Hair Care
How to Wear Neon Hair After 30We know, you think you could never pull off neon hair -- but read on to see how easy (and pretty) it actually is |
I have a friend with neon hair. She's 34 years old -- not 24, not 14 -- and it looks amazing. Now, I'll add that she lives in New York City, where pretty much anything goes. She also has a funky designer wardrobe and spends a lot of time in art galleries -- so the neon hair works with her personality and lifestyle. It's chic, sophisticated, and surprisingly subtle. And while I'm not suggesting every woman can pull it off, it's a lot easier than you might think.
You're probably wondering how I could possibly call neon hair subtle. When most of us think bright hair, Katy Perry's blue or Nicki Minaj's pink probably come to mind -- not exactly discrete, right? Well, the secret to my friend's color is that it isn't a big, cascading mane of purple hair -- instead, the bright shade is layered underneath her natural dark brown color. The violet section is only noticeable in the sun or when she puts her hair up into a bun or ponytail, and the overall effect is really pretty.
Subtle-but-bright hair like my friend's is becoming more popular. Hair colorists have come up with creative ways to apply these neon highlights, and companies are offering temporary products that range from extensions to chalk -- great for people who are interested in the trend but not ready to fully commit. So, whether you want hot pink hair for a year or an hour, you can get it.
Skip ahead to see the best (subtle) neon hair options.
"I've done fun colors on many clients over the age of 30," says Amy Huson, a colorist at the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. "It's not about your age -- it's about having your own style and playing around with it." Huson admits that it's a youthful look -- but who doesn't want to look more youthful after 30? Maybe neon hair is just what you need.
SEE NEXT PAGE: Wear neon underneath
You're probably wondering how I could possibly call neon hair subtle. When most of us think bright hair, Katy Perry's blue or Nicki Minaj's pink probably come to mind -- not exactly discrete, right? Well, the secret to my friend's color is that it isn't a big, cascading mane of purple hair -- instead, the bright shade is layered underneath her natural dark brown color. The violet section is only noticeable in the sun or when she puts her hair up into a bun or ponytail, and the overall effect is really pretty.
Subtle-but-bright hair like my friend's is becoming more popular. Hair colorists have come up with creative ways to apply these neon highlights, and companies are offering temporary products that range from extensions to chalk -- great for people who are interested in the trend but not ready to fully commit. So, whether you want hot pink hair for a year or an hour, you can get it.
Skip ahead to see the best (subtle) neon hair options.
"I've done fun colors on many clients over the age of 30," says Amy Huson, a colorist at the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. "It's not about your age -- it's about having your own style and playing around with it." Huson admits that it's a youthful look -- but who doesn't want to look more youthful after 30? Maybe neon hair is just what you need.
SEE NEXT PAGE: Wear neon underneath
Older comments
Great article! Yes, this option is really for the adventurous woman. But as a young-at-heart, happy and confident woman, I would love and feel very comfortable with a few strands of a pretty violet color ( not necessarily neon) tucked into my long black hair. At 41, I'm still rockin' my Adidas Gazelles and will NEVER apologize for it. It's all about personal style and expression. I may just take the plunge after reading this!
by nycmuse Friday, December 28, 2012 at 07:18AM Report as inappropriate
This fad never interested me.
by EricaC123 Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 01:14PM Report as inappropriate
OOO, I want to try the temporary highlights!!! I love colorful hair, but now that everyone does it, it's not as unique.
by Chris213 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 07:27AM Report as inappropriate
Ridiculous! Nobody looks good with neon hair. As women age they look foolish trying these fads. Embrace your age. Don't be the butt of peoples jokes.
by toddfan Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 03:01PM Report as inappropriate
great tips but i dont think neon looks good on anyone, i think this is maybe a good look for 13 year olds not 30+ or even 20+
by rayshaviolet Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 06:06AM Report as inappropriate
I love these bright looks
by LittleBunny Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:05AM Report as inappropriate
I like the bright colors. I have done pink, purple, fire red. I just turned 30. I still find it fun. But I\'m also a hairstylist so it\'s easy to switch styles to keep things edgy.
by ReflxnsOfGrace Monday, November 26, 2012 at 05:54PM Report as inappropriate
i love this
by Nicole2814 Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 11:17PM Report as inappropriate
Something subtle perhaps, such as highlights or lowlights ... but neon? Not past 20 something. Otherwise it looks unrefined. Like you're trying too hard.
by robyne00 Monday, October 8, 2012 at 04:49PM Report as inappropriate
too much for my age.
by lilas Monday, October 1, 2012 at 11:21AM Report as inappropriate