Lavender hair can be barely-there lilac, cool and silvery, or bright enough to turn heads. And you don’t have to commit to an all-over pastel: smoky ends, ombre, and balayage give you plenty of ways to wear purple.
If you’re choosing a shade for your next salon visit, these 14 lavender hair color ideas show just how different one color can look.
Before you dye: Very pale lavender generally needs a very light blonde base, so darker hair may need pre-lightening. That can be damaging, especially on already processed hair. Bring a reference photo to a colorist and ask what is realistic for your starting color and how the shade will fade. For more on pastel coloring, see our pastel hair color tutorials.
1. Dusty Lavender
A touch of pink gives this dusty lavender a soft, metallic-looking finish.
2. Natural Hair With Smoky Lilac Ends
Not ready to dye your entire head? Try a lavender dip dye.
3. Cool Lavender
This cool-toned lavender has an icy finish rather than a rosy one.
4. Lavender Ombre
The darker roots make a lovely contrast with the lavender lengths, and the transition leaves room for regrowth.
5. Pale Lavender
A hint of gray keeps this pale lavender from looking too sugary.
6. Neon Lavender With Pink
Take lavender to the next level with a neon finish. Then add in some fuchsia highlights.
7. Salmon Pink and Lavender
Can’t choose only one color? Try combining lavender with salmon pink.
8. Warm Lavender
The pinkish undertone makes this lilac feel warmer than the icy shades above.
9. Pinkish Lavender
Look at those full, thick pastel waves.
10. Saturated Lavender
Prefer your purple with more punch? This saturated lavender makes a statement.
11. Frosty Lavender
This is lavender at its frostiest, with a silvery, cool-toned finish.
12. Silver-Tinted Lavender
A sheer lavender tint can add a delicate purple cast to a light silver or blonde base. Results depend on the starting shade.
13. Lavender Balayage
Remember: Balayage isn’t just for blonde hair.
14. Smoky Lavender
Silver-blonde pieces give this smoky lavender its dimensional finish.
