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Move over mermaid hair, the hot new trend is rainbow hair! Taking the multi-colored dye style to a new level, there are many options for your rainbow hairstyle in terms of colors, saturation, and highlights. This is also a great look to start with subtle hints of color first, and then add on as your hair grows out. You can use the rainbow tones as accents to your natural or chosen hair color, or make the rainbow your overall style. Some people are even choosing to go for rainbow bangs rather than an all-over look, a fabulous option for trying out rainbow hair to see how you like it.
Another major advantage to this look is its versatility. Short or long hair, curly or straight, the colors speak for themselves and make a statement. You can go for a cut or style that suits your face shape, and then go wild with color!
In terms of every day wear, one of the best ways to make this style work is through different hair textures. Curls, braids, waves, and layers weave the colors in and out of one another adding to the amazing visual effect of the style.
One thing we know for certain, your hair will always match your outfit!
Rainbow Hair Color Ideas
- Lime green, red, and black with pink highlights.
- Red, blue, yellow, green (morning glory), purple, orange, white.
- Yellow with orange and green streaks.
- Auburn with purple and blue streaks.
- Purple with aqua streaks.
What are the latest rainbow hair color techniques?
If you’re looking for a change, then rainbow hair could be the answer. This type of hair color has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more people looking to incorporate the rainbow into their look.
But what are the latest techniques? Here are a few ideas for getting rainbow hair that’ll make you stand out from crowd.
- ombre: Ombre is an old technique but it’s still incredibly popular. It uses two or more colors to create a gradient effect on your hair. If you’re not sure what color would suit your skin tone best, try starting with one of our recommended shades below!
- Highlights: Highlights can be used to add depth and dimension to any style of hair. For example, if you have blonde locks then some pink highlights will give them even more brightness than before!
- Rainbow balayage: Balayage is a method that involves painting lighter sections over darker roots in order to create an ombré effect; however rainbow balayage takes this process one step further by incorporating multiple different colors into each section instead just two or three like most other types of balayages do.
- Rainbow dyeing: This technique involves applying dye directly onto your natural color without any
Rainbow Hair Tips
Rainbow hair: For some, it’s a lifelong dream. For others, it’s something they get on a whim and regret weeks later. But for all of us? It’s a chance to express our inner selves through the medium of hair dye.
Whether you’re just starting out with rainbow hair or you’ve been dying your locks since before it was cool, here are some tips to make sure your color stays vibrant and your hair stays healthy:
1) Experiment with color before you commit! Temporary color is perfect for testing the waters and figuring out what kind of color palette looks best on your skin tone.
2) Lay off the heat styling! You’ll need to give your hair a break while you’re wearing rainbow shades—so skip the straightener or curling iron while your mane adapts to its new look.
3) Use products designed for colored hair! No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to treating and maintaining rainbow locks—there are tons of products designed specifically for colored hair that will help keep your color bright and prevent split ends.
Before You Visit the Salon…
Before you visit the salon, you should think about what you want your rainbow hair to look like. If you’re not sure, ask the salon owner or your stylist for suggestions. There are many different ways to create rainbow hair, but they will all require a lot of time, patience and money.
In order to dye your hair in rainbow colors, the stylist will have to bleach it first. This can take a long time, and it can also be painful if done incorrectly. You may want to bring headphones with soothing music or an audiobook so that you do not feel bored during this process.
Once your hair has been bleached, it can then be dyed any color that you want. You may want to choose several different shades of a single color (for example, pink) or pick a variety of colors that are all the same intensity (such as reds and oranges).
Your stylist will be able to help you decide which colors are best for you based on your natural skin tone and eye color. It is also important to consider how much time you want spent on your hair each day: If you work in an office where everyone wears suits or dresses conservatively, then bright rainbow colors might stand out too much for some people
Rainbow Hair Underneath
The best way to rock rainbow hair underneath your regular hair is to dye your hair in reverse.
Start by bleaching your hair from bottom to top and then dye the bottom of your hair a different color than the top of your hair.
Once you have bleached and dyed your hair, add a strong gel or hairspray on top of your real hairstyle so that it does not move or get disturbed.
Once you have sprayed the hairspray, put on your regular hairstyle over the rainbow-dyed hair.
Best Rainbow Hair Ideas & Inspiration
Rainbow Twists
A great example of a selection of colors versus an entire rainbow, this style puts the brighter colors on top of a base of blue hair. Twisting and curling the hair shows off all of the colors and allows them to work together within the style. Sticking with complementing shades also keeps the colors from being overwhelming, as this is a longhaired look.
Sunset Mermaid
This style is a marriage between typical mermaid hair and rainbow hair. Blue is the prevailing color in this hairstyle, with the orange, pink, and purple serving as the supporting cast. Using this particular gradation makes the sunset effect, beautiful and captivating.
Braided Crown
Braids make multi-colored looks stand out in a new way, and this braided crown is no exception. Weaving colors together makes them lay differently than when the hair is down, particularly with a horizontal braid like this one. The way the deep pink contrasts the bright blue is striking, creating a cool visual with the cascades of the colors under the braid.
Rainbow Highlights
A lovely purple shade serves as the base color in this look, complementing the blue and purple shades while allowing the bursts of red and yellow to shine through. This is a great example of the rainbow hair style working as a highlight look. The particular placement of the color streaks works well and lends itself to curls.
Blue Ombré
This style takes a different approach, as the focus is on the blue and purple tones. Staggering the deep blue color throughout the layers creates an ombré effect that will grow out nicely. Going with this version of the rainbow coloring is ideal for straight hair, as the color has to speak for itself without a lot of texture.
Crazy Curls
With this type of curl, highlights tend to find themselves standing out as individual corkscrews rather than blending with the rest of the hair. However, with rainbow hair, the emphasis of different colors helps to make the look rather than detract from it. This style uses blue as the base, with pops of rainbow colors adding fun and flair to the overall design. The green is particularly punchy, almost like a burst of blonde in a conventional hairstyle.
Rainbow Peek-a-Boo
Another fun trend, peek-a-boo hair has been around for quite a few years, complementing undercut hairstyles and other cool do’s. This adorable rainbow peek-a-boo look is a great way to rock such a colorful style if you have to keep it covered some of the time. Pastel versions of the rainbow colors go perfectly with the silver hair, and the fishtail braid is a fun way to show off what is hidden underneath.
Rainbow Layers
Highlights are a cool way to ramp up a layered look, and silver hair is no exception. While you could go with natural colors to complement silver hair, rainbow colors add a bit of pizzazz that takes the style to the next level. Bright green brings the funk, while the blue and purple tones fit the cool nature of the top layer.
Colors on Top
In a flip to the peek-a-boo style, these colors are mostly in the top layer versus the layers underneath. This is a great way to try out a rainbow hairstyle without going all out, especially if you’re not sure about that much color. These fun streaks of color work like highlights would normally, just shaking up the palette to be more artistic rather than natural. Using colors like red and orange, which mimic natural hair colors, also helps to balance the effect.
Full Rainbow
For some, if they’re going to go for rainbow hair, they are going to go for it. This style covers the whole rainbow, moving through the spectrum starting at the back of the head and moving to the bangs in the front. The colors are bold and striking, perfect if you want to shake things up or make a statement. If you want to replicate this look, you’d better leave this one to the professionals rather than trying to do it yourself!
Mermaid Chic
While this style falls a bit more towards the mermaid color palette, bringing in the bright pink adds a punch that pushes the look back towards rainbow hair. Layering the color throughout a shaggy cut lets each hue shine through and make itself known in the style. At the same time, the placement of the tones mixes them together to prevent a blocky appearance.
Vertical Layers
A different take on a layered style, this places the rainbow colors on top of one another rather than mixed throughout the look. Such a deliberate choice makes the difference in the feeling of the hairstyle while also creating a pseudo-ombré effect. If you go for this version of layering the shades, braids will look particularly nice and will be the ideal option if you want to put up your hair.
Hidden Rainbow
This is a cool take on the peek-a-boo style, truly hiding the rainbow hair in between both upper and bottom layers. A beautiful true rainbow, it looks as though it were painted on with a magical rainbow paintbrush rather than simply dyed. If you are limited on your hair dye options for work, this is a great way to secretly let your wild side out. All you need is to put your hair in a half up look to let the colors shine!
Rainbow Tie-Dye
An amazing array of colors, this rainbow hair look plays on the elements of a great tie dye t-shirt. Allowing some of the white-blonde hair to show through gives the bright hues a base on which to stand while also brightening the style. This sort of rainbow hair effect is perfect for straight hair, as the tones are already blended without depending on hair texture.
Chrome Curls
Nothing says shine quite like a chrome effect! While most associated such mirror-shine with nail art, metallic hair is also on trend. Blended with the rainbow style, the colors stand out beautiful and bold in contrast to the “before” photo. Using coppery tones as well as the purples and pinks gives a natural edge to the look, helping the transition between “before” and “after.”
Making Waves
Taking on the appearance of watercolor, the rainbow tones in this design make the perfect statement to complement the flowy waves. The placement of the colors seems as though the stylist was really painting, dotting a bit of blue here and a dash of pink there. Such a carefree nature creates a unique look that will continue to look amazing even as it grows out.
Punch of Color
A mostly blue style, the pops of warm tones on the underside of the hair give the look just the right edge. Starting with the red, it is the natural contrast to the blue, like hot to cold. Moving through the spectrum from red, to orange, to yellow helps to continue the differentiation in tone while creating a cool gradation in the midst of the overall style.
I March to My Own Beat.
This style is perfect for a true rainbow lover (as the model clearly is!). Rainbow bangs put the style front and center while also serving to complement the bright blue hair in the rest of the look. Space buns are a cute way to emphasis the rainbow aspect while adding to the overall quirky effect. A fun makeup style featuring fabulous winged eyeliner helps to bring the ensemble altogether – cohesion is surprisingly important when you want to rock an eclectic style.
Turquoise Top, Rainbow Bottom
Rainbow colors take a backseat to the marvelous turquoise color on the outer layers of this style. The beauty of this tropical tone hits you right away, with the supporting hues adding to the sun and water feel that will make you long for a Hawaiian vacation. While you may have to settle for this hairstyle, it will feel like you are taking paradise with you wherever you go.
Half and Half
Gorgeous rainbow streaks are the perfect pairing to the bright purple on the opposite side of the head. A fun take on a two-toned look, keeping one side of the style a solid color is a nice option if you want to let the colors shine. One of the best moves in this design is to use the same purple in the rainbow as in the solid color. It brings a sense of consistency and completes the look.
All About the Rose
For some, tattoos are more than just body art, they are a permanent accessory to be made the focal point of their style. In this case, the rainbow hair helps to complement and draw attention to the beautiful rose tattoo prominently displayed on the model’s back. The deep blue tone in the hair mimics the blue of the tattoo, while the other colors serve to brighten and contrast with the darker hues.
In Living Color
A fabulous and outrageous costume look, the rainbow hair here helps to contrast the stark black and white. Using different art techniques, including contrasting paintings within the snakes. Replicating the rainbow within the snake on the left helps to balance the style. Faux freckles sprinkle across the nose like confetti, mixing the colors with the black and white to bring consistency to the look.
Waves of Color
Almost serene, the beautiful rainbow tones move through the hair along the waves as though they had life. The colors change in a smooth manner, helping the style to appear seamless. Pops of yellow and green right at the ends provide a visual contrast to the darker hues and give an interesting focal point within the style.
Brought to you by Technicolor
With a curly hairstyle, you might be afraid to try any sort of highlight or interesting dye job for fear that the color will not blend correctly. However, with rainbow hair, the ideal of making different sections unique colors just makes sense. As a result, each curl takes on a life of its own with the look, as the bright tones shine through.
Purple Ombré
Ombré is a great option with rainbow hair, as it fits with the natural gradation of a real rainbow. In this case, the colors stick in the cooler realm, moving from a brighter purple down to the deep blue. Beautiful shine and wave make the colors come alive and add drama to the style. Such an edgy look perfectly sets off the gorgeous rose tattoo.
Rainbow through the Veil
Intricate and fabulous, this peek-a-boo rainbow style puts the brighter rainbow shades under a striking violet. Putting the rainbow in horizontal layers contrasts nicely with the vertical streaks of the purple, creating a cool visual contrast. Additionally, this particular design works nicely with longer hair, a longer look allows the colors change slowly rather taking on a striped effect.
Indigo Magic
While this style doesn’t have all the colors of the rainbow, the beauty of this ombré style is simple and sophisticated. Especially since the makeup look is a bit more extreme, it is ideal to have a hairstyle that will complement your style without overwhelming it. The gorgeous hair color does just that, working nicely with the glitter of the eyes and chrome nails.
Short and Cute
Representing the natural arch of the rainbow, the warmer colors start on the one side and travel over the crown of the head to the other. Such a bright green is a great way to help transition from the flaming shades to the deeper, cooler tones. As this is a shorter hairstyle, going for the curved look helps each color to be represented.
Flaming Beauty
This rainbow look sticks to the colors found in a fire – deep reds, pinks, and purples, lightened by pops of orange and yellow. Streaking the color through the hair mimics the tongues of flame licking at logs in a campfire, making the style seem alive. Using these tones helps to complement the natural reddish hues in the model’s hair.
Concealed Aurora
Bright splashes of color come together in a classical aurora style, all mixed together but truly stunning. Electric blues and purples make the look sing, while the deep rusty color helps to tie back to the color of the natural hair. In this case, putting the colors on the underside of the hair keeps the drama hidden when you want, and set free when you’re feeling wild.
Rainbow Two Ways
Especially if you like to wear your hair multiple ways, this style of rainbow dye works both in straight and curly fashions. In the straight style, the colors work together like highlights in a conventional look. With the curly hair, bright and dark hues weave in and out of each other, the light playing each shade in an inspiring way. Mixing the rainbow shades rather than putting them in the typical order adds another level of fun.
Pink Hair, Don’t Care
Among a few others, pink has become a hot choice among celebrity hair colors. However, if you like to march to your own beat, adding rainbow highlights can shake up a pink hair look and set it apart from the rest. This style works perfectly with curly hair, particularly with the rainbow gradation moving in a vertical manner. As a result, the rainbows curve through the hair like ribbons, a permanent decoration in the design.
Neon Fireworks
Originally made popular in the 1980s and 1990s, the neon trend is making a comeback in a big way! Clothes, nails, shoes, even accessories are jumping on the neon bandwagon. Bright neon shades are even cropping up in Disney fashion in the Happiest Colors on Earth line. Consequently, it’s not surprising that neon is making its way into the realm of hair dye! This neon rainbow hits the bullseye of the trend, surrounding the face with a fabulous purple color then shooting gorgeous streaks of neon color from there. A style such as this has movement all its own, the green acting as the star of the show.
Bubblegum Hair
Blue and pink are natural opposites, and in this case, what they say is true – opposites attract! Royal blue at the crown and in the under layers helps to support the lighter pink shades and make them stand out. Going for curly hair helps to twine the colors together, forming a cohesive style as a result.
Unicorn Streaks
Rainbows aren’t just for grown-ups, in fact, the rainbow fad started with kid’s clothes. Therefore, rainbow hair is a fun option for younger fashion explorers! Doing the individual streaks makes the rainbow more pronounced, ideal for a child’s look. We suggest using a washout or semi-permanent dye with your kiddos so they can try it out for a short period before making it a more long-lasting look.
Mixing Techniques
If you’re tired of the same old style, rainbow hair is a fun way to shake things up. However, if you want to push the envelope even further this style is the perfect option! Jewel shades peek out from under the top layer of natural color, while the blue tips add a bit of funk. This is also an ideal rainbow look for short hair, as it puts the blue right up against the colors underneath.
Dark and Mysterious
While most would think of bright shades when talking of rainbows, but this style turns that expectation on its head. The deep, cool tones work nicely with the ebony shade of the model’s hair. Meanwhile, the curls make the help give the hues depth and makes the transition between colors seamless.
Rainbow Stripes
If you want to make a statement this is the rainbow look for you! Rather than go for a subtle shift in color, this looks almost like a dip-dye tie-dye style. Layers of color are striking, and the pink on the right side of the head is a fun contrast to the rainbow shades.
Striped Tie-Dye
Speaking of tie-dye, this rainbow style replicates a striped tie-dye look, allowing each color to stand on its own within the whole. This design has a bold focal point with the orange at the top, while the cooler colors underneath give a fun contrast to the bright nature of the orange. As the stripes take on a pattern, the style becomes cohesive with the orange tips. Such a style is perfect for long hair, allowing the design to take its full effect.
Mermaid Curls
Make a splash with these large curls and magical tones! Mixing the colors in such a way makes them seem natural, as though the beautiful mermaid hues were always there. Colors like this also work with such length, with the curls cascading down the model’s back twisting the tones altogether.
Make a Splash!
Taking mermaid hair a step further, turquoise and fuchsia are just the right shades for a fantasy style. Vertical stripes complement the curls and the length of the hair, making another connection to the mystical merfolk. With this style, the depth of the colors is important, so adding highlights that complement the main tones increases the shine and beauty of the overall look.
Pastel Stripes
A true rainbow style, the delicate pastel tones are reminiscent of a real rainbow in the sky. Misty rainfall makes the tones translucent and subtle, something reflected in this hairstyle. If you are looking for less vibrant rainbow colors, you can easily accomplish this look at home!
Rainbow and Lavender
Especially if you are trying to set off your rainbow hair, colors like silver and lavender are the perfect complement. Pastel rainbow shades work nicely with such a beautiful shade, and it is an interesting choice to use a darker indigo within the rainbow. Consequently, the rainbow stands out against the lavender accent without losing the whole effect.
Layers of Ocean
You don’t have to use the whole rainbow spectrum to create a fantastic look! For example, layering the blues, teals, and greens between the purple shades produces an amazing effect. Adding in a braid accentuates the style by weaving the colors together. Brightness and shine come together sensationally!
Rivers of Rainbows
Combining the rainbow tones together in this way makes it seem as though they were paint moving through water, swirling and travelling with a mind of their own. The length of the hair heightens this effect, causing the colors to take on life in a way that natural tones just can’t accomplish. Placing green on both sides of the head creates a sense of symmetry that is pleasing to the eye and adds to the sensational nature of the style.
Purple and Blue Ombré
Adding purple and blue to the ends of your natural hair is a fun way to set off your style. If you want to add blue to your look, you should consider to complementing it with purple. Purple tends to grow out and fade more gracefully than blue, so putting both in the same look will help the blue to look its best.
Fade to Night
Such a stunning hairstyle captures the moment that twilight turns to evening, with the purples and golden tones on the right and the beautiful blues on the right. Using a braid shows the natural connection between the two, a transition so perfect it only could be divinely conceived. Navy tones one the blue side show the depth of night, mimicking the golden highlights on the sunset half. If you favor a “yin and yang” sort of style, this is a fabulous option!
If you’re looking to shake up your personal style, rainbow hair is a fun option with many options. Whether you want to go for the literal rainbow or more along the mermaid spectrum, there are so many ways you can make it work for you.
With so many colors to choose from, pick a style and design that works with your personal coloring and chosen haircut. For those with longer hair, consider one of the tie-dye options or the striped look. On the other hand, shorter haired people would want to have a gradation or highlight style. Pastel hair is great for paler skin tones, while the jewel tones are excellent for darker complexions.
So go on, be adventurous, and slide down the rainbow! You may not find a pot of gold at the end, but you will find a fabulous look.
Have you tried out a rainbow look? Tell us about your experience in the comments!