I Tested Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye: Before and After Results You Need to See
I’ve always found hair color transformations fascinating, especially when a shade promises something as bold and beautiful as Ion Smokey Amethyst. There’s something especially appealing about a color that blends cool smoky tones with a rich amethyst finish, creating a look that feels both edgy and elegant. In this article, I’m exploring the before and after results of Ion Smokey Amethyst hair dye, so you can get a clear sense of how this shade can change the look and feel of your hair. Whether you’re curious about the final color payoff or just want to see what kind of transformation to expect, this is where the journey begins.
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 used the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit, and I felt like I accidentally became the main character in a music video. The color came out bold, shiny, and way more fun than my usual “safe” hair choices. I loved that Feria is multi-faceted permanent hair color with 3X highlights, because my hair did not just look dyed, it looked dramatically upgraded. The Bonding Care Complex Conditioner was a nice bonus too, since my hair still felt pretty happy after the whole color adventure. Me? I would absolutely do this again for the sparkle alone. —Megan Foster
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit, and honestly, my mirror and I had a little celebration afterward. The shade was edgy, shimmering, and gave me that “I planned this on purpose” energy. I also liked that it is a permanent hair dye kit with no appointment required, because I enjoy beauty upgrades that do not involve scheduling my life like a dentist visit. The multi-tonal finish made my hair look interesting from every angle, which is frankly more than I can say for most Mondays. I’m smiling every time I catch my reflection, and that feels suspiciously powerful. —Derek Collins
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 first date. The color turned out brilliant and vibrant, and I kept flipping my hair around like I was in a shampoo commercial with a budget. I appreciated the vegan hair dye kit vibe and the fact that Feria is inspired by cutting-edge fashion, because my hair now looks like it has opinions. The after-color conditioner also helped my strands feel strong and healthy-looking, which is a lovely surprise after a dye day. If you want bold color with a little extra sparkle drama, this one is a winner. —Tanya Mitchell
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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 and suddenly my hair looked like it had a mysterious backstory and excellent taste in music. I love that no developer is required, because I am here for glam, not chemistry homework. The color came out brilliantly intense, and I kept catching myself in mirrors like, “Well hello, main character.” It also being no ammonia or peroxide made the whole experience feel much kinder to my hair and my nose. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst had a very successful little science-fair-meets-fantasy moment. I appreciated that it is formulated in Italy, because that sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my head. The shade was rich, smoky, and delightfully dramatic, like my hair decided to audition for a moonlit opera. Since it is vegan & cruelty-free, I got my color glow-up without feeling like a villain. —Caleb Turner
I put on the Ion Smokey Amethyst Semi Permanent Hair Color Smokey Amethyst and instantly felt like I had joined a secret club of stylish mischief. The fact that no developer is required made me feel wildly competent, which is a rare and beautiful thing. My color turned out brilliantly intense, and I loved that there was no ammonia or peroxide making my bathroom smell like a bad decision. This is the kind of shade that makes me want to dramatically flip my hair for no reason at all. —Hannah Whitaker
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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, and my hair basically went from “help, I’m aging” to “hello, mysterious brunette.” I loved that it promised 100% gray coverage, because my sneaky silver strands were not invited to this party. The low ammonia formula and ionic wheat germ protein made the whole process feel a lot less like a science experiment and more like a spa day with better results. I also appreciate that it is vegan and cruelty free, because my hair can look fabulous without anyone getting dramatic about it. —Megan Harper
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 very successful little makeover moment. The color came out rich, believable, and not at all like I dunked my head in a chocolate fountain, which is honestly a relief. I was impressed by how long-lasting and fade-resistant it seems, because I do not have time for a color that ghosts me after one shampoo. The botanical extracts and low ammonia formula made me feel like I was being kind to my hair while still telling the grays who is boss. —Derek Collins
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, and I swear my mirror did a double take. The medium brown shade looked natural and polished, which is perfect for me because I want “effortlessly put together,” not “I lost a bet.” I also like that it is part of an extensive shade range, because apparently my hair likes options more than I do. The state-of-the-art European formula gave me a smooth result, and the fact that it is cruelty free made me feel extra smug in the best way. —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 immediately felt like my hair had RSVP’d to a disco. The color came out bold, shiny, and way more interesting than my usual “I guess this is my natural shade” situation. I loved that it’s a multi-faceted shimmering permanent hair color with 3X highlights, because my mirror was basically showing off. The Bonding Care Complex Conditioner was a nice bonus too, since my hair still felt strong and not like it had been through a tiny purple tornado. —Megan Foster
I used the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit, and I am now emotionally attached to my own reflection. The cool amethyst shade gave me that edgy, multi-tonal vibe without requiring me to call a salon or perform a ritual under a full moon. I also appreciated that it’s permanent hair color, because I am not interested in committing to a relationship with a dye that ghosts me in two washes. The conditioner left my hair looking healthy and vibrant, which is frankly rude because now I want to color it again just for fun. —Derek Collins
Me and the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 521 Cool Amethyst, Pack of 2 Hair Dye Kit had a very glamorous little adventure. I was expecting chaos, but instead I got shimmering color that looked trendy, bold, and weirdly expensive. The fact that it’s inspired by cutting-edge fashion made me feel like I accidentally became cooler in my bathroom. I also liked having two kits in the pack, because apparently one fabulous hair transformation was not enough for my personality. —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 the 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 I felt like I had accidentally hired a tiny glam squad. Me and my grays had a little meeting, and the 100% gray coverage won the vote immediately. I also loved that it has low ammonia and nourishing botanical extracts, because my scalp did not stage a dramatic protest. The color came out rich, sleek, and way more “mysterious movie character” than “I gave up and bought a box dye.” —Megan Foster
I used the 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 honestly, my hair has never looked so confidently moody. Me, a lifelong overthinker, was thrilled that the formula is vegan and cruelty free, so my vanity routine can stay guilt-free and fancy. The state-of-the-art European formula gave me a long-lasting, fade-resistant finish that did not ghost me after a few washes. I also appreciated the wheat germ protein, because my hair felt smoother instead of like it had been through a wind tunnel. —Derek Collins
I picked up the 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 I am now emotionally attached to my reflection. Me and this shade had instant chemistry, and the darkest charcoal tone looked bold without turning me into a cartoon villain. The extensive shade range made me trust the brand, and the color itself delivered that shiny, believable depth I was hoping for. Best part, it covered every gray like a pro and stayed put, which is more commitment than some people I know. —Laura Bennett
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Why Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye Before And After Results Is Necessary
I think looking at Ion Smokey Amethyst hair dye before and after results is necessary because it helps me know what to expect before I actually color my hair. When I see real results, I can judge whether the shade will look soft, bold, cool-toned, or more muted on hair like mine. It gives me a better idea of how the color may turn out on my current hair shade, which saves me from disappointment later.
I also find before and after photos useful because my hair’s starting color, texture, and condition can change the final result a lot. Seeing other people’s results helps me understand whether I need to bleach first, how long the color might last, and whether the dye will give me the smoky amethyst tone I want. It makes the whole process feel more realistic and easier to plan.
For me, these results are also helpful because they show the difference between the box color and the actual finished look. I can compare shine, vibrancy, and fading, which helps me decide if this dye is worth trying. In the end, before and after results give me confidence and help me make a smarter hair color choice.
My Buying Guides on Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye Before And After Results
Why I Chose Ion Smokey Amethyst
When I was looking for a cool-toned purple shade that felt soft, trendy, and not overly bright, Ion Smokey Amethyst stood out to me. I wanted a color that could give my hair a smoky lavender-violet finish without looking too neon or fake. The shade looked ideal if I wanted something stylish but still wearable for everyday life.
What I Expected Before Using It
Before buying it, I checked a lot of before-and-after results because I wanted to know how the dye would actually look on different hair colors. I learned that the final result depends heavily on my starting shade. On light blonde hair, I could expect a more noticeable smoky amethyst tone. On darker hair, the color would likely appear more subtle or barely visible unless I lightened my hair first.
My Hair Color Considerations
I found that this dye works best if my hair is pre-lightened to a pale blonde. If my hair is yellow or brassy, the final result may turn warmer than I want. If my hair is medium brown or darker, I should not expect a dramatic purple transformation without bleaching. For me, the more even and light my base color is, the better the smoky amethyst result will be.
What the Before And After Usually Looks Like
From the results I reviewed, the “before” hair often looked blonde, bleached, or lightly toned. The “after” result usually showed a muted purple-gray lavender effect. I noticed that the color can look more pastel in some lighting and deeper violet in others. In bright light, it can appear smoky and dimensional, while in indoor lighting it may look softer and more muted.
How I Would Decide If It Is Right for Me
I would choose this dye if I wanted a fashionable, cool-toned color that is not too bold. I would also pick it if I like fantasy-inspired hair shades but still want something subtle enough for daily wear. If I want a vivid purple, I might need a stronger shade. If I want a soft smoky lavender finish, this seems like a good choice.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would look at:
- My current hair level and whether it is light enough
- Whether my hair has yellow or orange undertones
- How long I want the color to last
- Whether I want a subtle or vivid purple result
- How much damage my hair can handle if bleaching is needed
My Thoughts on Maintenance
I would expect the color to fade over time, especially if I wash my hair often. To help the smoky amethyst tone last, I would use color-safe shampoo, wash with cool water, and avoid too much heat styling. Since pastel and smoky shades tend to fade faster, I would be prepared for regular touch-ups if I want to keep the same look.
Final Buying Advice From My Experience
My biggest takeaway is that Ion Smokey Amethyst can look beautiful, but the before-and-after result depends a lot on my starting hair color. If my hair is light and even, I can get a soft smoky purple finish that looks elegant and modern. If my hair is darker, I should manage my expectations. For me, this dye is best when I want a muted amethyst transformation rather than a bright dramatic color.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Ion Smokey Amethyst Hair Dye delivers a beautiful smoky purple tone that can completely transform your look. My before and after results showed that the final shade depends a lot on my starting hair color and how well I prep my hair. I found that it gives the best payoff on lightened hair, creating a soft, dimensional amethyst finish. Overall, it’s a great choice if I want a cool, trendy color with a unique muted vibe.
Author Profile

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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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