40 Stunning Pastel Purple Hair Ideas

In the late 80s and early 90s, bold neon hair colors were all the rage. Today’s pastel hues, however, offer a more adaptable and manageable alternative. Among these, pastel purple stands out as a top choice for those embracing lighter shades.

How to Prepare Your Hair for Pastel Color

To achieve pastel hair, bleaching is necessary. If your hair isn’t already a very light blonde or white, you’ll need to lighten it first to get the desired pastel effect. For optimal results, visiting a professional colorist is recommended.

There are two main methods for this process: a single-step approach where you bleach and dye your hair simultaneously, and a two-step method involving separate bleaching and dyeing sessions. While professionals often use the two-step approach, at-home kits typically offer a single-step process. Before proceeding, conduct a strand test to ensure your hair can handle the chemical treatment. Afterward, select the pastel shade you want.

Choosing Your Pastel Color

Manic Panic is a popular brand for pastel hair colors, offering over 40 shades. Their Manic Mixer/Pastel-izer is particularly useful for transforming any of their colors into a pastel shade. This product is a convenient option for achieving pastel hair at home.

Once you’ve picked your pastel color, decide how you want to apply it. For a uniform pastel look, bleach all your hair. Alternatively, you can choose techniques like dip dyeing, where only the ends are colored, or other styles such as ombre, balayage, and highlights.

Hair Ideas to Consider

1. Wavy Brown Bob with Purple Highlights 

This wavy bob features an all-over brown color with purple balayage highlights. It’s a chic, modern look perfect for those who like a stylish twist.

2. Brunette Ombre Hair 

Brunette ombre blends dark and light shades seamlessly, especially when paired with pastel purple. This technique creates a smooth transition between colors.

3. Purple Grey Layers 

For a low-maintenance purple hairstyle, try free-flowing curls in purple and grey. This slightly messy look is ideal for both casual and romantic settings.

4. Soft Waves with Pastel Highlights 

Soft waves with pastel highlights offer a dreamy, romantic effect. This style adds a subtle pop of color to your look.

5. Long Tousled Lavender Hair 

Pastel lavender hair in long, voluminous waves is soft and feminine. It’s versatile for romantic or everyday styles, and easy to adapt.

6. Mermaid Curls with Purple Ends 

Curls at the ends of long purple hair create a striking look. This style emphasizes volume and keeps the top smooth for a balanced appearance.

7. Lilac Layered Bob 

A layered bob in lilac with black roots is playful and stylish. The combination creates a fun, chic look that’s both flirty and cute.

8. Wavy Lavender Lob 

This lavender lob features wavy tresses with choppy ends. The classy cut showcases the magical color and maintains an easy-to-style look.

9. Purple Mane with Blue Roots 

Combine periwinkle roots with lighter purple ends for a striking gradient. This ethereal style creates a bold, dreamy look.

10. Platinum and Purple Wavy Bob 

A platinum and purple bob features a faded lilac tint and big barrel waves. This vintage-inspired style adds fresh vibrancy and volume.

11. Lilac-and-Silver Balayage 

Purple-and-silver highlights create a magical allure. Adding glitter to the roots enhances this unicorn-worthy style with luscious curls.

12. Strawberry Blonde Hair with Lavender Highlights 

Lavender highlights complement strawberry blonde hair beautifully. A balayage blend shows off both colors in a vibrant, chic style.

13. Pastel Bob with Silver Highlights 

A pastel bob with silver highlights features big barrel curls and lighter ends. This minimalist look is trendy and eye-catching.

14. Large Waves with Purple Ombre 

Combine Hollywood glamour with a pastel purple ombre for a bold look. The ample natural color makes it easy to maintain and stylish for newcomers.

15. Pretty Pastel Waves 

Light purple hair with dark brown roots and wavy lengths creates a dreamy, dimensional effect. It’s perfect for brunettes exploring unicorn colors.

16. Dirty Blonde Bob with Lavender Highlights 

Replace traditional blonde highlights with piecey lavender strands. This fresh approach adds brightness and personality to your look.

17. Wavy Locks with Purple Ends 

Lavender and pinkish tones woven through wavy tresses create a mesmerizing effect. This beachy style channels mermaid-like beauty.

18. Wavy Bob with Pastel Highlights 

An asymmetrical bob with pastel highlights frames the face. This style brightens your look with minimal damage and a chic touch.

19. Unicorn-Inspired Gradient Hair 

Embrace purple hairstyles with a gradient shag incorporating various pastel shades. Dark roots enhance this playful, cool-girl style.

20. Lilac Bob with a Silvery Finish 

A lilac bob with a silvery finish mimics natural blonde or brunette dimension. This sweet two-tone look suits both short and long hair.

21. Wavy Pastel Locks 

Pastel purple with silver pieces creates a shiny, metallic finish. This combination adds luster and liveliness to any hairstyle.

22. Layered Purple-and-Periwinkle Tresses 

Vivacious purple roots contrast with periwinkle ends for a bold look. Choppy layers and extensions enhance this edgy, voluminous style.

23. Cool-Toned Violet Melt 

A gradient of purple shades in a medium-length cut balances tame and vivacious. Keep the hair sleek for a playful yet professional look.

24. Grey-and-Purple Wavy Style 

Swap blonde for grey in a bold, purple hairstyle. This low-contrast blend creates a chic look that highlights the dimension of your color.

25. Brown to Purple Ombre Hair 

Enhance your ombre with luscious purple ends. The warm purple complements a chocolate brown base and is easy to maintain.

26. Neon Lilac Pixie Cut 

A short, electric neon lilac pixie cut blends with platinum blonde. This vibrant style is perfect for making a bold, eye-catching statement.

27. Silver Lob with Lavender Tips 

A silver lob with lavender tips showcases ombre done right. The ashen blonde and purple highlight femininity while standing out.

28. Grey and Purple Layers 

Combine pastel purple with grey for an ethereal look. Avoid blunt cuts to maintain a lightweight and airy appearance.

29. Lilac Highlights for Blondes 

Add lilac highlights to blonde hair for a pastel touch. Light purple highlights and lowlights create a balanced, colorful look.

30. Lavender Hair with Pink Roots 

Hot pink roots paired with light purple ends create a vibrant, magical look. Thick, chunky curls add volume and depth to this style.

31. Side-Parted Purple Waves 

Ash brown hair with light purple balayage creates a standout look. A flattering side part reveals natural roots for added style.

32. Messy Braided Updo 

Pastel purple, pink, and silver blend in this sophisticated updo. The messy braid adds a chic, high-fashion twist to your hair.

33. Bright Vintage Swirl Bun 

A vintage swirl bun with purple adds modern flair to a classic style. Victory rolls placed untraditionally create a rockabilly glam look.

34. Angled Pastel Bob 

An angled pastel bob with choppy layers and a deep side bang grabs attention. This unique cut adds mystery and boldness to short hair.

35. Chunky Purple Waves 

Long, chunky waves in light silver and purple are stunningly romantic. Thick curls and a side part enhance the soft, feminine look.

36. Blonde Locks with Purple Roots 

Add pastel purple accents to blonde hair for a fresh twist. Purple roots or ends create a unique and fascinating color solution.

37. Layered Lavender Curls 

Rich shades of pastel purple in layered curls look tender and stylish. Subtle highlights elevate this look without being monochromatic.

38. Pinkish Purple Balayage 

Long, messy brown hair with pinkish purple brush strokes creates an otherworldly look. A side peekaboo bang adds mystery and intrigue.

39. Ash-Toned Pastel Curls 

Slightly undone curls in pastel purple create a charming, effortless look. This style balances playful and professional vibes.

40. Long Pixie with Undercut 

Pastel purple looks great on short hair, making it easier to experiment. A cropped pixie cut highlights this trendy color choice.

Pastel hair colors provide a fun, versatile range of options. Choose your shade, follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a striking pastel look that’s sure to turn heads.