Rainbow hair is hair that’s colored with hues found in a real rainbow. Rainbow colors often include a mix of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, the seven colors that make up a rainbow. These fashion colors create a bold but beautiful hairstyle.
Everyone is going wild for rainbow hair colors, so I’ve put together some of the most creative and popular ones!
Whether you go bold and vivid or soft and subtle, using hair chalk or a box dye, this color trend is hands down the coolest way to have hair that is truly unique to you.
Tips and things to consider:
- These colors can fade fast. So invest in high-end color-preserving shampoo and wash your hair less often.
- If you have dark hair, it will first require a bit of bleaching to lighten your hair. This creates the perfect blonde canvas your colorist needs to bring out the colors. This may require multiple appointments.
- You’ll want to focus on keeping your hair extra moist afterward. Invest in a good Moroccan Oil and treat your hair with coconut oil, giving it a beautiful and healthy-looking shine.
Before your next hair appointment, check out these popular photos of rainbow hair.
#1: Stunning Long Rainbow Hairstyle with a Half Up Ponytail
If you want to make a colorful style change, a long rainbow hairstyle with a half-up ponytail is a nice choice. To ensure the colors stay vibrant, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. Try Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner Duo to keep your hair healthy. Remember to give your stylist details about what you’re trying to achieve. For example, what colors look best around your face to compliment your skin tone? That way, they can create the exact look that you want.
#2: Neon Rainbow Colored Hairstyle
A neon rainbow-colored hairstyle is a stunning option for the eccentric lady. If you desire a rainbow or prism-like color application, ask for a Vivid Specialist. To achieve this, you need a global blonde base with a clean canvas and the creative skills of a stylist. Although these tones will fade within a few weeks, some shades may stay longer but with less vibrancy. This hairstyle maintains its cool factor as the colors gradually change, offering a variety of looks within several months.
#3: Rainbow Ribbons on Black Hair
If you’re looking to add a fun and vibrant touch to your hair, consider rainbow ribbons on dark hair. This playful hair color trend involves adding strips of vibrant rainbow hues throughout your dark locks. These colorful strips can create a striking contrast against your black hair. The combination of these bold and vibrant shades against the dark base will give you a unique and eye-catching look. Whether you want to go for a subtle touch or make a statement, rainbow ribbons on black hair can add a fun and youthful element to your overall style.
#4: Rainbow Butterfly Cut
Looking to stand out? Request a rainbow butterfly cut! This dramatic style wonderfully merges unique vibrant colors with the popular butterfly haircut.
#5: Straight Prism Hair
If you’re looking to add a pop of vibrant color to your hair, straight prism hair is the best choice. This unique hair color features a stunning array of rainbow hues that create a mesmerizing prismatic effect. Your colorist will expertly mix and blend different shades of the rainbow to create a seamless and eye-catching result. Straight prism rainbow hair is a fun and playful way to express your personality and make a bold statement. It works best for those who embrace their adventurous side and stand out from the crowd with a creative and eye-catching hair color.
#6: Short Bob with Prism Tones
If you want a unique and vibrant touch to your hair, ask for a short bob with rainbow prism tones. This colorful blend of tones will make a statement and give your hair a playful and eye-catching look. Rainbow prism tones comprise bright and bold colors. These colors create an impressive prism effect similar to a rainbow. This hair color works best for those looking to express their creativity and individuality through their hair. Shades like vibrant reds, yellows, pinks, blues, greens, and purples from the rainbow can achieve a mesmerizing and dynamic hair color!
#7: Pink Rainbow Tresses
Consider rainbow-colored tresses for your next color transformation. The bright neon tones need more than one salon visit. Make sure you ask about the schedule. Also, ask about the best products you can use at home.
#8: Perfectly Placed Rainbow Tones
Wearing your hair in pastel hues from a rainbow palette can be beautiful and playful. This hairstyle includes pastel pinks, blues, yellows, and greens to create a shining effect. You need your hair light enough for you to get this hairstyle. If your natural hair is light or uncolored, that would be helpful.
#9: Chunky Rainbow Streaks
Bright rainbow-colored hair may cause envy because of its chunky rainbow streaks! This striking color requires lots of regular salon maintenance to keep it refreshed. Try to wash your hair less and avoid using excessive heat if possible. Heat and overwashing can lead to color fading.
#10: Rooted with Rainbows
The term ‘rooted with rainbows’ refers to a color style. This color style will display creativity, ideal for those who love vivid colors. The ‘rooted in rainbow’ color style achieves an effect where the roots carry the colors of the rainbow, transitioning into vibrant colors like blue, pink, and purple.
#11: Rainbow Hair for a Rave Party
If you want to make a statement at your next rave party, try a brave, bold rainbow hair color. This style mixes bright, vivid colors like bold reds, oranges, electric blues, and purples. Whether you pick neon or pastel tones, the color change will wow others. It is an ideal hairstyle for rave parties. Rainbow hair is versatile. You can be subtle or go bold.
#12: Mid-Length Prism Hair
If you desire bright colors for your hair, think about mid-length hair color, like the rainbow prism. This unique style uses vibrant hues, creating a multidimensional and glowing effect. Tell your hair professional to add colors like purple, blue, pink, and green. This will help you create a rich mix of shades. People who like bold and playful looks will love this hair color. It also suits a variety of skin types. Choose softer pastel shades for a gentle effect. If you want a powerful statement, select intense and rich colors.
#13: Face-Framing Rainbows
Try a super bright face frame style that incorporates rainbow colors! The placement of neon tones in this style makes the color look like it’s glowing. You can wear this color straight or wavy for versatility. You will need to use a color-safe shampoo at home. Also, plan on salon visits more often for color refreshes to prevent color dullness. Bright colors are great, but they are fast to fade.
#14: Crimped Rainbow
Try a vibrant crimped rainbow style for your next hair transformation. You need to bleach your hair until it becomes uniformly blonde to achieve this look. At your next appointment, discuss this style with your stylist to better understand the care and maintenance required for this look.
#15: Sweeping Rainbow Bob
Try a sweeping rainbow bob if you’re looking for show-stopping hair. Give your stylist several reference pictures. This way, they know which colors you love and can better create a custom vivid color for you. Ask about maintenance and what products you should use to keep your color looking great for as long as possible.
#16: Gorgeous Rainbow Hair with Rainbow Roots
To rock a truly stunning and vibrant look, wear your hair with a gorgeous rainbow hue and rainbow roots. This trend allows you to showcase your creativity through a kaleidoscope of colors. The rainbow roots add depth and dimension. This creates a transition from your natural hair color to vibrant rainbow shades. Wear your bright rainbow hair with pride, as this style embraces your unique personality.
#17: Dusty Rose with an Interior Rainbow Panel
Ask for a dusty rose with an interior rainbow panel. You will want to start with a global blonde for this all-over vivid color. Typically, levels 6 and above are easier to achieve because the hair is naturally lighter. Your colorist will be able to place the color in the places that create a prism effect with your rainbow. Don’t forget a super gentle cleanser like Hairstory New Wash Original. It helps to maintain the color as long as possible.
#18: Bleached and Rainbowed Hair
Consider a bleached and rainbowed hair color. A global blonde will create the necessary canvas to match the hidden rainbow hair color. Lifting to level 9 will eliminate the orange and red from your hair. Tone to balance out the rest of the blonde with a cool/gold. Your stylist will separate the rainbow colors with mesh or foil so it won’t bleed on the rest of the blonde. One of the best ways to protect hair while lifting is with Olaplex Bond Multiplier No.1 and Bond Perfector No.2, maintaining the bonds in the hair.
#19: Pastel Unicorn Hair Color
Embrace your inner unicorn with a unique pastel rainbow hair color. Pastels are one of the best color choices when venturing into the world of vivid hair. They fade easily into blonde, so it’s easily undone if you don’t like it. Pastels show the truest on a clean canvas and light to the lightest blonde. They will look muddy or not show up on hair darker than that. I advise all of my vivid clients to wash their hair with cold water to increase the longevity of their hair color.
#20: Neon Pops of Rainbow on White Hair
Wow! If you’re feeling bold, try these neon pops of the rainbow on white hair. Best styled with a curling iron for dimension. Ensure you wash your hair in cold water to protect these vivid tones.
#21: Candy Swirled Rainbow Hair
Candy-swirled rainbow hair is an excellent choice to add a playful and colorful twist to your hair. This vivid hair color is a vibrant mix of blues, purples, and pinks, creating an exciting and unique look. With so many bright shades, you can customize your hair color to your liking. This will ensure you’ll stand out if you want to. This hair color works best for those with warm complexions and neutral undertones. To make sure the colors pop, ask your colorist to lighten your hair to a level 9 or higher.
#22: Flawless Rainbow Hair
Are you looking to add a pop of color to your long luscious locks? Consider flawless rainbow hair with strategically placed ribbons of color. This fun and playful look can brighten any outfit and add fun to your everyday routine. Make sure to consult with your colorist to find the perfect mix of colors. They should complement your skin tone and bring out the best in your features. You will wear your hair with excitement!
#23: Mint and Coral Rainbow Hair
Try mint and coral rainbow hair to add fun and flair to your short hair. This playful color features cool green and warm pink tones. It creates a unique and eye-catching look. The pastel hues are perfect for those who want to add a whimsy to their style and work well with various skin tones. It’s important to ask a stylist to mix the colors and create the perfect balance of light and dark shades. So, if you’re ready to make a colorful statement with your hair, this may be what you’re looking for!
#24: Light Rainbow Hair
Light rainbow hair is a playful and vibrant choice if you want to make a bold statement. The mix of pastel shades creates a whimsical and dreamy effect reminiscent of a rainbow. Light rainbow hair is the perfect option if you love experimenting with your hair. The soft and muted tones add a subtle and ethereal touch to your look. However, maintaining light rainbow hair requires regular touch-ups and proper hair care. But only if you want to keep the colors looking fresh and vibrant.
#25: Long Neon Rainbow Hair
If you love bright colors, try this long neon rainbow hair. Ask about the proper products to use at home. Remember, this will require more visits to the salon.
#26: Rainbow Split
This rainbow split color is a beauty! Plan to be in the salon more often to keep this color refreshed. Ask for the proper at-home styling products at your next salon visit. They help to maintain this color as long as possible.
#27: Rainbow Colors on Long Lived-In Hair
Ask for a long lived-in style with rainbow colors when you effortlessly meets a unicorn. Ask for a rainbow money piece if you want rainbow hair dye ideas. And for pieces of peek-a-boo rainbow throughout the mids and ends of the hair. Try extensions with rainbow pieces already in the hair for an easier process. Consult with your stylist about what the best options are for your hair.
#28: Vivid and Vibrant Mix of Rainbow Colored Hair
Consider a vivid and vibrant mix of rainbow-colored hair. If your hair is a good candidate for global blonding, you must create a blank canvas for vivid colors. The best vivid tones are Pravana and Matrix. They are interchangeable and have a lot of color variations to choose from. They last longer in the hair than other brands. Invest in color-safe cleansers suggested by your stylist.
#29: Vivid White Hair with Rainbow Highlights and Money Piece
Ask for global blonde white hair color with vivid rainbow highlights and a money piece. One of the best things you can do to prep your hair for vivids is to get your hair as pale blonde as possible. This will create the best canvas for vivids. Doing a rainbow spectrum creates a beautiful blend of colors that will stay bright for 6-8 weeks. Use Hairstory’s New Wash Rich. It’s hydrating on bleached hair and gently protects your color investment.
#30: Holographic Rainbow Bob with a Side Part
Here’s a holographic rainbow bob with a side part. Let your stylist formulate the perfect tones for your vivid shades. Giving them parameters is great. But, depending on your canvas, it will determine the flexibility in shade choices. Avoid overwashing or using hot water when you get vivids done. This will fade them quicker by roughing the hair shaft and releasing the pigments.
#31: Bold Rainbow Hair on a Blunt Cut Bob
Vibrant rainbow vibes are coming in hot with this one! Your hair colorist should be well-experienced with fantasy colors. Your hair must be lifted and pre-toned, and then you start painting and blending the tones. Let the rainbow tones process as long as possible. Wash with cold water to preserve and keep coloring from bleeding into each other.
#32: Rainbow Hues on Edgy Short Hair
What’s more daring than an edgy short hairdo with bold rainbow streaks? Be a certified head-turner with this rainbow trend that favors the bravest souls.
#33: Goth-Inspired Rainbow Hair
If you’re looking for a bold, daring hue, this goth-inspired rainbow color could be perfect. However, the number one drawback of this style is that it requires frequent touch-ups. Maintenance is needed to keep the bright colors vivid. I recommend telling your colorist exactly what kind of look you want. Let them know if shades should be added to the mix that complements each other.
#34: Inverted Straight Bob with Vivid Colors
If you want to make a statement with your hair, an inverted straight bob with rainbow colors is the perfect look. Vivid hues add dimension and depth to any style, making this cut stand out. To achieve this dramatic look, talk to your colorist. They may suggest using semi-permanent dyes in multiple shades to create unique colors. For vivid tones that last between touchups, use a quality toning shampoo. Verb’s Ghost Shampoo is specifically designed for colored hair. Regular trims will ensure your bob stays intact while helping keep its shine!
#35: Pastel Rainbow Hair Colors
If you’re looking for a perfect take on rainbow tones, pastel-blended rainbow hair colors are the way to go. I recommend creating an ombré effect with lighter hues at the crown and darker ones at the ends. To achieve this look, ask your colorist for highlights in shades like lilac and baby blue. And don’t forget to ask about the upkeep of toners after bleaching so that all those vibrant colors stay true! Be sure to use products specifically designed for colored hair. Try Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo & Conditioner.
#36: Perfectly Placed Rainbow Highlights
Adding rainbow highlights to your hair is a great way to express yourself. If you’re ready for something bold, I suggest block coloring. Your hair will look vibrant with contrasting colors against your base color. It helps provide some extra dimension that will surely get compliments from everyone who sees it. To achieve this style, tell your colorist exactly what you want. That way, they can create the perfect pieces of color for you. If you want lower maintenance, do block coloring like a peek-a-boo. Any blocking on the top will show regrowth the fastest. Frequent toning treatments are important in keeping vivid, colorful hues looking bright. Use a high-quality brand like Oway “Color Protection” shampoo and conditioner to maintain your color longer.
#37: Sunset-Inspired Long Hair
Rainbow hair trends that will have you glowing from the inside out. Colors like this are not only a commitment in the salon but at home as well. So before you jump into this beautiful look, ask about all maintenance tips at home too. My advice is to use all professional color-safe products. Wash your hair with cold water to help maintain the color longer.
#38: Long Kaleidoscope Hair
Vivid fashion hair color is mesmerizing! Long hair offers many coloring possibilities, but don’t let the maintenance fool you. Vivid colors like in this layered rainbow hair need a retouch every 4 weeks.
#39: Prismatic Short Bob
Brilliant rainbow tones will have a different look in every view and light. Take inspiration from a prism in the light. Now, apply it to painting your hair. Don’t forget to ask your colorist for color-protecting products. From the shampoo and conditioner to your heat spray to help the longevity of your color.
#40: Brick-Layer Rainbow Pattern
This color is eye-catching by, placing the different hues in a brick-layer pattern. By offsetting the placement of each tone, you can capture each color. You must be cautious with your at-home hair routine to get the most out of bright hair color like this. And be sure only to shampoo sparingly and rinse with cool water instead of hot. A quick tip: dry shampoo, such as Perfect Hair Day by Living Proof, will be your best friend!
#41: Amazing Rainbow Tresses
Don’t be scared to try amazing prismatic rainbow colors on your long wavy tresses. If you must show off your true colors, find a colorist specializing in prismatic color techniques. I like to remind my guests that these colors are semi-permanent and will need to be refreshed after about 6 weeks.
#42: Long Black Hair with Rainbow Prism Streaks
Long black hair with rainbow prism streaks is sure to be a showstopper. My best advice is to opt for a rainbow balayage if you have black hair and want vivid colors. Otherwise, you can do colored hair extensions, so you wouldn’t have to lighten your hair. Plus, the rainbow color won’t fade on extension hair. If you don’t want to do hair extensions, I recommend finding a hairstylist that specializes in fantasy hair colors.
#43: Rainbow Babylights with a Shadow Root
Rainbow babylights with a shadow root are a great hair color idea for women wanting vivid hair colors without coloring all of their hair and women who want soft pops of color throughout their hair but aren’t ready for the commitment of a full head of vivid colors. Rainbow hair is super alluring and one of the best hair dye ideas for clients who love colorful hair. You’ll want to invest in good hair products and heat protection. It’s best to shampoo 1-2 times per week instead of every day to keep your hair color as bright as possible for as long as possible.
#44: Incredible Medium-Length Rainbow Hair
Be boldly unique with incredible medium-length rainbow hair. Rainbow hairstyles are wearable art that will make your hair look incredible. I highly recommend going to a fashion color specialist for a customized creation. Fashion colors are big maintenance and money, so be ready for the commitment.
#45: Vivid Blunt Cut with Rainbow Colors
A vivid blunt cut with rainbow colors is inspiring and perfect for the right type of creative person. Adding color blocking with a design can add interest to a solid color. I encourage vivid tones for guests that are okay with upkeep. Remember, you’ll have to retouch the vibrant tones every 4 to 6 weeks for maximum results. You can also find ways to maintain the vibrancy by using shampoos that don’t contain sulfates.
#46: Rainbow Tie Dyed Hair
Rainbow tie-dyed hair will surely turn heads. Rainbow hair can be a little more maintenance, but so worth it. Alternatively, you can opt for a few rainbow, tie-dye, and peek-a-boo pieces to keep it more conservative and easy to take care of.
#47: Rainbow-Inspired Neon Candy-Colored Hair
Consider neon hair if you’ve tried other vivid hair colors in the past, but want something new. One of my favorite ways to wear these colors is a section on top of the head melting down into the ends. You can leave the underneath of your hair in whatever shade you want. Just add a rainbow on top for a waterfall of neon candy. If you want extra fun with your hair color, change the color around your face. This will get your face to pop out more with your hair color.
#48: Stunning Cosmic Rainbow Hair Color
Coloring your hair with a stunning cosmic rainbow color will revitalize your appearance. Remember, with complementary colors (blue/orange, purple/yellow, red/green). You will want to be extra cautious when shampooing. It helps to try and keep your colors as separated as possible, and you can do so by clipping up different colored sections of hair and rinsing one section at a time. You’ll want to avoid shampooing frequently and be ready to say goodbye to relaxing hot showers for a while.
#49: Silver to Rainbow Ombre
A silver to rainbow ombré is such a unique color. One of the best ways to keep your color bright and vibrant is to use dry shampoo to go longer in between washes. Avoid using hot water when shampooing. Instead, opt for a cooler water temperature to keep the color from fading.
#50: Wavy Rainbow Lob Cut
A wavy lob cut is for women that want to show off their love for bright colors. The vivid colors are very high maintenance, be sure to ask your colorist what the upkeep will be like. It’s best to wash your hair less frequently and use cold water to keep the color fresh for longer. Using hot tools at a lower temperature will keep the color from fading and keep the hair healthy.
#51: Rainbow Oil Slick on Black Hair
I describe this dark rainbow hair as an oil slick because it was inspired by the colors in oil when the sun hits it. I recommend a cleansing conditioner such as Pureology Cleansing Conditioners in Hydrate, Smooth, or Strength Cure for the upkeep. The gentleness of the formulas helps make the color last and keeps the hair healthy. My biggest tip for extending the life of this color and style is to use a heat protectant! The heat from a flat iron or curling iron will fade color rapidly, so a good heat protectant like Paul Mitchell’s Hot Off The Press is a must.
#52: Unique Rainbow Roots
Unique rainbow roots are a fun way for a blonde to have even more fun. Since hair grows from the root, expect to see your stylist every 4 weeks, minimum, to keep the natural color from being exposed and to keep the rainbow roots looking tip-top shape.
#53: Holographic Rainbow Hair
Holographic rainbow hair is unique and exciting and could brighten up any head in the room. With the exact application process to create holographic colored hair, expect to spend several hours, if not multiple sessions, with your stylist to perfect the holographic look.
#54: Dip-Dye Rainbow
Dip-dye rainbow hair is easy for a blonde to switch up her look. Multiple colors placed throughout the bottom of the hair are super eye-catching and can also easily be hidden, if need be, with a bun or ponytail. Applying color to the ends of the hair is the best way to keep the integrity of the hair.
#55: Fun Crimped Underlayer Rainbow Colors on Dark Hair
Striking crimped rainbow colors is exactly what ash black hair needs. Dyed rainbow hair like this is always exciting!
#56: Vivid Rainbow Shades
Bold, vivid rainbow hues make all the work in the salon chair worth it.
#57: Bright Rainbow for Shoulder-Length Hair
The harmony of colors in these rainbow locks gently reminds you that unicorns exist! This short hair with brighter rainbow tones is undoubtedly pretty and cute!
#58: Cute Colorful Rainbow Peekaboo
This rainbow peekaboo was created by salon owner and hairstylist Michelle Zapanta of Cypress, CA.
“If you’re at a workplace that frowns upon vibrant colors, then having this rainbow look will help you hide it with the natural color on the top of your hair,” says Zapanta. “Afterward, when you’re ready to show it off, you can tie it into a ponytail to show a two-tone vibe.”
“Lastly, you can curl your hair to give a swirl of color effect,” she adds. “This is also great for vibrant hair beginners because it matches all hair types and face shapes, and you can always go bolder down the line. It’s also easier maintenance since it’s only underneath your hair.”
#59: Moonstone Rainbow Hair Color
This beautiful rainbow moonstone color was created by stylist Kayla Boyer of Minneapolis, MN. “It appears to be white, but the color appears and reflects when you move the stone in different directions. I brought this to life on my client with a silver look that features underlights of beautiful rainbow assortments,” says Boyer.
Always see your stylist at least four weeks after your appointment to ensure the best care for your color. Upkeep is important for you, but most important for your stylist to give you the best-looking hair color.
#60: Tropical Sunset on Long Wavy Hair
I would describe this look as a tropical rainbow sunset. My best tips for recreating this look are to take your time and separate each section so none of the bottom colors touch each other and to wash in the coldest water your client can handle. It’s super important to saturate with vivids, so you’re better off using more product and oversaturating than under. Use low temperatures while styling, as well as a heat protectant.
To maintain this color, wash in the coldest possible water and explain to your clients you get 7 washes. It’s up to you to use them all in 1 week or over the next 7 weeks! When styling, give the rainbow some waves to emphasize all the hues.
#61: Deep Violet Shadow Root with Rainbow Streaks
This is a deep violet shadow root with rainbow colors alternated throughout. My favorite thing about this look is the contrast of all the different colors and how they reflect as the hair falls. This rainbow hairstyle is great for the woman ready to rock a bold color. My favorite way to style this is in fun beach waves. It adds body to the hair and allows all the colors to pop!
#62: Candied Rainbow Hologram with a Hidden Undercut
This short rainbow hair was inspired by the tones of candy and the movement of holograms. The fusion of natural and rainbow colors and placement makes this hair look different every way it is pulled. Some of my favorite extra details about this party color are that it conceals a multi-colored undercut and glows under a black light.
You can change the ratio of warm and cool tones or leave out some blonde highlights. I took extra time to create a smooth, cool-toned balayage and color melt before direct dye was applied to this color. The maintenance of this color is all about your aftercare. Wash your hair minimally in the coldest water you can with quality products!
#63: Bright, Earthy Stones of the Rainbow Color
The rainbow hair dye combo was created by color master Savannah Harris of Bend, OR.
“Anyone with the confidence to rock bright colors can pull this off. It’s all about how you rock it! Don’t be afraid to try a color you fear might not go with your skin tone,” she adds. “Wash your hair as little as possible and use cool water to keep the colors from fading and running together. Dry shampoo is your best friend!”
#64: The Hidden Rainbow Unicorn
This hidden rainbow unicorn hair is the perfect look for women who want to play with vivid colors but can’t go all out for their job or other reasons. Unless your client is platinum blonde, you’ll need to lighten them to achieve vibrant colors like these. This is especially important when using blue. If the client lifts to a yellow blonde, the blue will mix and create a teal/green instead of the desired color.
Washing this hidden rainbow hair in cool water helps keep the color locked in, while hot water opens the cuticle, allowing more color to bleed out with every wash. What you wash your hair with is also super important. No drugstore shampoos! Try Keratin Complex Timeless Color Fade Defy Shampoo and Conditioner.
#65: Eye Candy Rainbow Hair
My favorite thing about this long hair is that it is all different colors, it has all-over rainbow hues, but it still flows nicely! Chop a few strands around the face, and you’ll have a rainbow fringe. Walk with confidence, and you can pull this look off easily. The trick to fantasy colors like this is placement. Make sure the complementary tones are closest to the face.
#66: Bright Color Melt Rainbow Hair
This bright rainbow color melt was created by stylist Heather Wilmoth of Charlotte, NC.
Wilmoth used Zombie Snott for the pink, Blood Orchid, and Ballistic Blue for the blue. For the green, she used Pravana, and the teal is Kenra.
“I start with a darker base color all over that suits my client’s skin tone the best. Then I alternate my colors melting them down. It’s very free-form hair painting,” she explains.
#67: Peacock Rainbow
“These hidden rainbow tones feature pink peacock colors with a mix of heavy foils and slices through the top that is toned with a vanilla blonde,” explains stylist Hayley Garratt of the UK.
To create these colors, Garratt used Unique 10 Argan Oil, Color Freeze by Schwarzkopf, Blinding Shine Definer by Osmo, and Indola Shine Spray.
“With the hidden rainbow, most skin types would be fine as the natural tones on top suit most skin tones,” she adds. “Porcelain, olive, and darker tones wear this look especially well. However, if your complexion is very rosy, you might avoid this combination as the pink hues may be too warm next to pink skin tones.”
#68: Electric Rainbow Hair
This electric rainbow shade was created by hairstylist Nichole Cosentino.
“When creating this look, I started by doing the roots first, then melted the colors down one by one,” says Cosentino. “Make sure you wipe your hands between applying colors so you’re not transferring them onto the next.”
Maintenance is so important with these colors because they are just direct dyes. Cosentino recommends using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner and rinsing in cold water.
#69: Rose and Lilac Pastel Rainbow Tones
“This is a soft pastel rainbow hair color created using Joico Intensity Titanium, Rose, and Lilac painted on top of balayage highlights,” explains hairstylist and colorist Amy McManus of Fitchburg, MA. Cooler skin tones will look best in this pastel hair.
She explains, “You’ll need to see your hairdresser once a month to have this color refreshed. Most women wash their hair once a week to help keep this color from washing out quickly to get the longevity of a full month out of it.”
#70: Perfectly Painted Rainbow
This blonde hair with rainbow highlights looks amazing when paired with a modern shag with curtain bangs. Use a gentle, color-safe shampoo and Pravana’s Silk Degrees Shine Serum to offer protection and radiant shine to show off those vivid colors!
#71: Creatively Rainbow-Colored Hair
Opt for rainbow-colored hair if you have long hair. The downside to many fashion colors/rainbow hair is that the hair must be lightened to a pale blonde. However, this specific type of fashion color must only be lifted to a dark blonde. This allows women with naturally darker color hair to enjoy fashion colors without all the damage of over-processed lightened hair.
#72: Medium-Length Metallic Rainbow Hair
This is a metallic rainbow hair color on medium-length tresses. It was created by private hairstylist Mary Thomaston.
“The colors are very muted with a silvery finish,” notes Thomaston. “I used the Joico Intensity collection’s Metallic Muse for this look.”
#73: Half Pastel, Half Rainbow
This pastel half-and-half rainbow was created by hairstylist Elissa Wolfe of Vancouver, BC.
Wolfe chose a pastel warm yellow and cool mint here because the model has very pale skin with a touch of pink. “Yellow isn’t easy to wear as it can clash with skin tones with yellow undertones! The mint, however, can go with most skin tones as it’s cool-toned. Again, lighter hair works for this as it needs to be very light first to get this half-and-half look,” she explains.
#74: Rainbow Braids
“These rainbow braids were a specific rainbow color request,” says salon owner and stylist Elyse Rox of Schaumburg, IL. “She wanted green, purple, and orange. I did something different and alternated colors on the scalp where I will usually root shadow someone.”
“First, I pre-lightened her hair to a level 10 and followed with an Olaplex treatment. I used all Pulp Riot for this color,” explains Rox. “I mixed the orange and used jam, aquatic, and velvet for this look. I blurred the color toward the ends with clear on some bits. I always add Olaplex #2 to all my fashion colors. It helps relink the bonds so the color attaches better.”
#75: Rainbow Unicorn Hair
This look is called unicorn or mermaid hair, my favorite new rainbow hair trend. The ideal hair for these types of colors is light brown to blonde hair. The hair must be pre-lightened to pale blonde before applying pastels. Naturally, light-haired women pull this color off best. Darker-haired women may need more than one session to get light enough for pastel colors.
The best way to preserve and not get rid of rainbow hair color is to always wash with cold water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid washing your hair every day if possible. Vivid colors fade quicker than natural colors, so I recommend a 4 to 6-week appointment with your stylist to keep the colors fresh.
#76: Colorful Rainbow Mermaid Hair
Dive deep underwater and rise to wear the rainbow colors of the ocean, aka mermaid hair. Match it with beach waves, and you’ll be mistaken for a mermaid on land!
#77: Hidden Neon Rainbow Underneath
“I call this look Hidden Rainbow. It’s a soft rainbow of colors underneath a veil of vibrant coral,” says hairstylist Taylor Rae of Denver, CO.
“To create this look, I would lighten the hair to a level 10, then section the top of the hair with a star pattern around the part,” explains Rae. “The underneath sections are taken vertically, starting in front of the ear and creating six sections. Keep the colors separate so they don’t bleed together.”
#78: Vivid Rainbow Underlights
These rainbow underlights were created by master stylist Sara Larose of Southbridge, MA.
There are endless possibilities that your stylist can create by mixing different colors to customize a look just for you. It’s best to have natural or light hair color when doing vivid colors. The hair must be lightened first to a pale blonde to achieve such a rainbow hair colour.
#79: Pretty Rainbow Ombre on Long Hair
How lucky are you to get all the colors of the sunset in your hair? Colorist Amanda did an amazing job creating this rainbow ombre hair!
#80: Opalescent Rainbow Tones
“The yummy opalescent tones will fade to a cool platinum in one month. The shadow root I gave her will enable her to grow her natural roots for the next four months,” explains salon owner and hairstylist Elizabeth Pederson of British Columbia.
She adds, “To maintain a color like this, you want to ensure you wash your hair only once a week with a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner and cool water. Keep all hot tools below 300 degrees as well. Otherwise, you can oxidize the direct dye right out of the hair.”
#81: Gorgeous Rainbow Highlights
Bright rainbow colors work as well as any other hair color. Wear that pride anywhere you go!
#82: Black Hair with Rainbow Ombre Balayage
Try out black hair with rainbow ombre balayage if you have always wanted rainbow hair but were too nervous about coloring your whole head. The rainbow pieces underneath make it easy to hide when you want a subtle look or show off when you want a pop of color. Keeping the rainbow colors underneath the black also makes it so that it’s not so noticeable when your roots start to come back in. Always wash vivid colors with a sulfate-free shampoo and in cold water to maintain the color.
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