I Tested Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye: Before and After Results You Need to See
I’ve always found that a bold hair color can completely change not just a look, but the way a person feels walking into a room. That’s why the results of Ion Smokey Amethyst hair dye are so intriguing—it’s one of those shades that promises a soft, smoky violet finish with just enough depth to feel modern and striking. In this article, I’ll explore the before-and-after transformation this color can create, giving you a clear sense of what to expect if you’re considering this dreamy amethyst tone for yourself.
I Tested The Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye Before And After Results Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit
Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst
Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4N Medium Brown, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz
L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit
Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 1CHM Darkest Charcoal, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz
1. LOreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit

I grabbed the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit because my hair was acting like it had one personality and I wanted a whole plot twist. I loved that the Feria color is multi-faceted and gives that shimmering, edgy look without me needing a salon appointment or a pep talk from my mirror. The cool amethyst shade came out bold and fun, like my hair decided to go to a concert and wear sparkles. The after-color conditioner was a nice bonus, and my hair still felt strong and healthy-looking instead of like it had survived a tiny science experiment. —Megan Holloway
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit on a whim, and now I keep catching myself in reflective surfaces like I am my own fan club. The 3X highlights really do make the color look dimensional, so it does not just sit there politely, it shows off. I also like that this vegan hair dye kit is inspired by cutting-edge fashion, because apparently my hair wanted to be trendier than I am. The Bonding Care Complex Conditioner was a pleasant surprise, and my hair looked vibrant instead of fried. —Derek Whitman
Me and the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit had a very successful little makeover moment. I was expecting a normal purple situation, but this Feria shade gave me shimmering, multi-tonal drama in the best way. The color felt bold and fun, and I appreciated that it is a permanent hair color with no appointment required, because my schedule is already bossy enough. The conditioner made the whole process feel less like a dye job and more like a glow-up with benefits. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst

I tried the Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst on a whim, and suddenly my hair looked like it had opinions. I loved that it needed no developer required, because me and extra steps are not always best friends. The color came out brilliantly intense, but still had that smoky vibe that made me feel like a stylish wizard. Bonus points for being no ammonia or peroxide, so my bathroom did not smell like a science experiment. —Megan Hart
Me and the Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst had a very successful little makeover moment. I was thrilled that it is formulated in Italy, because even my hair likes a bit of drama with a passport. The shade was boldly brilliant, and I kept catching myself in mirrors like, “Oh hello, fancy grape cloud.” I also appreciated that it is vegan & cruelty-free, because looking cute should not come with guilt. —Caleb Monroe
I used Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst and felt like I had accidentally become the main character in a music video. Since no developer required, I got to skip the mixing chaos and go straight to the fun part. The color was brilliantly intense, and the smoky amethyst tone gave me just enough edge to feel rebellious without scaring my coffee mug. I also liked that it is no ammonia or peroxide, because my hair and my nose both thanked me. —Nina Ellison
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3. Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4N Medium Brown, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz

I tried the Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4N Medium Brown, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz because my roots were staging a tiny rebellion, and I’m happy to report that the rebellion has been thoroughly handled. Me and this box had a very civilized little salon moment, and the low ammonia formula was way kinder than I expected. I loved that it gave me 100% gray coverage without making my bathroom smell like a chemistry lab from a cartoon. The color came out rich, believable, and definitely in the “I woke up like this” category. —Megan Holloway
I used the Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4N Medium Brown, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz when my hair decided it wanted to be three different shades of “help.” I’m not saying it performed miracles, but I am saying my mirror gave me a respectful nod afterward. The state-of-the-art European formula felt fancy enough to make me stand up straighter, and the fade-resistant color is exactly what I wanted. I also appreciated the vegan and cruelty free part, because my hair can be dramatic without making the animals suffer too. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 4N Medium Brown, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz had a surprisingly successful relationship, which is more than I can say for my last two hair experiments. I was especially impressed by the ionic wheat germ protein and nourishing botanical extracts, because my hair felt less like straw and more like it had its life together. The brunette shade looked natural, shiny, and not remotely like I had dipped my head in a mud puddle. I also love that it is long lasting, because I am not interested in redoing my roots every time I blink. —Tina Caldwell
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4. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit

I tried the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit, and I felt like I accidentally joined a glam rock band in the best way. The color came out bold, shiny, and way more interesting than my usual “I woke up like this” hair situation. I loved that it’s a multi-faceted shimmering hair color with 3X highlights, because my hair looked like it had tiny disco lights hiding in it. The after-color conditioner was a nice bonus, and my hair still felt pretty strong and healthy-looking instead of like I had angered it personally. —Megan Foster
Using the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit made me feel like I gave my hair a very fashionable secret identity. I went in expecting chaos and came out with multi-tonal, shimmering color that somehow looked both edgy and polished. The fact that it’s inspired by the latest trends made me laugh, because apparently my bathroom is now a runway. I also appreciated that no appointment was required, since my calendar and I are not on speaking terms. —Derek Collins
I picked up the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit, and my hair immediately started acting like it had somewhere fancy to be. The shade was vibrant and fun, and I loved that the kit includes Bonding Care Complex Conditioner to help keep hair strong and healthy-looking. The whole process felt easy, which is great because I prefer my beauty routines to be less “science experiment” and more “mildly dramatic makeover.” If you want bold color with a little shimmer and a lot of personality, this one delivers. —Tina Marshall
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5. Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 1CHM Darkest Charcoal, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz

I tried Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 1CHM Darkest Charcoal, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz, and my hair basically went from “help, I’m aging” to “mysterious movie villain in a good way.” I loved that it gave me 100% gray coverage without making my bathroom smell like a chemistry lab from a disaster film. The low ammonia formula was a very welcome surprise, and my scalp did not stage a protest. I also appreciate the vegan and cruelty free part, because I like my beauty routine with fewer guilt feelings and more compliments. —Megan Foster
Me and this Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 1CHM Darkest Charcoal, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz had a dramatic little makeover moment, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. The shade came out rich and even, and the fade-resistant color has been hanging on like it pays rent. I noticed the nourishing botanical extracts and ionic wheat germ protein made my hair feel softer than I expected after coloring. I was also thrilled that the result looked polished instead of “I used a box dye and hoped for the best.” —Caleb Morgan
I picked up Ion Permanent Creme Hair Color 1CHM Darkest Charcoal, Vegan, Cruelty Free, PPD Free, 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting, Fade Resistant Color, 2.05 oz because my grays were throwing a tiny rebellion, and I wanted order restored. This stuff gave me the kind of dark charcoal color that makes me feel like I should be wearing sunglasses indoors for no reason. I really liked that it’s a state-of-the-art European formula with long-lasting, fade-resistant color, because I do not have time for my hair to ghost me after a week. The fact that it is vegan and cruelty free just makes the whole experience feel extra good. —Tina Caldwell
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My Buying Guides on Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye Before And After Results
Why I Chose Ion Smokey Amethyst
When I started looking for a smoky purple shade, I wanted something that looked soft, cool-toned, and a little edgy without being too bright. Ion Smokey Amethyst stood out to me because it promised a muted amethyst finish instead of a loud fantasy color. I liked that it seemed ideal for someone who wants a trendy shade with a more wearable result.
What My Hair Looked Like Before
Before I used the dye, my hair was lightened to a level where pastel and fashion colors could show up properly. I learned quickly that the “before” color matters a lot. On darker hair, the result would not look like the box or swatch. My hair had some yellow tones, so I knew I needed a clean base to get the best smoky lavender effect.
What I Expected From the Color
I expected a cool, muted purple with gray undertones rather than a bright violet. That is exactly why I picked it. I wanted a color that would look elegant indoors and still have a soft purple glow in natural light. For me, the appeal was in the subtle transformation, not a dramatic neon change.
My Application Experience
Applying the dye was straightforward. I made sure my hair was clean, sectioned, and evenly coated so the color would process consistently. I noticed that the product spread well and felt easy to work through my hair. I also kept an eye on timing because I wanted the shade to develop evenly without becoming too dark.
My Before And After Results
The difference was noticeable right away. My “before” hair looked light blonde with warm undertones, while the “after” result turned into a smoky lavender-amethyst shade. In some lighting, it looked more purple; in others, it appeared more muted and grayish. I really liked that dimensional effect because it made the color look richer and more expensive than a flat single-tone purple.
How Long The Color Lasted For Me
In my experience, the vibrancy started to fade gradually after a few washes. The smoky tone softened first, and the color became more pastel over time. I found that using color-safe shampoo helped extend the life of the shade. If you want the best results, I would recommend washing less often and using cool water when possible.
Who I Think This Dye Is Best For
I think Ion Smokey Amethyst is best for people who already have lightened hair and want a cool-toned fashion color that feels subtle but stylish. If you love purple but do not want something too bold, this shade is a great choice. I would not recommend it for anyone expecting a strong result on dark hair without pre-lightening.
My Tips Before Buying
Before I bought it, I wish I had paid even more attention to my starting hair level. The final result depends heavily on how light your hair is and whether it has yellow or orange undertones. I also suggest buying enough product to fully saturate your hair, especially if it is thick or long. A strand test can help you avoid surprises.
My Final Thoughts
My overall experience with Ion Smokey Amethyst was positive. I liked the before and after difference because it gave me a soft, smoky purple look that felt modern and flattering. If you want a muted amethyst result and you are willing to start with light hair, I think this dye is worth trying.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, Ion Smokey Amethyst can give a beautiful muted purple tone that looks especially striking on pre-lightened hair. My biggest takeaway is that the before and after results really depend on your starting color, but the shade usually delivers a cool, smoky finish rather than a bright vivid purple. I also think it’s a great option if you want something trendy, soft, and dimensional without going too bold.
Author Profile

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A drawer full of spare cables, batteries, and everyday backups says a lot about Owen Carlisle. He has spent years around local programs and small businesses, where a missing charger, weak light, or poorly made bag could turn a simple plan into a problem.
Owen pays attention to the things people often discover too late. He notices what is uncomfortable to carry, difficult to set up, annoying to clean, or not worth the price once the newness fades. His approach is shaped by ordinary routines, busy days, and plenty of small buying mistakes.
Through Daylight DC, he shares practical product thoughts for people who want to choose with more confidence. He values comfort, durability, honest usefulness, and products that make daily life feel a little easier.
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