How To Bring a Dusty Lilac Hair Color To Life

Love lilacs? The gorgeous purple flowers are no longer reserved for open fields, vases on kitchen tables, and lipstick shades. Nowadays, our love of lilacs goes as far as topping off our outfit. And nope, we’re not talking about a hat in that color or even a scarf, rather a whole head of lilac hair. Just picture it: a purple pixie or ultra-long lilac tresses. Pretty, right? If you want to try out a dusty lilac hair color, which is muted just enough to veer away from true pastel shades, we have everything you need to know below.

HOW TO DO DUSTY LILAC HAIR

When it comes to achieving a lilac hair color, it’s best to enlist the help of a colorist. Simply put, professionals have the skills to bleach your hair and correctly apply the color to bring your desired look to life. Not to mention, if you’re starting out with brown hair or another dark hair color, it can take some time to achieve the color of your dreams. If you aren’t used to DIY hair color, play it safe, and book an appointment with a professional. 

However, if you consider yourself to be a hair color expert, you can totally transform your mane into a lilac masterpiece all on your own. To kick things off, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach if you need to lighten your strands. Be sure to follow the instructions listed on the packaging to get your desired results. Once your hair is nice and light, it’s time to bring on the lilac hair dye. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Purple, which is formulated to work on blonde, highlighted, and bleached hair. 

You can also test out the lilac hair trend with temporary hair color that washes out after one shampoo. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color in Lilac. All you have to do is apply a dime-sized amount of hair color to your hair, and use a comb or brush to evenly distribute it. Air dry your locks or blow-dry to seal the deal. Once you’re ready to try another hue, wash your hair and start fresh.

Keep it in mind that with both temporary and semi-permanent color, you don’t have to opt for a full-on lilac hair color. If you prefer to get a taste of the pastel hair trend, color just the tips of your hair to sport a gorgeous lilac ombré look. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LILAC HAIR COLOR

Once you’ve transformed into a lilac hair baddie, it’s time to elevate your hair care routine. Whenever you have a color-treated mane, one of the best ways to help protect your color is by updating your hair care routine. There’s no need to worry if you didn’t realize you would have to switch things up on the hair care front. It’s not hard—and your hair will totally thank you! Just follow our four tips below.

1. REACH FOR A COLOR-TREATED HAIR SYSTEM

Now that you’ve made the switch to lilac hair color, you’ll need to upgrade your hair care routine. Bid your go-to shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask farewell, and reach for a system that’s formulated for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner, which are a sulfate-free duo that will gently cleanse and nourish your locks with every use. Once or twice a week, swap your conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm to restore brilliance and strength to your mane strand by strand. 

2. TURN DOWN THE DIAL

Super-hot water feels amazing on your skin, but it’s not the best option for your new lilac hair color. See, hot water can strip your strands of essential oils, leaving you with drier, dull-looking hair. Play it safe and rinse off in lukewarm temps instead. Sure, it may not be quite as enjoyable to shower in cooler water, but think about how much better it could be for your hair.

3. ALWAYS USE HEAT PROTECTANT

We all love hot tools, and we aren’t saying not to use them, but it’s a good idea to use a heat protectant before you pick one up. After all, excessive heat usage can do a number on your hair and your new lilac hair color. So, if you’re planning to blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair, apply the  L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray or the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Smoother Thermal Cream before styling.

4. EMBRACE YOUR NATURAL TEXTURE

If you ask us, lilac hair tends to look especially gorgeous with waves and curls. Instead of putting your hair through an unnecessary round of heat, put your hot tools on ice whenever you can, and use heat-free styling products to style your mane. Reach for a curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to get the job done. Simply apply an egg-sized amount to damp hair, scrunch and let air dry. The end result: Soft and bouncy curls you can play with.

And that’s a wrap on getting (and maintaining) the dusty lilac hair color trend! Of course, there are plenty of options to choose from if you want to explore the world of hair color. Check out our article, 31 Rainbow Hair Color Ideas For Your Most Magnificent Mane, for more trendy hair color inspiration. Which one will you try next?