Power Shimmer Conditioner
- Bold Shades: Inspired by cutting-edge fashion and the latest trends, Feria offers multi-tonal, shimmering colors come in bold shades ranging from deepest blue blacks to platinum blondes to smokey silvers
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems; Cover gray hair, highlight, or go bold with bright color
- L'Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading total beauty care company based in Paris, we offer innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skin care, hair care, styling and hair color
- UNSTOPPABLE VIBRANCY TrueColorSeal Technology locks in color to help protect against water-fading, mazimizing vibrancy.
- MOISTURIZING SHINE HydraShine Conditioner moisturizes + smoothens hair.
- INTENSE COLOR Need a boost of color? The Color Boost Glaze amplifies your color anytime.
- Shade: Intense Passion Plum, with vivid purple hues that create a spark
- One hair color application kit: Permanent Color Cream, Activator, HydraShine Conditioner, Color Boost Glaze, Pair of Gloves and Instruction Leaflet
- VIBRANT PURPLE SHADE: Purple AF delivers a deep, true purple color that works on platinum to light brown hair. Achieve bold, vivid results on lightened hair or subtle tints on darker shades.
- CUSTOM COLOR BLENDING: Mix Purple AF with other shades to create unique hues. Combine with Wrath for burgundy or Poseidon for deep indigo. Perfect for creative hair color transformations.
- VEGAN INGREDIENTS ONLY: Made with vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and no animal by-products. Free from harsh chemicals that can damage hair, ensuring a gentle coloring experience.
- CONDITIONS WHILE COLORING: This semi-permanent hair dye is gentle for frequent use and conditions hair as it restores vibrancy. Leaves hair feeling soft, nourished, and healthy.
- LONG-LASTING FORMULA: Enjoy long-lasting color that resists smearing and fading. Free from peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, and PPD. Features a pleasant scent for a comfortable application.
- Transform dark blonde or brown hair to a striking new look with our permanent purple hair dye coloring kit, with a plex hair care that protects, rebuilds, and restores your hair's structure
- Darkest purple permanent hair dye; for a full head of color, covers grey, root touch-up, balayage, undertones, lowlights. For all hair types, including chemically treated, Afro, Asian, men, women
- Vegan, cruelty-free purple hair dye. Using UK and European approved cosmetic standard ingredients blended into a smooth cream for home use. Part of award-winning Smart Beauty hair color collection
- Mess-free application. Mix the purple color cream and developer in the provided bottle, evenly apply with the precision nozzle and work through with gloved hands for a non-drip coloring experience
- Smart Beauty is an independent-owned British business that produces premium vegan hair dye coloring kits. Committed to non-animal testing, ethical practice and minimal environmental impact
- For a multi-dimensional metallic look!
- Head-turning radiance and anti-fading effect for permanent hair dye that lasts.
- Formulated with metallic shine booster for cool, shimmering tones.
- In the box: 1 tube color cream, 1 application bottle with developer lotion, 1 tube color after treatment, 1 pair of gloves, and 1 instruction leaflet.
- If your hair is longer than shoulder length, we recommend using 2 boxes of got2b Metallic for the application.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Achieving Stunning Dark Purple Hair
Want to transform your dark hair with a rich, mysterious shade of dark purple? Choosing the right dye makes all the difference. This guide helps you navigate the best options for stunning, long-lasting results.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for dark purple hair dye specifically for dark hair, look for these important features:
- High-Lift Pigment: Dark hair does not easily show color. You need dyes specially formulated with high-lift pigments. These lift your natural color slightly so the purple shows up vibrantly, even on black or dark brown hair.
- Direct Dye vs. Developer Kit: Direct dyes (semi-permanent) sit on top of the hair shaft. They are easier to use and less damaging. Developer kits (permanent) open the hair cuticle to deposit color deep inside. For visible results on dark hair, you might need a permanent option or a very strong semi-permanent.
- Conditioning Agents: Hair dye can be drying. Check the ingredients list for nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, or keratin.
- Fade Resistance: Dark purples can fade quickly to an unwanted brassy tone. Look for dyes labeled as “long-lasting” or “fade-defying.”
Important Materials and Ingredients
Understanding what’s inside the box helps you choose quality.
What Makes Good Dye?
The best dyes contain strong, concentrated color molecules. For permanent dyes, the developer (usually hydrogen peroxide) determines how much your natural color lifts. For semi-permanent dyes, the quality of the direct pigment determines the vibrancy.
Materials to Avoid (If Possible)
Many people try to avoid harsh chemicals. Look out for:
- Ammonia: This chemical helps open the hair shaft but smells strong and can be very drying.
- PPD (Para-phenylenediamine): This is common in permanent dyes but can cause allergic reactions. Always patch test first!
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your final color heavily depends on what you buy and how you use it.
Factors Improving Quality (Vibrancy and Longevity)
- Pre-Lightening (Bleaching): This is the biggest quality booster for dark hair. If you want a true, bright dark purple, you must lighten your hair first. Darker hair naturally cancels out purple tones.
- Dye Saturation: Apply the dye generously. Ensure every strand is completely coated.
- Processing Time: Follow the instructions exactly, or slightly longer (if the product allows) for deeper saturation.
Factors Reducing Quality (Dullness and Damage)
- Using Box Dye on Unprepared Hair: Applying purple dye directly onto very dark, unlightened hair often results in a subtle, dark tint that only shows in bright sunlight, not a true purple.
- Washing Too Soon or Too Hot: Hot water strips color out fast. Use cool water when you wash.
- Sulfates in Shampoo: Sulfates are harsh detergents. They aggressively strip hair color. Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo immediately after dyeing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dark purple dye works well for different goals.
Who Should Use This Dye?
- The Subtle Changer: If you have dark brown hair and want a hint of purple shimmer when you step outside, use a high-quality semi-permanent dye without bleaching.
- The Bold Transformer: If you want deep eggplant or jewel-toned purple, you must lighten your hair to a medium brown or dark blonde first, then apply a strong permanent dye.
The user experience is generally positive when expectations are managed. Semi-permanent dyes offer a fun, low-commitment experience. Permanent dyes require more commitment but deliver deeper, more noticeable color changes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dark Purple Hair Dye
Q: Do I need to bleach my dark hair for dark purple dye to show up?
A: Yes, for visible purple, you usually need to lighten your hair. On black hair, dark purple dye often looks like a black tint unless you lift the base color first.
Q: How long does dark purple dye usually last on dark hair?
A: Semi-permanent dark purple might last 4 to 8 washes if you do not bleach. If your hair is pre-lightened, expect 4 to 6 weeks before significant fading occurs.
Q: Can I use a purple dye designed for light hair on my dark hair?
A: No. Dyes made for lighter hair lack the strong lifting agents needed to penetrate dark hair, so the color will not show.
Q: Are there permanent dark purple dyes available?
A: Yes. Permanent dyes use a developer to open the cuticle, allowing the color to last much longer than semi-permanent options.
Q: What is the best way to prevent my dark purple from fading fast?
A: Wash your hair with cool or cold water only. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically made for color-treated hair.
Q: Will the purple stain my towels or pillowcase?
A: Freshly dyed hair, especially semi-permanent, can bleed. Use old dark towels for the first few washes and consider sleeping on a dark pillowcase until the excess color washes out.
Q: Is it better to use a kit or buy the dye and developer separately?
A: For dark hair that needs lifting, buying a high-quality dye and developer separately often gives you better control over the lift level, leading to better results.
Q: What color will my dark hair turn if the purple dye fades out?
A: If you did not bleach, it might fade to a slight purple sheen or return to your natural color. If you did bleach, it often fades to a brassy gold or light lavender.
Q: Should I use a color depositing conditioner after dyeing?
A: Absolutely. Color-depositing conditioners are excellent for topping up the purple shade between full dye applications, keeping the color looking fresh.
Q: How do I do a patch test before using the dye?
A: Mix a tiny amount of the product. Apply it to a small, hidden patch of skin (like behind your ear or inner elbow). Wait 48 hours. If you see redness or itching, do not use the product.