Pastel hair has been back on the fashion scene for a few years now, and I can only hope it’s here to stay. I’ve been dyeing my hair since I was 12, and am no stranger to drastic looks. Salmon pink pixie, black Joan Jett shag, long, amethyst layers, bleached white — you name it, I’ve done it. But after recent years of arduous platinum upkeep, I decided to opt for a lower maintenance, sun-kissed blond, a few shades lighter than my natural color. It wasn’t long before I realized that old habits really do dye (sorry) hard: I was bored to tears by my “normal” hair.
So, the second I saw this hair on the Badgley Mischka runway, I knew it was meant to be. My stylist has been pulling darker tones into my lower layers for months to blend in the platinum and I loved the idea of using a dark but “unnatural” color as lowlights instead. The runway look was likely done with hair chalk or clip-in extensions, but I was determined to recreate it myself. Here’s how I did it by myself at home, and for less than $20.
blue hair DIY
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Step 1: Supplies
What you'll need: A plastic bowl and brush, a rattail comb, conditioner, one bottle of Manic Panic and gloves (dyes like this will stain your skin, nails, sink and towels if you aren’t careful). Wear a shirt you don’t mind ruining.
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Step 2: Sectioning
Sectioning hair is key — for instance, “streaks” are often best created with horizontal panels, not random chunks. Using a rattail comb, draw a straight line at the temples and across the back of the crown, pull the top hair up and secure. Use this part to isolate three thin panels of hair; one on each side of the head and one in the back. Pull these aside and gather the remaining “bottom” hair into a tight braid.
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Step 3: Mix the Dye
For panels this small, mix about three tablespoons of dye with the same amount of conditioner. Shocking Blue is a potent, dark blue, so I diluted it for a lighter tone, but this depends on your desired color. (Any Manic Panic or Special Effects dye can be diluted like this.)
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Step 4: Application
Foil (or wax paper) is key to keeping panels neat. Slide a piece of foil under each panel, hold flat at the root, paint on the dye with a brush, then carefully pull away the foil. Work through any missed spots with your fingers, then twist the strand, coil it back on itself and secure with a tiny plastic claw clip. Repeat for each panel.
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Step 5: Enjoy
Let the dye sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then carefully wash it out until the water runs clear. Wear hair down with the bold streaks visible, or tuck away for a pop of color in a messy fishtail braid!
