Blame it on the weather, blame it on Billie Eilish, but literally everyone's after blue hair right now—from subtle pastel ombre tones to dark black midnight hues.
Interested to try it? Picking the perfect shade of blue (which, ICYDK, is Pantone's color of the year for 2020!) for you depends on three very important factors.
First: What color do you already have? If you're super blonde, you've got the pick of the bunch, from baby blue washes to deep navy. But if you're any darker than a number seven (aka dark blonde), going blue might require that your hair is lightened to do justice to those azure hues.
Second: Work out what kind of blue hair you’re going for. All-over cyan? Blonde ombre? Sneaky chunks of navy that peep through when your hair is curled?
Third: Think of the maintenance. Blue hair color fades pretty quickly to a greenish haze, so sulfate-free hair care is a must to avoid stripping during washes. You’ll need touch-up appointments at least every two months, preferably more (unless you’re DIY-ing things).
Speaking of DIY-ing, topping up on your overall blue shade with toners is easy enough, but if you're contending with dark root regrowth that requires lightening, it’s worth sticking to the professionals, as pricey as this might be.
Our advice is to find inspo pictures of everything you’re keen on but talk to your colorist about what realistically matches your skin tone, your touch-up budget, and your maintenance levels. Or, be like Billie and embrace the grungy roots (your bank balance—and your scalp—will thank you).
-
Cobalt bob
Want to keep a radical color chic? Go blunt and glossy—like this gorgeous bob—and smarten things up with a statement clip. We love the mix of brights and pastels in this look.
-
Mini waves
The most badass look of the lot—bright blue finger-waves tapering into ombre, sky-blue coils. We're in love.
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now -
Minty waves
Turn blonde hair super fresh with a wash of mint, which will only get better as your color fades.
-
Glossy navy
Feeling nervous about going blue? Try navy shades to keep things chic. We love this sleek bob—mixing darker midnight tones at the front and royal blue nearer the back.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Aquamarine plaits
We love this fairy hair aesthetic—all the texture benefits of ombre blonde/brown locks but updated with a shot of blue.
-
Sky blue balayage
Liven up platinum hair with low-commitment balayage in a primary blue shade.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Azure curls
Taking frosty tips to the next level, this gorgeous afro is practically glowing thanks to a sprinkling of lightened pieces, developed into cool blue highlights.
-
Billie Eilish blue
Yes, that's right, we're naming a shade of blue after Billie, in acknowledgment of her contributions to making washed-out, grown-out blue cool again. Billie, our poor, damaged hair can't thank you enough.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Aqua pastel
What's cooler than a statement color? A statement color and a badass crop, obviously. If you're taking the plunge for both cut and color while going blue, think about how to pick the best shade to suit the shape. We love how the paleness of this blue softens the severe crop and baby bangs.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Ultraviolet Hollywood waves
Who said blue couldn't be glamorous? This color graduates from cold blues to warmer violet tones as it creeps up the roots, ending at a shade that easily disguises regrowth. Clever.
-
Icy ombre
Pair brighter shades up top with toned, silvery blonde at the tips for the perfect cool blue ombre.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Royal blue
The perfect example of the way a dose of blue can add gloss to dark brown locks.
-
Blue-black
The ultimate blue hair power move? Keeping things subtle as hell, with an all-over wash of coolness.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Sapphire bob
Jewel tone blues suit this shiny bob perfectly, making for a glossy, healthy-looking hue.
-
Mint pixie crop
Spearmint blues, dark roots, and a blonder fringe make for the perfect juxtaposition of feminine and masculine. We have total hair envy.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
***
This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
