Nothing transforms your look quite like a fresh dye job, and while classics like brunette, platinum blonde, and copper never go out of style, a dreamy new shade is stealing the spotlight this spring: lavender hair. Breezy and ethereal, this soft pastel hue is the perfect way to welcome the season with a fresh, eye-catching twist.
Lavender hair, reminiscent of the delicate blossoms scattered across English meadows, is a silvery, pastel purple that’s both whimsical and sophisticated. While the trend has appeared before, it’s making a strong comeback, bringing a cool, silvery sheen that feels fresh and modern.
Transitioning to lavender hair might seem daunting, but with a skilled stylist, achieving this stunning shade is easier than you’d think. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, lavender works beautifully on all textures, making it universally flattering. Below, two expert colorists share essential tips for achieving and maintaining this trendy shade.
What Is Lavender Hair?
Lavender hair is a soft, pastel purple that exudes charm and sophistication. Rita Hazan, a renowned celebrity colorist whose clients include Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, explains that achieving lavender requires bleaching the hair to a nearly white base. This light foundation allows the delicate purple tone to shine through.
From a full lavender mane to subtle highlights or a silver-lavender blend, there are countless ways to embrace this color. Jason Backe, master colorist and cofounder of Starring by Ted Gibson, notes there are two approaches: at-home kits or professional services. While DIY is an option, Backe strongly recommends consulting a stylist. “Bring inspiration pictures and be open to your stylist’s recommendations,” he advises, ensuring the best results tailored to your hair type and condition.
Best Lavender Hair Dye Options
For those eager to try lavender hair at home, there’s no shortage of excellent hair dye options to experiment with. While professional help is always ideal, DIY enthusiasts can achieve stunning results with the right products.
Celebrity stylist Jason Backe recommends opting for reliable, high-quality dyes to ensure the best outcome. A lighter base is key—starting with bleached or naturally light hair will make the lavender hue more vibrant and true to color.
While specific product names aren’t mentioned here, you can look for semi-permanent hair dyes designed for vibrant pastel shades. Always follow the included instructions, and don’t forget to do a strand test before committing to the full application.
For long-lasting color and optimal results, pair your at-home dye with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This will help maintain the vibrancy of your lavender locks while keeping your hair healthy.
How to Maintain Lavender Hair at Home
Keeping your lavender locks looking fresh and vibrant requires a bit of upkeep, but it’s totally manageable with the right routine. Both Rita Hazan and Jason Backe emphasize that frequent washing is one of the biggest culprits of fading. Instead of lathering up daily, try cutting back on shampooing and incorporate a quality dry shampoo into your routine. This helps extend the life of your color while keeping your hair looking fresh.
When you do need a proper wash, opt for shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for color-treated hair. These products are gentler and help preserve the pastel tones in your hair.
For an added boost, schedule monthly salon gloss treatments to maintain the vibrancy and shine of your lavender hue. These treatments not only enhance the color but also keep your hair looking healthy and polished, ensuring your lavender hair remains as dreamy as the day you dyed it.
Lavender-Hair-Color Inspiration
If you’re thinking about jumping on the lavender hair trend, there are countless ways to make this color your own. Here’s a roundup of stunning lavender styles to inspire your next hair transformation.
Multidimensional Lavender Hair
Achieve a magical, layered look by blending shades of purple, lavender, and pink into long, wavy locks. This multidimensional style creates an enchanting depth, with the soft interplay of colors adding movement and texture. Perfect for those who love a whimsical, ethereal vibe, this dreamy look ensures your hair turns heads wherever you go.
Lavender Money-Piece Highlights
If you’re hesitant to go all-in, lavender money-piece highlights are the perfect compromise. These face-framing strands provide a playful hint of pastel color, adding dimension and brightness to your look. With minimal commitment, this trendy style is a subtle yet striking way to experiment with lavender without fully dyeing your hair.
Lavender With Brunette Hair
Adding lavender to naturally dark hair using a peek-a-boo technique creates a playful and unexpected twist. This hidden hue reveals itself when styled in a half-up or braided look, offering a striking contrast that’s both subtle and captivating. It’s an ideal option for brunettes looking to experiment with color while keeping things understated.
Curly Lavender Hair
Lavender hair takes curly locks to the next level, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic look. The soft pastel hue highlights the natural texture of curls, enhancing their shape and definition. When blended with your natural hair color, the contrast adds depth and dimension, striking the perfect balance between bold and elegant. It’s a show-stopping style for anyone looking to embrace their curls with a playful twist.
Lavender Pixie Haircut
Lavender proves its versatility by transforming the classic pixie cut into a modern, eye-catching style. This soft pastel hue adds a fresh, edgy twist to the short haircut, showing that bold color isn’t just for long locks. Perfect for those wanting a chic, low-maintenance look with a playful touch, the lavender pixie is a true standout.
Lavender Bob
The lavender bob combines chic minimalism with a bold twist. Featuring dark roots that seamlessly transition into soft grey-lavender ends, this style exudes modern elegance. The contrast between the roots and pastel tones enhances the bob’s structure, making it a trendy yet sophisticated choice for shorter hair lengths.
Dimensional Lavender with Face-Framing Strands
Long, wavy hair in a rich blend of bold purple and soft lavender exudes a captivating elegance. The lighter, face-framing strands enhance brightness, creating a striking contrast that adds depth and movement. This dimensional style beautifully highlights the natural flow of long hair, offering a bold yet refined look that feels effortlessly chic and feminine.
Lavender and Peach Dream
Shoulder-length waves in vibrant lavender and soft peach create a mesmerizing, sunset-inspired blend. The gentle hues enhance the texture, adding depth and dimension for a look that feels both bold and refined. This seamless combination offers a unique yet wearable style, striking the perfect balance between playful charm and sophisticated elegance.
Lavender with Subtle Brunette Roots
A wavy bob with natural brunette roots blending into pastel lavender creates a stunning contrast that feels both soft and bold. The darker base enhances the delicate lavender tones, while the subtle waves add texture and movement. This style offers an elegant way to experiment with lavender hues, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a chic, low-maintenance look.
Long Lavender Waves
Flowing lavender waves create a dreamy, fairytale-inspired look that is both captivating and sophisticated. The soft hue enhances the depth of the rich purple tones, while the gentle waves add texture and volume. This style strikes a perfect balance, offering a bold yet refined transformation that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sleek Lavender Bob
A sleek, straight bob in silvery lavender radiates modern elegance. The soft pastel hue enhances the clean lines of the cut, creating a striking balance between simplicity and boldness. This style offers a polished, minimalist look that transitions effortlessly from everyday wear to special occasions, making it a refined yet daring choice for pastel hair enthusiasts.
Pastel Lavender Elegance
Soft waves and a subtle balayage effect make this lavender hairstyle effortlessly elegant. The gentle transition between pastel tones adds dimension and brightness, while the center part maintains a classic and balanced aesthetic. This look is ideal for anyone seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe, blending the charm of pastel hair with timeless styling.
Lavender Top Knot with Wispy Bangs
A lavender top knot with soft, wispy bangs creates a captivating blend of charm and effortlessness. The pastel hue brings a delicate, ethereal quality to the style, while the undone texture of the bun adds a relaxed, modern edge. This look transitions seamlessly between casual and polished, offering a hairstyle that’s as versatile as it is enchanting.
Soft Lavender Waves
Flowing lavender waves bring a serene and dreamy vibe to this look. The even tone enhances the soft texture, adding volume and depth while maintaining an elegant simplicity. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to embrace pastel tones with a graceful and sophisticated touch.
Subtle Lavender Highlights
Natural brunette roots blend effortlessly into delicate lavender highlights, creating a harmonious contrast. The soft waves enhance the transition between the tones, adding dimension and movement. This understated style is ideal for those wanting a subtle yet modern way to incorporate lavender hues.
Lavender with Hints of Blue
Pastel lavender hair paired with icy blue accents creates a captivating and harmonious blend of tones. The dark roots add depth and contrast, while the wavy texture highlights the interplay of colors. This style offers a striking balance, combining bold vibrancy with a soft, elegant finish that feels both unique and sophisticated.
Tousled Lavender Bob
A tousled lavender bob with curtain bangs offers a playful, effortless charm. The soft waves add texture and movement, while the pastel tone keeps the look fresh and light. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish option.
Dimensional Lavender Waves
Vibrant lavender tones blend seamlessly with deeper shades, creating a multidimensional effect. The flowing waves add texture and volume, making this style perfect for those seeking a bold yet refined look that balances elegance with drama.
Silvery Lavender Glam
Long, sleek lavender locks with a silvery sheen create an ethereal and captivating look. The soft ombré transition and flowing waves add depth and sophistication, making this hairstyle a statement choice for any occasion.
Muted Lavender Balayage
Muted lavender balayage blends effortlessly from natural roots into soft pastel ends, creating a look that is both refined and relaxed. The delicate tones enhance the wavy texture, adding depth and movement. This style strikes a perfect balance, offering a chic and understated elegance that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
FAQs
1. How can I maintain the vibrancy of lavender hair?
To keep your lavender hair vibrant, use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Wash your hair less frequently, and consider using a purple-tinted shampoo to maintain the cool undertones. Regular gloss treatments at the salon can also help enhance the color’s brightness and shine.
2. Does lavender hair work on all hair types and textures?
Yes, lavender hair complements all hair types and textures, from straight and wavy to curly and coily. The color can be customized with techniques like balayage, ombré, or full coverage to suit your hair’s natural texture and style.
3. Do I need to bleach my hair to achieve lavender?
In most cases, yes. For lavender to show its true pastel hue, hair usually needs to be lightened to a pale blonde. Darker hair may require multiple sessions of bleaching, so it’s recommended to consult a professional stylist for the best results.
