15 Best Purple Hair Colour Ideas for Women in 2020

Want purple hair inspiration that's been celebrity-approved? Say no more.  

No question about it, purple hair is one of the coolest, most dramatic colour looks this year – and we’re loving how our favourite A-list icons are rocking the trend. Not only is it a hue that stands out against the ocean of other hair colours, but there’s a fantastic scope of shades to choose from, too!

Desperate to try the trend but unsure of where to start? We’ve got your back. Whether you’re tempted by dark and luxurious jewel tones or a more subtle lavender balayage, we have all the purple hair inspiration you could ever need, below. Get ready to make that salon appointment…

Kelly Osbourne’s silvery lilac waves

purple-hair-inspiration-kelly-osbourne
Stunning silvery lilac hair: Kelly Osbourne. Credit: Getty Images

Purple hair is one of Kelly Osbourne’s signature looks – and for good reason, too (doesn’t it just suit her porcelain skin tone and bubbly personality to a T?).

Nicole Richie’s lavendar bob

nicole richie with purple wavy bob on red carpet
Ultra-sweet lavendar hair: Nicole Richie. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Nicole Richie is certainly no stranger to wild and wondrous hair colour transformations – but one of our favourite looks from the icon has to be this pretty, lavender wavy bob. We’re sure you’ll agree, the pastel pink undertones pair with the purple like an absolute dream!

Ellie Goulding’s washed-out purple hue

purple-hair-inspiration-ellie-goulding
Grungy washed-out purple hair: Ellie Goulding. Credit: Getty Images

The distinctive British popstar’s rendition of purple hair has to be one of the most wearable and charming takes on the look. The warm, washed-out pastel undertones make this the ideal hue to help ease hair colour newbies into the trend.

Editor’s tip: Think purple locks could be your next hair colour update? Then don’t forget to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically for dyed hair, like the Dove Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner.

Kaya Scodelario’s purple ombre hair

kaya scoldelario with dark hair and purple ombre hair
Subtle purple ombre hair: Kaya Scodelario. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Although Kaya Scodelario only dipped her toes into the purple hair trend for a short while, it’s a look we instantly fell in love with. Contrasting her medium, dark curly tresses with purple ombre tips, the effect was both subtle and stunning.

Lupita Nyong’o’s violet afro

purple-hair-inspiration-lupita-nyong-o
Sultry violet hair: Lupita Nyong’o. Credit: Getty Images

Proving that purple hair doesn’t always have to be done on straight hair12 Years A Slave star Lupita Nyong’o dyed her afro hair a seductively deep violet hue for the Met Gala.

Megan Nicole’s sleek aubergine hair

megan nicole with dark purple hair on the red carpet
Sophistcated aubergine hair: Megan Nicole. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

With dip-dyed dark purple hair, Megan Nicole’s stunning, glossy black tresses became even more envy-inducing. The rich shade of purple also complemented her piercing brown eyes perfectly – now that’s what we call a match made in heaven!

Katy Perry’s punky pastel bob

purple hair inspiration katy perry
Punky pastel purple hair: Katy Perry. Credit: Getty Images

Pop princess Katy Perry‘s adventures into purple hair territory has seen her sporting a dark, gothic look. She has also tested out much sweeter, lilac hues, which she expertly pairs with a short wavy bob, in the picture above.

Irene Kim’s unicorn hair

irene kim with pink purple hair in a bob style
Colourful unicorn-inspired pastel bob: Irene Kim. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Last September, Irene Kim popped up on our radar as a street style hero during fashion week, with her gorgeous multi-coloured unicorn hair. Her strands features pretty shades of lavender and is perfect those of you looking for a style bursting with creative flair!

Justine Skye’s violet box braids

justine skye with purple box braids at coachella
Violet box braids: Justine Skye. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Justine Skye often rocks purple hair for high-profile events – and we think we know why. The look flatters her skin tone like a dream and also draws attention to her amazing face shape.

Hatty Keane’s dusty mauve quiff

hatty keane with purple hair on the red carpet
Dusty mauve quiff: Hatty Keane. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Short hair looks especially cool with a pretty, unnatural shade – and Hatty Keane’s dusty mauve quiff proves this no end. Pair the look with a pretty purple pout and you’ll be good to #slay!

Kayah Jones’ purple balayage hair

kayah jones with long purple hair on the red carpet
Pink and lavendar balayage hair: Kayah Jones. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Love pink and purple hair colours? You don’t have to pick just one; try blending them together a la Kayah Jones with a balayage technique, for a pinkish-purple shade that’s totally unique.

Brooklyn’s silvery lilac hair

brooklyn with pastel lilac hair on the red carpet
Shiny silvery violet hair: Brooklyn. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

This shimmery, almost metallic lilac hue is great for those of you who love the look of grey hair, as it will likely fade to silver! Two trends at once? Sign us up!

Jodie Marsh’s neon purple hair

jodie marsh with neon purple ponytail wearing dungarees
Neon purple hair: Jodie Marsh. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If aren’t one to shy away from all things light and bright, this head-turning neon hue we spotted on Jodie Marsh is the one for you. So the question is: are you ready to step into the spotlight?

Dawn Olivieri’s amethyst highlights

dawn olivieri with purple highlights in her hair
Amethyst highlights: Dawn Olivieri. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Bored of your dark brown hair? Try getting some jewel-inspired amethyst highlights done! It’s less drastic than getting an all over dye, but still offers up a big style change.

Andrea Russett’s juicy plum hair

andrea russet with plum wavy hair wearing black dress
Plum purple hair: Andrea Russett. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Looking for a deeper, darker purple hair colour to try this year? Maybe it’s time try plum hair. Looking as pretty as it sounds, this juicy, grown-up colour is perfect for those of you with warmer complexions who aren’t afraid to go big and bold.

 

Have these celebrity-inspired shades tempted you to join the bright side? Then get yourself over to our Hair Colours page for all the latest hues and red carpet inspiration to take your fancy!

Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair.

Subscribe