How to Get a Unicorn Hair Color

Something magical is happening in the beauty world—and surely, you’ve seen it taking place. We’re talking about the unicorn beauty trend. From perfect iridescent lip colors to coveted metallic dagger nails, there’s something for everyone. Today, however, we’re here to tell you all about unicorn hair color. There’s just something about this combo of pretty pastel hair hues that leaves us swooning—and we have a pretty good feeling that you feel the same way. Want to bring this imaginative hair color idea to life yourself? Follow the unicorn hair color tutorial below—it covers everything from which unicorn hair dye you’ll need to the hair care and hair styling products you should stock up on.

WHAT IS UNICORN HAIR?

Unicorn hair is all about mixing an array of different pastel hair colors together to create a fun, versatile look that, despite its many colors, seems to pair well with just about anything. There’s something to be said about making a serious style statement—and when it’s done in pretty pastels, you better believe you’ll turn heads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING UNICORN HAIR

The trick to creating a buzz-worthy unicorn hair color is to keep the shades light and airy. Where other trendy hair colors may be all about full coverage from roots to tips, unicorn hair is more about a series of chunky colors applied with a balayage technique so that they can seamlessly transition into one another for a gorgeous, color melding look.

Since unicorn hair is comprised of many different colors, consider visiting a professional colorist to get the look, as he or she will be able to expertly place the shades. What’s more, remember that when you’re dyeing your hair pastel colors, you’ll need to bleach your strands first in order for the colors to show up (unless you're already blessed with platinum hair). So, the darker your base shade, the more work it’ll require to achieve your desired effect. That being said, you can get unicorn hair at home if you so choose, via a process we'll walk you through in 1, 2, 3...

HOW TO GET A UNICORN HAIR COLOR AT HOME

Ready to try the look at home? Follow these steps for a mythical creature-inspired hair hue.

STEP 1: BLEACH YOUR HAIR

To rock a unicorn hair color, you’ll first need to bleach your hair if you haven’t already or if you aren’t a natural blonde. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach—and make sure to follow the included instructions.

STEP 2: COME UP WITH A GAME PLAN

Look in the mirror and determine where you want certain colors to be. You’ll want to start at your roots, so the best way to create color variation is to split your hair into multiple sections and pin them out of the way with lobster clips so that you can work on them one by one.

STEP 3: PICK YOUR COLORS

Try a combination of the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Pink, Soft Pink, Purple, Blue, and Turquoise. These semi-permanent hair colors will last for eight to 10 shampoos.

If you want to start off with an even more fleeting hair color, the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Pastel Blue, Pastel Lavender, Pastel Mint, and Rose Gold will do the trick.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’d prefer a permanent unicorn hair color, stock up on the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Smokey Blue, Smokey Pink, and Rose Gold. Just keep in mind that these longer-lasting hair colors will create a dustier take on the unicorn hair trend.

Once you’ve chosen your shades, it’s time to bring your unicorn hair color to life. Going section by section, apply your shades according to the directions on your chosen unicorn hair dyes. Continue this process until you have a few chunks of each color all over your head.

STEP 4: TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE

Once you’ve achieved your unicorn mane, it’s a good idea to switch to a system consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask, which each product being specially formulated for color-treated hair. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm fit the bill.

STEP 5: COOL IT WITH THE HEAT

Taking a hot shower might feel great, but it’s not exactly the best thing in the world for your unicorn hair. Super-hot temps can strip your strands of essential oils, leaving hair dry and dull-looking. What’s more, heat tools can have the same effect. While we typically recommend that you try to air dry your hair as much as possible when you have a unicorn hair color, we totally understand that there will be times when you want to rock a head full of curls or super-straight strands. On those days, just make sure to use a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray first.

Next up: If you want to try another whimsical hair color option, check out our article, What Is Holographic Hair? Here's How to Get the Look.