How to Get Sherbet Colored Hair

If your guilty pleasure is sweet treats, then it’s time to learn about a cool new way to spoil your sweet tooth and we’re not talking about food — we’re talking about sherbet hair color. Just as the name suggests, this pastel hair color trend resembles rainbow sherbet ice cream, so think of strands with notes of pink, orange, peach and blue hues. If you want your mane to resemble this yummy summertime treat, keep reading, as we explain how to get sherbet hair and how to care for this vibrant hair color trend.

How to Prepare for Sherbet Strands

Like other rainbow hair color trends, a bit of planning and preparation is required when it comes to rocking sherbet strands and the most important part is deciding what colors you want your sherbet to be. You can draw inspiration from photos of actual sherbet, but it will be especially helpful to find pictures of people with similar colorings to ensure you’ll get exactly what you’re hoping for when you visit your colorist or dye your hair at home. 

Do you want a peachy-hued sherbet with pink tones or a rainbow sherbet with shades of pink, blue and green? Sherbet comes in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to nail down what colors you’re hoping for before attempting sherbet strands.

How to Get Sherbet Strands at the Salon

Sherbet hair requires blending multiple colors together (pinks, oranges, peaches and even blue), so be prepared for more work than your average DIY dye session. It’s also important to keep in mind that unless your hair is already baby blonde (a.k.a. super, super-light), you’ll need to bleach beforehand. If you have dark brown hair, it may take a few sessions to make your strands light enough for sherbet hair. 

While it’s possible to DIY a sherbet-inspired mane (more on that in a bit), you may want to entrust a professional with the job. A trained colorist will be better able to determine the best way to achieve sherbet strands without compromising the integrity of your hair. If you’re not quite sure whether to head to a salon or try to DIY, a good rule of thumb is to leave dramatic hair color changes to the pros.

How to Get Sherbet Strands at Home

That being said, it is totally possible to welcome sherbet strands into your life at home. For those beginning with dark hair, you’ll want to bleach your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach All Over before moving on to the fun colors. Natural blondes or those who already have bleached hair can jump straight to picking out their sherbet shades. 

Once your hair is light enough, you can add your sherbet shades. For a short-term hair color makeover, use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Pink, Soft Pink, and Turquoise to create your sherbet-inspired ‘do. This semi-permanent hair dye fades away in four to eight washes so it’s perfect for a temporary switch-up.

How to Take Care of Sherbet Strands

Sherbet-inspired hair may be based around a childhood-dessert fave, but that doesn’t mean it’s not to be taken seriously. In fact, after dyeing (especially bleaching), your hair will need some extra love and attention so here’s everything you need to know about caring for sherbet hair.

1. Use Products Formulated for Color-Treated Hair

It’s time to tailor your wash-day routine for color-treated strands. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner to strengthen strands inside and out while preserving hair color. The duo is perfect for strengthening hair that’s weak or damaged due to bleaching. 

Swap out your conditioner for color-treated hair once a week for a treatment mask like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask to nourish and hydrate colored strands.

2. Opt to Air Dry 

Sure, nothing beats a smooth, sleek blowout, but there’s just something special about how sherbet hair looks when paired with curls. If you have curly hair or waves, reach for a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner to rock a heat-free style while embracing your natural texture.

Editor’s tip: If hot tools are a must, protect your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris EverPyre Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant or L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In prior to using heat on your hair.

3. Use a Hair Gloss

Since your sherbet hair features multiple shades, a clear hair gloss like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Clear is a great way to correct brassy, faded tones while leaving strands with a glossy shine and luxurious feel. Use it once a week after shampooing and conditioning to give your sherbet strands some well-deserved TLC.

Next: How to Get a Cold Brew Hair Color

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: IG @/sickhairbyval, Design by: Crystal Simone