Hair Care

Here's How to Get Rainbow Hair if You're a Brunette

If you've been dreaming of a mermaid mane, this is how you get vivid colors minus the damage

by Jessica Amaris | COMMENT

PHOTO 0/17

While I've never truly subscribed to the idea that blondes have more fun, they do have infinitely more options when it comes to rainbow hair color trends. From dreamy pastels to galaxy-inspired ombre, these colors were designed for people with flaxen hair. But now there's a rainbow hair color trend just for brunettes that doesn't require bleaching.

Oil slick hair is a technique that allows brunettes to rock rainbow hair, minus the serious damage that can come with it. Celebrity colorist Aura Friedman invented the look, which incorporates inky iridescent tones of purples, blues and greens, and was inspired by gasoline-laced puddles on a rainy day.

"It's dark, mysterious, rich and, more importantly, the most striking fantasy hair trend with the least amount of damage," says Splat Hair Color Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Helen Crutchfield-Christoni.

Crutchfield-Christoni says for a more vibrant oil slick look, darker brunettes will need to lift their hair to a light brown, but don't have to go to the platinum or light blonde levels that other rainbow hair color trends require.

The color should last four to eight weeks, says Crutchfield-Christoni, as long as you stick to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners (We like Joico Color Endure Sulfate-Free Shampoo, $14.99, and the Joico Color Endure Sulfate-Free Conditioner, $16.99).

Here, 16 oil slick rainbow hair looks to give you all the inspiration you need for your next salon or at-home color.

Image via @alix_maya

SEE NEXT PAGE: Pop of Red

EDITORS' BEST OF