Smoky Lilac

Smoky lilac is the cool fantasy shade — a muted, greyed-off purple that's mysterious and modern rather than candy-bright. It flatters cool undertones and feels editorial.

Like all pastels it sits on lightened hair and needs topping up. Below is how the smoky lilac is toned and how to keep it from drifting too pink or too grey.

How to get the look

1. 1

   Do a strand test and prep your hairline with barrier cream.

2. 2

   Mix dye with the right developer and apply with a tint brush, root to tip.

3. 3

   Process for the recommended time, then rinse until the water runs clear.

4. 4

   Tone if needed and finish with a color-safe mask.

What you'll need

Hand-picked products — tap to shop on Amazon or Google Shopping.

• Hair dyeLOreal Excellence Smoky Lilac hair dye
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• Developer 20 volLOreal Oreor 20 volume developer
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• Tint brush & bowlFramar tint brush and bowl set
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• Glovesnitrile hair dye gloves
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• Sectioning clipsDiane sectioning hair clips
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• Barrier creamFramar pink barrier cream
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• Purple shampooFanola No Yellow purple shampoo
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Your step-by-step product routine

Use them in this order for the best, longest-lasting result.

1. 1

   Test first. 48 hours before, do a strand test and a skin patch test — non-negotiable, especially over previous colour.

2. 2

   Protect. Apply a barrier cream (Framar) around the hairline and ears, and always wear gloves.

3. 3

   Mix. Mix the dye (L'Oréal Excellence) with the correct developer (20 vol) to the ratio on the box.

4. 4

   Apply. Section with clips and paint with the tint brush, root to tip, fully saturating each piece.

5. 5

   Process. Time it exactly — over-processing damages hair and skews tone. Then rinse until the water runs completely clear.

6. 6

   Tone & seal. Tone or use a purple shampoo (Fanola No Yellow) if needed, then lock in shine with a colour-safe mask.

Pro tips

• Tone at home with a colour-depositing conditioner between visits.
• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps fresh tone vivid for longer.
• Wash less and rinse cool to make your colour last twice as long.
• UV-protectant spray stops the sun from fading your shade.

How to make it last

Longevity is all about aftercare — baby the colour early and it pays off for months.

• Wait 48–72h before the first wash
• Colour-depositing conditioner tops up tone
• Heat-protect before every hot tool
• Book a gloss every 6–8 weeks

Common mistakes to avoid

• Washing brand-new colour the same day with hot water.
• Box-bleaching previously-coloured hair — a recipe for breakage.
• Going several shades lighter in one sitting.

FAQ