In March, we predicted that 2020 would be the year to embrace your creative, playful side. Now, a lot has happened since then, but one thing remains the same: Bold, vibrant hair colors are in, and there’s no better time than the start of a new season to test the waters of fantasy hair.
If you’re looking to try a fantasy shade for the first time, we have just the pick for you: plum hair color. Plum hair color blends red and purple undertones to create a hue that's extremely versatile for every skin tone. The shade can also be worn super vibrant or toned-down to fit your desired level of maintenance. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the hue plus 22 plum hair colors to consider trying at your next salon appointment.
Is plum a warm or cool color?
Plum hair color is a combination of both cool and warm undertones, so it’s an excellent option for any skin tone. Your colorist can also customize your color to lean more cool or warm, depending on your desired look.
Does plum hair color fade quickly?
Like most fantasy shades, plum hair color will begin to fade two to three weeks after your appointment. That’s why it’s essential to have a quality at-home hair care routine and visit your colorist frequently for touch-ups.
How To Care For Plum Hair Color
If you’re wondering what products will help keep your plum hue vibrant and fresh between appointments, this is what you need to know. Begin by swapping your regular shampoo and conditioner for a system like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner. This system gently cleanses and conditions to maintain the vibrancy of fast-fading hair colors.
For those who plan on going bright plum, keep in mind that your stylist may use bleach to lift your natural base color before going in with your plum shade. While bleach will always cause damage, your stylist will work to leave you with the best, brightest, and healthiest-looking results. When it comes to at-home care, be sure to add a weekly hair mask like L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque to your routine. This formula is made with gold quinoa and protein to deeply nourish weakened hair, leaving it softer and shinier.
If you’re interested in plum hair color, keep scrolling for 23 of the best ways to try the shade for yourself.
The Best Plum Hair Colors To Try Now
Photo Credit: @ashleylantzhair.
Cranberry Plum
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cranberry—dare we say, cran-plum—hair. The reddish hue complements all skin tones year-round. It’s the most iconic duo since cran-apple juice.
Photo Credit: @le_poise_parrucchieri.
Rainbow
We were serious when we said this is the time to go all-out with your color. Ask your stylist to recreate this rainbow variation of plum hair. This look is not for the faint of heart, but we’re obsessed with the peekaboo effect that hides your rainbow strands beneath a sea of purple waves.
Photo Credit: @hairbymandypavia.
Amethyst
Almost as precious as the stone itself, amethyst hair is a sight to be seen. It’s a vibrant version of plum hair that looks amazing on lighter skin tones.
Photo Credit: @cristianchiffi.
Plum And Magenta Ombre
If going plum is too Plain Jane for you, take it a step further and get a magenta and plum ombre. This technique seamlessly blends cool and warm-toned shades for a versatile finish.
Photo Credit: @makeupbyfrances.
Lowlights
Adding lowlights to your mane is the equivalent of adding highlight and contour to your cheeks during your makeup routine—it elevates your look by adding dimension. Opting for plum lowlights will boost your hair’s complexity and give it more depth, whether you have a bright pink or dark brown base.
Photo Credit: @analyalvaradohairstylist.
Chocolate-Covered Plum
If you’re conflicted about drastically changing your mane, lean into plum hair with this chocolate-inspired color. Adding hints of violet tresses to your dark brown hair creates a look that’s subtle yet eye-catching.
Photo Credit: @beyond_shears_by_heather.
Subtle Plum
Plum hair color isn’t something you see every day, but don’t let that be your reason for avoiding new things. This subtle plum shade blends perfectly with any neutral base color, making it perfect if you’re reluctant to get out of your comfort zone.
Photo Credit: @kristinacheeseman.
Fuchsia
Everything about this color says stunner. This fuschia plum color that leans pink is electric. Ladies with shorter locks, be sure to take notes because this color is a stunner on pixie cuts and bobs.
Photo Credit: @chelseabreana.
Plum With Natural Roots
Fantasy hair colors require extra TLC (tender love and care), especially when compared to blonde and brunette shades. Leave your roots dark to avoid constant touch-ups if you’re looking to spare yourself a couple of extra bucks and time. It’s the best of both worlds!
Photo Credit: @jaymz.marsters.
Dip Dyed Plum
Reap the benefits of vibrant hair without the maintenance by dipping your ends in a plum shade. You can simply cut it all off and go for a chic, short hairstyle if you ever get tired of it.
Photo Credit: @ashleylantzhair.
Gray Balayage
A shade like this can do no wrong in our eyes. This luscious dark plum hair color melted into a lighter gray hue has us begging for more photos.
Photo Credit: @cxsglam.
Dark Plum
This quintessential color gives us all the plum vibes you need for natural brunettes without making your hair too bright.
Photo Credit: @natka_0693.
Bright Plum
If we haven't convinced you that plum hair color is worth a try by now, then maybe this saturated variation will change your mind. If you just quickly glance at this bright plum color, you’ll miss the nuances that add a layer of complexity to this shade. It’s so luxe and deep—we can’t stop drooling over it.
Photo Credit: @veronicavridge.
Sunset
There are a few things in the world that are more beautiful than a sunset—and that includes this hair inspo. Ask your stylist to color your base a plum shade and seamlessly blend in accent shades to create a picturesque sunset look.
Photo Credit: @edgardscissorhands.
Violet
While it’s true that trends come and go, rest assured that this violet plum hue is here to stay. Everyone will marvel over your beautiful mane no matter what time of year it is.
Photo Credit: @karinnamagic.
Hidden Plum
If you’re trying to get a taste of plum hair but still want to keep it appropriate for the office, ask your stylist to keep the color beneath a layer of your natural hair. It secretly spices up your dark brown hair without putting your professionalism at risk—don’t worry, we won’t tell.
Photo Credit: @cosmobycarissa.
Plum Roots
If breaking the rules is your thing, we’ve got a look for you that certainly goes against the norm. Keep the color at the crown of your head by coloring your roots any plum variation you desire.
Photo Credit: @prettylittleombre.
Plum Highlights
Don’t be afraid to add plum highlights on top of any blonde or brunette base color. Highlights add brightness to any look, making your hair more dazzling than ever before.
Photo Credit: @krazy4hair.
Glossy Plum
This vibrant, glossy plum shade will command the attention of everyone in the room. Use a hair oil like Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil to give your hue an extra touch of shine.
Photo Credit: @audieshades.
Curly Plum
If you thought you couldn’t pull off a plum shade with curls, think again! A bold, dimensional shade like plum looks stunning on curly hair types and helps your natural ringlets stand out.
Photo Credit: @theniksters.
Unicorn
Don’t give up on your childhood dreams and give this extraordinary hair color a go. It reminds us of everything we loved when we were younger—unicorns, magic, and of course, the color purple. The blend fuses plum, pink, and blue shades to create the most magical mane possible.
Photo Credit: @cheyenne_ririe.
Pastel Plum
Give pastel plum a try if pastel hair is more your vibe. A shade like this is particularly flattering against pale skin tones.
Photo Credit: @lpati.rodrigz.
Plum And Violet
Getting two bold colors on one head of hair might be intimidating, but get in touch with your inner trendsetter and lead the way!
Interested in trying plum hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.