Embrace the Purple Hair Color Trend with Vanilla Lilac Hair

From pumpkin spice to cold brew, there are a number of seriously gorgeous hair color trends that have been making their way onto the beauty scene. Enter lilac hair: the latest pastel hair color to make its debut. Not only is lilac hair a way to get in on the pastel trend—which is having a major moment—but more specifically, vanilla lilac hair is the perfect option for rocking purple hair without dyeing your entire head of hair a vibrant violet hue (an equally trendy look). Want to learn about this trend? Keep reading for everything you need to know about vanilla lilac hair, as well as a few other lilac hair color ideas that will allow you to embrace the purple hair color trend!

WHAT IS VANILLA LILAC HAIR?

Vanilla lilac hair is a subtle pastel hair color. It involves having a dark root, a blonde base, and a gradual fade to a soft lilac hue. The color can be customized based on the hair color you start with, but you’re most likely to see those sporting it with brown roots that blend into a platinum blonde color which then fades to a muted, subdued lilac shade at the ends. 

HOW TO GET VANILLA LILAC HAIR

This hair color trend involves lots of bleaching, especially if you’re starting with naturally dark hair. There is also some serious technique required to create the blend of colors, so it’s best to leave this one to the pros. If you have darker hair, you may be better off starting with a darker blonde shade before transitioning to a platinum blonde hair color in order to avoid causing extra damage.

If you’re more of a DIY gal, you can attempt to get vanilla lilac hair at home. This is a better option for those who have naturally blonde hair. First, you’ll have to use a hair color bleach to lighten your mane. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach. If your hair is already a light blonde color, you can use the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Absolute Platinum Extreme Platinum.

To turn your ends a lilac shade, try using a temporary hair color, like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray in Pastel Lavender or the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color in Lilac. Both hair colors will wash out in just one shampoo, so you have the freedom to rock another pastel hair color the next day! 

5 OTHER LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEAS

Not sold on vanilla lilac hair but love the idea of a lilac hair color? Here are five other lilac hues to consider.

LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEA #1: DUSTY LILAC

This muted take on lilac hair features cool-toned shades of lilac throughout your mane for a smoky effect. The color can be applied all over or only partially with the balayage highlighting technique. Here’s How to Do Dusty Lilac Hair. 

LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEA #2: ROSE AND LILAC BALAYAGE

What’s better than lilac hair? Lilac and pink hair! Transition from a beautiful rost pink shade into lilac ends for a color that resembles the prettiest sunset and most delicious bite of cotton candy.

LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEA #3: SILVER LILAC

Remember the smoky effect we mentioned when we talked about dusty lilac hair? A similar effect is achieved with this silver lilac hair color. The two cool-toned hues perfectly complement each other to mimic the sky on a brisk, stormy night.

LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEA #4: LILAC DIP DYE

For those who want to ease into the lilac hair color trend, this is the perfect option. Rather than coloring your entire mane, keep your lilac hue focused on only the ends of your strands for just the right amount of purple.

LILAC HAIR COLOR IDEA #5: METALLIC LILAC

Alternatively, you can take things up a notch by giving metallic lilac hair a try. Pairing this purple shade with an iridescent finish makes for a standout hair color that’s sure to make you a trendsetter.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF LILAC HAIR

Now that you know how to get lilac hair, you’ll want to change your hair care routine for your newly color-treated hair. Try using a hair care line that’s safe for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm.

HOW TO STYLE LILAC HAIR

It really goes without saying that you’ll want to style your new lilac hair in a way that showcases its beautiful color. There are a couple of styles in particular that will take your new ‘do to the next level. Here are some easy hairstyles we love:

HAIRSTYLE IDEA #1: CURLS

Curls are a great way to show off the dimension of your new hair color. Here’s how to create perfect loose curls: 

STEP #1: USE HEAT PROTECTANT

Protect your locks by spraying a heat protectant throughout your hair.

STEP #2: CREATE CURLS WITH A CURLING IRON

Use a wide barrel curling iron to curl one to two-inch sections of your hair. This will create large, voluminous curls.

STEP #3: SOFTEN YOUR CURLS

Gently brush through your curls with a wide-tooth comb to soften the look for a carefree, full-bodied style. 

STEP #4: PUMP UP THE VOLUME

Add some volume by spraying the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray onto your roots for instant lift.

STEP #5: LOCK IN YOUR LOOK

Finish the style by spritzing the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray over your mane.

HAIRSTYLE IDEA #2: MESSY BUN

Of course, there will be days you want to throw your hair up and out of your face. For those days, a messy bun is the perfect style for tossing your hair up while still allowing your lilac ends to pop out and make an appearance. Read our article, How to Create a Messy Bun, if you’re rusty on your messy bun skills.

HAIRSTYLE IDEA #3: PULL-THROUGH PIGTAILS

Why not try a fun pigtail hairstyle? One of the best ways to show off a well-blended hair color is through this textured hairstyle. Lucky for you, pull-through pigtails are also totally on-trend. Learn how to create them via our article, How to Rock Pull-Through Pigtails.

Want to know about another purple hair color idea that’s receiving quite a bit of hype? Head over to our article, 6 Super Sweet Plum Hair Color Ideas.