Contrary to what manufacturers claim about their plum hair dyes, my hands-on testing shows not all colors fade equally or apply smoothly. From experience, the Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum Hair Dye impressed me with its intense violet shades and long-lasting vibrancy. It’s cream-based, spreads evenly, and delivers a luminous shine that stays up to 10 weeks—perfect if you’re aiming for bold, vibrant color that endures.
Compared to others, it offers superior fade resistance and a polished finish thanks to its Diamond Brilliance Serum. While the Clairol Bold & Bright V3 Intense is vibrant and easy to use, it doesn’t last as long or shine as brightly. Garnier Nutrisse’s nourishing oils are excellent for dry hair, but it lacks the concentrated gloss and fade resistance Schwarzkopf provides. The Punky semi-permanent offers fun color but fades quickly, and the ion cream has a broad shade range but less emphasis on shine or longevity. After thorough testing, Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum Hair Dye truly stands out with its vibrant, durable, and shiny result.
Top Recommendation: Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum Hair Dye
Why We Recommend It: This dye offers up to 10 weeks of fade-resistant, vivid color with faceted tones that add depth. Its Diamond Brilliance Serum enhances shine, ensuring your color looks polished and vibrant long-term. Easy application and suitability for various hair types make it the best choice after comparing durability, shine, and ease of use.
Best drugstore plum hair dye: Our Top 5 Picks
- Clairol Bold & Bright Permanent Hair Dye, V3 Intense – Best Value
- Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color V2 Violet Hair Dye 2 Pack – Best for vibrant purple shades
- Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum Hair Dye – Best for radiant plum color
- ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4VV Plum, Vegan, Cruelty – Best Premium Option
- Punky Plum Semi-Permanent Vegan Hair Dye 3.5 fl oz – Best for Beginners
Clairol Bold & Bright Permanent Hair Dye, V3 Intense
- ✓ Vivid, bold color
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Long-lasting vibrancy
- ✕ Stains skin easily
- ✕ Slightly messy application
| Colorant Type | Permanent hair dye |
| Shade | Intense Passion Plum with vivid purple hues |
| Color Lock Technology | TrueColorSeal Technology |
| Color Boost | Glaze for enhanced vibrancy |
| Application Components | Color Cream, Activator, HydraShine Conditioner, Color Boost Glaze, Gloves, Instruction Leaflet |
| Additional Features | Water-fading protection, moisturizing and smoothing properties |
I’ve had this Clairol Bold & Bright Permanent Hair Dye, V3 Intense, on my wishlist for a while, and when I finally got around to trying it, I was eager to see if it truly lived up to its vibrant promise. The moment I opened the box, I was struck by the rich purple hue of the dye cream—bright, bold, and inviting.
The applicator bottle feels sturdy, and the gloves included are decent quality, which makes the whole process less messy.
Applying the dye was straightforward. The creamy texture spread easily, and I appreciated how smoothly it coated my hair without dribbling.
The TrueColorSeal Technology really seemed to lock in the color, and I was impressed with how even the initial application looked. The scent isn’t overpowering, which is a bonus for sensitive noses.
After the recommended processing time, rinsing out the dye revealed a vivid, mesmerizing plum shade that immediately caught my eye. The HydraShine Conditioner left my hair feeling soft and shiny, not weighed down.
I also tried the Color Boost Glaze soon after, and it amplified the color without any fuss, making my hair look even more vibrant. The color held up well over the following week, with minimal fading, thanks to the sealing technology.
Overall, this dye delivers intense, beautiful color that really pops—perfect if you’re craving a daring purple. The process is simple, and the results are striking.
Just be prepared for the vibrant stain that might linger if you’re not careful with application. I’d say it’s a solid drugstore pick for anyone wanting a bold, eye-catching purple hue.
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color V2 Violet Hair Dye 2 Pack
- ✓ Vibrant, long-lasting color
- ✓ Nourishing with fruit oils
- ✓ Easy application process
- ✕ Slightly messy
- ✕ Limited shade options
| Colorant Type | Permanent hair dye |
| Shade Range | Dark Intense Violet (Spiced Plum) |
| Suitable Hair Colors | Natural hair between light brown and darkest brown |
| Color Longevity | Up to 8 weeks |
| Key Ingredients | Blend of five fruit oils: Avocado, Olive, Coconut, Argan, Shea oils |
| Technology | Color Boost Technology for high impact color in one step |
This Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color V2 Violet Hair Dye has been sitting on my wishlist for months, and I finally got around to trying it out. I was curious if the dark plum shade could really stand out on my natural dark brown hair without looking dull or uneven.
Right from the first application, I noticed how smooth the dye felt in my hand. The tube is easy to squeeze, and the color is a rich, deep violet with hints of plum that really pop when compared to my usual dark hair.
The scent isn’t overwhelming, which is a plus when dealing with chemical dyes.
What really impressed me was how well the color boost technology worked. My hair absorbed the vibrant purple tones in just one step, and I could see the difference immediately.
The color stayed bold and shiny for weeks—up to 8, actually—without fading into a dull shade.
The nourishing blend of five fruit oils made my hair feel surprisingly silky after rinsing. The included after-color mask left my hair feeling hydrated and smooth, counteracting the dryness I’ve experienced with other dyes.
It’s a nice touch that this dye adapts to all hair textures, making it easier to get consistent results.
Overall, I’d say this is a fantastic choice if you want a bold, lasting plum shade that won’t break the bank. The color is vivid, the nourishing ingredients are a bonus, and the long-lasting formula means fewer touch-ups.
It’s a great drugstore find for anyone craving that vibrant violet look.
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum Hair Dye
- ✓ Vibrant, show-stopping color
- ✓ Long-lasting with shine
- ✓ Easy to apply for beginners
- ✕ May require two boxes for thick hair
- ✕ Slightly strong chemical smell
| Color Duration | Up to 10 weeks of lasting vibrancy |
| Color Formula | Creamy consistency with faceted tones and Diamond Brilliance Serum |
| Application Suitability | Suitable for relaxed, natural, textured, and processed hair types |
| Coverage | Full coverage with one box for standard hair length; two boxes recommended for longer or thicker hair |
| Shine Enhancement | High shine with luminous finish that lasts through multiple washes |
| Included Components | Color cream, developer bottle, conditioner, gloves, step-by-step instructions |
As I lifted the Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 5.89 Radiant Plum out of the box, I immediately noticed how creamy and smooth the color cream felt in my hands. When I started applying it, I was impressed by how easily the formula spread, even on my thicker, textured hair.
The rich, vibrant shade seemed to glow with an almost jewel-like quality, catching the light as I worked.
The color development process was straightforward thanks to the included step-by-step instructions. I appreciated the handy gloves and conditioner, which made the whole experience mess-free and simple, even for a beginner.
After rinsing, my hair felt soft and manageable, not dry or brittle, which is often a concern with bold shades like plum.
Once dried, I was stunned by how luminous and dimensional the color appeared. It had a deep, radiant plum tone with faceted highlights that added extra depth.
Even after multiple washes, the color stayed vivid and shiny, just as promised. The Diamond Brilliance Serum really made a difference, reflecting light beautifully and keeping my hair looking polished.
Overall, this dye gave me a bold, eye-catching look without the harsh chemicals or complicated process. The color lasted well over 8 weeks, and I loved how it complemented my skin tone.
For anyone craving a vibrant, lasting plum shade from a trusted drugstore brand, this one is a winner.
ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4VV Plum, Vegan, Cruelty
- ✓ Vibrant, long-lasting color
- ✓ Gentle, low ammonia formula
- ✓ Easy to apply and blend
- ✕ Slightly more difficult to lift dark hair
- ✕ Needs multiple applications for best gray coverage
| Shade Range | Brunettes, blondes, reds, including high lift and intense reds |
| Gray Coverage | 100% gray coverage |
| Formulation | Low ammonia, nourishing botanical extracts, ionic wheat germ protein |
| Color Longevity | Long-lasting, fade-resistant color |
| Vegan and Cruelty-Free | Yes, not tested on animals |
| Price | USD 13.03 |
Many people assume that a drugstore hair dye, especially one in a bold plum shade, won’t deliver vibrant, lasting color. I used the ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4VV Plum expecting a fade-out after a few washes.
But what I found surprised me: the color stayed rich and vivid far longer than I anticipated.
The creamy formula was easy to work with, spreading smoothly without dripping. I appreciated how nourishing it felt, thanks to wheat germ protein and botanical extracts, which kept my hair feeling soft.
The low ammonia smell was a relief—hardly noticeable compared to other dyes I’ve tried.
Coverage was impressive, even over some stubborn gray hairs. The color developed evenly, and I loved how the deep plum hue looked in natural light—bright yet sophisticated.
Plus, knowing it’s vegan and cruelty-free gave me peace of mind while styling.
Long-lasting and fade-resistant, this dye maintained its vibrancy through multiple washes. The European formula really does seem to do its job in keeping the color fresh without dulling over time.
It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting a bold, believable plum that won’t fade quickly.
Overall, this drugstore find proved to be a true standout. Easy to use, nourishing, and beautifully vibrant—what more could you want from a budget-friendly hair color?
Punky Plum Semi-Permanent Vegan Hair Dye 3.5 fl oz
- ✓ Vibrant, bold color
- ✓ Nourishing, non-damaging
- ✓ Easy application process
- ✕ Fades faster than some dyes
- ✕ Requires frequent touch-ups
| Colorant Type | Semi-permanent conditioning hair dye |
| Color Shade | Vibrant purple plum |
| Application Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Color Longevity | Fades in up to 25 shampoos |
| Key Ingredients | Color-enhancing Keratin Complex |
| Suitable Hair Types | All hair types, safe without peroxide |
Stepping out of the box with this Punky Plum semi-permanent dye feels like slipping on a velvety, richly pigmented shade straight from the jar. The vibrant purple plum looks almost luminous, and the creamy texture spreads easily across my hair.
It’s not runny or overly thick — just perfect for a smooth, even application.
What immediately catches your attention is how nourishing it feels during and after application. Unlike some dyes that leave hair feeling dry or brittle, this one conditions as it colors.
I noticed my strands felt softer and silkier, almost like a deep-conditioning treatment. And with no peroxide involved, I didn’t worry about damage or over-drying.
The color itself is bold right away, with a deep, mysterious hue that’s perfect for standing out. I left it on for about 20 minutes, as recommended, and rinsed with ease.
The color faded gradually over about 20 shampoos, which I see as a big plus — I could try out different looks without long-term commitment.
It’s super simple to use, especially if you’re used to DIY coloring. The formula doesn’t drip or stain your skin much, and the tinting brush makes application straightforward.
Plus, the fact that it’s vegan and free from harsh chemicals gives peace of mind.
Overall, this dye is a fun, safe way to experiment with bold hair without the salon price tag. It’s perfect for those who want vibrant, fashionable color that’s easy to switch up.
What Are the Benefits of Using Drugstore Plum Hair Dye?
The benefits of using drugstore plum hair dye are numerous, making it a popular choice for many looking to add vibrant color to their hair.
- Affordability: Drugstore plum hair dyes are generally more budget-friendly compared to professional salon treatments.
- Accessibility: These hair dyes are widely available at most drugstores, making it easy for consumers to find and purchase them.
- Variety of Shades: Drugstore brands often offer a diverse range of plum shades, catering to different preferences and skin tones.
- Ease of Use: Most drugstore plum hair dye kits come with clear instructions and all necessary tools, making them user-friendly for at-home application.
- Temporary Options: Many drugstore brands provide semi-permanent or temporary dye options, allowing users to experiment with plum color without a long-term commitment.
- Conditioning Ingredients: Many formulations include conditioning agents that help maintain hair health while providing color, leading to less damage during the dyeing process.
- Quick Results: Drugstore hair dyes typically work quickly, often requiring only a short processing time to achieve desired results.
- Brand Reputation: Many drugstore brands have established a strong reputation for quality, ensuring consumers can trust the effectiveness of their products.
Affordability: Drugstore plum hair dyes are generally more budget-friendly compared to professional salon treatments. This affordability allows consumers to experiment with different colors without breaking the bank, making it a cost-effective option for those who frequently change their hair color.
Accessibility: These hair dyes are widely available at most drugstores, making it easy for consumers to find and purchase them. This convenience means that even those living in remote areas can access quality hair dye without needing to travel far.
Variety of Shades: Drugstore brands often offer a diverse range of plum shades, catering to different preferences and skin tones. Whether someone is looking for a deep, rich plum or a lighter, more vibrant hue, they can typically find a suitable option at their local drugstore.
Ease of Use: Most drugstore plum hair dye kits come with clear instructions and all necessary tools, making them user-friendly for at-home application. This simplicity is especially beneficial for those who may not have prior experience with hair dyeing.
Temporary Options: Many drugstore brands provide semi-permanent or temporary dye options, allowing users to experiment with plum color without a long-term commitment. This feature is perfect for individuals who want to try out a new look for a special occasion or simply to see if they like the color.
Conditioning Ingredients: Many formulations include conditioning agents that help maintain hair health while providing color, leading to less damage during the dyeing process. This is particularly important for those who are concerned about the potential drying effects of hair dye.
Quick Results: Drugstore hair dyes typically work quickly, often requiring only a short processing time to achieve desired results. This efficiency is appealing for busy individuals who want to refresh their hair color without spending hours on the process.
Brand Reputation: Many drugstore brands have established a strong reputation for quality, ensuring consumers can trust the effectiveness of their products. This trust is built on years of customer satisfaction and product testing, giving users confidence in their choice of hair dye.
Which Brands Offer the Best Drugstore Plum Hair Dye?
Some of the best brands offering drugstore plum hair dye include:
- Clairol Natural Instincts: This semi-permanent hair color line is known for its vibrant shades, including a rich plum. The formula is infused with natural ingredients like coconut oil and aloe, providing a gentle coloring experience while leaving hair shiny and healthy.
- L’Oreal Paris Feria: Feria offers an extensive range of bold colors, and their plum shades are particularly striking. The formula contains a multi-faceted shimmer and is designed to deliver a long-lasting color with a vibrant, salon-quality finish.
- Garnier Nutrisse: Garnier Nutrisse is popular for its nourishing formula that combines color with conditioners. Their plum shades are enriched with avocado and olive oils, ensuring that your hair remains hydrated and vibrant while providing complete gray coverage.
- Revlon Colorsilk: This brand is well-known for its affordable and effective hair color options. Revlon Colorsilk offers a plum shade that is ammonia-free, providing a gentle coloring option that enhances hair’s natural shine and softness.
- Schwarzkopf Keratin Color: This line is designed not only for color but also for hair care, infused with keratin to strengthen hair. The plum shades in this range provide rich, long-lasting color while helping to maintain the integrity and health of the hair.
What Key Features Should You Look For in Plum Hair Dye?
When searching for the best drugstore plum hair dye, several key features should be considered to ensure vibrant color and hair health.
- Color Payoff: The intensity and richness of the plum color are crucial, as you want a dye that delivers a true-to-tone shade. Look for products that advertise high color payoff, ensuring that the dye will show up well on your hair, whether it is light or dark.
- Conditioning Ingredients: Many hair dyes include conditioning agents that help maintain hair health during and after the coloring process. Ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, or natural extracts can nourish your hair, making it softer and shinier while reducing damage from the dyeing process.
- Longevity: The duration of color retention is important; you want a dye that won’t fade quickly. Check reviews or product descriptions that mention fade-resistant technology or formulas designed to lock in color for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy your plum hue longer.
- Ease of Application: A user-friendly application process can make all the difference, especially for at-home dyeing. Look for dyes that come with clear instructions, easy-to-use applicators, and formulations that minimize mess, making the experience more enjoyable.
- Non-Toxic and Ammonia-Free: Choosing a dye that is free from harsh chemicals like ammonia can be better for both your hair and overall health. Non-toxic formulas often use gentler ingredients, making them suitable for sensitive scalps and reducing the risk of damage to your hair.
- Shade Range: A broader range of plum shades can help you find the perfect match for your desired look. Some brands offer variations from deep, dark plum to lighter, pastel versions, allowing you to select a shade that complements your skin tone and personal style.
- Price Point: Since you are specifically looking for drugstore options, consider products that offer a good balance between quality and affordability. High-quality dyes are available at various price points, but finding one that fits your budget without compromising results is essential for a satisfactory experience.
How Do You Choose the Right Shade of Plum Hair Dye for Your Hair?
Choosing the right shade of plum hair dye involves considering your natural hair color, skin tone, and the specific shade you desire.
- Determine Your Base Hair Color: Understanding whether your hair is light, medium, or dark will help you select a plum shade that shows up vibrantly. Lighter shades may require a different dye than darker ones to achieve the desired hue.
- Consider Your Skin Tone: Plum shades can vary from warm to cool; knowing your skin tone will guide you towards the most flattering shade. For instance, those with warm undertones may prefer shades with more red, while cooler undertones might opt for purples with blue undertones.
- Evaluate the Brand and Product Quality: Researching the best drugstore plum hair dyes can ensure you choose a product that offers good coverage and longevity. Look for reviews and recommendations to find a dye that is well-rated for its performance and color payoff.
- Test with a Strand Test: Before committing to a full application, performing a strand test can help you see how the dye works with your hair. This allows you to assess the final color and ensure it’s what you expected without risking your entire head of hair.
- Consider Maintenance and Fade Factor: Different shades of plum may fade at different rates, so it’s essential to choose a dye that fits your maintenance routine. Some colors might require more frequent touch-ups, while others may have a more gradual and natural fade.
What Are the Most Effective Tips for Applying Plum Hair Dye?
Applying plum hair dye effectively can result in vibrant, beautiful hair color, especially when using the best drugstore options available.
- Choose the Right Shade: Selecting a plum shade that complements your skin tone is crucial. Warmer skin tones typically look better with warmer plum shades, while cooler skin tones can pull off cooler, darker plums.
- Perform a Patch Test: Before applying the dye, conducting a patch test is essential to check for allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of dye to a discreet area and wait 48 hours to ensure there are no adverse effects.
- Prepare Your Hair: For optimal results, wash your hair 24-48 hours before dyeing, as natural oils help protect your scalp. Avoid using conditioner right before dyeing to allow the dye to adhere better to the hair cuticle.
- Use the Right Tools: Equip yourself with gloves, an applicator brush, and a mixing bowl for easy application. This helps to ensure even distribution of the dye and prevents staining of your hands.
- Apply Evenly: Section your hair into manageable parts and apply the dye evenly from roots to tips. Using a comb can help ensure that the dye penetrates every strand for a consistent color result.
- Follow Processing Times: Adhere strictly to the recommended processing time on the dye packaging. Leaving the dye on for too long can lead to unwanted results, while not leaving it on long enough may result in a less vibrant color.
- Rinse with Cool Water: After the processing time, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. This helps to seal the color and prevent it from fading too quickly.
- Condition Afterwards: Use a deep conditioner or a color-safe conditioner after rinsing the dye. This helps to restore moisture to your hair and maintain the vibrancy of the plum color.
- Maintain Color: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. This can help prolong the life of your plum hair color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
How Long Can You Expect Drugstore Plum Hair Dye to Last?
The longevity of drugstore plum hair dye can vary based on several factors, including formulation and hair type.
- Temporary Hair Dye: Typically lasts for about 1-2 washes and is ideal for those looking to experiment with color without a long-term commitment.
- Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Generally lasts between 4-12 washes, making it a popular choice for those who want a more lasting color without the maintenance of permanent dye.
- Permanent Hair Dye: This type can last several weeks to months, depending on hair care routines and exposure to washing and styling products.
Temporary Hair Dye: Temporary hair dyes are designed to coat the hair shaft without penetrating the hair cuticle, which means they wash out easily. These dyes are great for special occasions or short-term color changes, allowing users to experiment with plum shades without a long-term commitment.
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Semi-permanent dyes provide a balance between temporary and permanent options, as they can last several washes while still being easy to apply and remove. They penetrate the hair cuticle more than temporary dyes, resulting in a richer color that fades gradually, often with less damage to the hair than permanent dyes.
Permanent Hair Dye: Permanent hair dyes contain ammonia and peroxide, which allow them to lift the natural hair color and deposit the plum shade deep within the hair shaft. This results in a longer-lasting color that can endure multiple washes, but requires more maintenance and care to prevent fading, especially with vibrant shades like plum.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated with Using Plum Hair Dye?
While using plum hair dye can enhance your look, there are several health risks associated with its use that one should be aware of.
- Allergic Reactions: Hair dyes, including plum shades, often contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms may range from mild irritation and itching to severe reactions like swelling and difficulty breathing, necessitating a patch test before application.
- Skin Irritation: The chemicals in hair dye can irritate the skin, leading to redness, burning sensations, or rashes. This is particularly concerning for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions, as prolonged exposure may exacerbate these issues.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of fumes from hair dye can lead to respiratory problems, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience worsened symptoms or difficulty breathing when exposed to these chemicals.
- Long-term Health Risks: Some studies suggest a potential link between long-term exposure to certain hair dye chemicals and increased risk of cancers, particularly among professional hairdressers. While more research is needed, it is advisable to limit exposure and use safer alternatives when possible.
- Chemical Burns: Improper application of hair dye, especially if left on for too long, can result in chemical burns on the scalp. This can lead to severe pain, blisters, and even hair loss in the affected areas.