So, one day I woke up, looked in the mirror, and thought, “You know what would really shake things up? Red purple hair.” Not just red. Not just purple. But that perfect, juicy, plum-with-a-side-of-fire shade that turns heads at the grocery store and earns double takes at stoplights. If hair could talk, red purple hair would scream, “I’m here. I’m bold. And I probably smell like expensive shampoo.”
Now, before you assume I’m just here to show off my flashy hair pics (okay, maybe a little), let’s get real. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about rocking red purple hair—from choosing the right tone for your skin, to keeping it vibrant without turning your bathtub into a crime scene. I’ve been through the dye jobs, the color fades, the weird “is it red or brown now?” phases—and I’ve lived to tell the tale.
If you’ve ever stood in the hair dye aisle, debating between safe brunette and “I’m feeling spicy” red purple, I totally get it. This isn’t just a hair color—it’s a vibe shift. And whether you’re craving a subtle burgundy blend or a punchy magenta mix, I’ve got tips, tricks, and maybe a few embarrassing dye disasters to help you nail the look without frying your strands.
Let’s dive in—your next favorite hair color is literally a scroll away.
1. Red Purple Ombre Blend
I tried this look on a whim after falling down a late-night Pinterest rabbit hole—and wow, did it deliver.
The gradual fade from red to purple gives such a dreamy, flowing effect, and it grows out beautifully without harsh lines.
This is perfect for anyone who wants bold color with low maintenance. I recommend styling it with loose waves to show off the seamless blend.
For more inspiration, check out these purple ombre hair ideas.
2. Crimson and Violet Hair
This combo is fiery, mysterious, and totally head-turning. I wore this shade during a winter funk, and it instantly boosted my mood.
Crimson and violet create a rich contrast that works especially well on medium to dark skin tones.
I found it easiest to maintain by using sulfate-free shampoo and a purple toning mask every other week.
Explore more midnight purple hair ideas to dial up the drama.
3. Ruby Red with Purple Tips
If you’re not ready to commit fully, this look is your gateway drug.
I loved how my ruby base kept things classic while the purple tips added a fun twist.
It’s a great choice for those who want something bold but playful. Curl the ends for a bouncy, dip-dye effect that makes the colors pop even more.
4. Red Purple Balayage
This balayage is where art meets rebellion. The freehand painting technique gave my hair a natural, sun-kissed effect—with a twist of color, of course.
It flatters all face shapes and looks effortlessly cool whether straight or curly. If you’re scared of constant touch-ups, this is the way to go.
For more bold color inspiration, check out our Purple Ombre Hair Ideas.
5. Deep Red and Plum Mix
This combo gave me major wine-glass-at-sunset vibes. The plum softens the red just enough to make it feel classy and not too loud.
It’s perfect for fall and cozy weather outfits. I liked tying my hair into a messy bun—every twist showed a new shade.
6. Burgundy with Violet Accents
Subtle yet striking, this look turned heads in natural light. Burgundy gives a polished base, while violet accents peek through like a secret.
This style works great if you have layers because the movement really shows off the colors. Bonus: it’s office-friendly and edgy.
7. Red Purple Gradient Fade
The gradient fade reminded me of a melting sorbet—deliciously dramatic.
I went from bold red roots to smoky purple ends, and it felt like a true transformation.
It works wonders on long hair and adds dimension even to thin strands. Blow-drying with a round brush helped create that smooth color transition effect.
8. Cherry Red and Amethyst Hue
I wore this shade combo on vacation, and strangers kept asking about it.
The cherry red adds vibrancy while the amethyst keeps things cool and unexpected.
It’s a great summer look that pairs well with beachy waves and sunshine selfies. Trust me: wear white clothes and watch the hair pop.
9. Red and Purple Peekaboo Layers
This style is my little secret weapon—literally. With a more natural color on top and red purple underneath, I could flash some fun color whenever I wanted.
It’s perfect if you work in a more conservative environment but still want to express yourself. A half-up bun or braided style really shows off those layers.
10. Scarlet and Lavender Blend
I didn’t think these shades would work together… until they did. Scarlet gives heat, while lavender brings softness.
It’s romantic, bold, and weirdly calming all at once. I loved wearing this with soft curls—it felt like walking around with a watercolor painting on my head.
11. Red Purple with Black Roots
This one saved me from the tyranny of constant root touch-ups—and still looked fierce.
The black roots gave my red purple hair serious depth and made the colors pop even more.
It’s a great choice for anyone transitioning from darker natural hair or who likes a little edge. Pro tip: add a glossy serum for that rich, dimensional finish.
12. Vibrant Red and Magenta Purple
If you want to go full-on electric, this is the combo for you. I rocked this look during festival season and felt like a walking sunset.
It’s loud, proud, and not for the faint of heart—but so worth it. Keep your makeup minimal to let the color speak for itself (and trust me, it will).
13. Red Purple Unicorn Hair
This was my “go big or go home” moment. Think pastel pinks, lavender, and raspberry red all mixed in a magical swirl.
My stylist called it “controlled chaos,” and I took that as a compliment.
It’s high maintenance, yes—but if you’re ready to channel your inner fantasy character, unicorn hair delivers.
14. Auburn Red with Lilac Streaks
This is the look I chose when I wanted something soft but still unique.
The warm auburn base gave my hair natural vibes, while the lilac streaks whispered, “I’m artsy.”
It’s especially stunning on wavy or curly hair because the streaks pop out at every twist. Easy to wear, and surprisingly easy to love.
15. Red and Purple Babylights
I wasn’t sure how red purple hair could look subtle—until babylights proved me wrong.
These fine, delicate highlights gave my hair just the right amount of sparkle without screaming for attention.
If you’re new to bold colors, this is a great starting point. Plus, it grows out gracefully—zero awkward phases.
16. Mulberry Red Purple Tone
This shade is deep, dark, and dangerously sophisticated. It gave me vampire-vibes-in-a-good-way and felt incredibly chic in cooler months.
It flatters most skin tones and works beautifully with sleek, straight styles.
I felt confident, mysterious, and like I should be holding a glass of wine at all times.
17. Updo with Hairband
This combo gave my hair serious personality without the commitment of a full color change.
The red and purple highlights added just the right drama to my brown base, especially under sunlight.
If you wear your hair in layers, it adds tons of movement. I refreshed the color every 6 weeks, and it still looked vibrant.
18. Fiery Red with Violet Undertones
This one surprised me. At first glance, it looks like classic red, but catch it in the right light and—boom—violet undertones peek through.
It’s classy with a secret wild side, and I loved the compliments I got when people noticed the purple.
It’s perfect for those who want bold color with a hint of mystery.
19. Red Purple Split Dye
Okay, this one was wild—and I loved every second of it. One side red, one side purple.
It was rebellious, bold, and instantly made me feel like the main character.
If you’re confident and love making a statement, go for it. Just prepare to be stopped on the street. A lot.
20. Warm Red and Cool Purple Glow
This combo was like sunset and twilight had a baby. The warm red tones made my complexion glow, while the cool purples gave it balance.
It’s edgy yet elegant, and works great for folks with both warm and cool undertones.
I loved wearing this look with high ponytails and updos to show off the contrast.
