Purple highlights brown hair is bold, but it’s underrated, and it might just be the spicy little upgrade your look is craving. Trust me, nothing says I’ve got my life together with just the right amount of chaos like mixing rich chocolate strands with pops of vibrant violet.
So, what’s the deal? Purple highlights on brown hair are not only totally doable—they’re ridiculously flattering. Whether you go for a subtle lavender peek-a-boo or full-on grape soda glam, the contrast adds depth, dimension, and a whole lot of cool.
I tried it last summer (blame a late-night Pinterest spiral), and I got more compliments in one week than I had in a year. And don’t worry—this blog isn’t just a hair fan club meeting. We’ll cover everything from shade matching to maintenance without turning it into a chemistry class.
Ever wondered if your brown hair can handle a bold twist without turning into a color disaster? Let’s dive in—because your next hair obsession might just be purple.
1. Plum Purple Highlights on Brown
@ohanahairlife Plum is that rich, wine-toned purple that feels sophisticated and just a bit edgy. It blends beautifully into medium to dark brown hair and doesn’t require constant upkeep.
I tried this look one fall, and it gave my hair this cozy, romantic vibe I didn’t know I needed. If you’re new to hair color, plum is a great first step into the world of purple highlights brown hair.
2. Vibrant Purple Streaks
@hello_gorgeousbyrk Vibrant purple streaks are loud, proud, and absolutely not shy—and sometimes, neither am I. These bold streaks contrast perfectly with brown hair, especially if you want something that stands out.
I added mine around the crown and bangs for a festival look, and the energy was next level. This style is ideal for extroverts (or introverts who secretly want to be).
3. Lavender Highlights on Brown
@morganrebeccabeauty Lavender is soft, romantic, and gives off serious fairycore energy. It looks stunning on light brown hair, creating a whimsical effect without overpowering your natural color.
I wore this for a spring wedding, and the gentle glow made my curls look like they belonged in a meadow. If you love a feminine, playful vibe, this one’s a winner.
4. Dark Purple Balayage Highlights
@jacqueline_hairstylist Balayage is already flattering—but swap the caramel for dark purple, and you’ve got pure magic. I loved how the hand-painted pieces melted into my brown base, especially under sunlight.
This style gives depth and dimension while keeping things low-maintenance and wearable. Great for medium-to-long hair and for those who hate root touchups as much as I do.
If you love dimensional color, you might also enjoy these ideas for brunette balayage hair or experimenting with softer blends like purple ombre hair ideas.
5. Face-Framing Purple Accents
@pandoras_dye_box Nothing beats face-framing pieces for highlighting cheekbones and bringing attention to your eyes.
I once tried chunky violet pieces just around the front—and instantly looked more put together, even on messy bun days.
It works best on straight or wavy hair where the color can frame the face naturally. Plus, it’s easy to hide or flaunt, depending on your mood.
6. Pastel Purple Highlights
@karmynanderson18 Pastel purple is like a whisper of color—light, airy, and super sweet. I went pastel over a light brown base, and the result was soft and ethereal, like cotton candy in hair form.
These highlights are perfect for spring or anyone wanting a dreamy, feminine touch without too much commitment. Just be warned: pastels fade fast, so grab a good color-protect shampoo!
7. Violet Purple Highlights
@Krista Violet is the lovechild of bold and classy, and I’m here for it. This deeper purple shade works beautifully with both warm and cool brown bases, adding richness and contrast.
I paired mine with loose waves and felt like I stepped out of a shampoo commercial. It’s ideal for brunettes who want a pop without going neon.
8. Subtle Purple Babylights
@annamarie.styles If you want something you can sneak into a strict office dress code, purple babylights are your secret weapon.
These super fine strands blend into brown hair like a soft shimmer that shows up only in the right light. I got mine done before a job interview (risky, I know), but no one noticed—until I walked into the sun.
It’s a whisper of rebellion, and I love it. This subtle approach pairs beautifully with polished looks like office siren hairstyle ideas or clean, professional styles.
9. Amethyst Highlights on Brown
@davinessg Inspired by the crystal, amethyst shades bring mystical vibes and a sense of creativity.
I added a few bold pieces through my brown lob and immediately felt more artistic (and, strangely, more motivated to do yoga).
This shade shines brightest on medium brown hair and pairs beautifully with cool-toned makeup. It’s a spiritual glow-up, honestly.
10. Eggplant Purple Streaks
@mattrazook Eggplant is deep, moody, and full of character. I went for thick, bold streaks of this shade against my chocolate brown base, and the contrast was dramatic in the best way.
This look is great for fall and pairs well with darker wardrobes and bold lipstick. If you want to channel your inner broody poet, this is the one.
11. Purple Ombre on Brown Hair
@charliesangelshair Ombre is a fun way to add color without touching your roots, and purple on brown hair creates a gradient that’s truly show-stopping.
I loved how the purple started midway and flowed into the ends—great for curly or straight textures. This style feels artsy and chic without being high-maintenance. Bonus: when it fades, it still looks cool.
12. Magenta Purple Highlights
@katyourstylist Magenta is the life of the party—bright, bold, and impossible to ignore. I tried this during summer, and the energy boost was real every time I looked in the mirror.
It works great on warmer brown hair tones and really pops under natural light. If you want attention (in the best way), go magenta. This shade fits perfectly with fun looks like these summer vacation hairstyles or statement-making party hairstyles.
13. Lilac Purple Accents
@hecktors_salon Lilac is flirty, soft, and just a little bit sassy. I placed a few lilac strands near the bottom layers of my light brown hair, and they peeked through like little secrets.
This is a great choice for anyone wanting a pastel tone without going full head. Keep your styling soft and wavy for the ultimate airy effect.
14. Neon Purple Highlights Pop
@shivassignature Neon purple is not here to play—it’s here to make a statement. I did this once for a concert weekend and it turned heads faster than a flash sale at Sephora.
Best for bold personalities and great with slick hairstyles or edgy cuts. Warning: not for the faint of heart, but 100% worth the confidence boost.
15. Purple Peekaboo Highlights
@libbeydoeshair These are hidden underneath your top layers, only showing when your hair moves. I loved the surprise effect-like a fun secret only my hair and I knew.
Perfect if you’re testing the waters or want color without full visibility. Ideal for straight, layered hair that moves and flips easily, especially when styled with soft waves or layered cuts similar to these layered haircuts for volume.
16. Cool-Toned Purple Highlights
@livebytheswordsalon Cool purples—think icy lavender or blue-based violets—bring a futuristic, editorial feel. I added these to my ash brown hair, and the tones blended like a dream.
Great for cool-toned skin and modern, sleek styles. This color looks incredible with silver accessories and minimalist fits.
17. Purple Highlights on Dark Brown
@heatherpaints_hair Dark brown hair and purple highlights are a natural pair—high contrast, moody, and rich.
I went for bold stripes that peeked out through my waves and instantly felt cooler.
The depth of dark brown allows purple to really pop without bleaching too much. This is one of the easiest ways to start with purple highlights brown hair.
18. Soft Purple Ribbon Highlights
@kelbydimaapi Ribbon highlights wrap around in soft, sweeping sections, adding elegance and motion.
I had these done for a wedding and they gave my brown hair the prettiest touch of purple.
Perfect for long hair and soft curls or blowouts. They give your hair movement and dimension without going full drama.
19. Deep Purple Lowlights
@stylesbysavvv Lowlights are the underappreciated cousin of highlights—but oh, so effective.
I added deep purple lowlights for winter, and they gave my hair this rich, plush look that felt luxurious.
This style is great if you want depth instead of brightness. Ideal for thick or layered cuts where you want the color to peek through.
20. Purple Highlights on Light Brown
@makeupbybrenda.c Light brown is a fantastic base for purple—it doesn’t need heavy lifting to show off the color. I went with a violet-lilac combo once, and the blend was smooth, subtle, and super stylish.
It’s perfect for brunettes who want to experiment without going too dark or neon. Add waves or braids to show off all the tonal shifts, especially styles inspired by simple braided hairstyles or soft textured looks.
