Pantone color Ultra Violet inspiration is still going strong in 2020. It says a lot about Pantone’s predictive powers that ultra violet hair remains a strong trend. Client requests for the shade continue to roll in, proving purple manes are here to stay. Want in? At Wella, we believe trends are best worn with a dose of individuality, which is why we’re all about putting a personal spin on purple locks. Here’s the hairspiration you need…
Pick the perfect purple
While ‘ultra violet’ conjures up visions of a vibrant violet ‘do, clients can wear this color any way they like, whether they want a bold amethyst or muted mauve. However, if they hope to combine purple color with an ombre or panelling technique, you can use their base shade as a guide to determine which level of violet will suit.
As a general rule, a true violet shade looks particularly striking through dark brunette hair, while jewel-inspired hues flatter light brown or bronde lengths, and pale pastel purples enhance a blonde base. Anything goes, though, so get experimenting with different tones. You can even combine violet with indigo or fuschia for a punchy color clash.
Image: @hairbyreiley_ivorynoir
Image: @colorbycambry
Get the look
If you’re working with brown or dark brunette hair, you’ll need to pre-lighten strands before applying purple color. Use Blondor Freelights to lift, and combine it with our bond-strengthening system, WellaPlex.
Once you’ve achieved a clean, blonde base, custom-blend a shade of purple using Color Fresh CREATE. The shades Pure Violet and Ultra Purple can be cocktailed with our Tomorrow Clear mixer for endless color options. Keep the clear tone to a minimum for a pure purple pigment or use it to dilute hues down to a luminous lavender.
Our new Koleston Perfect ME+ formula also offers a range of violet shades. Look to 0/66 in the Special Mix collection or 55/66 in the Vibrant Reds, which you can dilute with 10/0 for a softer result. Best of all, these shades offer less damage color after color* andthey harness Pure Balance Technology for a rich purple shade that appears even from root to tip.
Illumina Color features a broad range of violet tones, too. Our favorites include 9/60 and 8/69.
Still searching for ultra violet colors to create? Keep scrolling for five shades your clients will love…
1. Make it Mauve
For anyone wary of brighter tones, a touch of mauve is a pretty way to wear the purple trend. We love how @gretawagner_ has focused this pale purple through mid-lengths only, keeping roots dark and ends icy blonde.
2. Lift with Lavender
Be lovely in lavender with this bold, blue-toned purple shade. @cemeterystrut weaved in a few silver strands, too, to give the look a multi-dimensional, ultra-glossy finish.
3. Go Deeper
A deeper purple, like a plum tone, will give brunette locks a new-season lift. This scattering of berry babylights, by @hairby.jaye, are so expertly-woven, they’ll grow out seamlessly.
4. Try Hyper-Bright Highlights
Haley Stringhill at @badwolfstudio used all Color Fresh CREATE for these hyper-bright highlights. We love how bold they look against a black base color.
5. Turn the Violet Up
This is Pantone’s Color of the Year personified. @saby.d used Color Fresh CREATE in Ultra Purple, New Blue and High Magenta for a pure, almost-neon finish that has us mesmerized. The ultimate purple reign…
For more colorful hairspiration, get following @WellaHairUSA on Instagram, and tag your creations with #WellaHair for the chance to be featured on our feed. We’ve also just launched our new Wella Hair Pinterest board, which is filled with endless ideas for cuts and colors that are sure to get your work noticed. Happy browsing…
*Versus previous Koleston Perfect. Valid for Koleston Perfect with Pure Balance Technology.