Plum hair color is a sophisticated and versatile choice that combines the richness of burgundy with the mystery of purple. This luxurious shade has gained immense popularity for its ability to flatter multiple skin tones while making a bold statement. Whether you’re drawn to deep, nearly-black plum tones that catch the light with subtle purple reflections or you prefer vibrant violet-plum hues that command attention, this multifaceted color family offers options for both the daring and the demure.
The beauty of plum hair lies in its adaptability—it can be as subtle or as dramatic as you desire. For those new to vibrant colors, a dark plum balayage or highlights provide a gentle introduction to the purple family. For color enthusiasts looking to make a statement, all-over bright plum creates a head-turning look that’s both fashionable and unique. What sets plum apart from other purple hair colors is its wearability in professional environments when chosen in its deeper, more subdued variations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated 50 stunning plum hair color ideas to inspire your next hair transformation. From celebrity-inspired looks to innovative color techniques, you’ll discover the perfect plum shade to complement your skin tone, personal style, and maintenance preferences.
1. Shades of Brunette
Let’s start off easy with a plum hair color that has been streaked onto brunette.
In other words, the basis of this color is a good, old-fashioned brunette, while the top has stripes of classic, rich, and powdery plum. Yum!
2. Plum Hair Color with Rose Gold
Rose gold is still going strong as the absolute ‘it’ color of the past few seasons. Everything has to be in rose gold, and you know it.
But have you ever thought about combining plum with rose gold? This would work marvelously as an autumn hair color.
3. Black Plum Balayage
Yes, you can even do balayage with a nice plum hair color. Start off with a natural dark hair color, such as a deep brunette or a rich dark chestnut.
Then, continue with a lighter plum shade that will open and soften the whole situation.
4. Red Violet
Combining plum hair color with red is always an amazing idea.
You can see it happen organically in nature, mostly in flowers and fruits, so why not replicate it using your own hair?
The resulting shade is absolutely stunning!
5. Eggplant Plum Hair
One of the most beloved plum hair color choices of all time is eggplant.
In fact, it has been used on such a grand scale that it has now become a classic in the plum shade family.
It’s dark and elegant, with just a touch of shine to it.
6. Dark Plum to Purple Ombre
If you were thinking about getting a purple ombre, you were surely heading in the right direction.
This one goes from a dark plum to a casual purple on the surface with some dark magnolia streaks thrown in there just for the fun of it.
7. Black and Purple Hairstyles
Another amazing combination which you can try is that between dark brunette and dark purple.
Both shades have a deep basis which means they will complement each other beautifully.
8. Aubergine Plum Hair Color
Here’s an interesting fact. Even though aubergine does, in fact, mean, eggplant, the plum hair shade is not the same.
In other words, we have one hair color for aubergine and another one for eggplant. That’s how far the plum color tree extends.
9. Blackberry Plum Hair
This particular shade looks just as yummy as it sounds.
The blackberry theme gives the darker plum a sweet effect, making it look almost pinkish in some places, depending on how the light strikes it.
We suggest you invest in some glossing spray to further shine a light on it.
10. The Kylie Jenner
The plum hair color is so loved that even some celebs have fallen prey to its lure. Supermodel and reality TV show Kylie Jenner is just one of them.
Here, she was sporting a choppy, medium haircut in a lovely, dusty plum shade.
11. Chocolate Cherry Hairstyles
Do you know what you get when you combine dark chocolate with deep cherry? A sort of plum hair color.
It’s very dark and woody, but also natural and organic, like the kind of plums one would typically find in nature rather than an orchard.
12. The Angled Red Lob
A lob is otherwise known as a long bob. This one is extra special because it’s also angled on one side.
But what we love the most is its plum color, mixed with some fiery red, which definitely gives it an extra kick.
13. The Wavy Bob
Another type of lob or long bob is the wavy one.
All you need to do here is break out your old curling iron and create a few of these loose waves with it.
Finish off with a touch of hairspray to keep everything in place, and you’re good to go.
14. Raspberry and Orchid Hairstyles
This particular plum hair color is a combination of the shades which we call raspberry and orchid.
They have come together to create this wonderful pinkish hue that is neither purple nor red but exactly almost ripened plum.
15. Purple and Magenta
If you cannot make up your mind as to which one of these lovely shades to make your own, you can always go for two.
This is a combination of magenta and purple with the edges clearly showing.
16. Lavender Plum Hair Color
Is there anything more beautiful or more feminine than lavender? If you agree, then why not wear it in your hair as well?
You could go for the simple solution of a lavender crown, or you could go for the more permanent lavender hair color.
17. The Inverted Bob
Another type of bob which you can use to perfectly showcase your amazing plum hair color is the inverted bob.
Its long and choppy sides will help elongate your facial features and create the illusion that they are a lot slimmer than they appear to be.
18. Wedding Day Purple Hair Color
Here’s an amazing idea for your wedding day.! This is a dark and matte purple, yet it’s still sweet and luscious.
The romantic part is brought here by the large, statement piece of hair jewelry that has been carelessly strapped in.
19. Light Grape and Cream Highlights
Now, this is a fantastic piece of ombre. It starts off with a light grape on top.
Far from being wine in color, this is actually a sweet grape.
It descends into grape jelly combined with thick and soft cream highlights down toward the ends.
20. Merlot Balayage
Since we’ve talked about grapes, let’s take a look at what Merlot plum hair color looks like.
This is a dark violet base hair with a Merlot color melt, all wrapped up under the same name we’ve grown accustomed to – balayage.
21. Curly Plum Hair Color
Just like many other unconventional hair colors, plum lends itself to curls very well too!
Just be careful not to go over the top, though.
This shade is a lot to take in by itself, without having to add the bounty of a head full of curls.
22. Concord Plum Hair Color
This shade is called concord and we have to confess it’s one of our favorites.
Just like with kids, we’re not supposed to pick, but we have and this one simply won our hearts.
Just look at that glorious shade of plum and how it brings out her eyes!
23. Violet Plum Hair Color
Here’s a shade that borrows heavily from nature, namely from the eponymous flower.
It’s simple and sweet, and it really does go very well with a set of mermaid or beach waves. All you need is some sea salt spray!
24. Boysenberry Hair Color
As a fruit, boysenberries are a wonderful cross between loganberries, raspberries, dewberries, and blackberries.
And this is exactly what this hair color looks like.
A mix between a basket full of goodies that are typically found deep in the forest.
25. Magenta Plum Hair Color
If your plan is to go all hipster, then magenta is definitely your color. It’s unquestionably crazy and nonstandard enough to pass as hipster. Plus, you can add a shade of neon to it as well as all the statement jewelry you like.
26. Plum Hair and Black Bows
A darker shade of plum hair color can be always sweetened up with a simple bow. Think Alice in Wonderland or a Disney princess.
In order to avoid looking like a 12-year-old girl, however, you can always go for a more mature and elegant black bow.
27. The Katy Perry
Pop singer Katy Perry is another celebrity who donned the plum hair color.
We can’t really say that we’re surprised since she, probably, tried every single color known to man and beast.
28. Mardi Gras Plum Hair Color
This particular shade is called the Mardi Gras and you can easily see why. It’s young, fresh, hip, and ready to party.
All you need to do after you get it is to make sure you know how to style it properly.
29. Antique Fuchsia
If Mardi Gras wasn’t exactly your cup of… ok, we’ll say tea, why don’t you try Antique Fuchsia?
It has a vintage shine to it, as if it was discovered lying somewhere under a slab of granite for 2000 years, when it used to be worn by the queens of the ancient world.
And you know purple is the color of royalty.
30. Light Amethyst
Another color worthy of your attention is light amethyst. At first glance, you might think it’s a washed-up lavender, but you’d be wrong.
Amethyst is a lot colder and stonier in appearance, and it has some traces of indigo that make it so spectral looking.
31. Fandango Plum Hair Color
Here’s a cool fact: the word fandango means a Spanish courtship dance to a lively song played by a guitar. They usually have a tambourine or castanets.
Where do you recognize it from? ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ of course! You sing it every time and you didn’t even know it.
32. Marsala Plum Hair Color
We’ve seen a lot of shades of plum and we’re not even done yet.
Still, we have to admit that marsala is, probably, the sexiest and sultriest one of all.
Pair it off with makeup in the exact shade and we don’t actually know how a man can resist you.
33. Dark Mauve
Are you a rebel? Then this is the hair color for you. You might think it’s eggplant, at first.
In fact, it’s a dusty and powdery dark mauve with a few beige streaks here and there.
They are not meant to be seen, per se. Only to bring a little light to the whole deal.
34. Raisin Plum Hair Color
This is the shade you should be wearing in the wintertime if there ever was one. And here’s a pro tip.
If you need to add more depth or volume to your hair, you can always opt for extensions.
Find some in your color or dye them in raisin plum to match.
35. Mulberry Plum Hair Color
Mulberries come in different colors when you see them up in their trees.
However, we love the pink ones and chose them to serve as inspiration for this plum shade.
The color is just like the fruit. Sweet, juicy, and even a bit bitter, reminiscent of a pink grapefruit.
36. Dark Iris
The dark or black iris is a rare flower that typically grows in China and Myanmar. But why do we love the so-called Nightshade so much?
Because it’s an amazing inspiration for our hair color.
It has its own merits for being one of the most beautiful shades in the plum palette and we adore it!
37. Tyrian Purple
This color is also known as Phoenician purple. But do you want to know a fun fact?
The pigment is produced by some rock sea snails called Murex. Since it was so difficult to obtain it, it was extremely highly valued in Antiquity.
Don’t worry, though, they have synthetic replacements now so that no snails have to come near your hair.
38. Wine Plum Hair Color
Wearing wine in your hair would truly show your devotion to this king of drinks.
Evidently, just as there are several types of wines, there are different hair colors that resemble them as well.
However, if you want to keep things simple, you can always go for the basic burgundy.
39. The Layered Bob
Stylists teach us that, if we have two different hair colors, it’s a good idea to get a layered haircut so that we can display them both.
This asymmetrical bob is one such hairstyle that showcases both the brunette and the purple plum.
40. The Selena Gomez
Even though she never actually went crazy with her choice, Selena did go for a plum hair color.
We love how her makeup fits right into that story too, with a contoured pink eye as well as baby pink lips.
41. Space Buns
One of the hairstyle trends that have really caught on in the past few seasons is one that we saw come back all the way from the 90s.
We’re talking, of course, about space buns. Not only are they quirky and fun, but they also look delicious when in plum.
42. Psychedelic Plum Hair Color
A revival of our old fashion and styling habits can go even further than the 90s.
Think about the psychedelic era, its colors, and how you can combine it with today’s trend.
Pick a winged eyeliner from the 40s and 50s and a few face piercings from the 2000s and you’re done!
43. Heliotrope Plum Hair Color
This shade of purple gets its name from the heliotrope flower. It’s a very light shade that is also mixed with a bit of lilac on top.
This clever mixture adds some texture as well as depth to an otherwise perfectly suitable pastel hair color.
44. Opera Mauve
Beautifully dubbed as opera mauve, this Pantone color reigns supreme as one of the most adorable mauves in existence.
It’s totally dramatic and theatrical, which is why it has, probably, gained the name ‘opera’ mauve.
45. Red and Purple
A hair color that is purple in appearance that actually looks red when you glance it in the sunlight?
Yes, please! Where do we sign?
The glossing effect is another thing to gaze at in wonderment and we cannot stop doing so!
46. Plum Hair for Parties
If you’re looking for a fantastic idea for New Year’s Eve or any other special party, this is it!
These golden star embellishments strewn across your plum hair will look absolutely phenomenal.
47. Glossy Plum Hair
One way of highlighting your gorgeous hair color is by using a glossing agent, such as a hair spray or some leave-in oil.
It will add a bit of extra shine to it and it will nourish your locks, keeping them healthy.
48. Sweet Plum Hair Color
When you have plum hair, knowing how to match your makeup and accessories to it is everything.
Wear colors that don’t clash with the shade you have chosen for your hair, so as to avoid looking too over the top.
49. Ruby Plum Hair Color
Ruby plum is a shade that starts off as a basic purple plum but that has a healthy dose of ruby red added to it.
It’s perfect for girls with brown or black eyes because the red undertones will warm up your eyes and make them come alive.
50. Curly Plum Hair
Have you ever seen anything more glorious than natural, long, curly hair in a subtle, yet delicious plum color? If you need more curls added to your mane, we suggest you try some hair extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plum Hair Color
How long does plum hair color typically last?
Plum hair color generally lasts between 4-6 weeks before significant fading occurs. Since plum contains red and purple pigments (which are notoriously quick to fade), you may notice the vibrancy diminishing after just 2-3 weeks. Deeper plum shades tend to last longer than brighter purple-plum hues. To extend the life of your color, wash with cold water, use color-safe sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, limit washing to 2-3 times per week, and consider using color-depositing products specifically formulated for purple or burgundy tones.
What skin tones look best with plum hair?
Plum hair color is remarkably versatile across skin tones when you choose the right shade variation. For fair skin with cool undertones, deeper plum colors create beautiful contrast without washing you out. Medium skin tones with warm undertones look stunning with berry-toned plums or those with red-violet bases. Olive skin pairs beautifully with richer plum shades that have brown undertones. Dark skin tones can rock the entire plum spectrum but look particularly striking with vibrant plum-violet shades that make a bold statement. If unsure, consult with a professional colorist who can assess your specific undertones.
Do I need to bleach my hair for plum color?
Whether you need to bleach your hair depends on your natural hair color and the plum shade you want to achieve. For dark plum shades on naturally dark hair, bleaching may not be necessary—the color can be applied directly, though it may appear subtle or only visible in bright lighting. For vibrant, brighter plum shades, particularly on dark hair, pre-lightening is typically required to achieve true-to-color results. Those with naturally blonde or light brown hair may achieve many plum shades without bleaching. Semi-permanent plum colors work best on pre-lightened or naturally light hair, while permanent plum dyes containing developers can deposit color on darker bases.
How can I maintain my plum hair color at home?
To maintain plum hair at home: wash with cold water and sulfate-free color-safe shampoo; use color-depositing conditioners or masks weekly; protect from sun exposure with hats or UV-specific hair products; limit heat styling and always use heat protectant; consider purple or burgundy color-depositing products for touch-ups; deep condition weekly to maintain hair health; install a shower filter to remove color-stripping minerals; and avoid chlorine exposure from pools. For long-term maintenance, schedule regular toning appointments every 4-6 weeks and touch up your roots as needed.
What happens when plum hair color fades?
As plum hair fades, it typically goes through several stages: first, the vibrant purple tones diminish, often leaving behind warmer reddish or pink tones; later, it may fade to a strawberry-blonde or peach tone on pre-lightened hair. On darker bases without pre-lightening, faded plum often returns to a warmer version of your natural color with subtle reddish undertones. The fade pattern depends on your original hair color, the specific plum formula used, and your hair’s porosity. To minimize unflattering fade stages, use color-depositing products to refresh the tone before it fades too drastically, or plan for a toning appointment 3-4 weeks after your initial color.
Conclusion
Plum hair color offers a magnificent blend of sophistication, versatility, and boldness that few other hair colors can match. From deep, rich burgundy-purple shades that whisper elegance to vibrant violet plums that make a dramatic statement, this color family provides endless possibilities for personalization. The multidimensional nature of plum means it can complement any skin tone when selected in the right variation, and its wearability ranges from subtle highlights to full head-turning transformations.
What makes plum truly special is how it interacts with light—the color shifts and reflects differently depending on your environment, revealing complex undertones that keep the shade interesting long after your initial color appointment. While maintaining vibrant plum requires some dedication, the results are well worth the effort, offering a unique color that stands out without venturing too far outside conventional beauty standards.
As we’ve explored through these 50 stunning examples, plum hair can be adapted to any length, texture, or style preference. Whether you’re drawn to the deeper, more subtle end of the plum spectrum or ready to embrace vibrant purple-plum tones, there’s a shade waiting to transform your look and boost your confidence.
Which plum hair color inspiration speaks to you? Are you thinking of a rich mulberry, a vibrant magenta, or perhaps a deep wine shade? Share your favorite plum inspiration in the comments below!
Betty has over 15 years of experience in writing and editing for hairstyle publications. Her career started soon after graduating, leading her to winning many awards and opening her own salon at a very young age. She specializes in hair coloring techniques and hair care. In her spare time, Betty enjoys running outdoors, learning new languages, and occasionally binging a Netflix series.
Would antique fuchsia work on dark brown hair without bleaching first. It’s a beautiful color, I’m all about the purple hair but not looking to bleach my hair ever again.
We’d love to say that it’s possible… but it’s probably not :(. If you want to get antique fuchsia as you see it on the box and get it in that particular hue, you would need to start on a light-colored base.
Dark brown hair is a strong one and if you place fuchsia on it, you will get a several shades darker color (we don’t know your exact hair tone, but we’re guessing you’d get something more towards magenta, perhaps even dark slate blue, depending on your undertones).
To avoid bleaching your hair, you could try dyeing it in a lighter color and then repeating this until you get the ideal base for your desired shade of fuchsia.
Whichever the case, you will have to take good care of your hair, and we strongly advise you to talk to a specialist and work with them – do not try it at home on your own. Let us know if this helps and fingers crossed you get your desired hair color – and let us know what you decide 🙂