Rainbow hair, sand art hair, unicorn hair or mermaid hair, it's all over the web these days. Whatever you want to call it, vivid colours are here to stay! Thinking of dipping a toe (or diving in!) to the brightly coloured pool? Vivids have no age limit, but require a little more of a commitment than regular hues.
Prepping The Canvas
In order to work properly, vivid colours require the hair to be pre-lightened. Skip this step, and they're down the drain in one wash - which can be a great thing if you're naturally light and trying out a fashion shade for a special event. Most people want their colours to last as long as possible, so lightening is generally a must. Some colours - such as blue, silver, or pastels - need a base of almost white, where others can go on darker levels. If you have colour on your hair already, it may take a few sessions to lighten your hair enough to get the shade you want. Sometimes, it's not possible to do without compromising the hair. Your stylist can help you choose a shade that gives the kick you're looking for without over-processing your hair. Vivid highlights are great, but vivid fry-lights - not so much.
Make It Last
Vivid shades last longer when washed in cool water, with a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for their type of pigment. Tinted conditioners can also help keep your shade fresh and vibrant. It's best to wash as little as possible, no more than 3 times per week. Dry shampoo is about to become your best friend!
In addition, there are a few things that will strip your rainbow tresses faster than you can say "My Little Pony". If you're thinking of a full-head makeover, you'll need to avoid the following things. Chlorinated pools are the number one culprit - if you need to swim, keep your hair out of the water with a bathing cap or bun. UV rays, either from tanning beds or direct sunlight, will also fade your vivids faster - cover up or stay in the shade. Finally, make sure you're using the shampoo recommended by your stylist. Ingredients such as sulfates (a lathering agent) and sodium chloride (salt) break the colour down much faster than shampoos designed to work with the specific molecules in direct shades.
Is It For Me?
With vivid hair becoming more accepted, there's a way for everyone to wear a little colour. If you're wanting are more conservative look, try a few peek-a-boo pieces that flash when you hair move. Into trying trends? Ombre colouring looks amazing with brighter shades! The bonus of this technique is that as the hair fades, you'll get a few different looks, but not have to touch up your regrowth regularly. Ready to go all out? Choose a single shade or a vibrant melting technique, but be aware that a full-head service can be more time-consuming and costly than the average colour, since it's 2 full colour services in one appointment. Consult with your stylist to get an estimate of the time and cost involved.
"I'm Too Old For This!"
Allow me to present 3 women very near and dear to me. The woman in the top pictures is my Mom, age 59. The bottom left is my Aunt J, age 64. Finally, the bottom right is my Nanny, who had her first Vivid colour at the age of 89! She's already planning her next visit, and wants to go brighter than the pastel blue. She's proof that if you like it, you can rock it - at any age!
