AF Blog — purple hair

Look, transitioning from red to purple hair color isn't just possible—it's actually one of the smoothest color moves you can make. 

We've seen thousands of transformations, and this combo consistently delivers stunning results without damaging your hair. Let's break down exactly how to nail it with Arctic Fox.

Color Wheel Logic: Why Covering Red Hair with Purple Hair Dye Actually Works

Quick color theory breakdown: red and purple sit right next to each other on the color wheel, making them natural hair color transition partners. 

This proximity means you can shift from red to purple hair dye without creating those tragic, muddy tones that happen when you try to force incompatible colors together.

This positioning is why you won't need to bleach first—the colors will blend rather than fight each other. Trust us, your hair will thank you.

How to Cover Bright Red Hair Color with Purple Hair Dye

Poison covered with Violet Dream

Got a true red hair color like Poison lighting up your head? Violet Dream is your solution for turning those red locks into a stunning purple moment.

The science here is straightforward: Violet Dream's magenta undertones beautifully complement the orange tones found in Poison, creating a vibrant, warm-toned violet that looks intentional and harmonious rather than accidental.

For flawless application:

1. Start with completely dry, clean hair for maximum color deposit (seriously, don't skip this)

2. Section properly with our Alligator Clips—rushing this step is how you get patchy results

3. Process for 40+ minutes, the longer you leave it on, the more vibrant your color payoff will be

4. Rinse with the coldest water you can stand and only use color-safe hair products

The result is that show-stopping purple hair color that radiates warmth and originality in any environment.

How to Cover Cherry Red Hair Color with Purple Hair Dye

Wrath covered with Purple AF

If you're working with Wrath and its pink undertones, Purple AF is going to be your best friend for making the hair color switch with minimal damage.

This combo works because the pink base in Wrath already has some of the tones you need for purple—you're just pushing it further in that direction with our highly pigmented Fox Fam favorite. 

For this transition:

1. Apply Purple AF to bone-dry hair for intense color payoff

2. Be generous with the product—skimping creates a patchy finish

3. 45 minutes minimum processing time for best results

4. Rinse with cold water and minimal color-safe shampoo and conditioner

You'll end up with a rich, multidimensional purple hair dye color that photographs like a dream.

How to Cover Dark Red Hair Color with Purple Hair Dye

Ritual covered with Sorceress

Are you ready to ditch the deep burgundy of Ritual? Transform your red hair color with Sorceress for a bewitching midnight purple hair color.

Since Ritual already belongs to the darker color palette, the transformation is nuanced yet remarkably striking.

For this darker-to-darker transformation:

• Apply Sorceress thoroughly to clean, completely dry hair

• Allow the dye to process for at least 40 minutes, use a shower cap to contain heat and boost color penetration

• Cold water rinse with color-safe products only

The result is a deep, multidimensional purple with that expensive-looking depth that turns heads.

FAQ: What You Actually Need to Know

Can you put purple hair color on dyed red hair?

Yes, and it's one of the few color transitions that genuinely work without bleach. Adjacent color wheel positioning means you'll get a true purple hair color rather than something muddy.

What colors cover red hair dye?

Purple works best, followed by burgundy and some blues. Don't try green, yellow, or pastel shades directly over red—physics won't allow it without bleach.

Is it possible to change your red hair color without bleach?

Absolutely. With Arctic Fox Hair Color, you can move between adjacent color wheel positions without bleach. Red to purple is a textbook example of this.

How long does purple hair dye last?

Typically 4-8 weeks, with longevity depending on wash frequency, hair porosity, and specific shade. Purple AF’s formula outlasts most competing shades thanks to its concentrated pigment. 

For maximum staying power, wash your hair less frequently with color-safe shampoo, rinse with cold water, and mix your dye with conditioner for a weekly color-depositing hair mask.

Will red undertones show through if I cover red hair with purple hair dye?

Some dimension leftover from the red actually creates depth that a single color lacks. If you want pure purple with zero red hair color, go for a second application with longer processing time.

How do I maintain purple hair color?

Extend your purple hair color for weeks longer by washing with cold water, using homemade color-depositing conditioner with your leftover dye, and limiting heat styling.

Embrace dry shampoo between washes to reduce color fade. UV-protective products and avoiding chlorinated water will further preserve your vibrant purple investment.

Conquering the Red-to-Purple Hair Color Shift

Arctic Fox's vegan, conditioning, semi-permanent hair dye makes this transition not just possible but actually good for your hair. Unlike harsh color removers or bleach, you're adding moisture while changing your look.

For more pro tips and color inspiration that actually work in real life, follow us @ArcticFoxHairColor on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, and X. Tag us in your transformation pics for a chance to be featured!

Let's talk purple hair, the color that's taken over our feeds and hearts! From dreamy lavenders to deep violets, purple has become THE choice for anyone wanting to express themselves through a truly head-turning color. 

Whether you're a purple rookie or ready for your next vibrant adventure, there's a perfect shade waiting for you. Ready to find your purple soulmate? Let's dive in!

How to Choose the Perfect Purple Hair Color

Finding your dream purple hair color depends on several factors:

Skin Undertones: Cool purples (lavender and periwinkle) complement cool skin tones, while warmer purples (plum and wine) flatter warmer complexions. But honestly, these are just a guide, so if you have a warmer complexion but want lavender hair, we say GO FOR IT! 

Current Hair Level: Depending on your ideal shade of purple, you might need to lighten your darker strands for vibrant results, while lighter bases (level 9/10) show purples more easily. Try our Bleach Please Bleaching Kit to get the right hair level for your desired shade.

Commitment Level: Some purple shades fade faster than others. Consider if you want something that lasts, like dark purple, or something you can change up frequently, like pastel purple.

Maintenance: Deeper purples generally require less upkeep than pastel purples, which may need more frequent application. Make sure to use cold water and color-safe hair care products to extend the longevity of your purple hair color!

Popular Shades of Purple Hair Colors

1. Dark Purple Hair Color: Purple Madness

This dark purple hair color is seriously a vibe! Trust us, it's the perfect way to turn heads without going over-the-top unicorn. Purple Madness gives off mysterious dark academia vibes, but you're still approachable. 

Style it with loose waves for dimensional action, or rock it sleek and straight for a more polished look. Honestly? It's the perfect first step into purple hair color if you've been wanting to try but have been too scared to go vibrant!

2. Royal Purple Hair Color: Purple AF

This royal purple hair color is straight-up legendary! If you want everyone's heads to turn when you walk in, Purple AF is that color! 

Our Fox Fam is obsessed with it for a reason—it basically screams, "I know I look good and I'm not sorry about it." Not quite ready to commit to the full purple lifestyle? Throw in some chunky highlights with your darker hair, and you've got the perfect pop that's still somehow appropriate for mimosas with your mom on Sunday. 

Trust us on this one!

3. Eggplant Purple Hair Color: Violet Dream

This vibrant, eggplant purple hair color with fuchsia undertones is literally what our mood board dreams are made of Violet Dream is giving "I'm a whole adult with a 7-step skincare routine, but I'll still be the first one on the dance floor" energy. 

If you already have highlights, apply this shade all over for some insane dimension—people will legit think you have your own personal glam team following you around. 

And if you've got curls? This color makes every single spiral pop in the most STUNNING way.

4. Periwinkle Hair Color: Periwinkle

This dreamy pastel blue-purple hybrid feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Periwinkle is for the go-with-the-flow types who are also totally fine switching things up next month because, let's be real, this color can be high-maintenance! 

Try a Periwinkle base with platinum blonde money pieces to channel your inner bad b*tch just in time for festival season.

5. Lavender Hair Color: Girls Night

If you’re rocking lavender hair color, then you’re DEFINITELY the life of the party. Girls Night is the key to nailing this hair color, plus you can add soft beachy waves for the full mermaid effect. 

This shade photographs like a dream and manages to look good even in those awful fluorescent bathroom lights. 

Pro Tip: this shade only pops off on pre-lightened level 10 platinum blonde hair, so don't even try if you're not committed to the bleach process first! 

6. Smokey Purple Hair Color: 30% Violet Dream + 70% Sterling

This sophisticated gray-purple blend is literally the definition of "not trying too hard but still looking fire." Smokey Purple hair color is giving that model-off-duty vibe that has everyone wondering if you've got a secret Instagram where you're lowkey famous. 

Want the exact formula? Just mix 30% Violet Dream with 70% Sterling and thank us later! 

Pair it with that asymmetrical cut you've been too scared to try, and we promise your phone will be blowing up with "who does your hair???" texts. This isn't just any regular purple hair color, it's the shade that makes other purples feel basic!

7. Vibrant Indigo Hair Color: 95% Frose + 5% Purple AF

This electric blue-purple hair color is perfect for those who love to show OFF! Indigo is for the friend who texts "u up?" at 1 am with plans that become next month's best story. 

Want the exact recipe? Mix 95% Frosé with 5% Purple AF and watch the magic happen! 

It absolutely KILLS in a sunset ombré situation, think deep Virgin Pink roots fading into vibrant indigo ends that create the kind of gradient that makes strangers stop and compliment you mid-coffee order.

8. Dark Purple Hair Color Tint

Using Purple AF on level 6-7 brunette hair creates that secret-society purple that only reveals itself in certain lighting. It's perfect for those who want to whisper rather than shout their purple intentions. 

This subtle approach works wonderfully for natural brunettes wanting to dip their toes in the purple pool without cannonballing and bleaching their hair first. 

Pro tip: Add slightly lighter face-framing pieces for that "Is her hair purple? Wait... yes it is!" moment that keeps people guessing.

9. Wine Plum Hair Color: 15% Purple AF + 85% Wrath

This rich burgundy-purple mix, using 15% Purple AF and 85% Wrath, is basically autumn in hair form – warm, rich, and making everyone crave a good cabernet. 

Wine Plum hair color looks absolutely fantastic styled in voluminous curls or waves that showcase the shade in all of its glory. 

This shade loves darker skin tones, creating a stunning harmony that enhances your natural glow. It transitions seamlessly from office hours to after hours, proving purple can indeed be professional.

10. Amethyst Hair Color: 75% Frose + 25% Sorceress

Amethyst purple hair color is all the rage right now. This jewel-toned purple gives that magical quality that entrances everyone you pass, forcing them to do double-takes. 

It grabs attention without trying too hard and looks especially stunning as a balayage with natural roots, saving you from those constant touch-ups. 

Get the look on your own by mixing 75% Frosé with 25% Sorceress for a hair color that’s totally spellbinding. 

FAQ: Purple Hair Color Questions

How long does purple hair color typically last?

Purple hair color typically sticks around for 2-6 weeks before fading completely. Deeper purples tend to be more loyal than their pastel cousins. 

Want to extend your purple relationship? Cold water is your best friend when washing, along with sulfate-free shampoo and a weekly purple color-depositing conditioner. 

Hot tools speed up the breakup process, so maybe it's time to embrace your natural texture!

What are different ways to wear purple hair?

Purple plays well with others in so many ways:

• Purple highlights against your natural color for that "I'm adventurous but I still have a 401k" vibe

• Face-framing money pieces that light up your features like built-in ring lights

• Peekaboo underlayer for that surprise factor when you put your hair up

• Ombré or balayage with purple ends for those who are scared of commitment 

• Split-dye with purple on one side for when you want to live your cartoon character fantasy

• Dip-dyed ends for just a taste of purple magic without the full plunge

Will purple hair damage my hair?

Good news! Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent purple hair dyes actually condition while coloring, think of them as a color treatment with benefits. The potential drama comes from any pre-lightening needed for darker hair. 

Combat bleach damage by using hydrating and repairing products like hair masks and serums before and after coloring.

What hair colors does purple fade into?

Purple AF at different levels of diluted

Most purple hair colors are known to fade silver, blue, or even red, but Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent hair dyes are designed to fade beautifully within the color spectrum, guaranteeing a stunning purple at every stage! 

Darker purples mellow into gorgeous mauves while lavenders shift to pastel hues. Your starting shade, washing habits, and hair's porosity all affect how colors evolve. 

Many fox fam members love these changing tones, it's like getting multiple beautiful purples from just one application!

Ready to rock your purple hair dreams?

Whether you're feeling that eggplant energy or a lavender fantasy moment, there's a purple shade that perfectly matches your vibe. 

Take the plunge, embrace your inner color goddess, and watch how these stunning shades completely transform not just your look but your entire energy! 

Don't forget to follow Arctic Fox Hair Color on Instagram and TikTok for a daily dose of hair color inspo that'll have you planning your next hair adventure before this one even fades. 

We can't wait to see your purple transformations lighting up our feed, make sure to tag us so we can hype you up!