#Dive into Deep Purple: Your Guide to Plum Hair Color
Plum hair – a gorgeous blend of purple and red hues – is having a moment. It’s bold, playful, and can be surprisingly sophisticated. But achieving the perfect plum look requires more than just picking up a box dye. This guide will break down everything you need to know about this captivating color, from undertones to at-home care.
#1. Understanding Plum: Shades & Depth
Plum isn’t one single color; it's a family! The key is understanding its nuances:
- Undertone: Most plum shades lean cool. This means they have hints of blue or violet within the purple. Some plums can be more neutral, incorporating just a touch of red to soften them. Warm-toned plums (rare) would include reddish-purple hues but are less common and often appear muddier on most skin tones.
- Depth/Levels: Hair color is measured in "levels," with 1 being the darkest black and 10 being the lightest platinum blonde. Plum typically works best within levels 3-7, depending on your starting point (more on that later!). Here's a general guide:
- Level 3-4 (Dark Plum): Deep, rich, almost berry-like. Great for those with darker natural hair colors.
- Level 5-6 (Mid-Tone Plum): The most versatile range; works well on many starting levels and skin tones.
- Level 7 (Light Plum): Brighter and more vibrant, requires a lighter base to achieve the color effectively.
#2. Who Does Plum Flatter?
Choosing a hair color is about harmony! Here's how plum can complement you:
- Skin Tone & Undertone:
- Cool Skin Tones (pink or blue undertones): Plum looks amazing. The cool tones in the purple will enhance your complexion. Think fair skin with pink cheeks, olive skin, or deeper complexions with a cooler cast.
- Neutral Skin Tones: You can often pull off plum! Experimenting is key to finding the right shade intensity.
- Warm Skin Tones (yellow or golden undertones): Plum can work, but it needs careful consideration. A more neutral-toned plum with a slightly reddish hue might be best to avoid clashing. Avoid very cool, icy plums as they can make you look washed out.
- Eye Color: Plum enhances almost every eye color!
- Blue Eyes: The purple will create a stunning contrast and bring out the blue.
- Green Eyes: Plum creates an enchanting jewel-toned effect.
- Brown Eyes: Plum adds depth and richness, making brown eyes appear even more captivating.
- Natural Level Starting Points: Plum is achievable from various starting points but requires different approaches:
- Levels 1-3 (Dark Brown/Black): Significant lightening required; expect multiple salon visits to reach the desired level safely.
- Levels 4-6 (Medium Brown): A good base for a more straightforward plum application.
- Levels 7-9 (Light Brown/Dark Blonde): Plum can be applied directly, but color vibrancy may depend on underlying tones and hair health.
#3. Technique Options: From Subtle to Statement
How you apply the color makes a huge difference!
- Single Process: A uniform application of plum all over. Best for those with already light-colored hair or wanting an overall bold look.
- Highlights/Lowlights: Adding subtle pops of plum throughout your existing color. Great for dimension and a less intense effect.
- Babylights: Very fine, delicate highlights in plum – creates a soft, blended appearance.
- Gloss/Toner: Used after coloring to refine the tone (making it more purple or red) and add shine. Essential for maintaining vibrancy.
- Balayage-Effect: Hand-painted sections of plum that create a natural, sun-kissed look with softer roots. Offers lower maintenance as the grow out is less harsh than solid color.
- Solid Color: A full, even application – creates a bold and impactful statement.
#4. Maintenance & Longevity: Planning Ahead
Plum hair requires commitment!
- Wash Frequency: Aim for 2-3 washes per week using cool water to help preserve the color.
- Toner Refresh: Expect to tone your plum every 4-8 weeks, depending on how quickly it fades and your desired intensity.
- Root Growth Pacing: The grow out can be noticeable with a solid application. Balayage or highlights offer a more gradual transition.
- Budget/Time Planning: Plum is not a budget-friendly color! The lightening process (if needed) takes time and money. Expect initial salon visits to cost $200-$500+, with toning appointments costing around $75-$150+. At-home maintenance products will also add up.
#5. Seasonality & Pairing With Cuts: Style it Right!
- Seasonal Tweaks:
- Fall/Winter: Deeper, more muted plum shades feel cozy and rich.
- Spring/Summer: Lighter, brighter plums with a touch of lilac or pastel are perfect for warmer months.
- Haircuts & Plum:
- Bob/Lob (Long Bob): Plum looks incredibly chic on these classic cuts, especially with balayage-effect application to add dimension.
- Long Layers: The color will beautifully cascade through long layers, creating movement and depth.
- Pixie Cut: A bold plum pixie can be edgy and playful – best suited for those confident in making a statement!
#6. At-Home Care: Keeping Your Plum Vibrant
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner: Sulfates strip color; opt for gentle, sulfate-free formulas.
- Clarifying Cadence: While sulfates are bad, buildup can dull your color. Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally (every 4-6 weeks).
- Heat Protection: Essential! Heat styling damages hair and fades color faster. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying, straightening or curling.
- Color-Safe Styling Products: Look for products specifically designed for colored hair.
- Product Checklist: Sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner, deep conditioning mask (weekly), heat protectant spray, leave-in conditioner.
#7. Common Pitfalls: Prevention is Key!
- Brassiness: Purple pigments can sometimes react with underlying warm tones in the hair, resulting in brassy or orange hues. A purple toning gloss helps combat this.
- Banding: Uneven color application (often due to uneven lightening) creates noticeable bands of color. Professional application is crucial.
- Patchiness: Inconsistent results from at-home attempts are common – always consult a professional for best results, especially when significant lightening is needed.
#8. Pros & Cons: Weighing the Options
Pros:
- Unique and Stylish: Plum hair stands out!
- Versatile (with the right techniques): Can be adapted to various styles and personalities.
- Enhances Features: Complements a wide range of skin tones and eye colors.
Cons:
- High Maintenance: Requires regular toning and specialized care.
- Fading Risk: Color fades faster than some other shades, especially with frequent washing or heat styling.
- Costly: Initial salon visits and ongoing maintenance can be expensive.
#9. Salon Consultation Script: Setting Expectations
Before you commit to plum hair, a thorough consultation is vital! Here are prompts for your stylist:
- "I'm interested in getting my hair colored plum. Can we discuss the best shade for my skin tone?"
- "What level do I need to lift my hair to achieve this color effectively?"
- "How long will the process take, and what is the estimated cost?"
- “Can you show me examples of different plum techniques (balayage vs solid)?”
- "What at-home care products do you recommend for maintaining my plum color?"
- "What's the expected fading pattern, and how often will I need to come in for toning?"
#10. FAQs: Your Plum Questions Answered
- Can I dye my hair plum if it’s already colored? Possibly! It depends on the existing color and condition of your hair. A consultation is essential.
- Will my natural gray hairs show through with plum? Yes, gray hairs will likely appear as lighter streaks against the purple base.
- How long does plum hair last? The initial application can last 6-8 weeks before needing a toner refresh. The underlying color may remain longer.
- Is plum hair damaging to my hair? Lightening processes can be damaging, but proper care and conditioning can minimize the impact.
- Can I do this at home? While possible for those with light-colored hair, professional application is highly recommended for best results and minimizing damage.
- What if I hate the color? It will fade over time! A clarifying shampoo (used sparingly) can help speed up the process, but it may be necessary to adjust your base color in a subsequent salon visit.
Embracing plum hair is an exciting journey! By understanding the nuances of this captivating color and committing to proper care, you can achieve a stunning look that reflects your unique style.
