6 Best Pastel Lavender Hair Dyes Of 2023 [Expert Reviews].

Luscious lavender. The soft, sexy shade is all over our pinterest feeds right now with its edgy, cool and effortless vibes. But which is the best lavender hair dye to get the look at home?

In Purple hair|How to get the perfect look at home, lavender featured high on our list of purple hair colors that are rocking up the trend charts this year.

Now we’re here with the best lavender hair dye around so you can get your hair on trend and on point at home!

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What is lavender hair color?

Lavender is the sexy sister shade of pinker Lilac (which is also one of the hot hair color ideas that are so super popular this year).

This incredible shade is a magical mix of purple and blue that’s guaranteed to suit any hair type and skin tone, whether you’re cool or warm.

Lavender has endless possibilities – it can be soft, bright, pastel, electric, or even neon! And the best part? It pairs flawlessly with ombre, balayage, or highlights styles.

If you have silver or blonde hair, lavender is your perfect match. It complements these shades beautifully, creating a gorgeous color combination.

Plus, lavender works wonders in color-correcting yellow and brassy tones, ensuring your hair always stays cool and fabulous.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

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Can I dye my hair lavender at home?

The good news is that pastel lavender is an easy color to achieve at home – with the right hair color base.

So you’ll need to take the color your hair is now into consideration.

If you have blonde and light hair: You have a great base to start playing with lavender shades. Although you may need to lighten your hair if you want to true pastel shades.

If you have light brown hair and darker: You’ll need to lighten your hair with a lightening kit to try pastel hair dyes like lavender. Using off-the shelf lavender box dyes won’t work on dark hair – sorry!

What are the best lavender hair dyes?

Without further ado! Here are the best lavender hair dyes to get the lush look at home!

Best lavender hair dye at a glance.

Hair dye	Looks like	Best for	Buy it now
Clairol Color Crave Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Lavender		Vibrant lavender locks.	Check it out on Amazon >>
Crazy Colour Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Lavender		Blue lavender hues.	Check it out on Amazon >>
Adore Shining Semi Permanent Hair Colour, Soft Lavender		Strong lavender colour.	Check it out on Amazon >>
L'Oreal Feria Shimmering Color, Smokey Lavender		Subtle pastel wash.	Check it out on Amazon >>
Directions Hair Colour - Lavender		Super soft lavender hair.	Check it out on Amazon >>
Manic Panic Silver Stiletto Gray Hair Dye - Icy Silver Shade with Lavender Tint		Silver-lavender toning tints.	Check it out on Amazon >>

#1 Clairol Color Crave Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Lavender

Features & ingredients:

• Flaunt your fearless with bright colors and bold results.
• Lasts 15+ washes.
• Visible on any hair type, so your look isn’t limited by your locks.
• The lighter your hair, the longer your wear.

Reviewers say:

“This hair dye was easy to use and the color came out great. Personally I may have needed to saturate some strands a little better, but I still love the purple color that came out.”

“Not exactly the color on the box if you have bleached hair but they have a little chart at the back. On bleached hair, it’s more like indigo-purple but should wash out nicely.”

“I have dark brown hair and I was worried that this would not show up or work on my hair. It honestly worked so well! I love it. Showed up such a pretty purple color!”

Our experience:

This is a great lavender color that’s easy to apply and the creme is lovely and thick so you don’t splash it everywhere and dye your bathroom lavender too.

We tried it on mid-blonde hair and left it in for 30 minutes to really penetrate.

The results were a lustrous, vibrant color that lifted our hair. After 5 washes, it’s on its way out so it won’t last the 15+ washes it promises but the color is so gorgeous that we’ll forgive them.

Best for: Vibrant lavender locks.

#2 Crazy Color Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Lavender

Features & ingredients:

• Add an instant burst of color and vibrancy to your look.
• Easy to use and lasts out in 6-8 washes
• Create striking looks with ease without worrying about any long term commitment.

Reviewers say:

“I’ve used this dye for 9 months now. I love this lavender hair color. Fantastic pay off and easy clean up. Does run a bit but not that much and has washed out of any fabric I’ve gotten it on so far (touch wood) so for a temporary dye, it’s really good.”

“The color is really nice by itself and lasts longer than expected.”

“Came out more blue than the swatch color but still happy with the final result as it may have just been the reaction of bleaching my hair before hand, would recommend a different color for someone wanting purple specifically.”

Our experience:

We tried this lavender hair dye on light brown hair rather than pre-lightened and it’s semi-permanent so we weren’t expecting amazing results.

We left it in longer to let the color really soak in and were pleasantly surprised! It’s more on the blue side than purple but gave us an even, all-over color.

The reviews say it didn’t last long but we’ve found it holding better than other semi-permanent dyes. Maybe because of the blue pigments and our hair was darker to begin with.

Best for: Blue lavender hues.

#3 Adore Shining Semi Permanent Hair Color, Soft Lavender

Features & ingredients:

• Infuses each hair strand with a vibrant burst of luxurious color.
• No Ammonia, No Peroxide, and No Alcohol.
• Deposits natural looking color while giving your hair a healthy resilient shine.
• Leaving your hair in better condition than before coloring.

Reviewers say:

“I’ve been using Adore dyes for almost 20 years. I love it because its available in so many colors, they actually stay in my hair (but easy to get off skin and clean from the tub), and leave my hair really shiny and soft.”

“As a retired hairdresser I can recommend this range of colors. It is always best to use on pre lightened hair for best results in obtaining the true color match.”

“If you bleach your hair prior to use your color will come out super bright and vibrant. If you have a previous hair dye in a lighter tone this will go over those lighter areas and tint them lilac but you will not see it as much in darker areas. I actually think that makes the effect look pretty nice.”

Our experience:

This Adore hair dye says to apply on wet hair, but in our experience, dry is best to really take the color so we ignored that. We applied it to pale blonde hair.

This dye is extremely pigmented even when diluted a little with conditioner so the bottle will last a few applications.

The lavender color is really vibrant and one of the strongest lavender colors on this list.

Best for: Strong lavender color.

#4 L’Oreal Feria Shimmering Color, Smokey Lavender

Features & ingredients:

• Express your color creativity.
• Full-head, ombre or highlights.
• Creates a soft pastel hue.
• Dark hair? Pre-lighten with LIVE intense lightener for a soft pastel result.

Reviewers say:

“I tried this on my medium length, pre-lightened blonde hair and I love the result, it’s a beautiful soft lilac color. My hair feels lovely too.”

“I purchased two kits as I’ve used this range before and know that they are smaller tubes than normal. I put loads on to make sure it’s all over but the color is amazing just what I wanted pastel lavender vibes.”

“I have used the Live colors for years so was excited to use the Lilac!
I bought 2 boxes and left it on for 20 minutes. My hair is a mid blonde and is also really porous and takes color well and this turned out a lovely purple pastel shade!”

Our experience:

This is called lilac hair color but it’s definitely more of a purple than pink pastel shade so we gave it a go to make lavender.

For this one we had blonde, pre-lightened hair ready to go for an all over look. We bought two boxes as the reviews said we’d need it but if you’re just going for dipped ends or touches one will be enough.

We applied to dry hair to ensure it really took and left it on for 25 minutes (they recommend 2 – 15 minutes). The result was an even, wash of silvery-purple hair that was soft to touch.

Best for: Subtle pastel wash.

#5 Directions Hair Color – Lavender

Features & ingredients:

• Long lasting, semi-permanent dyes that work well on most hair types. 
• Vegan friendly & are not tested on animals.
• These shades can be mixed too meaning the possibilities are endless.
• One 88ml tub will usually cover shoulder length hair.

Reviewers say:

“Great color and easy to use, the only downside is this color on it’s own does wash out/fade really quick. I think I’m going to try mixing it with the violet next time to make a darker color so it doesn’t wash out so fast!”

“The texture and the color was great I am really happy with the change on my hair especially bc I had virgin hair and I have even have half the bottle left!”

“The color shows up best on bleached hair. It turned my faded red hair into a more flattering dark pink shade and left a pink/blue tint on my naturally dark brown hair that holds color very well.”

Our experience:

We used Directions Lavender hair color on long and coarse, unbleached hair and it took a whole tub to massage it in.

We left it in for 45 mins to ensure it really took. After rinsing the dye out, our hair was very easy to detangle and comb, which means the dye is super conditioning.

The color is fab – our light brown hair now has all over lavender tones that gives a lustrous, even color. The only downside is that it doesn’t last v long – the color does run so prepare for lavender pillows!

Best for: Super soft lavender hair.

#6 Manic Panic Silver Stiletto Gray Hair Dye – Icy Silver Shade with Lavender Tint

Features & ingredients:

• Silver Stiletto is an icy, lavender-tinted silver hair dye that acts as a toner to help create pale, platinum hair by eliminating yellow hues.
• When applied to already toned, pre-lightened lightest level 10 hair, Silver Stiletto creates stunning light grey locks.
• Duration: 4 – 6 weeks.

Reviewers say:

“I love the icy frosty lavender! It’s almost interchangeable with the Snow White toner. This would be good as a precursor to other blue & purple dyes.”

“My hair was about a level 9 and this made the prettiest lilac-silver ombre. I definitely recommend this dye!”

“This toner is great for really pale blonde hair. I left it on for about 2 hours and I got a lavender kind of color in my hair that washed out with a couple washes but my hair was much softer afterwards and it was a great color.”

Our experience:

We love Manic Panic for its sheer range of bright and beautiful colors.

This fabulously named Silver Stiletto is more of a toner than a dye for white-blonde or gray hair that is showing hints of brassiness.

We tried it on platinum blonde hair and it gave a cool, icy sheen to our locks. It has a hint of lavender undertones but it’s more of a silvery-purple hue that glistens in the light. Go for this if you have bleach blonde hair or dark hair that’s turning gray that needs brightening up with luscious lavender.

Best for: Silver-lavender toning tints.

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TOP PICK!

Clairol Color Crave Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Lavender

Best for: Vibrant lavender locks.

This is a great lavender color that’s easy to apply and the creme is lovely and thick so you don’t splash it everywhere and dye your bathroom lavender too.

We tried it on mid-blonde hair and left it in for 30 minutes to really penetrate.

The results were a lustrous, vibrant color that lifted our hair. After 5 washes, it’s on its way out so it won’t last the 15+ washes it promises but the color is so gorgeous that we’ll forgive them.

Buyer’s Guide: How to choose the right lavender hair dye for you.

There’s something magical about lavender hair. This soft, dreamy shade looks great on a wide variety of skin tones and hair types, and can add a touch of whimsy to any look.

But with so many different lavender hair dyes available, it can be tough to know which one is the right one for you.

We’ve got your back (and hair!). In this buyer’s guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect lavender hair dye for you.

#1 Hair type & texture

The first thing to consider when choosing a lavender hair dye is your hair type and texture.

Some dyes are better suited for certain types of hair than others.

If you have fine hair, you might want to opt for a lighter, more delicate shade of lavender to avoid weighing down your hair.

If you have thick, curly hair, a deeper, richer shade of lavender might be just what you need to really make a statement.

#2 Skin tone

Your skin tone is also an important factor to consider when choosing a lavender hair dye.

Generally, cooler skin tones will look better with a lighter, more pastel shade of lavender, while warmer skin tones can pull off a darker, more vibrant shade.

If you’re not sure which category you fall under, try holding up different shades of lavender to your skin and see which one looks the most natural.

#3 Semi-permanent or permanent:

The next thing to consider is whether you want a semi-permanent or permanent lavender hair dye.

Semi-permanent dyes typically last for around 6-8 washes, while permanent dyes can last for several weeks or even months.

If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term change, a semi-permanent dye can be a great way to try out lavender hair without making a permanent change.

However, if you’re ready to fully embrace the lavender life, a permanent dye might be the way to go.

#4 Maintenance:

Lavender hair dye can require a bit more upkeep than other colors, as it tends to fade more quickly.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, regular touch-ups with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner can help keep your color looking vibrant for longer.

But if you don’t have the time or energy for regular upkeep, a more low-maintenance lavender shade might be a better fit for you.

#5 Strand test:

Finally, before committing to any lavender hair dye, it’s crucial to do a strand test.

This involves applying a small amount of dye to a hidden section of hair to ensure that you’re happy with the color and that your hair doesn’t have any negative reactions to the dye.

Doing a strand test can save you a lot of heartache and help ensure that you end up with the perfect lavender shade.

Best lavender hair dye FAQs

What does lavender hair dye fade into?

One of the biggest concerns that people have when it comes to coloring their hair is how the color will fade over time.

With lavender hair dye, you can expect it to start fading into a more silver or light gray shade as time goes on.

This can give your hair a beautifully nuanced, silvery tone as it fades.

Is lavender a good color for gray hair?

If you have gray hair and you’re wondering if lavender hair dye is a viable option for you, the answer is a resounding yes!

The pale, cool-toned hue of lavender can actually complement and enhance gray hair, making it look even more sophisticated and stylish.

Not to mention, it’s a fun and playful way to shake up your hair look without making an over-the-top change.

What skin tone does lavender hair look good on?

While lavender hair dye can look striking on just about anyone, there are some skin tones that it may complement particularly well.

Generally, lavender tends to look great on cooler skin tones, which have pink or bluish undertones.

That’s not to say that people with warm skin tones can’t pull off the look – it’s all about finding the right hue and balancing it with your skin tone and overall style.

Can you dye your hair lavender without bleach?

Good news—you can achieve this shade without bleach! While it might not be as vibrant as it would be with a bleach treatment, you can still achieve a pretty pastel hue by using a hair dye specifically formulated for darker hair.

Keep in mind that the end result will depend on your starting hair color, so it might take a bit of trial and error before you get the shade you’re after.

But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right? Just remember to take care of your newly dyed locks by using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and you’ll be rocking your lavender ‘do in no time.

How to care for lavender hair.

Lavender hair is a beautiful and unique statement, but it requires a bit of extra TLC to keep it looking its best.

First things first, you’ll want to invest in a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading and keep your locks moisturized.

It’s also a good idea to limit heat styling and opt for air drying whenever possible.

When it comes to daily maintenance, a wide-tooth comb is your new best friend – gently detangle from the bottom up to prevent breakage.

And let’s not forget about regular trims! Snipping split ends will make your lavender hair look even more vibrant and healthy.

With a little bit of effort and a lot of love, you can rock your lavender hair with confidence.

Parting words.

Choosing the right lavender hair dye can be a daunting task, but by considering factors like your hair type and texture, skin tone, and desired level of maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect shade for you.

And never forget – the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your new hair. So go forth and embrace the lavender life!