Plum hair colour, with its rich blend of purple and red undertones, is a bold and beautiful choice that can transform your entire look. But is it right for you? Understanding the nuances of this shade and how it interacts with different skin tones, eye colours, and personal styles is crucial for achieving a stunning result. This in-depth guide will help you determine if plum hair is the perfect colour to elevate your appearance.
Understanding Plum Hair Colour: A Deeper Dive
Plum is more than just purple. It’s a complex hue that encompasses a spectrum of shades, ranging from deep, almost black, plums to lighter, more vibrant versions. The key lies in the balance between the purple and red pigments, and the undertones they create.
Consider the different variations: a deep plum might have strong blue-purple undertones, making it cooler, while a lighter plum could lean towards warmer, reddish-purple hues. Some even incorporate hints of brown for added depth and dimension.
The versatility of plum makes it appealing to a wide range of people, but careful consideration is still required.
Skin Tone Harmony: Finding Your Perfect Plum Match
The most crucial factor in determining whether plum hair colour will suit you is your skin tone. Understanding your skin’s undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) is key to finding a plum shade that complements your complexion.
Cool Skin Tones: Embrace the Depth
If you have cool skin undertones, characterized by pink, red, or blue hues, you’re in luck! Cool-toned plum shades, those with more purple or blue, can look incredibly flattering. These plums will enhance your skin’s natural coolness, creating a harmonious and vibrant look. Avoid plum shades that lean too heavily towards red, as they can sometimes make your skin appear flushed.
Those with fair, cool skin can rock lighter, more pastel-like plums, while those with deeper, cool skin tones can pull off the richest, deepest plums with ease.
Warm Skin Tones: Balancing the Heat
Warm skin tones, identified by golden, yellow, or peachy undertones, require a slightly different approach. Warm-toned plums, those with a red or brown base, tend to be more flattering. These shades will complement the warmth in your skin, creating a balanced and radiant appearance.
Avoid extremely cool, blue-based plums, as they can sometimes make your skin look sallow or dull. Instead, opt for plums with hints of burgundy, mahogany, or even copper.
For those with olive skin, a plum shade with a touch of brown can be particularly stunning, adding depth and richness to your complexion.
Neutral Skin Tones: The Best of Both Worlds
If you have neutral skin undertones, meaning you have a balance of both warm and cool hues, you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a plum hair colour. You can experiment with both cool and warm-toned plums, depending on your preference.
Consider the overall effect you want to achieve. A cooler plum can add a touch of sophistication and drama, while a warmer plum can create a more playful and vibrant look.
Eye Colour Considerations: Enhancing Your Gaze
While skin tone is the primary factor, your eye colour can also play a role in determining which plum shade will best complement your features.
Brown Eyes: A Versatile Canvas
Brown eyes are incredibly versatile and can pair well with a wide range of plum shades. Deeper, richer plums can enhance the depth and warmth of brown eyes, while lighter, more vibrant plums can add a touch of excitement and contrast.
Experiment with different plum variations to see which best suits your individual style and skin tone.
Blue Eyes: A Striking Contrast
Blue eyes create a striking contrast with plum hair colour, making them appear even more vibrant. Cooler, blue-based plums can further enhance the coolness of blue eyes, while warmer, red-toned plums can create a captivating and unexpected juxtaposition.
Consider the intensity of your blue eyes. Lighter blue eyes might benefit from a lighter, more pastel plum, while deeper blue eyes can handle richer, more saturated shades.
Green Eyes: A Complementary Combination
Green eyes are beautifully complemented by plum hair colour, particularly those with warmer, red undertones. The red in the plum shade will bring out the green in your eyes, creating a harmonious and eye-catching look.
Avoid overly cool, blue-based plums, as they can sometimes make green eyes appear less vibrant.
Hazel Eyes: A Multifaceted Match
Hazel eyes, with their mix of green, brown, and gold tones, offer a unique canvas for plum hair colour. You can play with different plum shades to highlight specific colours within your eyes.
Warmer, red-toned plums can accentuate the gold and brown hues, while cooler, purple-toned plums can bring out the green.
Personal Style and Plum: Reflecting Your Personality
Beyond skin tone and eye colour, your personal style should also be considered when choosing a plum hair colour. This shade can be adapted to suit a variety of aesthetics, from edgy and alternative to sophisticated and classic.
Bold and Edgy: Embrace the Intensity
If you have a bold and edgy style, you can embrace the more intense and vibrant plum shades. Consider opting for a full head of deep, saturated plum, or experimenting with plum highlights or ombre effects.
Pair your plum hair with dark clothing, statement jewelry, and bold makeup to complete the look.
Sophisticated and Classic: A Subtle Touch
For a more sophisticated and classic look, opt for a subtler plum shade. Consider incorporating plum lowlights into your existing hair colour, or choosing a softer, more muted plum tone.
Pair your plum hair with classic clothing, delicate jewelry, and natural makeup for an elegant and refined appearance.
Bohemian and Free-Spirited: A Playful Twist
If you have a bohemian and free-spirited style, you can add a playful twist to plum hair colour. Consider incorporating plum highlights or dip-dyeing your ends in a vibrant plum shade.
Pair your plum hair with flowy clothing, earthy accessories, and minimal makeup for a relaxed and effortless look.
Hair Condition and Plum Colour: Maintaining Vibrancy
Achieving and maintaining vibrant plum hair colour requires healthy hair. Plum shades, especially those requiring bleaching, can be demanding on the hair.
Before dyeing your hair plum, ensure it is in good condition. Deep conditioning treatments and protein masks can help strengthen and prepare your hair.
After dyeing, use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading. Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can damage your hair and cause the colour to fade more quickly.
The Application Process: Professional vs. DIY
While it is possible to dye your hair plum at home, professional application is often recommended, especially for achieving complex or vibrant shades. A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best plum shade for your skin tone and eye colour, and ensure even and consistent colour application.
If you choose to dye your hair at home, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the colour to your entire head.
Maintaining Your Plum Locks: Long-Lasting Colour
Maintaining plum hair colour requires regular touch-ups and proper care. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on the vibrancy of the plum shade and the rate at which your hair grows.
Use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive heat styling, and protect your hair from the sun to prolong the life of your plum colour.
Deep conditioning treatments can help keep your hair healthy and hydrated, preventing breakage and split ends.
Plum Hair Colour: A Shade for Everyone?
While plum hair colour can be a stunning choice for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Careful consideration of your skin tone, eye colour, personal style, and hair condition is crucial for achieving a flattering and long-lasting result.
When chosen correctly, plum hair colour can enhance your natural features, reflect your personality, and transform your entire look.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if plum hair colour is right for you is to consult with a professional stylist who can assess your individual needs and recommend the perfect plum shade. Don’t be afraid to experiment and express your unique style!
Plum Hair: From Subtle Highlights to Bold Transformations
Plum hair colour offers a spectrum of possibilities, ranging from subtle highlights to bold, all-over transformations. Understanding the versatility of this shade allows you to tailor it to your individual preferences and lifestyle.
Consider the level of commitment you’re willing to make. Subtle highlights or lowlights require less maintenance than a full head of plum colour.
Think about your workplace or social environment. A bold plum shade may not be suitable for all settings.
Ultimately, the key is to find a plum hair colour that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you opt for a subtle hint of plum or a dramatic transformation, embrace the regal charm of this captivating shade.
| Skin Tone | Recommended Plum Shades |
|---|---|
| Cool | Cool-toned plums with blue or purple undertones |
| Warm | Warm-toned plums with red or brown undertones |
| Neutral | Both cool and warm-toned plums |
Who can generally pull off plum hair colour?
Plum hair colour, a blend of purple and red hues, tends to flatter individuals with cool undertones in their skin. Those with fair to medium skin tones that lean towards pink, blue, or olive often find that plum enhances their complexion. The richness of the plum shade can complement the coolness, bringing out natural radiance and creating a harmonious balance.
However, this doesn’t exclude those with warm undertones. Warm complexions can also wear plum beautifully, especially by choosing a plum shade that incorporates warmer red or brown undertones to avoid clashing. Ultimately, the key is to consider the depth and saturation of the plum colour and how it interacts with your individual skin tone.
What hair types are best suited for plum hair colour?
Plum hair colour can be achieved on a variety of hair types, but it typically shows up best on hair that is naturally light or has been pre-lightened. This is because the pigment in plum dye needs a lighter base to properly adhere and display its true vibrant colour. Darker hair may require bleaching to achieve the desired level of plum vibrancy.
Additionally, hair that is healthy and well-conditioned will hold onto the colour better and exhibit a smoother, shinier finish. Porous or damaged hair may absorb the dye unevenly, resulting in a patchy or faded appearance. Therefore, prior to dyeing your hair plum, it’s beneficial to nourish it with deep conditioning treatments.
What should I consider when choosing the right shade of plum?
Choosing the right shade of plum involves considering your skin undertones and eye colour. For cool skin tones, opt for plum shades with cooler undertones, leaning towards purple or violet. These shades will complement your complexion without making you look washed out. Conversely, if you have warm skin tones, a plum shade with warmer red or brown undertones will create a more harmonious look.
Beyond undertones, your eye colour can also influence your choice. Plum hair tends to enhance blue or green eyes, making them appear even more vibrant. Brown eyes can also benefit from plum hair, as the contrast can add depth and dimension to the overall look. Experimenting with different shades and doing a strand test is always recommended before committing to a full head of colour.
How can I maintain plum hair colour vibrancy?
Maintaining the vibrancy of plum hair colour requires a dedicated hair care routine. Using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for colour-treated hair is crucial. Sulphates can strip the hair of its colour, causing it to fade quickly. Look for products that also contain UV filters, as sunlight can also contribute to colour fading.
In addition to using the right products, washing your hair less frequently can significantly extend the life of your plum colour. When you do wash your hair, use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can open the hair cuticle and release the dye. Consider using a colour-depositing conditioner or hair mask in a plum shade to refresh the colour between salon visits.
Are there any makeup tips to complement plum hair colour?
Plum hair colour can be beautifully complemented by a range of makeup looks. Neutral or earth-toned eyeshadows, such as browns, taupes, and golds, can create a sophisticated and balanced appearance. Avoid overly bright or colourful eyeshadows that might clash with the plum hair. A touch of shimmery eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eye can also add brightness.
For the rest of your makeup, consider focusing on enhancing your natural features. A light to medium coverage foundation can create a flawless base, while a subtle blush in a rosy or peachy shade can add warmth to the complexion. Lip colours in berry, mauve, or nude shades will complement the plum hair without overpowering the overall look.
What clothing colours work best with plum hair?
Plum hair colour provides a versatile backdrop for a variety of clothing colours. Neutral colours like grey, black, white, and navy blue create a classic and sophisticated look. These colours allow the plum hair to be the focal point without competing for attention.
For a more adventurous approach, consider jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or amethyst purple. These colours complement the richness of the plum hair and create a harmonious and eye-catching ensemble. Avoid overly bright or neon colours that might clash with the plum hue.
Are there any potential drawbacks to dyeing your hair plum?
Dyeing your hair plum, especially if you have dark hair, often requires pre-lightening, which can damage the hair. Bleaching can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. It is crucial to seek a professional stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and use appropriate lightening techniques to minimize damage.
Furthermore, plum hair colour tends to fade relatively quickly compared to other hair colours, requiring regular touch-ups to maintain its vibrancy. This can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you rely on salon services. Be prepared to invest in the proper aftercare products and treatments to keep your plum hair looking its best.