57 Photos of Rainbow Hair Ideas to Consider for 2023

Rainbow hair colors ↓ Jump to Photo Gallery
Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

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, which are 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 and 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 a 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 that your colorist needs in order 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, which also gives it a beautiful and healthy-looking shine.

Before your next hair appointment, check out these popular photos of rainbow hair.

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Stunning Long Rainbow Hairstyle with a Half Up Ponytail
Instagram @vividlyliv

#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.

Rainbow Colors on Long Lived-In Hair for women with a creative side
Instagram @tk.colorss

#2: Rainbow Colors on Long Lived-In Hair

Ask for a long lived-in style with rainbow colors when effortless meets a unicorn. If you want rainbow hair dye ideas, ask for a rainbow money piece. And for pieces of peek-a-boo rainbow throughout the mids and ends of the hair. You may even want to 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.

Vivid and Vibrant Mix of Rainbow Colored Hair on long wavy tresses
Instagram @jessicapowerspaints

#3: 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.

#4: 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 super hydrating on bleached hair and gentle to protect your color investment.

Holographic Rainbow Bob with a Side Part
Instagram @georgeeblancoo

#5: 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.

Bold Rainbow Hair on a Blunt Cut Bob for Straight Hair Without Bangs
Instagram @hair_by_love

#6: 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 will have to be lifted, and pre-toned, and then you start painting and blending out the tones. I suggest letting the rainbow tones process as long as possible. Wash with cold water to preserve and keep coloring from bleeding into each other.

#7: 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 certainly favors the bravest souls.

Goth-Inspired Rainbow Hair
Instagram @blowdrydreams

#8: Goth-Inspired Rainbow Hair

If you’re looking for a bold, daring hue, this goth-inspired rainbow color could be a perfect choice. 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’re going for. Let them know if there are any shades that should be added to the mix that complement each other.

Inverted Straight Bob with Vivid Rainbow Colors
Instagram @kelsey.mtl

#9: 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 from the crowd. 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!

Pastel Rainbow Hair Colors
Instagram @john.n1115

#10: 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 of those vibrant colors stay true! Be sure to use products specifically designed for colored hair. Try Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo & Conditioner.

Perfectly Placed Rainbow Highlights
Instagram @kelsey.mtl

#11: 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 the base color you have. It helps provide some extra dimension that is sure to get compliments from everyone who sees it. To achieve this style, make sure to 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.

Sunset-Inspired Long Rainbow Hair
Instagram @xcellent_kevin

#12: 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 using all professional color-safe products. Wash your hair with cold water to help maintain the color longer.

#13: 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 tend to need a retouch every 4 weeks.

Rainbow Prismatic Short Bob
Instagram @lyndadidit

#14: 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.

Brick-Layer Rainbow Pattern Hairstyle
Instagram @georgeeblancoo

#15: Brick-Layer Rainbow Pattern

Look how eye-catching this color is by placing the different hues in a brick-layer pattern. By offsetting the placement of each tone, you are able to capture each individual color. To get the most out of bright hair color like this, you must be cautious with your at-home hair routine. And be sure to not shampoo too frequently and to also 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!

Amazing Rainbow Tresses
Instagram @snowcon3hair

#16: Amazing Rainbow Tresses

Don’t be scared to try amazing prismatic rainbow colors on your long wavy tresses. If you need to show off your true colors, find a colorist who specializes 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.

Long Black Hair with Rainbow Prism Streaks
Instagram @keracolorhair

#17: Long Black Hair with Rainbow Prism Streaks

Long black hair with rainbow prism streaks is sure to be a showstopper. My best advice is if you have black hair and want rainbow colors, do colored hair extensions. The reason is you wouldn’t have to lighten your hair, which could cause damage. 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.

Rainbow Babylights with a Shadow Root
Instagram @lunabelle32

#18: 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 just want soft pops of color throughout their hair that 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 looking as bright as possible, for as long as possible.

Incredible Medium-Length Rainbow Hair
Instagram @hair_by_love

#19: 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 to get a customized creation. Remember, fashion colors are big maintenance and money so be ready for the commitment.

Vivid Blunt Cut with Rainbow Colors
Instagram @kelsey.mtl

#20: 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 don’t mind upkeep. Keep in mind, 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.

Rainbow Tie Dyed Hair
Instagram @terrakcolors

#21: 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 if you want to keep it more conservative and easy to take care of.

Rainbow-Inspired Neon Candy-Colored Hair
Instagram @john.n1115

#22: 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 an extra bit of fun with your hair color, change up the color around your face. This will get your face to pop out more with your hair color.

#23: Stunning Cosmic Rainbow Hair Color

Coloring your hair a stunning cosmic rainbow color will revitalize your entire 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, rinsing one section at a time. You’ll want to avoid shampooing frequently and also be ready to say bye-bye to relaxing hot showers for a while.

Silver to Rainbow Ombre
Instagram @kelsey.mtl

#24: 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, so you can go longer in between washes. Avoid using hot water when shampooing. Instead, opt for a cooler water temperature to keep the color from fading.

Wavy Rainbow Lob Cut
Instagram @maneaddicts

#25: 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.

Rainbow Oil Slick on Black Hair
Instagram / @hairwaytokale

#26: Rainbow Oil Slick on Black Hair

“I describe this dark rainbow hair like an oil slick because it was inspired by the colors in oil when the sun hits it,” explains hairstylist Caitlin S. Strickland.

For the upkeep, Strickland recommends a cleansing conditioner such as Pureology Cleansing Conditioners in Hydrate, Smooth, or Strength Cure. “The gentleness of the formulas helps make the color last and keeps the hair healthy,” she notes.

“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,” she adds.

#27: 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.

Holographic rainbow hair
Instagram @guy_tang

#28: Holographic Rainbow Hair

Holographic rainbow hair is unique, exciting, and could brighten up any head in the room. With the very 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.

Dip-dye rainbow hair color
Instagram @misfithairco

#29: Dip-Dye Rainbow

Dip-dye rainbow hair is an easy way 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 just to the ends of the hair is probably the best way to keep the integrity of the hair.

Fun Crimped Underlayer Rainbow Colors on Dark Hair
Instagram @harebyrabbit

#30: 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!

#31: Vivid Rainbow Shades

Bold, vivid rainbow hues that make all the work in the salon chair worth it.

Bright Rainbow for Shoulder-Length Hair
Instagram @ziabyrd

#32: Bright Rainbow for Shoulder-Length Hair

The harmony of colors in these rainbow locks gently reminds you that unicorns actually exist! This short hair with brighter rainbow tones is—no doubt—pretty and cute!

#33: 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 part 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.”

moonstone rainbow hair color
Kayla Boyer / Instagram

#34: Moonstone Rainbow Hair Color

This beautiful rainbow moonstone color was created by stylist Kayla Boyer of Minneapolis, MN. “It appears to be white, but when you move the stone in different directions, the color appears and reflects. I brought this to life on my client with a silver look that features underlights of beautiful rainbow assortments,” says Boyer.

The products Boyer recommends are a color protectant shampoo and a conditioner that is free of sulfates and parabens. A heat protectant will also increase the longevity of this color.

“I believe if you have the confidence, you can pull off any color. Just know that it is easier for people with lighter hair naturally to get the best results,” she adds.

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.

Tropical Sunset with Curly Rainbow Tips
Instagram @wanttogetcut

#35: Tropical Sunset with Curly Rainbow Tips

“I would describe this look as a tropical rainbow sunset,” says junior stylist Danae DesJardins of Winnipeg, Canada.

“My best tips for recreating this look is 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,” explains DesJardins. “With vivids, it’s super important to saturate, so you’re better off to use more product and oversaturate than under. Use low temperatures while styling, as well as a heat protectant.”

She goes on to say, “in order to maintain this color, wash in the coldest possible water and explain to your clients you get a total of seven washes. It’s up to you if you want to use them all up in one week or over the next seven weeks!”

When styling, give the rainbow tips some curls to emphasize all the hues.

#36: 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 the way they reflect as the hair falls,” says hairstylist Corina Dempsey of Austin, TX.

“This rainbow hairstyle is great for the woman who is ready to rock such a bold color,” she adds. “My favorite way to style this is in fun beach waves. It adds body to the hair and allows all the colors to pop!”

Candied Rainbow Hologram with a Hidden Undercut
Instagram @elijah.cordova

#37: Candied Rainbow Hologram with a Hidden Undercut

“This short rainbow hair was inspired by the tones of candy and the movement of holograms,” says stylist Elijah Cordova of Fort Collins, CO. “The fusion of natural and rainbow colors, along with their 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 it absolutely glows under a black light,” he explains.

For color, Cordova used Kenra Neons, Pravana Neons, and Joico’s confetti collection.

“You can change the ratio of warm and cool tones used or leave out some blonde highlights,” says Cordova. “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!”

Bright, Earthy Stones of the Rainbow Color
Instagram @rainbowrage

#38: Bright, Earthy Stones of the Rainbow Color

The rainbow hair dye combo was created by color master Savannah Harris of Bend, OR.

Harris recommends a no-lather or light-lather shampoo. “My favorites are DevaCurl, Framesi Color Lover No Suds, and Kenra’s new Color Charge shampoo, conditioner, and spray serum. I also recommend a dry shampoo between washes. TIGI Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret is my favorite,” she notes.

“I personally think that 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!”

#39: 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 because of their job or other reasons,” says stylist Michaela Adele of Providence, RI.

“Unless your client is platinum blonde, you’re going to need to lighten them to achieve any 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,” explains Adele.

She goes onto state, “keep in mind that using Olaplex means your developer will drop, so if you’re using 40 vol. it will actually work like 30 vol. with Olaplex in the mix. I always use foils to separate each color and rinse them individually with cool water to keep them from bleeding into each other. ”

Washing this hidden rainbow hair in cool water helps keep the color locked in, while hot water actually 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.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of purchasing shampoo and conditioner from the salon. Amazon, drug stores, and Ulta stores cannot guarantee your product,” she adds. “I always give my clients a realistic idea of how long their color will last and make sure they know it needs to be maintained every three to four weeks versus the 4-6 week touch-up for a regular color.”

#40: 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 still flows nicely! Chop a few strands around the face, and you’ll have a rainbow fringe, too,” says salon owner and stylist Amy Lynn of Lodi, CA.

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.

“Listen to your stylist and the tips and tricks they give. Use a color-safe shampoo and make sure to wash with cool water,” she adds.

#41: 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 and 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 I think 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.

To maintain this style, Wilmoth recommends only shampooing when needed (usually once or twice a week) with a professional color safe/sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

#42: 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 all wear this look especially well. If your complexion is very rosy, however, you might avoid this particular combination as the pink hues may be too warm next to pink skin tones.”

Electric Rainbow Hair
Instagram / @itsnicholehair

#43: 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 in 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.

#44: Rose and Lilac Pastel Rainbow Tones

“This is a soft pastel rainbow hair color that was created by using Joico Intensity Titanium, Rose, and Lilac painted on top of balayage highlights,” explains hairstylist and colorist Amy McManus of Fitchburg, MA.

McManus suggests you use dry shampoo in between regular shampooing to avoid fading from over washing. “Stay away from heat as it fades pastel colors even faster. Most pastel colors will completely wash out of the hair in less than six shampoos, so even though they are fun, they aren’t always economical,” she adds.

Cooler skin tones will look best in this pastel hair.

She goes on to explain, “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 in order to get the longevity of a full month out of it.”

Perfectly Painted Rainbow
Instagram @bescene

#45: Perfectly Painted Rainbow

This long rainbow hair color 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!

For maintenance, invest in good products and heat protection! If you’re an everyday washer try to only wash twice a week and turn down the heat on styling tools. It also helps when shampooing to scrub the scalp and let the shampoo simply rinse through the rest of the hair.

creatively rainbow-colored hair
Instagram @mo_raven

#46: Creatively Rainbow-Colored Hair

Opt for rainbow-colored hair if you have long hair.

The one 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 only needs to 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.

For recreating this look, take the section of hair around your part and keep it a dark, cool brown or your natural color. Leaving the part a more natural color allows the new growth to not be as distinguishable. Section out smaller triangle partings of the pre-lightened hair and alternate between all three colors. Blend the color closest to the scalp with another color halfway down the hair shaft. This allows the colors to melt together and create different colors in each triangular section of hair.

Medium-Length Metallic Rainbow Hair
Instagram / @marythomaston

#47: 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.”

Half Pastel, Half Rainbow
Instagram / @elissawolfe

#48: 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 any 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.

To recreate this look, Wolfe recommends you pre-lighten the hair to palest yellow. “Tone out the yellow, then apply direct dyes in your colors of choice,” she adds.

Rainbow Braids
Instagram / @elyserox00

#49: 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 a little different and went with alternating 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 also 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.”

Rainbow Unicorn Hair
Instagram / @hair_by_rebekahf

#50: Rainbow Unicorn Hair

“This look is called unicorn hair” or “mermaid hair and it is my favorite new rainbow hair trend,” says hairstylist and colorist Rebekah Fiechtner of Turlock, CA.

The ideal hair for these types of colors is light brown to blonde hair. The hair has to be pre-lightened to pale blonde before the pastels are applied. 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 to 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 Fiechtner recommends a four to six-week appointment with your stylist to keep the colors fresh.

Colorful Rainbow Mermaid Hair
Instagram @jessysilvahair

#51: Colorful Rainbow Mermaid Hair

Dive deep underwater and arise wearing the rainbow colors of the ocean, aka mermaid hair. Match it with beach waves and you’ll be mistaken for a mermaid on land!

Hidden Neon Rainbow Underneath
Instagram / @taylorrae_hair

#52: 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.

Rae’s favorite thing about this color is that you can get different color combinations. “Wear it down and straight for a softer vivid look, or put it in a top knot to show off the beautiful neon rainbow hair color,” she notes.

“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. Make sure to keep the colors separate so they don’t bleed together.”

Vivid Rainbow Underlights
Instagram @svlhair

#53: Vivid Rainbow Underlights

These rainbow underlights were created by master stylist Sara Larose of Southbridge, MA.

“It’s a great way for women to introduce vivid colors into their lives without a huge commitment,” says Larose. “You can go subtle or bolder. Leaving the natural hair color on top covers the regrowth and fading that happens with vivid color.”

There are endless possibilities that your stylist can create by mixing different colors together to customize a look just for you. It’s best if you have natural hair or a light hair color when doing vivid colors. The hair has to be lightened first to a pale blonde in order to achieve these types of colors.

Pretty Rainbow Ombre on Long Hair
Instagram @mandaharsche

#54: 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 with creating this rainbow ombre hair!

#55: 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 in for the next four months,” explains salon owner and hairstylist Elizabeth Pederson of British Columbia.

Pederson says the products used for this look were Kenra translucent lightener, Matrix bond protector. Kenra Guy Tang 7VM to shadow root, and Pravana and Joico pastel/vivid tones (lavender, neon yellow, mint, rose, apricot, blue).

If you already have existing color in your hair, you would treat this process as a color correction before you proceed with applying the pastel tones. For pastel tones, you ideally want to have a bit of an olive undertone to the skin, otherwise, the paleness in tonality can wash out a person’s complexion.

She adds, “to maintain a color like this, you want to make sure 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.”

gorgeous rainbow highlights
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#56: Gorgeous Rainbow Highlights

Bright rainbow colors work as well as any other hair color. Wear that pride anywhere you go!

#57: 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 to color your whole head. The rainbow pieces underneath make it easy to both hide when you want a subtle look or to 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.


Posted In: Fashion & Vivid Hair Colors Hair Colors