Did you spot Selena Gomez sporting a chocolate mauve shade at last month’s award show? Or perhaps you double-tapped on Zendaya’s dusty mauve highlights on Instagram?
That’s right, mauve hair color is the beauty world’s latest obsession, seamlessly blending pastel romance with a bold modern edge.
If you want to know how to get mauve hair color, we don’t blame you. It’s fast becoming a hot, on-trend hue for those who are looking for a change.
Whether you’re contemplating a complete hair transformation or just a hint of this mesmerizing hue, we’re here to guide you through the mauve movement sweeping the globe.
We have all the tips, tricks and even the hair dyes you need to nail the look at home like a pro. So if you’re thinking of trying it out, here’s everything you need to know.
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Table of Contents
- What is mauve hair color?
- Top 5 On-trend Mauve hair color ideas.
- #1 Chocolate mauve hair
- #2 Dusty mauve hair
- #3 Mauve pink hair
- #4 Mauve brown hair
- #5 Light mauve hair
- Is mauve hair color warm or cool?
- Will mauve hair suit me?
- Which Hair Color Suits You?
- How do you get mauve hair color?
- Best mauve hair dyes at a glance.
- Watch and learn: How to dye your hair mauve at home.
- Do I need to bleach my hair?
- How long does mauve hair last?
- What color does mauve hair fade to?
- How do you maintain mauve hair?
- TOP TIPS!
- Parting words
What is mauve hair color?
Mauve (pronounced mowv!) is a pastel color that’s the perfect blend of dusty rose, light purple and soft pink.
It can even look like a beautiful tinted gray in some lighting. It’s not as purple as lavender but not as bright as candy pink.
What we love about it is it’s versitality. Use it to add pink highlights, dipped ends or pink ombre styles that add dimension.
It can be many different shades depending on your skin tone – from rose brown to strawberry pink and hints of purple. Blend it with brown or blonde hair bases for a range of looks.
You can use mauve as a base and then add in other colors like purple, blue, or even green if unicorn looks float your boat.
Or just stick with mauve on its own! The great thing about this color is that it works well with all skin tones so whether your complexion is fair or dark, this shade will complement your features perfectly.
Plus it looks good on both long and short hairstyles – which means there really isn’t any reason not to try it out!
Check out the latest looks over on our Mauve hair Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.
Top 5 On-trend Mauve hair color ideas.
#1 Chocolate mauve hair
This is a perfect color for brunettes. The rich bolds blend beautifully together to create the ideal hue that will compliment all complexions and eye colors.
It’s also one of the more low maintenance shades in terms of upkeep – you can easily touch up your roots every few weeks to keep this pretty beige-pink tone looking vibrant.
#2 Dusty mauve hair
This is the perfect blend of baby pink and rich dusty rose gold tones.
While pastel tones are cool toned, dusty mauve color tones are on the warm side, which means they mix well with brown hair. You can also give dirty blonde or caramel hues a shot too. Lush!
#3 Mauve pink hair
Think dark pink hair dye with dusty mauve undertones. This is also known as old school rose or pale mauve.
It’s especially flattering for pale skin tones who can really work up the pretty pastel color without looking too washed out.
#4 Mauve brown hair
This color is the perfect blend of mauve and chestnut brown.
It’s especially flattering when you use different tones in your hair, for example different shades of chocolate & bold rich caramel brown.
It’s a shade that’s perfect for brunettes who can add a pop of pink to their natural coloring.
#5 Light mauve hair
This is a lighter version of the dusty rose hair color.
It’s perfect for girls with blonde hair looking to add a more subtle mauve tint, one that’s slightly darker than a pale pink tone but still on the soft side.
Is mauve hair color warm or cool?
Mauve is a color that’s flattering on all skin tones and eye colors, but it’s especially beautiful in warm tones who can pull off dusty rose shades.
Mauve may not be the best choice if you have very dark features or a deep complexion. The color may not show up against your natural features as nicely as say a pale strawberry blonde tone would.
That’s not to say cool tones can’t pull it off too. Go for smokey mauve colours with blue or gray undertones or mix in blue-based purple for a shimmering effect.
If you’re not sure whether you have cool or warn tones, just use our handy checklist below to find out!
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You blush easily!
- Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
- The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
Will mauve hair suit me?
You can also find out which hair colour suits you by taking our quiz! Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colors most suit you!
Which Hair Color Suits You?
You can also try on some virtual hair colors with the Best hair color changing apps you need to use th
How do you get mauve hair color?
It’s pretty simple, but you’ll need to visit your hair stylist for the most on-trend looks.
Ask them to do a reverse ombre that starts darker at your roots and fades into pale pink – or even white – tips.
You can also ask them to add in some highlights of purple, blue or lavender tone for extra dimension. Or, if you’re looking to dip dye your ends for an ombre look, stick with light tones like pearl or blush shades.
If you’re feeling brave enough to try dyeing your hair at home – there are a load of mauve hair dyes you can try to get the look!
We recommend Manic Panic or Arctic Fox semi-permanent hair dye for vibrant results. But check out our faves below!
Best mauve hair dyes at a glance.
Watch and learn: How to dye your hair mauve at home.
Here’s a great video tutorial that shows you how to dye your hair mauve at home, step by step.
Do I need to bleach my hair?
In a word, yes. To achieve this look at home, you’ll need to first make sure your base is pre-lightened to a level 10 blonde or above.
The color you choose to use will determine how much your hair needs to be lightened. Warm tones are best for naturally dark hair, whereas cool tones work better on bleached or natural blonde hair.
If you have dark hair – check the box for instructions on how much lighter you’ll need to go before using any color, or go to a salon and get your hair bleached.
If you have blonde hair – this color will show up great with a level 7 or 8 base. Check the instructions for how much lighter you’ll need to go before using a hair dye at home.
And ALWAYS do a strand test before you start so there are no nasty color surprises!
How long does mauve hair last?
It’s not a color that lasts very long in your hair.
If you use permanent hair dye, you can expect to get about 6 weeks wear before it fades.
Semi-permanent hair dye will last around 6-8 washes.
Lightening your hair – especially if you’re using bleach – will shorten the length of time this color lasts in between salon visits. This is because your roots will still grow through no matter how long the hair dye lasts.
But it’s worth it!
What color does mauve hair fade to?
Mauve hair color will fade to colors like dusty rose or brown if you’ve picked a dye with a warm tonal base.
If you’ve picked a cool hue, it will show purple and blue tones as it fades.
You can use toners, gloss or color-correcting, toning shampoos to keep brassy colors from showing through.
How do you maintain mauve hair?
The best thing to do to keep it from fading fast is to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated to protect dyed hair.
You can also touch up your roots every few weeks to keep the color from becoming too light before it starts to fade.
TOP TIPS!
- Make sure you use good quality shampoo and conditioner to restore lost shine.
- Always use a heat protecting spray before using any hot tools to protect your colour from burning.
- Once a week, replenish your hair moisture with a good deep conditioner.
- And always follow our advice in how to keep your hair colour fabulous for longer!
Parting words
So there you have it! The fiercest hair trend of the year in all it’s soft-pink glory, and you can get it at home with semi or permanent dye – or by visiting your local salon!
Have fun with this look! It will definitely last until next season.
What are you waiting for?
Found your perfect mauve shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
