Purple hair has become an increasingly popular hair color trend in recent years, allowing people to express their creativity and personality through their hair. For those with naturally brown hair, purple can provide a fun pop of color and vibrancy. However, the effect of purple hair on brown hair can vary depending on skin tone, hair color level, and shade of purple used. In this article, we’ll explore if purple hair can look good on brown hair by considering key factors like contrast level, skin tone, and purple shades.
Does Purple Flatter Brown Hair?
In general, purple hair can look great on brown hair when done correctly. The key is choosing the right depth and tone of purple to complement your specific shade of brown hair. Darker brown hair provides more contrast against lighter purple shades, making the color really stand out. Lighter brunette hair offers less contrast, so deeper purple hues often look best.
The shade of purple you choose also makes a difference. Cool-toned purples with blue undertones help brown hair pop more than warm reddish purples. Aim for purple shades like lilac, lavender, violet, and plum on brown hair.
Factors that Influence Appearance of Purple on Brown Hair
Several factors come into play when determining if purple hair will be flattering with your natural brown shade:
Hair Color Level
The underlying lightness or darkness of your brown hair impacts how vivid purple hair color will look. Here’s an overview:
| Hair Color Level | Effect with Purple |
|---|---|
| Light brown | Subtle, softer look |
| Medium brown | More contrast for vibrant purple |
| Dark brown | High contrast for dramatic purple color |
As you can see, medium to dark brown hair tends to look best with purple, while light brown provides too little contrast. Have your stylist assess your exact hair color level first.
Skin Tone
The right purple hair shade should enhance your complexion, not clash with it. Cool-toned skin with pink undertones is complemented by cool purples. Warm skin tones with peachiness or olive undertones look best with warmer purples like magenta.
If you aren’t sure of your skin’s undertone, drape different purple fabric swatches under your face and observe which shades make your complexion glow. Go for those hues in your purple hair color.
Eye Color
Your natural eye color can also guide which purples are most flattering. Lighter purples like lilac bring out blue eyes beautifully. Hazel and green eyes pop against darker plums and violets. Warm brown eyes are enhanced by rich magenta or eggplant purple shades. Ask your colorist for recommendations.
Best Practices for Dyeing Brown Hair Purple
To achieve great results dyeing brown hair purple, follow these tips:
– Start with healthy, conditioned hair for maximum color vibrancy. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup.
– Lift your brown base slightly with highlights first for a brighter canvas if your hair is dark.
– Use a demi- or semi-permanent purple dye rather than permanent, which can be too harsh on previously colored hair.
– Apply the purple dye evenly throughout your hair, saturating every strand. Have a friend help cover the back section.
– Leave the purple dye on for the full processing time recommended on the packaging for optimal saturation.
– Rinse with cool water and use a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner to keep the purple hair color vivid.
Maintenance Tips for Purple Hair
To keep purple hair looking freshly colored on brown strands for as long as possible:
– Shampoo less frequently, just 2-3 times per week, with sulfate-free shampoo to prevent fading.
– Use dry shampoo between washes to refresh hair and absorb oils.
– Avoid washing with hot water, which can cause color to fade faster. Stick to lukewarm or cool water.
– Apply a weekly hair mask to boost moisture and lock in purple pigment.
– Use color-protecting products like leave-in conditioners and heat protectant sprays before hot tools styling.
– Refresh the purple hue every 3-4 weeks by reapplying purple dye just on the mid-lengths and ends as needed.
Best Purple Shades for Brown Hair
Here are some of the most flattering purple hair colors to try on brown hair:
Eggplant Purple
The deep eggplant purple shade is rich and dramatic against medium to dark brown hair. It brings a bold pop of color for fall and winter. Avoid this shade if you have very fair or cool-toned skin.
Lilac
Soft, airy lilac purple is universally flattering. It creates a whimsical, dreamy look on light to dark brown hair. The subtle tone works year-round.
Violet
Vibrant violet purple looks beautiful and edgy against dark brown hair. It’s an eye-catching hue for bold self-expression and creativity. Violet color is ideal for warmer skin tones.
Plum
Plum purple has red undertones that make it pop against neutral to cool skin tones. The striking shade is perfect for complementing light to medium brunette hair. It’s a go-to fall and winter color.
Lavender
Soft, whimsical lavender purple is ideal for light to medium brown hair. It provides enough contrast for visual interest against lighter brunette shades. The cool tone flatters most skin tones.
Consult a Professional Stylist
While purple can look amazing and fun on brown hair with the right considerations, it’s still best to consult a professional hair colorist before dyeing your strands any fashion color. An experienced stylist can assess your hair’s baseline level and tone, skin tone, and desired purple shade to make personalized recommendations for outstanding results you’ll love.
Conclusion
Purple hair can look absolutely gorgeous on brown hair with the right approach. To ensure the purple shade complements your skin tone and brown shade perfectly, opt for cool-toned purples like lilac, lavender, violet, and plum. Go for deeper, richer purple hues if you have medium to dark brown hair and avoid very warm purples if you have cool-toned skin. Take exceptional care of purple locks by using color-safe products, limiting washing, and avoiding heat styling. With the proper maintenance, your vibrant purple hair color on brown strands will turn heads for weeks!
