Craving a statement violet or a soft lilac sheen but not sure which purple dye will actually show up on your hair? You’re not alone. With so many semi‑permanent options in the UK, it’s hard to tell which shades pop on brown bases, which pastels need pre‑lightening, and which formulas fade gracefully without leaving patchy residue. Add in concerns about hair health, vegan credentials, price, and how long the colour will last, and choosing “the one” can feel like a gamble.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve shortlisted the top five semi‑permanent purple dyes available in the UK—spanning bold plums to smoky violets and airy lilacs—and explain what each does best. For every pick, you’ll see the shade range and finish, who it suits (by natural base level and undertone), how it fades and how long it lasts, plus typical UK pricing and where to buy. Expect clear, practical pointers to help you avoid surprises and get the result you want first time. Ready to find your perfect purple? Let’s start with Smart Beauty’s plum and purple favourites.
1. Smart Beauty plum & purple semi-permanent dyes
Smart Beauty’s Plum & Purple collection is tailor-made for at-home colour fans who want impact without compromise. The formulas are vegan, cruelty-free and free from PPD, ammonia and resorcinol, with plex-enriched options that help keep hair feeling soft and looked-after.
Shade range and finish
You’ll find deep plum and wine tones through to rich violet and soft lilac. On darker bases, these shades give a chic purple tint; on pre‑lightened hair they read bold and saturated. Finishes are glossy and conditioning, ideal if you want a healthy-looking result from your purple hair dye.
Why we rate it
The shades are trend-led yet wearable, and the application is straightforward for even, streak‑free colour. Ethical credentials and UK-made quality are a win, while plex-enriched picks support hair strength during the colouring process—great if you switch purple semi‑permanent shades seasonally.
Who it suits (natural base levels and undertones)
Brunettes (levels 3–5) get visible tone with plums and aubergines; blondes and lighter brunettes (levels 7–10) can lean into lilac or bright violet. Cool skin tones love lavender and periwinkle‑leaning purples; warmer complexions suit plum, wine and aubergine.
Longevity and fade
As a semi‑permanent, colour softens with each wash, fading evenly toward cooler mauves. Pre‑lightened hair holds vibrancy longer; on virgin dark hair expect a subtler sheen. Maintain with colour‑kind care to stretch vibrancy.
Price and where to buy in the UK
Available direct from Smart Beauty’s UK site and selected online retailers. Pricing is competitive for semi‑permanent purple hair dye, with seasonal offers—look out for codes such as AUTUMN2025 on selected autumn shades.
2. Manic Panic purple semi-permanent dyes
Manic Panic has long been a go-to for vivid colour, and its purple semi-permanent dyes are no exception. Expect bold, loud pay-off on light bases, with the brand noting that on darker hair you’ll see more of a subtle purple hint—ideal if you’re testing the waters before going brighter.
Shade range and finish
Across Manic Panic’s purple spectrum, shades read vibrant on pre‑lightened hair and more tonal on brunette bases. Results skew glossy with high-impact violets on light hair, while natural dark brunettes can expect an even, sheer tint that catches the light rather than a neon pop.
Why we rate it
Manic Panic’s purples are reliable for saturated results on a light base and predictable tonal shifts on darker hair. That clarity makes choosing your purple hair dye less of a gamble.
- High-impact on light hair: Vivid, photo-ready violets.
- Tint-on-dark control: Subtle sheen on brown/black hair, as indicated by the brand.
- Easy to source in the UK: Multiple buying options and plenty of purple variants.
Who it suits (natural base levels and undertones)
If you’re level 7–10 (blonde/pre‑lightened), you’ll get true, bright violet results. Levels 3–5 (brown/dark) suit deeper purples for a polished tint. As a guide: cool undertones pair well with lavender‑leaning purples; warm undertones flatter plum and wine tones.
Longevity and fade
As a semi‑permanent, colour fades progressively with washing. Vibrancy lasts longest on pre‑lightened hair, while darker, virgin hair will see a soft, even tone that gently rinses out. Use colour‑kind shampoo, cooler water and fewer washes to stretch wear.
Price and where to buy in the UK
Available via the Manic Panic UK site and major UK beauty retailers. Pricing sits in line with other premium semi‑permanent purple hair dye pots; look for multipack or seasonal promos to save. Stock and shade availability can vary by retailer.
3. Crazy Color purple semi-permanent dyes
If you want instant impact without the faff, Crazy Color’s purple semi‑permanent dyes deliver exactly what the brand promises: bold, vibrant, saturated colour with pastel options for softer looks. It’s a versatile choice whether you’re chasing high‑voltage violet or a delicate lilac veil from your purple hair dye.
Shade range and finish
Expect a sweep from velvet plums and rich violets to milky lilacs and pastels. On darker hair, colours read as a cool purple tint; on pre‑lightened bases, they show as saturated, high‑shine hues. Pastels look cleanest on a pale blonde foundation.
Why we rate it
The palette spans vivid and pastel purples with reliable, punchy results on light hair, making shade selection straightforward.
- Vivid-to-pastel choice: From electric violet to airy lilac.
- True-to-tone on light bases: Clear, saturated pay‑off.
- Easy to find in the UK: Broad availability across online retailers.
Who it suits (natural base levels and undertones)
Levels 3–5 (brown) suit deeper plums for a noticeable, refined tint. Levels 7–10 (blonde/pre‑lightened) can wear bright violets or lilacs true to swatch. Cool undertones flatter lavender and periwinkle; warmer undertones glow with plum, wine and aubergine shades.
Longevity and fade
As a semi‑permanent, colour softens with each wash. Pastels fade fastest; deeper violets and plums linger longer. Light, porous hair holds vibrancy best, while darker virgin hair enjoys an even, subtle sheen.
Price and where to buy in the UK
Pricing is competitive for semi‑permanent purple hair dye. Widely available via UK e‑commerce and beauty retailers; check current stock for specific purple shades and keep an eye out for bundle or seasonal offers.
4. Bleach London purple semi-permanent dyes
Bleach London is synonymous with fashion-forward colour, and its purple semi-permanent dyes deliver that editorial edge at home. The standout is Bruised Violet—a conditioning formula designed to transform hair into a dramatic, statement violet while still feeling soft after rinsing. If you love trend-led purple hair dye with a glossy finish, this is a strong contender.
Shade range and finish
Bleach’s purples lean modern: think inky violets and smoky, bruised tones. On pre‑lightened bases the result is saturated and high-shine; on darker hair you’ll see a cool, refined purple tint that catches the light. The finish feels conditioning and looks glossy rather than matte.
Why we rate it
- Editorial tones: Fashion-first violets that photograph beautifully.
- Conditioning feel: A comfortable, soft finish after colouring.
- Predictable results: Bold on light hair, tonal on brunettes.
Who it suits (natural base levels and undertones)
Levels 7–10 (blonde/pre‑lightened) will see true, vivid violet. Levels 3–5 (brown) get a sleek purple sheen that’s subtle and chic. Cool undertones pair well with blue‑leaning violets; warmer complexions tend to suit deeper, bruised purples.
Longevity and fade
Bleach London notes Bruised Violet lasts between 10–50 washes, depending on your base, porosity and aftercare. Expect an even, cooler fade; deeper application on a light base will hold longest, while darker virgin hair softens out more quickly.
Price and where to buy in the UK
Available from Bleach London online and through selected UK beauty retailers. Pricing varies by retailer and pack size; watch for seasonal promos or bundles when stocking up on your purple hair dye essentials.
5. Stargazer purple semi-permanent dyes
Stargazer is a long-standing favourite for creative colour, offering vegan, cruelty‑free formulas and a spectrum of purples to match every mood. If you’re after reliable, expressive purple hair dye that ranges from playful to dramatic, this range makes experimenting feel easy and fun.
Shade range and finish
Expect captivating purples including vibrant bright purple, luxurious rich violet, pastel lilac, soft purple and deep dark violet. On a pre‑lightened base you’ll see the truest, most saturated tone; on darker hair the result reads more as a subtle purple tone that catches the light.
Why we rate it
Stargazer’s breadth of purples gives you room to switch looks without switching brands, and the ethical credentials are a clear bonus for at‑home colour fans.
- Vegan & cruelty‑free: Ethical formulas you can feel good about.
- From vivid to pastel: Bright violets through to airy lilacs in one lineup.
- Creative-friendly: Great if you change your purple hair dye shade with the seasons.
Who it suits (natural base levels and undertones)
Levels 7–10 (blonde/pre‑lightened) can wear bright violets and lilacs true to swatch. Levels 3–5 (brown) suit deeper purples for a refined tint. Cool undertones shine with lavender and blue‑leaning violets; warm undertones flatter plum, wine and deep dark violet.
Longevity and fade
As with most semi‑permanent colour, deeper violets and plums tend to outlast pastels, which fade faster. Expect a progressive, even fade with washing; fewer washes and colour‑kind care help maintain vibrancy.
Price and where to buy in the UK
Widely available via the Stargazer official site and UK beauty retailers. Pricing varies by retailer and shade; check current stock for specific purples and look for seasonal availability if you have a signature tone in mind.
Your next step
You’ve now got the lay of the land: five semi‑permanent purple front‑runners that cover rich plums, smoky violets and soft lilacs. To lock in the result you want, choose by base level and undertone: deeper plums flatter brunettes and warmer skins; lilacs and cool violets shine on pre‑lightened hair and cooler tones. If you crave pastel, pre‑lightening is key. And remember, aftercare drives longevity—cooler water, fewer washes, colour‑kind products.
Ready to go purple with confidence? Explore vegan, cruelty‑free, plex‑enriched options and get practical at‑home tips direct from Smart Beauty. Find your shade, grab the essentials, and enjoy a glossy, even fade that looks as good on day one as it does weeks later.
