Why Vanilla Chai Hair Will Be Your New Obsession

From cold brew to toasted coconut to pumpkin spice to caramel latte, food and drink-inspired hair color trends don’t seem to be going anywhere (and we’re not complaining!). The latest look to grace our social media feeds is vanilla chai hair—the perfect mix of blonde and brunette. Read on to learn what this tea-inspired hair color trend is, how to get it, and our best tips to help keep your color looking its best.

WHAT IS VANILLA CHAI HAIR?

Resembling a spicy chai tea latte (yum!), vanilla chai hair involves an overall cool ash blonde shade on lengths and ends with dark roots. Basically, it’s the best of both blonde and brunette worlds: bright, almost-white blonde strands emerging from dark, vanilla-colored roots. Like most hair color trends (and chai tea lattes), this coloring technique can be customized to add more blonde balayage or extended dark roots, all depending on your skin tone and personal preference. Best of all, vanilla chai hair color won’t require re-painting your hair again as soon as other hair color trends—thanks to the darker roots, your color will continue to look amazing as it grows out.

HOW TO GET VANILLA CHAI HAIR

Since this hair color will almost definitely require a good amount of hair bleaching, your best bet is to make an appointment with a professional colorist. The vanilla chai hair color is best achieved on hair that’s naturally light brown or dark blonde in color, so if you’ve got naturally darker locks, you’ll certainly want to consult a pro.  Since it’s an advanced hair color technique, it will likely take multiple sessions to achieve your perfect vanilla chai color. Before you head into the salon, consult the internet or your social media feed for inspiration and come prepared with a few photos of your desired look.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF VANILLA CHAI HAIR

Congrats on your new hue! Now, it's time to upgrade your hair care routine.

1. Switch to color-safe hair care products

As with all colored-treated hair, it’s crucial to protect your new color from fading by using the right hair care system, consisting of color-safe shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask. You can also try a sulfate-free system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm.

2. Use products for blonde hair

For vanilla chai hair, the majority of your strands—everywhere except for your roots—will be a bright, cool-toned, almost white shade of blonde. To help keep your bright blonde hue from fading, you can use a blonde color-reviving system on your lengths and ends. Try using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo,  L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment to keep your blonde strands in shape.

3. Shower in lukewarm water

Another way to help protect your new color is to turn down the water temperature in your shower. We know, during the cold winter days, nothing feels better than a long, hot shower but the truth is, hot water can strip your hair and skin of its natural oils—which won't bode well for your vanilla chai hair. So, switch to showering in lukewarm water and keep your time in the shower as short as possible. 

HOW TO STYLE VANILLA CHAI HAIR

This hair color trend can be styled in many different ways and we think it looks equally chic on straight, wavy, and curly strands. Creating medium-sized waves throughout your mane is one good way to show off your new color. Grab a wave spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, and spritz throughout towel-dried hair. Then scrunch your locks by hand for an air-dried look. As for why we didn’t recommend creating your waves with a curling iron or wand, the reason is, too much heat can really damage your hair! That’s why air-dried hairstyles are so amazing for color-treated hair.

Interested in trying out another scrumptious hair hue? Here's How to Get a Sweet Cotton Candy-Inspired Hair Color.