Have you ever stared at yourself in the mirror, brush in hand, wondering “What if I just dyed it purple?” If so, welcome to the club. As someone who’s spent the better part of the last decade writing SEO-optimized blog posts, analyzing natural language like it’s a full-time sport, and rocking short purple hair (yes, really), I can tell you—this hair trend isn’t just about color.
It’s a full-blown vibe shift. Short purple hair turns heads, starts conversations, and instantly upgrades your selfie game to “editorial level.”
So, what’s this blog really about? Simple: I’ll help you decide if short purple hair is your next best hair decision, how to pull it off without regrets, and what it says about you (spoiler: you’re probably cooler than you think).
Whether you’re flirting with a lavender pixie cut or dreaming of a plum-colored bob, this guide will break it all down. I’ll share my own journey, tips to avoid common dye disasters, and the best ways to keep your purple poppin’.
Trust me, it’s not just hair—it’s your personal brand in 150,000 follicles.
1. Vibrant Purple Pixie
This look screams confidence and creativity. I rocked a vibrant purple pixie during a summer of music festivals, and let me tell you—it was the ultimate icebreaker.
It’s perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, and it grows out gracefully.
Use a color-safe pomade to add texture without dulling the shine.
If you’re ready to go bold, check out these pixie cuts for all face shapes for inspiration.
2. Lavender Short Bob
The lavender short bob is soft, stylish, and surprisingly low-maintenance.
I wore this cut for a wedding season and kept getting compliments from strangers (and my mom, which counts double).
It flatters most face shapes and works best with a center or soft side part. Use a purple-toning conditioner to keep the hue fresh.
Want more inspo? These wavy bob hairstyles pair beautifully with lavender tones.
3. Plum Purple Crop
Rich, moody, and chic—the plum purple crop is for anyone wanting a bold yet classy take on short purple hair.
I tried it during a winter phase and loved how it added warmth to my pale skin.
Great for straight or slightly wavy textures, and it looks sharp with defined edges.
For more inspiration, check out these deep purple hair styles that make a lasting impression.
4. Pastel Purple Shag
A pastel purple shag feels like a retro reboot done right. I embraced this one during a 70s-style phase (yes, bell-bottoms were involved), and the messy layers gave life to my fine hair.
It’s perfect if you like undone texture and playful vibes. Dry shampoo doubles as a styling tool here—don’t skip it.
For more ideas, check out these short shaggy hairstyles for over 60—they’re just as trendy for all ages.
5. Deep Purple Buzz Cut
When I shaved it all off and went deep purple, I finally understood what “liberating” means. This cut suits anyone ready to throw traditional beauty rules out the window. No styling, just confidence. Keep your scalp moisturized and protected—especially in the sun.
6. Lilac Textured Bob
This cut is soft with a kick—the lilac shade adds whimsy, while the texture keeps it edgy. I loved this look when transitioning out of a pixie. It’s ideal for round or square faces and gives you volume where you need it most. A sea salt spray brings the magic.
7. Violet Purple Undercut
For a hairstyle that says “I’m artsy, but I mean business,” the violet purple undercut delivers. I wore this to a tech conference once and ended up on a style blog (no big deal). It works well for thick hair and high-contrast personalities. Keep the undercut tight and the top tousled for balance.
8. Amethyst Short Layers
Amethyst tones bring a jewel-toned richness to any short cut. I paired mine with soft layers and noticed it brought out the green in my hazel eyes. Works wonders for anyone looking to enhance natural depth without going too bright. Use a shine serum to make that color glow.
9. Purple Ombre Pixie
This is where subtle meets statement. I went with a deep root fading into a brighter purple tip—think galaxy vibes but in hair form. The ombre gives dimension and grows out beautifully. It’s great if you want something bold without constant touch-ups.
10. Magenta Purple Bob
Magenta gives short purple hair a punk-rock twist. I tried this look during a bold fashion phase and it matched my red lipstick perfectly. It’s stunning on warm skin tones and looks great straightened or wavy. Use a color-protecting mask once a week to maintain vibrancy.
11. Icy Purple Short Crop
Cool, crisp, and futuristic—the icy purple crop feels like cyberpunk chic. I wore this during a winter trip to Iceland and blended right in with the scenery. Best for cooler skin tones and minimalists. A matte clay works well to define the crop without making it stiff.
12. Eggplant Purple Taper
This deep hue is ideal for anyone easing into short purple hair. I chose it when I wanted something professional, but still fun. The taper adds structure while the color adds character. Touch up the ends monthly to keep the fade fresh.
13. Neon Purple Short Shag
This hairstyle is not for the faint of heart—but wow, is it fun. I rocked this neon look during a concert tour and it lit up under blacklight. Great for edgy personalities and those who live out loud. A texturizing cream is your best friend here.
14. Subtle Purple Balayage Bob
If you’re purple-curious but not ready to commit, the balayage bob is the sweet spot. I started with this before diving fully into short purple hair, and it felt like dipping my toes into color. It suits almost all face shapes and blends beautifully with natural tones. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to protect the balayage.
15. Royal Purple Mini Bob
Royal purple is regal, bold, and demands attention—in a good way. I went for this during a major work presentation and felt like a boss. The mini bob gives structure while the color keeps it playful. Flat iron the ends under for a polished finish.
16. Purple Peekaboo Short Cut
This style lets you keep it subtle on the surface and wild underneath. I used it to sneak a little color past a conservative dress code—and it worked.
Perfect for those who want a little rebellion in their routine. Just part your hair differently for a quick mood change.
17. Soft Lilac Pixie
This dreamy hue softens up any sharp cut. I wore this during springtime, and it matched the blooming lilacs around my neighborhood (accidental aesthetic win). Works best on fine to medium hair and adds a fairytale feel. A light mousse helps keep the pixie piecey, not puffy.
18. Dark Purple Asymmetrical Bob
This cut plays with angles, and the deep purple shade adds intrigue. I rocked this during a “serious yet stylish” phase and it checked every box. It flatters long or oval faces and creates the illusion of sharper cheekbones. Use a straightener to keep the angles crisp.
19. Purple Tinted Bowl Cut
Yes, bowl cuts are back—but with a purple twist, they’re cooler than ever. I gave this a shot on a dare and surprisingly loved the symmetry. Ideal for bold personalities and sharp bone structures. Finish with a gloss spray for a polished, futuristic look.
20. Matte Purple Short Layers
Matte tones give color a muted, moody vibe. I tried this during a minimalist style phase and loved how soft and blended it looked. Works best on cool-toned skin and short, choppy layers. Skip the shine sprays and opt for a texture paste instead.
