A plum hair color is a hue of purple with subtle hints of brown inspired by the shade of plum fruit. Dyeing your locks with this color is a chic way to step out of your comfort zone and impress everyone with this vibrant tone. Draw inspiration from Katy Perry, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jessie J’s trendsetting plum hairstyles!
Contrast is what you want to consider when choosing which shade to wear. From pastels to vivid shades – there will certainly be a suitable shade for every complexion and eye color. Fair to medium complexions appear gorgeous with cooler shades of plum, while warmer tones complement darker skin beautifully.
According to Hairstylist Maly Souvannasap of Ogden, UT, “Plum hair colors can be quite high-maintenance because reds and violets fade quickly and need touch-ups roughly every 4-6 weeks.”
Plum makes your strands shine fabulously under any light, provided you keep them healthy and well-cared-for. To achieve this, investing in top-tier hair care products, steering clear of damaging styling techniques, and adhering to your colorist’s advice can make a significant difference. There are a few at-home hair dyes available to help you attain a plum hair color, but results may not be as impressive as those produced by a colorist because of the unique hue.
Before your next hair coloring session, take a look at these inspiring images of plum hair color ideas!
Subtle Ombre from Dark to Light Plum
This stunning plum ombre hair was created by balayage specialist Michelle Hernandez of Fresno, CA. “The best thing about this look is anyone can rock it – young and old. The fun part is that there are two levels of violet. You have your deep plum color transitioning to the lighter red-violet,” she notes.
Hernandez believes anyone can pull off this shade. “You could go from the salon to the office. For maintenance with any color service, you’ll need to use color-safe shampoo to enhance longevity and vibrancy. Wash less frequently. Use protective serum when using hot tools,” she adds.
Elegant Plum Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
Combine a pixie cut with side bangs to achieve a chic, polished appearance. A vibrant plum hair color brings a playful edge to women with olive skin tones—style with a straight textured fringe to enhance the overall look.
Elegant Ashy Gray Plum Hair
The elegant ashy gray plum hair color is both sophisticated and chic. Purple tones with subtle cool undertones create a delicate smokey effect. For optimal results, request your stylist to lighten your hair using a balayage technique to a light pale yellow, followed by the application of an ashy silver and soft purple toner. Complete the look with loose, airy curls that showcase the beautiful cool grey plum hues.
Stylish Light Plum Hair Shade
Use a straightening iron to achieve this elegant light plum hair shade for women. The violet tone should evoke a sense of adventure. Hazel eyes would complement this timeless plum hue beautifully.
Deep Eggplant Plum Hue
This deep eggplant plum hue is a rooted color melt created by stylist and colorist Katelynn Hillenbrand of Centereach, NY.
“Ask your colorist to work with your tones to create exactly what you’ve been searching for, a mix of plum and jam tones with a deeper brown root,” says Hillenbrand.
With different variants of plum, Hillenbrand advises you to open up a conversation about maintenance and color preservation with at-home care before the color service with your colorist. “If you’re looking to have this rich plum hair color, you’re in for some upkeep,” she notes.
Consider 6-week upkeep appointments that include a root touch-up and creative color glaze. Purples and plums like this are great for a bit of an edge that’s still workplace acceptable in most cases!
Deep Brown Plum
A tone of deep brown plum offers a subtle, playful hue ideal for daily wear. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance! Balayage expert Alissa Erin from Statesboro, GA, is the artist behind this stunning design.
Erin utilized the color melt method for this look. “I combined two shades to achieve a smooth transition,” she explains. “Every few months, I will hand-paint balayage on the ends to refresh their appearance,” she shares.
Rich Dark Brown Hair Accentuated with Mahogany Plum Highlights
This rich dark brown hair with mahogany plum highlights features show-stopping long plum locks bedazzled with deep lilac. Say goodbye to a dull dark base with this plum red hue; you’ll certainly be a head-turner!
Chilly Plum Shade
The chilly plum shade is a blend of pastel lilac and silvery blonde. This icy plum tone is ideal for women with fair skin tones. It’s also a fantastic way to enhance any hairstyle.
Plum Rose Shade
Consider a plum rose shade if you’re bold but prefer to steer clear of bright hair tones. Cosmetologist Izzy Rooney from Ohio achieved this lovely rosy plum hue using a hand-painted balayage technique.
When sporting this hue, Rooney advises, “Make sure you use lukewarm or cold water when you shampoo. And always opt for a sulfate-free product.”
Lavender Plum Hair Color
Explore the stunning lavender plum hair color to play with shades that transition into a fresh icy blonde. Hair color specialist Laura Dixon of the UK created this vibrant, beautiful hue using a balayage technique.
“I applied a freehand-painted balayage method to lift sections in the grown-out roots. This adds depth and allows the color to shine,” Dixon explains. The colors utilized are from Schwarzkopf Professional.
Deep Magenta Plum
Deep magenta plum hair color blends pink, red, and purple tones to create a rich yet vibrant shade. Incorporate some natural hair colors for a seamless grow-out and enhanced dimension.
Vibrant Dark Plum on a Medium-Length Bob
She was adoring this striking dark plum shade on her mid-length bob cut! Stylist Elissa blended in purple balayage with this hue of plum for a touch of dimension.
Galaxy Plum Shades
A galaxy plum shade is an exciting hair color option for girls who want to achieve a rich iridescent hue. The galaxy effect presents a deeper variation compared to the unicorn hair trend. It creates depth and provides an array of tones, giving the hair a fuller appearance.
Short Hair Styled in Violet Plum Hue
Radiant plum purple and burgundy highlights illuminate your look, dear! Bouncy jaw-length hair with this plum hair dye is a showstopper.
Deep Plum Hair
Mulberry deep plum hair on waves is stunning! Colorist Jules helps you navigate a bad hair day with this unbeatable combination of a deep plum color and wavy style.
Stunning Plum Toned Hair Featuring a Pink Money Piece
A stunning plum-toned butterfly cut featuring a pink money piece should be at the top of your list for your next color. The plum or burgundy shades in the hair are ideal for those with naturally dark hair. Try it if you’re seeking a more vibrant hue. Darker hair naturally contains red underlying pigment, which helps the color to last longer. Ask your stylist for a larger or smaller money piece, based on your personal preference or style. Wash hair with cold water and sulfate-free shampoos to maintain the color’s vibrancy.
Fuchsia Plum
A fuchsia plum balayage is an excellent choice for women who wish to experiment with bold colors in their hair. Vibrant shades tend to complement those with darker locks, while lighter hues suit women with fairer hair. To maintain the vibrancy of the color, rinse with cool water.
Rich Plum Hair Shade
This rich plum hair shade is a refined way of adding some flair in the professional world. This plum hue was crafted by hair artist Francine Estrada of El Paso, TX.
“Cool-toned plum shades are a stepping stone to going with a more adventurous look and color,” says Estrada.
Burgundy Plum Shade
“This burgundy plum hair color is perfect for women seeking a unique yet understated appearance,” says hairstylist Maly Souvannasap of Ogden, UT. “If you previously had a light brown balayage and want this plum hue, go for it! Using the right products will also make this come alive.”
Souvannasap says your hair would either need to be all-natural and never colored or have any highlights to get this plum-burgundy hair color to show. “Also, note that it does take good quality shampoos and hair products to keep your hair looking its best! Talk to your stylist about the different hair products they recommend to keep this color looking fresh,” she adds.
Vibrant Plum Hair Dye
A vibrant plum hair dye looks playful and bold, and the best part is its minimal upkeep! Color specialist Darcee Williams of Ohio mentions this hue will soften with several washes and revert to a natural brown.
“This was created by doing an all-over color on virgin hair,” she explains. “I used the Joico Lumishine 4VV 30 volume.” While this plum purple hair shade is attainable on all types of hair, Williams believes it shines brightest on virgin strands.
Plum and Jet Black Balayage
This is a plum balayage, featuring a vibrant plum hue on deep black hair. It was crafted by stylist Kaylee Lamy of Winnipeg, MB.
“It consists of rich purple tones, softly blended into a dark brown base to provide exquisite depth and a bold statement,” explains Lamy. “The most remarkable aspect of this black plum hair color is when the light shines on it. It creates illusions of various purples. A single hair dye won’t generate this color illusion.”
Balayage is excellent for a natural grow-out. The technique “balayage” is gentle and artistically applied to the hair. Often, the balayage technique must initially be performed as a lightening service to achieve that true color you see in the image.
Lamy advises, “To maintain your color’s vibrancy requires regular touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks on average. This color is ideal for women who don’t spend excessive time in the sun or chlorine. If you do spend time in the sun, opt for shampoo with UV and color protection.”
She explains, “Due to the pre-lightening for the balayage base of this service, using a leave-in conditioner (for strength and anti-breakage) is beneficial to assist with how chemically treated hair can behave and feel. Prepare your style with a heat protectant to maintain and prevent the early fading of the stunning plum. Shielding from the high heat of styling tools also leads to healthier hair, which translates to richer, shinier colors.”
Vibrant Plum Highlights with Dark Roots
Mix deep cherry red with your natural, dark roots for a stunning plum hairstyle. This playful color is a fantastic way to express your edgy side.
Plum-Toned Roots on Blonde Hair
Plum-toned roots on blonde hair are a fantastic color technique that adds depth and vibrancy to blonde hair. A plum purple shadow root on highlighted or solid blonde hair allows for a more gradual grow-out and is currently on-trend. Consult your stylist about using a semi-permanent plum color on your roots for a stunning root melt effect and manageable upkeep.
Stunning Plum-Tinted Lived-In Hairstyle
This stunning plum-tinted hairstyle is ideal for those seeking low-maintenance options. These plum hair hue ideas bring warmth to the complexion and provide a delightful splash of color. I highly recommend using a color-protecting shampoo and cooler water. Handle hot tools with care and steer clear of the pool. This will help the color endure for as long as possible.
Curly Tresses in Plum Purple
Stylist Summer created this plum purple hair color trend with the aim of maintaining a natural look. The gentle purple shade and flawless plum curls come together for a luminous effect.
Chocolate and Plum Balayage Technique
Remarkable change by colorist Audree where chocolate brown and burgundy plum were blended seamlessly. If you enjoy balayage on your dark hair, consider a chocolate plum hue for a distinctive touch.
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