Few shades flatter mature women quite like dark purple hair. It reads as sophisticated rather than loud, it adds depth and shine to hair that may have lost some of its natural richness, and it softens the look of grey regrowth in a way flat black or brown never quite manages. Whether you are in your 40s, 50s or well into your 60s, there is a plum, aubergine or violet waiting for you. Bookmark this collection so you can come back to it at your next salon visit, and let me walk you through 20 of my favorite ways to wear the color.
Layered Plum Lob With Curtain Bangs
This is the style I recommend most often to women who want change without drama. A collarbone-length lob in a deep plum, with soft layers and curtain bangs that part gently at the center, frames the eyes and lifts the cheekbones. The layers add movement to fine hair, and the bangs can hide forehead lines without feeling heavy. Ask your colorist for a plum with a brown base so the regrowth line stays forgiving.
Long Violet Beach Waves With a Centre Part
Long, loose waves in a violet that deepens toward the roots feel relaxed and a little bohemian. The centre part keeps everything balanced and open around the face. For women in their 50s who love length, the key is keeping the ends healthy and glossy, so schedule regular trims. A light sea-salt-free texturizing spray gives you the wave without drying the strands.
Tapered Grape Afro Coils
A tapered cut with defined coils in a grape shade is bold, regal and wonderfully low maintenance once it is shaped. The tight taper at the sides and nape keeps the silhouette neat, while the crown stays full and sculptural. Natural coils take color beautifully when they are well moisturized, so use a deep conditioner weekly. Purple against deeper skin tones looks luminous, especially in a rich, blackened grape.
Sleek Aubergine Blunt Chin Bob
A razor-sharp bob at the chin in deep aubergine looks polished, modern and expensive. The blunt line makes fine hair look thicker, and the dark, glossy color reflects light like patent leather. If you love structured cuts, you will also enjoy these bob haircuts for women over 50. A smoothing serum and a flat iron on low heat keep the finish crisp.
Knotless Purple Box Braids, Waist Length
Knotless braids are lighter on the scalp than traditional box braids, which matters as hair becomes more delicate with age. Waist-length braids in a deep purple make a striking, protective style that can last for weeks. Keep your scalp moisturized with a light oil, and wrap the braids at night with a satin scarf. Ask your braider to keep the parts slightly larger if your edges are thinning.
Textured Eggplant Pixie With Long Fringe
A short pixie with a longer, swept fringe in eggplant is playful yet grown-up. The color brings out the eyes, and the texture on top adds volume where many of us need it. This cut is especially lovely if you wear frames, so take a look at these short cuts to wear with glasses for more inspiration. A pinch of matte paste is all you need to style it.
Silky Indigo Violet Straight Back
Brushed straight back from the face, this indigo-leaning violet looks like a midnight sky. It is a confident, elegant choice that shows off your bone structure and earrings. Because the style leaves the face fully exposed, a hydrating mask once a week keeps the shine high. On women in their 60s, it has a quiet, polished glamour that I adore.
Low Plum Chignon With Loose Tendrils
A low chignon in plum with a few face-framing tendrils is my go-to for weddings and dinners. It is soft and forgiving, with no tight pulling on the hairline. Pin it at the nape so it sits securely, and curl the loose strands with a wide barrel iron. The dark color makes every curve of the twist look dimensional in photographs.
Sleek Violet High Ponytail
A high, glossy ponytail in violet gives a natural lift that many women call a facelift without the needle. Keep it smooth with a bit of pomade and wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to hide it. If your hair is thinning at the temples, a slightly softer, looser pull is kinder to the strands. It is a brilliant gym-to-lunch hairstyle.
Wine Purple Shag With Wispy Bangs
The shag is back in a big way, and a wine-purple version feels rock and roll in the best sense. Choppy layers create instant volume, and wispy bangs soften the forehead. Women who love texture will enjoy these shaggy long hairstyles for even more ideas. Use a lightweight mousse on damp hair and let it dry naturally.
Butterfly Layered Purple Blowout
Butterfly layers are short around the face and longer through the back, which creates a bouncy, airy shape. In a rich purple with a bouncy blowout, the effect is luxurious. It is one of the most youthful hairstyles you can choose, and you can find other fresh options in these youthful hairstyles over 50. A round brush and a little heat protectant do the job.
Hollywood Set Waves in Wine Violet
Old Hollywood waves, brushed out and glossy, look sensational in wine violet. The deep, red-leaning tone shows off every ripple of the set. Use hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron, and brush through gently once cool. This is a perfect evening look for women who like a touch of drama.
Voluminous Purple Ringlet Curls
Full, springy ringlets in purple are joyful and eye-catching. Curly hair tends to become drier over time, so moisture is your best friend: use a sulfate-free shampoo, a rich leave-in and a diffuser on low heat. If you want more inspiration for your natural texture, browse this curly hair aesthetic collection. Deep purple makes curls look even bouncier thanks to its depth.
Sleek Plum Blunt Cut With Side Fringe
A blunt cut at the shoulders with a long side-swept fringe is graceful and easy to wear. The plum shade adds richness without being too bright, and the side fringe is flattering on nearly every face shape. It suits fine, straight hair beautifully. A weekly gloss treatment keeps the color from fading to a muddy brown.
Plum Finger Wave Crop
Sculpted finger waves on a cropped cut give a vintage, art deco feel in a plum tone. It is a daring choice that looks incredible on women who love fashion. A setting lotion and a little patience create the S-shaped waves, or your stylist can set them for special occasions. The shiny, dark purple makes the waves look carved from silk.
Mulberry Wolf Cut With Curtain Fringe
The wolf cut blends shag layers with mullet-style length at the back, and mulberry gives it a smoky, edgy richness. The curtain fringe frames the face and blends easily into the layers. It is perfect if your hair has gained some wave or texture with age. Ask for the layers to be softly blended so it feels modern and wearable instead of severe.
Grape Curly Bob With Defined Coils
A curly bob in a deep grape tone is cheerful, chic and refreshingly easy. The shape sits right around the jaw, which draws attention to your smile and eyes. Define your coils by scrunching in a curl cream while hair is soaking wet. It looks especially radiant on women in their 50s who want a lighter, bouncier shape.
Half-Up Plum Knot With Loose Waves
A half-up knot keeps the hair off your face while letting plum waves cascade below. It is easy, feminine and forgiving, with no need for perfect technique. Loosen a few strands at the temples for softness. This is the style I turn to on busy mornings when I still want to look put together.
High Twisted Updo With Violet Twists
Twists piled high in a crown of violet make a regal, sculptural statement. The style protects the ends and keeps hair away from your neck in warm weather. Moisturize the twists regularly and avoid overly tight styling at the hairline. It is a magnificent choice for women with natural textured hair who want something truly special.
Violet Fishtail Braid Over the Shoulder
A fishtail braid draped over one shoulder is romantic and effortless, and violet strands make the weave pop. The braid is also practical, since it holds up through a long day and a night of sleep. Finish with a soft elastic that will not snag. It is a lovely way to enjoy your length at any age.
How to Care for Dark Purple Hair
Purple is a fashion color, which means it fades faster than natural shades, but dark purple is considerably more forgiving than bright lilac. With the right routine, your color can stay rich for six to eight weeks. These are the habits I recommend most to my readers.
- Wash with cool or lukewarm water, as hot water opens the cuticle and lets pigment escape.
- Switch to a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and use it only two or three times a week.
- Use a purple or violet color-depositing conditioner every other wash to refresh the tone.
- Apply a heat protectant every time you style, and keep tools below 350 degrees if your hair is fine or color-treated.
- Do a deep conditioning mask weekly, since mature hair is naturally drier and more fragile.
- Use a gloss or glaze treatment at the salon every few weeks to boost shine.
- Protect your color from sun with a UV-protecting spray or a hat on bright days.
Be gentle at night, too. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, which helps prevent breakage and keeps color looking fresher for longer.
Choosing Your Shade of Dark Purple
Not all purples are created equal. The right one depends on your skin tone, your eye color and how much change you want to make. Here is how I break it down.
- Plum: A warm, reddish-purple that flatters olive, golden and deeper skin tones. It is also the easiest to grow out.
- Aubergine or eggplant: Nearly black with a purple sheen. A great starter shade that looks natural indoors and glows in sunlight.
- Wine or mulberry: A burgundy-leaning purple that complements warm undertones and brings warmth to pale skin.
- Indigo violet: A cool, bluish shade that looks stunning on fair, cool-toned skin and silver-haired women who want a daring change.
- Grape: A slightly brighter, juicier tone that adds playfulness while still reading as dark.
If you have grey hair, lucky you: silver takes purple pigment easily, so you may not need much lightening. If your hair is dark brown or black, ask for a subtle lift first. Always book a consultation and request a strand test before committing, especially if you have previously used box dyes or henna.
Dark Purple Hair by Age: Tips for Your 40s, 50s and 60+
In your 40s: You can experiment freely. Try a deep violet through the lengths with a darker root, which hides regrowth and keeps upkeep minimal. This is the age when many women start to see first greys, and purple tones blend them beautifully.
In your 50s: Hormonal changes can alter texture and density, so focus on conditioning and cuts with movement. Plum and aubergine are particularly flattering, since they add richness without harshness. Layers and soft bangs are your friends.
In your 60s and beyond: Hair is often finer and silver, which makes it an ideal canvas for purple. Choose a gentle, diluted shade for a soft, lavender-plum effect, or go deep for drama. Keep shapes simple and shiny, because a healthy gloss is the most youthful thing hair can wear.
Face Shape Guide for Dark Purple Hair
- Oval: You can wear almost anything. Try the blunt bob, the high ponytail or the finger wave crop.
- Round: Choose length and layers, such as long beach waves, the butterfly blowout or the side-swept fringe, to add vertical lines.
- Square: Soften the jawline with waves, wispy bangs or a layered lob with curtain bangs.
- Heart: A chin-length bob, a curly bob or a side fringe balances a wider forehead and narrower chin.
- Long: Add width with curls, a shag or a bob, and avoid very long, flat, straight styles.
A pro tip: take your face shape and your hair texture into account together. A cut that looks perfect on a photo may need adjusting for your natural wave, density or cowlicks, so bring your inspiration photos to your stylist and discuss what is realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Purple Hair
Is dark purple hair too young for women over 50?
Not at all. Dark shades like plum and aubergine are subtle and sophisticated, and they often look more expensive than flat natural brown. The key is a polished cut and shiny, healthy hair.
Do I need to bleach my hair to get dark purple?
Not always. If your hair is grey, white or light brown, purple can often be applied directly. Dark brown or black hair usually needs gentle lightening for the color to show, though a very deep aubergine can work with little to no lift.
How long does dark purple hair color last?
Expect around four to eight weeks, depending on your hair porosity and care routine. Cool washes, color-safe products and a purple conditioner stretch the life of the color.
Will purple hair color damage my hair?
Depositing color is gentle, while bleaching can be harsher. A good colorist, a bond-building treatment and regular deep conditioning keep hair healthy. If your hair is already fragile, ask about a semi-permanent option.
Can I cover grey hair with dark purple?
Yes, and it is one of my favorite ways to do it. Purple blends and softens silver strands, and regrowth is far less obvious than with a solid dark color.
How do I stop purple from fading to a dull brown or grey?
Wash less often, use cool water and apply a color-depositing conditioner. Also avoid clarifying shampoos, which strip pigment quickly, and protect your hair from the sun.
Final Thoughts on Dark Purple Hair
Dark purple hair is proof that you never have to fade into the background as you age. It brings depth, shine and personality, whether you choose a whisper of aubergine or a bold violet. Start with the cut that suits your lifestyle, pick the shade that flatters your skin tone, and commit to a gentle care routine. Most of all, wear it with confidence, because that is the best accessory any woman has. I would love to hear which style you are trying first.
Loved these ideas? Save this post to your favorite Pinterest board so your dark purple hair inspiration is always at your fingertips, and follow HerDaily for more beauty and hair ideas for women over 40.
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