Believe it or not, purple is one of the most versatile bright hues you can choose for your hair. Whether you have blonde, brunette, kinky coils, or fine strands, there’s a shade of purple that suits you perfectly. Starting with highlights is an excellent way to experiment with this bold color without committing to an all-over dye job. To help guide you, we’ve consulted two expert hair colorists for tips on achieving and maintaining purple highlights. Keep reading for 46 stunning hairstyles featuring purple highlights to inspire your next salon appointment.

How to Achieve Purple Highlights

For the best results, visit a professional colorist, as achieving purple highlights often requires lightening your hair first. If you’re not ready for frequent touch-ups, opt for lighter lavender shades, which fade more gracefully than deep violets. You might also explore similar shades like dark purple or blue highlights to find what works best for you.

Can you add purple highlights to brown hair? Absolutely! Purple highlights look fantastic on all shades of brown hair. Lighter purples will pop against darker bases, while deeper shades like plum or eggplant blend seamlessly for a natural balayage effect.

How much does it cost? Prices typically range from $50 to $150, depending on your natural hair color, the number of highlights desired, and the salon’s location (urban areas tend to be pricier).

How to Maintain Purple Highlights

Purple highlights require regular maintenance, with touch-ups every six to eight weeks depending on your shade. If you have light hair and choose a lavender or lilac tone, you can stretch the time between appointments if you don’t mind the grow-out phase. The same applies to darker shades like deep violet or plum on brunette or black hair.

Tips to make purple highlights last longer:

• Wash your hair no more than twice a week using a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Minimize heat styling to prevent fading.
• Wear a hat outdoors to protect your hair from UV rays that can lighten the color.

40 Purple Highlight Hairstyles to Try

01. Half-Up Half-Down Braids

This style showcases purple highlights beautifully, especially when woven into darker brunette shades. Paired with a middle part and half-up, half-down styling, it creates a chic and effortless look.

02. Purple Waves

Add purple highlights to enhance wavy hair for a mermaid-inspired vibe that works for any occasion.

03. Vanilla Lavender

Pair vibrant purple with blonde hair for a striking contrast. This “lavender-vanilla latte” look uses slices of lavender dye for a soft yet saturated finish.

04. Asymmetrical Bob

Missy Elliott rocks purple highlights on jet-black hair, proving how eye-catching this combination can be. Paired with a metallic purple lip, it’s a bold statement.

05. Purple Haze

These long, brown beach waves feature mulberry highlights that are saturated yet subtle. Maintain softness with a good post-color care routine, including hydrating masks and the right shampoo.

06. Purple and Gray Highlights

Try a creative ombré effect with violet-to-gray highlights in a layered shag cut. This root melt technique grows out beautifully.

07. Peek-a-Boo Lavender

For a subtle touch of purple, opt for peekaboo highlights. Cooler blonde tones pair better with lavender than warmer shades, so ensure your base color complements the highlights.

08. Oil Slick Hair

Combine green and purple for a mesmerizing oil slick effect. This look works best on cool-toned brown hair.

09. Dipped Eggplant

Take the dip-dye trend up a notch with eggplant purple ends. Add glamorous curls to showcase the glossy finish.

10. Vibrant Violet

This deep violet works beautifully on darker bases with neutral or cool undertones. Use a foilyage technique to pre-lighten sections before applying the color.

11. Sleek Ombré

Elevate a straightened lob with vibrant purple ombré. If you don’t already have short hair, now’s the perfect time to make the chop.

12. Dark Purple

This purple balayage looks effortless but requires precision. A colorist lifts the natural hair color and tones it with different violet hues before styling it in sleek beach waves.

13. Braided Maxi Bun

Peekaboo violet highlights add a cool vibe, especially when styled in an updo. Works best with dark brown or black hair.

14. Multidimensional Berry

Incorporate multiple shades of purple and red for a multidimensional berry effect. Perfect for brunettes looking to add depth.

15. Purple and White Braided Ponytail

Mix lavender, white, and pastel purple in a high braided ponytail for a gradient effect. Leaving out roots or tips adds drama.

16. Faded Waves

Let your purple highlights fade naturally into a softer hue. This low-maintenance option still looks stylish.

17. Deep Magenta

Is it pink? Is it purple? This magenta shade works on both warm and cool dark bases. Pair it with bold makeup for a red-carpet-ready look.

18. Spray-On Streaks

Temporary purple streaks are perfect for those hesitant to commit. They look dramatic on straight to slightly wavy hair.

19. Saturated Ends

Give your ends a bold makeover with vibrant mauve highlights. Ideal for long hair or experimenting with extensions.

20. Purple High Ponytail

A high ponytail with purple highlights is a showstopper. Ensure your hair is healthy enough to handle the lightening and coloring process.

21. Grape Soda Chic

Blend your base color with a bright grape soda hue using a melting technique. Low-maintenance and soft, even as it grows out.

22. Subtle Lowlights

Pastel purple lowlights add dimension to cool blonde hair. Style in waves for a similar effect.

23. Muted Purple

Subtle streaks of wine-colored purple complement dark brunette locks beautifully. Achieve this with balayage and a reddish-purple toner.

24. Beachy Streaks

Add soft, light purple strands to highlighted beach waves for a fun yet natural look.

25. Duo Chromatic

Combine purple and pink in a maxi braided style for a playful twist.

26. Tousled Hair

Enhance naturally wavy hair with subtle purple streaks. Use a texturizing spray to complete the look.

27. Pops of Purple

Super-subtle plum streaks blend seamlessly into a curled, angled bob.

28. Plum Streaks

Rich plum highlights complement dark brown hair perfectly. Piecey layers add extra dimension.

29. Just the Ends

Dip-dye your tips or add subtle lowlights for an understated yet stylish look.

30. Pink and Purple Blend

Blend pink and purple highlights for a cohesive, tonal effect. Worth the wait, even if it takes multiple sessions.

31. Subtle Strands

Start small with a few spread-out purple strands. A low bun makes them stand out.

32. Neon Purple

Go bold with bright, saturated purple highlights. Protect the pigment with color-safe products.

33. Lilac Babylights

Try subtle lilac babylights for a soft, pastel effect. Works well on light blondes and cool browns.

34. Multidimensional Braid

Combine blonde and purple highlights in a sleek braid for a rich, dimensional look.

35. Magenta Magic

Ease into neon with adventurous magenta streaks in a choppy, layered cut.

Pro Tip: Avoid using expensive, light-colored towels and sheets, as purple hues may transfer.

36. Lavender Blonde

Upgrade a dirty blonde with lavender and platinum highlights. Long layers and beach waves enhance the multidimensional effect.

37. Wavy Lob

Pair rich purple highlights with a warm dirty blonde for a stunning wavy lob.

38. Layers on Layers Ombré

Use an ombré technique to add progressively lighter shades for maximum dimension.

39. Straight Streaks

Experiment with purple balayage on a lob with bangs. Natural roots and contrasting bangs create drama.

40. Purple Ice

This translucent mix of gray and violet purple looks stunning on light or bleached hair.

With these 46 wearable purple highlight hairstyles, you’re sure to find inspiration for your next bold hair transformation!