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Anime’s 15 Best Purple-Haired Peeps

Anime may be filled with wild superpowers and magic skills, but not every character is born with abilities that make them stand out from the pack. Even if they can bust out some fancy moves here and there, sometimes you need that extra oomph to shine brighter than the rest of the bunch. So, what’s a manga creator to do? Spice up their characters’ hair!

Oh yes, the hairstyles in anime are a whole new level of wacky. From gravity-defying styles to colors that can make a rainbow blush, the options are as endless as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

This brings us to the hottest hair trend in town: purple! Yep, it seems like every other character is rocking that hue these days. But hey, just because there’s a bunch of lavender folks around doesn’t mean they fade into the background. No – purple is so mesmerizing that fans can’t help but admire them all.

Here are 15 of these grape-tastic characters that left us purple with envy.

Table of Contents

15. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)

Kicking off the list is Motoko Kusanagi, the ultimate cybernetic wonder! They call her Major, and boy, does she have a résumé longer than an AI’s to-do list. There’s even a manga dedicated to her jaw-dropping adventures.

As the operational chief of the legendary Section 9, this lady knows how to take charge. She’s like a cybernetic maestro, conducting and coordinating her team with finesse. And she’s only accountable to Aramaki. That’s right, she’s got the keys to the cyber kingdom!

Now, let’s talk about her body (no, not in a creepy way)! Kusanagi is rocking a fully cybernetic shell with only her brain clinging on to its human roots. Her robotic bod is the crème de la crème of technological advancements. We’re talking about thermo-optical camouflage, supercharged strength, and skills that could make a ninja sweat.

She didn’t just stumble upon these cyber enhancements by accident – she’s been rocking the robo-life since she was a kid. That means she’s had ample time to perfect her moves, making her the ultimate fighter.

14. Touka Kirishima (Tokyo Ghoul)

Touka Kirishima is not just your average waitress at Anteiku – she’s an undercover ghoul! The thing is, ghouls aren’t exactly the life of the party in society. So, she disguises herself as a regular human and attends Kiyomi High School. Talk about living a double life!

When Touka embarks on a hunt, she dons a rabbit mask. She’s like a fluffy vigilante with killer style and an alias to match: “Rabbit”. Not the most creative, but hey, it fits.

After the epic Owl Suppression Operation, our girl climbs the ranks and becomes the manager of the very coffee shop she worked at. But she serves up more than just lattes and cappuccinos — she’s serving up justice, too!

After all the wild events in the series, Touka and Ken Kaneki, the lucky guy, decide to take their relationship to the next level. Yep, they start a family together. Cheers to humans and ghouls coexisting in peace!

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13. Konan (Naruto)

As the only female member of the Akatsuki, Konan breaks through glass ceilings with her paper-folding finesse. But she had to go a long way to become one of the strongest women in the Naruto anime universe.

Poor Konan lost her parents when she was just a wee sprout thanks to a war in the land of the Rain. Luckily, she found solace in the company of two other orphans, the one and only Yahiko and the legendary Nagato.

Along came Jiraiya, the ninja extraordinaire, ready to take on some Soul ninjas alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru. And he decided to crash at their place for a while, becoming their temporary live-in mentor – ninja training sessions and origami folding lessons included! To show her gratitude, Konan even crafted a paper rose for Jiraiya. (Move over, Hallmark.)

Don’t be fooled by the delicate art of origami: Konan turned her passion into a full-on fighting style. Who needs swords and kunai when you can unleash a paper storm on your foes? Her paperwork skills are so mind-bogglingly amazing that opponents are left stunned, scratching their heads in disbelief. Who knew paper could pack such a punch?

12. James (Pokémon)

James is an aristocratic runaway with a flair for the dramatic and a penchant for getting tangled up in hilarious misadventures. Unlike his partner-in-crime, Jessie, he was born into a wealthy family. Oh, the perks of having money! He even had his own adorable, Growlithe as a pet.

But James had to make a run for it to escape an arranged marriage with a whip-wielding, control-freak of a girl. Can you blame the guy? Who wants to deal with whips and snooty aristocratic protocols? I’d be outta there faster than a Dragonite chasing a Caterpie!

So, off he goes to a Pokémon school, along with Jessie, where they quickly earn … terrible grades. Yep, their academic endeavors were nothing short of legendary disasters.

Our dynamic duo decides to join a bicycle gang, trading in their academic attire for leather jackets. Then, they hop on the Team Rocket train with their loyal partner-in-mischief, Meowth. The trio unleashes chaos, hilarity, and incompetence wherever they go.

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11. Sailor Saturn (Sailor Moon)

You may know Hotaru Tomoe better as the mystical maven Sailor Saturn – you know, the one they discovered as the tenth and final Sailor Guardian. Guess they saved the best for last!

But here’s the kicker — her powers are all about destruction and ruin. Yep, she’s like a walking demolition derby in a cute sailor suit. Watch out, solar system, ’cause Sailor Saturn is here to wreak havoc and give you a cosmic makeover!

And let’s not forget about her fabulous hair. I mean, come on, these Sailor Guardians have a serious hair game going on. It’s like they inherited the most epic hair genes from the very planets they protect. Forget about “Good hair day,” we’re talking about “Galaxy hair day”!

So, grab your moon scepters and join Sailor Saturn on her mission to bring chaos, destruction, and interstellar fashion to the Sailor Moon franchise.

10. Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop)

Time to dive into the quirky world of Faye from Cowboy Bebop! She’s a bounty hunter with a bounty on her own head. Ironic, no?

Don’t let her youthful appearance fool you. Faye may look like a sprightly 23-year-old, but she’s actually a whopping 77. How did she pull off that age-defying feat? It turns out she took a 54-year beauty nap in a cryogenic freeze. Ice cubes aren’t just for cocktails anymore, apparently!

After crossing paths with the legendary duo of Spike and Jet not once, but twice, Faye decides to hop aboard their trusty spaceship, the Bebop. It’s like a cosmic game of tag — she encounters them, they encounter her, and voila, they become one big, dysfunctional space family.

Once Faye recovers her memory, she realizes that these bounty-hunting misfits are her ticket to companionship. She embraces the chaos and chooses Spike and Jet as her adopted family. Aww, how sweet!

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9. Sinbad (Magi/Adventure of Sinbad)

Brace yourselves for some disappointing news: there hasn’t been an update in this anime for ages. But at least the anime stops with our main man Sinbad still rocking his prestigious title as the King of Sindria.

This Sultan of Swagger also stars in his very own show called the Adventure of Sinbad. That’s right, folks, he’s got his own spotlight, theme music, and everything!

But before he became a king and a TV star, Sinbad was a savvy businessman. He opened the Sindria Trading Company, wheeling and dealing like a true entrepreneurial pirate.

And let’s not forget about his role as an essential ally during the first half of the series. He’s like the Captain Jack Sparrow of the Magi world, ready to lend a hand and sprinkle some mischief wherever he goes.

Beneath that laid-back and flirty exterior lies a hefty dose of arrogance. Sinbad believes he’s the cream of the crop, the king of kings — probably even better than a bowl of pirate’s booty. But really, can you blame him?

8. Blair (Soul Eater)

From the very first episode Blair burst onto the scene, she captivated viewers with her whimsical charm. This sassy feline witch stole the hearts of fans faster than a mouse steals cheese.

Our furry friend got mistaken for an actual witch by none other than the main characters, Maka Albarn and Soul Eater. Seems like her pointy ears and magical aura were just too convincing. Would’ve fooled me!

Once the fiasco was cleared up, Blair made herself at home in Maka and Soul’s apartment. It’s like having a magical kitty roommate who knows how to keep the broomstick flying and the fun never-ending.

And this bewitching beauty becomes more than just a roommate — she becomes an ally to the DWMA, the Death Weapon Meister Academy. Blair brings her feline flair and a touch of sorcery to help our heroes in their battle against evil.

7. Cornelia Li Britannia (Code Geass)

Roll out the red carpet and welcome the dramatic royalty of Code Geass – particularly Cornelia Britannia, the fierce second princess. She’s got a knack for piloting giant mechs and making strategic moves that would give a chess grandmaster a run for their money.

Yep, she’s not your average princess, my friends. Cornelia doesn’t just sit around sipping tea and waving to the masses. No, she’s on the front lines, battling it out in her Knightmare Frame like a true warrior.

And she isn’t just a skilled mech pilot: she’s also a pro at establishing territories, claiming Area 18 before moving on to conquer Area 11. It’s like she’s playing a twisted game of Monopoly, but with giant robots and a thirst for power.

Now, let’s talk about her character development. In the first season, Cornelia serves as one of the main antagonists, throwing wrenches into our hero Lelouch’s plans without rest. But as the story progresses, she undergoes a transformation like a caterpillar becoming a fancy butterfly. She goes from villain to … drumroll, please … a neutral character.

It’s like she upgraded her alignment status from “villain” to “meh, I’ll just watch from the sidelines.” Better than being evil, though, right?

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6. Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach)

Yoruichi Shihoin of Bleach has one impressive résumé. She’s not just a former captain of the 2nd division in the Gotei 13 – she also served as a commander of the Onmitsukido. But she eventually decided to abandon both those positions. Quite the career hopper, isn’t she?

Now, Yoruichi works alongside Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi in the Urahara shop in the Human World. It’s like a supernatural version of a corner store, complete with mystical items and sarcastic banter. I wonder if they have a “Buy 2 Zanpakuto, Get 1 Free” deal going on!

It would be remiss of us not to touch on Yoruichi’s quirks. Despite being a noble, she ain’t interested in fancy titles. She refuses to even be called by the usual noble suffixes. However, she does have a way with words, speaking in a prestigious dialect like a wise elder.

With language like that, Yoruichi comes across as calm and mature. But when the peaceful times roll around, she’s as laid-back and playful as a kitten with a ball of yarn. It’s like she’s got a switch that flips from serious to silly.

5. Kyoka Jiro (My Hero Academia)

When it comes to the purple-haired heroes of My Hero Academia – Mineta and Jiro – let’s focus on the more likable of the two. Which is, of course, Jiro. This rockin’ hero has a killer earphone game.

Yep, Jiro, also known as the Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack, is the rockstar of UA Academy’s Class 1-A. This gal can literally plug into her own power and amplify it. Plus, she’s got style that makes your eardrums groove and your heart skip a beat.

Let’s rewind a bit. When Jiro was first introduced, she didn’t exactly steal the spotlight. Then, the later seasons brought us the School Festival Arc – and boy, did Jiro shine. She showed us that she’s not just enthusiastic about training to be a Pro Hero — she’s downright electrifying!

Imagine Jiro with her earphone jacks plugged in, rocking out to some epic tunes while fighting villains. It’s like a battle of the bands meets a superhero showdown. I bet she has a playlist for every situation, from defeating baddies to pumping up the crowd during a concert.

4. Trunks (Dragon Ball Z)

You may be wondering, “Wait, is Trunks’ hair purple or blue?!” Well, we’re taking a trip down memory lane and focusing on his Dragon Ball Z design. Yep, we’re going old-school for this list. It’s about purple-haired characters after all!

When Trunks first arrived from the future, his hair was as purple as a grape in a blender. But in Dragon Ball Super, his hair sometimes goes rogue and transforms into a mysterious shade of blue. It’s like his hair is having a mid-life crisis.

His interesting looks probably come from his interesting lineage. He’s the love child of Bulma Briefs and the intense Vegeta, making him a Saiyan-Earthling hybrid. Talk about an odd couple! I can only imagine the conversations at the dinner table, calculations and power levels flying left and right.

At first, Trunks was on a mission to deliver medicine to Goku and warn the current timeline Z fighters about the Androids. But he ended up time-traveling back to the past to assist the Z fighters in their battles against the androids and the menacing Cell.

And in the conclusion of the Cell Saga, our hero returns to his own timeline to take down Android 17, 18, and Cell. It’s like a Saiyan family picnic, but with explosions, power beams, and a ton of dangerous energy.

3. Atsushi Murasakibara (Kuroko No Basket)

Atsushi is one of the tallest characters in a series about basketball. I’m talking skyscraper-level height here, folks. Despite his towering stature, this guy acts more like a clumsy lump than a basketball prodigy. It’s like watching a giraffe trying to salsa dance — a bit awkward, but undeniably entertaining.

When the team needs to buckle down and get serious, Atsushi decides that’s the perfect time to unleash his inner jester. He’s the master of fooling around when he should be laser-focused. Maybe he believes laughter is the best defense against opponents?

It fits that Atsushi claims to only play basketball because he knows he’s talented at it, not because he loves the sport. But it’s hinted that deep down, he actually does love it a lot. Just admit it alreeady, man!

2. Yami Yugi (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Let’s address the hair situation right off the bat. Yami Yugi’s mane is a color conundrum. Is it red? Magenta? Who knows? Here’s why he makes this list, though: those purple eyes. They add a touch of purple pizzazz to the already colorful hairdo.

Of course, there’s more to Yami Yugi than his confusing hair. He’s the spirit of Pharaoh Atem, chilling out within the Millennium Puzzle. He and Yugi Moto share the spotlight as the dual protagonists of the series, the dynamic duo of dueling dominance.

The two of them also share the prestigious title of King of Games. Duelists Kingdom, Battle City, the Grand Championship — you name it, they’ve won it. It’s like they have a deck stacked with luck and skill, ready to outwit their opponents at every turn.

Whenever Yugi and his friends find themselves in deep trouble, Yami Yugi swoops in like a mystical superhero to save the day.

1. Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)

It’s no surprise that with the skyrocketing popularity of Demon Slayer, we’re seeing characters like Shinobu Kocho at the tops of lists. Move over, folks, ’cause this insect-loving gal is here to take the crown.

Shinobu may be a supporting character, but she’s a buzzing force to be reckoned with. She joins the Demon Slayer Corps at a tender age alongside her sister. Her role in the Corps is pretty darn cool, too – she’s the Insect Hashira, which makes her like a walking, talking insect encyclopedia with a killer sword.

But here’s the real kicker — Shinobu’s goal isn’t just about slaying demons. No, no, she’s on a mission to protect humans from experiencing the same loss she and her older sister went through when demons murdered their parents. A hero at heart!

Purple for the Win!

And there you have it, folks! The top 15 purple-haired characters in the wide, wacky world of anime. Whether they’re kicking bad guy butts, unleashing magical powers, or just being downright stylish, these characters prove that purple is the coolest hue.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling blue, remember: go purple instead.

Jack is an avid anime enthusiast with a passion for all things Japanese culture. He spends his days watching the latest series, reading manga, and discussing the merits of his favorite characters with his friends. When he's not writing (or debating) about manga and anime, Jack can be found playing video games or practicing Ju-Jitsu. Despite his nerdy interests, Jack is confident and outgoing. He's always eager to share his enthusiasm with others.