Three women with wavy purple ombre hair

20 Best Purple Ombre Hair Colour Ideas to Try This Year

Discover the best purple hues for your hair type.

Purple ombre hair is a fun, playful hair colour trend that can range in hue from pastel, silvery lilac to almost neon purple. You can opt for the traditional “dip dye” ombre where colour is placed at the ends. Other options include reverse ombre, or dyeing your hair platinum blonde, pastel or a metallic shade, and then finishing off your style with a purple ombre.

However you can imagine purple ombre hair, it can be created! Spend time with your colourist going over all of the options open to your hair type and texture. More than likely, though, dark hair will need to be pre-lightened, as creative colours show up better on lighter hair. However, rest assured that no matter what shade your base is, there is a purple ombre look for you.

So what are you waiting for?! Check out some of our favourite purple ombre hair ideas, below.

Purple Bouquet Ombre

The colours of this purple ombre hairstyle reminds us of a floral bouquet, with strands of silvery lilac, pastel and darker purple hues.

Graduated Violet

Can’t decide between going for a vibrant purple or a more subdued pastel hue? You can have both with this two-in-one which blends from a darker shade at the roots to pastel lilac at the ends.

TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Shampoo

Editor’s tip: If these purple ombre looks are calling out to you, you’ll need to make sure you’re using a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep the colour looking vibrant. Our go-to for coloured hair? The TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner, which help to keep coloured hair vibrant and luminous for up to 11 weeks. This duo also contains UV filter technology to help protect against dullness and damage.

Two-Tone Purple

Looking for an unforgettable look that’ll truly set you apart? Channel the Harley Quinn vibes with this two-tone purple ombre hair look, with two contrasting purple hues.

Ombre Lob

Don’t let having short hair stop you from living your best ombre life! Ombre looks amazing on all hair lengths and can actually make even more of an impact on shorter hair. Case in point: this Instagrammer’s sleek violet lob.

Mermaid Ombre

Want everyone to really take notice of your purple ombre hair? Then team it up with really light hue, like a platinum blonde and finish it off by styling with loose, mermaid waves.

Metallic Lilac

If understated is more your vibe or you’ve got darker brunette hair, consider this muted metallic lilac hue, which boasts more of an ashy tone.

Grape Ombre

This is a pretty cool combo; bright fuchsia and grape purple come together to create this fun and vibrant look.

Purple Pony

Ombre can transform even the most basic hairstyles, like this magenta ponytail.

Editor’s tip: Colouring your hair can leave it feeling dry, which can lead to frizz and dullness. Hair oils are great for giving your strands some much-needed moisture. Apply a few drops of the VO5 Invisibly Light Hair Oil through from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. It will make your hair feel soft and smooth and looking ultra shiny.

Violet Ombre

Woman with curly violet purple ombre hair

Adding different tones of purple with highlights instantly gives any look a more bespoke effect that’s unique to you! Ask your colourist for a consultation before your colour appointment so that you can talk through which shades will work best with your skin tone and current hair colour.

Straight Hair Ombre

Woman with straight purple ombre hair with a fringe

We often see ombre hair on wavy or curly hair but ombre is also great for adding a touch of colour to straight hair, without having to change from your go-to style.

Purple Natural Hair

Woman with curly purple ombre natural hair

Whether it’s a slight violet tint or a bold contrasting hue, purple ombre will transform your natural curls and really make them pop.

Purple Braids

close up of a purple ombre fishtail braid
Purple fishtail braid. Credit: Instagram.com/beautybyashley

We love the subtle tones of purple in this fishtail braid (ombre hair doesn’t have to be flashy!). The proof that deep purples can complement dark hair and provide a soft, barely-there look. Credit: @beautybyashley

Purple Wedding Hair

woman with purple ombre hair in a woven updo with flowers added in
Purple tousled hair. Credit: Instagram.com/hairbyjenaj

Purple hair might not sound like your usual go-to colour for a wedding but this Instagram post has definitely convinced us otherwise. Credit: @hairbyjenaj

Parma Violet Hair

woman with lilac ombre ends on platinum blonde hair
Lilac ends. Credit: Instagram.com/hairriet

Applying a soft lilac colour to your ends is a great way to subtly tap into the trend. This lovely Instagrammer proves this with her platinum blonde and Parma Violet sweets inspired dip-dye look. Credit: @hairriet

Hidden Colour

back view of a woman with a blonde and purple ombre bob
Blonde and violet ombre bob. Credit: Instagram.com/nailsbyabbys

Why not use deep purples to enhance the shape of your new cut? We love how the violet is concentrated underneath and veiled by soft, blonde layers. Credit: @nailsbyabbysj

Reverse Ombre

woman with a reverse purple ombre hairstyle wearing sunglasses and a striped top
Reverse purple ombre. Credit: Instagram.com/nataliadidmyhair

Roots don’t have to be dreaded. Turn the purple trend on its head and experiment with a reverse ombre by gradually working purple hues into platinum-blonde shades (bright purple is a great way to celebrate your roots!). Credit: @nataliadidmyhair

Sweet Candy Hues

Candy pinks perfectly complement purple. So it seems natural to consider the blend before your next trip to the salon. Add it to the ends of blonde hair for a striking, sunset-inspired look.

Editor’s tip: Treating your hair to regular masks is key to maintaining the condition of coloured hair. The TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Mask is a sulphate-free deep conditioner which provides intense nourishment to dry, coloured hair. Infused with camellia oil for vibrancy and shine, work it into your hair care routine once a week to keep your strands happy and healthy.

Dark Purple Ombre

back view of a woman with a dark purple ombre hairstyle in long curls
Dark purple hair. Credit: Instagram.com/tiffanymhair

If you already have a dark hair colour, consider enhancing it with a purple ombre. Bright colours don’t just look great on light hair! Credit: @tiffanymhair

Ombre with an Undercut

woman with a purple ombre style with a patterned undercut
Purple ombre undercut. Credit: Instagram.com/musicaljay88

We love the deep, indigo purple roots created by this Instagrammer – especially with the ‘secret’ chevron-patterned undercutCredit: @musicaljay88

Crimped

woman with a purple ombre crimped hairstyle
Crimped purple ombre. Credit: Instagram.com/Okidokiokami

Crimping and purple ombre hair? Before you shake your head, just have a look at Instagrammer ‘90s-inspired look. The ’90s are having a huge revival right now and this look is the perfect way to get involved with this throwback trend. Credit: @okidokiokami

 

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