Nothing adds a bounce to your step quite like a fresh dye job, and lavender hair is breezy, fresh, and the perfect color for spring. The lavender-hair-color trend is exactly as it sounds: a light shade of purple reminiscent of the delicate budding plant that covers meadows in the English countryside. This isn't the first time that we've seen this hue, but like most trends, it's made a triumphant return and coming in hot - or more like cool once you catch sight of this silvery shine. It may seem like a complicated process to go from your natural hair color to lavender, but with the help of a professional stylist, you can reach your dream hue in no time. No matter if you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, it's flattering on everyone. Ahead, two hair experts share everything you need to know about going lavender, including how to maintain the color at home.
What Is Lavender Hair?
Lavender can also be described as pastel purple. "The hair needs to be bleached to almost white to get the lavender color," Rita Hazan, a celebrity hair colorist, tells POPSUGAR. Whether you go for a full head of color, a few strategically placed highlights, or silver-lavender hair, there are endless ways to wear the shade. Jason Backe, master colorist and cofounder of Starring by Ted Gibson, says there are two methods for achieving the look: You can do it yourself with an at-home hair-color kit or you can see a professional, which is recommended. "Make sure to bring in some inspo pictures, and be open to the pro's opinion," Backe says.
Best Lavender-Hair-Dye Options
- "There are several great colors you can play with, but I love the classic Manic Panic Velvet Violet ($14)," Backe says.
- Hazan always recommends the Pulp Riot Semi-Permanent Hair Color Lilac ($17) and Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Tint Semi-Permanent Hair Color ($17), and we like the Good Dye Young Semi Permanent Purple Hair Dye in Stoned Pony ($19).
- Both hair colorists say the lighter your natural or starting shade is, the more vibrant the pastel lavender hair color will turn out.
At-Home Options
If you'd rather attempt to color your hair at home, there are plenty of lavender-hair-dye options out there to choose from.
- Classic Manic Panic Velvet Violet
- Pulp Riot Lilac
- Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Tint in a lavender shade
- Good Dye Young Purple Hair Dye in Stoned Pony
For best results, lighter starting hair will yield brighter, more vibrant lavender. Always follow product instructions and consider a strand test before full application.
How to Maintain Lavender Hair at Home
No matter what color you go with, you can't escape a little hair maintenance, and lavender is no exception. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that frequent showering will cause your color to fade faster. That doesn't mean you have to avoid washing your hair altogether; instead, try cutting back on shampooing and use a dry shampoo. When you need a good rinse, look for shampoos formulated for color-treated hair. Lavender color seems to be slowly conquering the world, with options to dye all-lavender, highlights, underlayer color, or color blocks. Proper maintenance is essential to keep the pastel glow alive.
To make the color bloom longer, consider these practical approaches:
- Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and follow with a hydrating leave-in conditioner.
- Limit heat styling; when you do style, use a heat protectant and the lowest effective heat.
- In between washes, refresh with dry shampoo to extend vibrancy.
Lavender hair color offers a vast spectrum of looks-from full-lavender to lavender highlights, ombre, or bold color blocks. Here are some popular ideas to consider:
- Elaborately mixed lavender shades from roots to ends for a dimensional look.
- Lavender face-framing streaks to add a pop of color near the face.
- Porcelain skin tones paired with darker lavender hues for contrast.
- Bright lavender cascading from roots into platinum, creating a striking effect.
- Blonde lavender for long, wavy locks that catch the light.
- Balayage transitions from dark roots to pastel lavender ends for a natural fade.
- Ashy lavender with a brighter underlayer for a two-tone effect.
- Pastel lavender on a silver base to brighten fair skin tones.
- Lavender ombré on dark roots to keep maintenance reasonable.
- Metallic silver lavender for a moody, edgy vibe.
- Dark lavender for deeper, more dramatic impact on warm skin tones.
- Black-to-lavender ombre for a low-maintenance daily look with high impact.
- Light lilac-lavender shade on blonde bases requires patience and conditioning.
- Your stylist can tailor shades and techniques to your face shape and skin tone.
Before your next coloring appointment, check out photos of lavender ideas and discuss maintenance expectations with your colorist. The key is choosing a lavender tone that complements your skin tone and lifestyle, then committing to a routine that preserves vibrancy.
Maintenance and Care Essentials
Lavender hair, like other vibrant hues, fades over time. Regular touch-ups at the salon (every 4-8 weeks, depending on base color and washing frequency) help maintain intensity. Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Hydration is crucial, so consider weekly deep conditioning masks or glosses from your colorist. If you have platinum or very light bases, be mindful of porosity and consider protein treatments to keep hair healthy during color transitions.
For those with dark brown or black hair seeking lavender highlights or ombre, expect a noticeable bleaching process. A professional colorist can assess porosity and guide you toward the gentlest path to your desired lavender shade while preserving hair integrity.
Lavender Ideas for Different Hair Types
- Soft lavender waves with layered texture for medium length hair.
- Lavender blonde balayage with long layers for movement and glow.
- Short lavender bob that flatters fair skin tones and thick textures.
- A-line haircut with lavender tones for a mixed, fade-friendly approach.
- Edgy light purple bob for a subtle yet modern twist, especially for glasses wearers.
- Medium-length lavender waves for beachy vibes and easy styling.
- Dark roots fading into lavender ends for low-maintenance growth and color longevity.
- Platinum lavender balayage paired with a beach-waves style for a mermaid-inspired look.
- Pastel peach and lavender tones for a two-tone chic combination that suits all skin tones.
- Blue-lavender blends and other multi-tone effects to create dimensional fashion colors.
Lavender hair color is a trendy way to jazz up your personal style and express your vibrant personality. When choosing lavender as your statement color, don’t overlook getting into a proper maintenance routine to help your mermaid tresses glow longer. Lavender hair is a versatile, feminine shade that ranges from edgy to soft, adapting to various skin tones and hair textures.
For deeper inspiration, consider how lavender highlights on dark brown hair create a bold look, or how lavender ombré on darker bases can offer a dramatic but still wearable transition. The key is to align the shade with your undertones and lifestyle while planning regular upkeep to keep the lavender vivid and healthy.
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