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Panatone’s color of the year may be Viva Magenta but when it comes to hair, it's all about mauve. This pale purple hue lies between violet and pink on the color wheel, but it presents itself in more than one way when it comes to 2023 tresses. 

Of course, as with any color change, it will require some maintenance, which includes choosing the right products to retain its vibrancy — but don’t let that deter you. Why not give mauve a try if you’re still looking to put your best face forward during a Zoom meeting or simply want to change your look? New year, new you, new color.

What Does Mauve Look Like?

Generally speaking, mauve is a hybrid of purple and pink tones that flatters light and dark skin. It can be subtle or edgy, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Your colorist will likely combine notes of both colors to create a brilliant, dimensional look that can be cool- or warm-toned.

Understated Versus Bold

If you’re still apprehensive about a new hue, start with a partial highlight before working up to a full head to make your tresses look spirited from all angles. A seasoned pro can help you achieve your mauve hair goals. The color combos below are merely a general guide.

• Dark Hair: The darker your hair color, the more vibrant colors like mauve pop. Opt for mauve highlights on the more purple-violet side on face-framing layers, bangs, or anywhere the sun naturally hits your hair.

• Light Brown Hair: Natural or light brunette hair color looks great with a mauve with soft pink tones.

• Blonde Hair: Mauve hair really stands out on ash blondes, which gives an eye-catching metallic appearance that can make the hair appear fuller and add dimension to updos and braided looks. Blondes can also easily pull off a pink dusty lilac mauve that first appeared in 2022.

5 Reasons Your Mauve Hair Color Is Fading 

Nothing beats the feeling of newly refreshed hair color — that is, until it starts to fade, which makes your tresses look drab and lackluster. As we stated before, it's a given that hair color of any kind requires ongoing maintenance, but here are a few things you should avoid — or limit — to help preserve your color for a bit longer. 

1. Using The Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner

Avoid formulas containing sulfates, alcohol, or clarifying ingredients that can strip your color. 

2. Sun Exposure

Along with making your hair more dry, dull, and prone to breakage, ultraviolet rays from sunlight can destroy the chemical bonds in your hair, which causes the color to fade.  

3. Showering in Hot Water 

A hot shower may sound good at the end of a long day, but you’re doing a disservice to your color because it lifts the outer cuticle layer, which expedites the fading process.

4. Overwashing 

Try to avoid the temptation to wash your hair every single day. Invest in moisture-wicking hair bands to absorb extra moisture if you're a workout enthusiast. Rely on hats and scarves as go-to accessories when your hair feels less than fresh. 

5. Utilizing Hot Tools Too Much

It’s no secret that high heat can damage your hair, so it should be no surprise that excessive use of your blow dryer and heat tools also compromises your color. 

Products to Help Maintain Your Mauve Tresses 

Products can make or break colored hair. Here are some products you should stock up on for maintaining mauve hair:

A Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner

Look for products specifically formulated to help preserve color-treated hair, such as our Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. This dynamic duo helps maintain the hair’s vibrancy for up to eight weeks, leaving strands shiny, smooth, and less prone to breakage. When shampooing, focus on your roots and condition from the mid-shaft to the ends.

Browse Our Entire Collection of Shampoo and Conditioners Here

Featured: Color Care Deep Conditioning Balm

Specialized Sun Protection for Your Hair 

When you anticipate prolonged periods outdoors in the sun, use a non-aerosol SPF spray or powder specialized for your hair and scalp. In addition to your color care shampoo and conditioner, treat your tresses weekly with our Color Care Deep Conditioning Balm, a restorative formula that won't compromise your hair color. 

Dry Shampoo 

Resist the temptation to suds up whenever your roots get limp and greasy. Instead, sprinkle on a bit of Fresh Dry Shampoo Powder to absorb excess oils and add additional volume. 

Keep Hair Fresh With Better Natured®’s Dry Shampoo Powder

As with red, mauve can be challenging to maintain — but only if you’re not taking care of it by making a few tweaks to your personal care routine. It all starts with using the right products, such as our Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. The only thing left for you to figure out is what shade of mauve you’re going to choose.