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  • 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More 1
  • 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More 2
  • 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More 3
  • 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More 4
  • 10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More 5

10 Best Purple Hair Dyes UK 2024 | Directions, Live and More

If you don't have much experience with hair dyes, you may be worried about changing your hair colour especially if you're thinking of switching to a bold and striking shade of purple. There are choices available for dark hair, wash-out options, and both dark purple and lilac hair dyes available for many different hair types and natural colours.


At-home kits can save you money and still provide a pro finish, whether permanent, semi-permanent or temporary. So, to help you out we’ve found the best purple hair dyes on the market, available on top Amazon, eBay and Tesco from brands like L'Oréal, Schwarzkopf, and Directions. Take a look at our picks and buying guide below!

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Purple Hair Dyes

1

Schwarzkopf

Live Lightener + TwistCool Lilac
Live Lightener + Twist

Lightens Hair up to 5 Levels for Pastel Purple Shades

2

Garnier

Olia Bold Hair ColourRose Violet
Olia Bold Hair Colour

Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Dye

3

Paint Glow

Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3)Purple Fury
Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3)

Deeply Conditioning Semi-permanent Purple Hair Dye

4

Schwarzkopf

Live Colour + Lift (Pack of 3)Ultra Violet
Live Colour + Lift (Pack of 3)

Purple Dye for People With Dark Hair

5

L'Oréal

Colorista Permanent GelDark Purple
Colorista Permanent Gel

Deep Violet Hair Dye With a High-Intensity Shine

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Guide
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Purple Hair Dye in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Whether Permanent or Temporary, Decide on How Long You Want the Dye to Last
  2. Opt for a Shade that Compliments Your Skin Tone
  3. Look Out for Dyes That Are Ammonia and Peroxide-Free
  4. Make Dying Easier with Added Extras
1

Consider How Long You Want the Colour to Last: Semi-permanent Dyes Are Great for Temporary Colour, Permanent Dyes Stay Vibrant up to 9 Weeks

Consider How Long You Want the Colour to Last: Semi-permanent Dyes Are Great for Temporary Colour, Permanent Dyes Stay Vibrant up to 9 Weeks

Pick a Permanent Dye for Colour That Lasts 4 - 9 Weeks

As you’ve probably guessed, this type of dye will stick around the longest, with some even claiming to last up to 9 weeks. However, between 4-6 weeks you’ll start to notice regrowth, so you may want to consider topping up your roots if you’re going for an all-over colour look. 


Permanent dyes are also the best choice for covering up any greys. Also, if you’ve got darker hair and had to lighten or bleach your natural hair, then picking a permanent colour will save you the hassle of having to do those early steps more often. 


One point to remember about permanent hair dyes is that they fade, particularly the brighter colours. You may want to consider if you’ll be happy to live with a more faded purple hue before taking the plunge. 

To Experiment With New Shades, Try a Semi-permanent or Temporary Dye That You Can Wash Out

Semi-permanent or temporary dyes are the best choice for those who are still searching for their ideal shade or who like to mix up their look often. These dyes can range from those that fade in a single wash (temporary) or between 6-12 washes (semi-permanent), so be sure to check the box to avoid disappointment. 


Non-permanent dyes often don't include such strong chemical ingredients, and therefore won’t inflict as much damage to your hair or scalp. This makes them a good choice for people with dry or weak hair, as well as those who often use heated styling tools. 

2

Choose a Shade That Compliments Your Skin Tone: Lilacs Look Good on Cool Toned Skin, Plum and Violet Suit Warmer Complexions

Choose a Shade That Compliments Your Skin Tone: Lilacs Look Good on Cool Toned Skin, Plum and Violet Suit Warmer Complexions

Pastel Shades Like Lilac and Wisteria Are a Good Choice if You Have Cool Toned Skin

Pastels and lighter colours such as lilac, wisteria and lavender are well-suited to those who have cooler undertones and fairer skin. The pale hybrid of purple and blue is also a more subtle shade for blondes or those with lighter hair who don't want to go full-on purple. Alternatively, a raspberry or pink-toned purple is a great choice if you'd like to go bolder. 


To find out whether you have cool undertones, check the veins on your wrist – they’ll appear blue or purple. You will also typically suit silver jewellery, which is another reason these silvery-lilacs will look great on you. 

Opt For Aubergine, Plum or Violet Shades to Compliment Warm Toned Skin

Deeper colours like aubergine, plum, violet or blackberry complement those with medium or darker skin and warmer undertones. Bright purples also won't look too shocking against warmer complexions. 


These richer tones can offer a new and exciting twist if you're feeling a bit tired of the same old blacks or browns. Equally, darker varieties of these shades can be a good way of venturing into purple without making too much of a statement. 


Again, to find whether you have warmer undertones check the veins on your wrist – this time, they'd appear more green in colour, and in general, gold jewellery tends to suit you best. 


Not sure purple will suit your skin tone? Why not think about a red hair dye instead?

3

Peroxide and Ammonia Make Hair Dye Look Brighter and Last Longer, but Avoid These Ingredients if You Have Sensitive Skin

Peroxide and Ammonia Make Hair Dye Look Brighter and Last Longer, but Avoid These Ingredients if You Have Sensitive Skin

Most permanent hair dyes use ammonia to enable the dye to enter the hair shaft more deeply, which in turn creates a longer-lasting dye. Unfortunately, it doesn’t smell too pleasant, so you'll need a space where there is sufficient airflow. It can also make your hair brittle and straw-like when used over long periods of time.


Another ingredient to look out for that's found in both permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes is peroxide. This chemical is used to lighten the natural hair colour so the dye will have a brighter effect, but it can be irritating for those with sensitive scalps.


If you’d like to steer clear of these, plump for a completely natural or peroxide- or ammonia-free option. They may not last as long, but you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you won’t be damaging your hair or putting any animals through those bleaching processes either. 


If you're looking for a chemical-free way to dye your hair, take a look at some henna hair dyes.

4

Look For Included Extras Like Conditioner, Gloves and Application Tools to Make Dyeing Your Hair Easier

Look For Included Extras Like Conditioner, Gloves and Application Tools to Make Dyeing Your Hair Easier

For those that have naturally dry or thin hair or are concerned about damage, we’d recommend opting for a dye that comes with a complimentary conditioner. These will be much richer than normal conditioners and should help minimise the harsh effects of the chemicals whilst revitalising your hair with natural oils. 

 
Other handy extras to look out for are the tools used to dye your hair, such as gloves and an applicator bottle or brush. Home dyeing can be quite a messy business and you may not have these things on hand, so a dye that comes with these is always a bonus. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Purple Hair Dyes in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Schwarzkopf

Live Lightener + TwistCool Lilac

Schwarzkopf Live Lightener + Twist 1

Lightens Hair up to 5 Levels for Pastel Purple Shades

2

Garnier

Olia Bold Hair ColourRose Violet

Garnier Olia Bold Hair Colour 1

Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Dye

3

Paint Glow

Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3)Purple Fury

Paint Glow Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3) 1

Deeply Conditioning Semi-permanent Purple Hair Dye

4

Schwarzkopf

Live Colour + Lift (Pack of 3)Ultra Violet

Schwarzkopf Live Colour + Lift (Pack of 3) 1

Purple Dye for People With Dark Hair

5

L'Oréal

Colorista Permanent GelDark Purple

L'Oréal Colorista Permanent Gel 1

Deep Violet Hair Dye With a High-Intensity Shine

6

Schwarzkopf

Live Ultra Brights or PastelPurple Punk

Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Brights or Pastel 1

DIY Dye That Lets You Mix Your Own Shade

7

Manic Panic

Hair DyePurple Haze

Manic Panic Hair Dye 1

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Dye Straight From the 70s New York Punk Scene

8

La Riche

Directions Semi-Permanent Hair ColourLilac

La Riche Directions Semi-Permanent Hair Colour 1

Popular Peroxide and Ammonia-Free Dye for Purple Hair

9

Smart Beauty

Amethyst Purple

Smart Beauty Amethyst Purple 1

Vegan Friendly Colour With Anti-breakage Technology

10

Herbal Time

Hair Colouring CreamAubergine

Herbal Time Hair Colouring Cream 1

Natural Purple Dye With Henna and Essential Oils

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Schwarzkopf
Live Lightener + TwistCool Lilac

Live Lightener + Twist 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£4.79
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.79
Low Mid

Lightens Hair up to 5 Levels for Pastel Purple Shades

Taking our top spot is this Schwarzkopf Live Lightener + Twist. It offers you the ability to lighten your hair up to 5 shades, as well as providing a beautiful dusky lilac colour that's very much the height of fashion at the moment – and actually, is known for suiting many different skin tones. 


Furthermore, the dye claims to last up to a mega 28 washes, which is quite something for a colour that's already rather delicate. The box contains aftercare treatment too, which will add moisture and shine to your hair. For these reasons, this product takes our number 1 spot!  

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Garnier
Olia Bold Hair ColourRose Violet

Reference price
£6.99
Mid

Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Dye

This ammonia-free permanent dye from Garnier guarantees to cover 100% of grey hair. Also, it's created using oil extracts, which not only condition and keep your scalp irritation-free but will boost the colouring process, too. 


This flattering rose-violet will suit cooler skin types thanks to the pink undertones and is designed to cover blonde to mid-brown hair. With regards to the colour intensity, a reviewer even claimed they thought it was better, and lasted longer than a professional salon dye. Surely it's worth a go on that alone?! 

No.3

Paint Glow
Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3)Purple Fury

Rebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3) 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.99
High
Reference price
£17.99
High

Deeply Conditioning Semi-permanent Purple Hair Dye

Another semi-permanent natural masterpiece from vegan-friendly Paint Glow, this British-made hair dye is designed to make you stand out from the crowd. 'Purple Fury' adds bright beauty and vibrancy to your hair to get you noticed!


Moreover, this dye has an excellent conditioning effect thanks to the added nourishing ingredients, so although it doesn't provide any 'extras' as such, you shouldn't feel like you need a deep treatment afterwards. 

No.4

Schwarzkopf
Live Colour + Lift (Pack of 3)Ultra Violet

Reference price
£14.10
High Mid

Purple Dye for People With Dark Hair

The 'Colour Lift' range by Schwarzkopf has been created specifically for those with darker hair. That's not to say it won't work for you lighter-haired folk, but that it'll work just as well for everyone! The colour should naturally lighten up to 3 levels alongside dying, helping produce a dynamic and energetic colour.


Furthermore, there is a post-dye treatment included, as well as gloves, so all you need is a brush or a willing helper. Our favourite point? This offer includes 3 boxes for just over £14 on Amazon! An absolute bargain. 

No.5

L'Oréal
Colorista Permanent GelDark Purple

Reference price
£4.19
Low

Deep Violet Hair Dye With a High-Intensity Shine

If you're a brunette looking for those deep tones that will reveal themselves nonchalantly in the bright summer light, then this colour from L'Oréal is perfect. Also, thanks to the fact it's blended with 3 pure dyes, you'll get a high-intensity shine and a strong, shimmering result. 


Additionally, this box dye comes with gloves and an intense conditioning kit which should be applied once the colour has been washed out. This will help nourish and reinvigorate your hair.

No.6

Schwarzkopf
Live Ultra Brights or PastelPurple Punk

Live Ultra Brights or Pastel 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£5.79
Low Mid

DIY Dye That Lets You Mix Your Own Shade

We love the idea behind this – stick to the original vibrant purple, or mix it with the conditioner to lighten it to a more subtle pastel lilac that suits fairer colourings. Plus, over 3000 people have given it 4 stars or above on Amazon, so it must be doing something right! 


Moreover, reviewers have said that they can get up to 8 weeks out of one dye job, and they also love the gentle pink that it fades to throughout this process. As with other products, if you're one of the lucky ones who have long lush locks then you'll probably want to pick up a couple of packets just in case. 

No.7

Manic Panic
Hair DyePurple Haze

Hair Dye 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid
Reference price
£9.99
High Mid

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Dye Straight From the 70s New York Punk Scene

Manic Panic is owned by Tish and Snooky Bellomo, who were in the 70s band Blondie. From there they curated the punk rock look and became somewhat tastemakers before exposing it to the world. If anyone knows about making a bold hair statement, it's these lasses. 


All of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, too. This is a vibrant, out-there mid-purple that would suit medium or warmer skin tones, and should last between 4-6 weeks depending on how you care for your hair. 

No.8

La Riche
Directions Semi-Permanent Hair ColourLilac

Directions Semi-Permanent Hair Colour 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.69
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.69
Low Mid

Popular Peroxide and Ammonia-Free Dye for Purple Hair

British company Directions have been pumping out hair dyes encapsulating every spot on the colour wheel for years now, and they've even found their way onto some famous heads along the way. We love this gentle lilac colour, which will suit your style and tone whether you're a punk prince or a total glamourpuss. 


Again, if you have long or thick hair then we would recommend picking up more than one pot as they're only 88 ml, which could leave you with only half a head done. Also, be warned this dye will stain anything so be careful what you wear or sleep on! 

No.9

Smart Beauty
Amethyst Purple

Amethyst Purple 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Amethyst Purple 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Amethyst Purple 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Amethyst Purple 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.95
High Mid
Reference price
£9.95
High Mid

Vegan Friendly Colour With Anti-breakage Technology

If you're looking for an intense colour, that works on fair to light hair, then the Amythest Purple from Smart Beauty is a striking option. The colour plex technology nourishes and rebuilds the micro-bond structure of hair, making it healthier and stronger.


While it is cruelty-free and suitable for vegans, it does contain both peroxide and ammonia. It is also worth considering applying a colour protect serum to avoid the bold colour from fading quicker than desired.

No.10

Herbal Time
Hair Colouring CreamAubergine

Hair Colouring Cream 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Mid
Reference price
£5.99
Mid

Natural Purple Dye With Henna and Essential Oils

Getting us underway is this natural hair dye that contains henna, essential oils and nettle extract. This is a solid choice if you're known to have a sensitive scalp that could be irritated by harsh chemicals. The semi-permanent dye adequately covers grey hairs and is very simple to use. 


Furthermore, this dye lasts 6-8 washes, so depending on how often you clean your hair, it could stay in for over a month! A word of warning though, if you have particularly long (past shoulder length) or thick hair, then the manufacturers recommend using 2 boxes, which inevitably doubles the cost. 

Tips on How to Keep Purple Hair Looking Better for Longer

Tips on How to Keep Purple Hair Looking Better for Longer

There are a few helpful ways to keep your new purple hair looking better for longer, one of which is to avoid washing your hair for at least three days if possible. It's worth using a dry shampoo if your hair is especially oily to keep it looking nice and fresh!


It's also worth using special products designed at retaining dyed colours, such as creams, conditioners, and shampoos. Obviously, you'll want ones aimed at purple hair which will help restore any faded areas and it's well worth washing your hair with colder water in order to keep that colour locked in.

Written and researched by Lewis Clark

Top 5 Purple Hair Dyes

No. 1: SchwarzkopfLive Lightener + TwistCool Lilac

No. 2: GarnierOlia Bold Hair ColourRose Violet

No. 3: Paint GlowRebellious Colours Semi-Permanent Hair Dye (Pack of 3)Purple Fury

No. 4: SchwarzkopfLive Colour + Lift (Pack of 3)Ultra Violet

No. 5: L'OréalColorista Permanent GelDark Purple

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