Pastel hues are so 2019! If celebs have taught us anything this year, it’s that bolder is always better, especially when it comes to hair color. Neon locks have finally become mainstream, not only making countless appearances on our Instagram feeds but also on the red carpet. But do electric shades belong in the real world? Absolutely! Check out A-list-approved tips and tricks for rocking the neon trend.
Tip #1: Contrast is everything
Billie Eilish is not only known for her haunting vocals and catchy hits, she’s also quickly becoming one of the decade’s fashion icons. Not one afraid to experiment with her locks, the “Everything I Wanted” singer sported neon green roots throughout award show season, inspiring an array of Eilish fans to follow suit with an identical hairstyle. Not ready to deck out your roots with a bold shade? We don’t blame you! Instead, take a cue from Eilish’s contrasting hues and opt for a darker base with pops of bold color.
Tip #2: Test the waters first
Leave it to Rihanna to single-handedly break the Internet with her latest ad for her SavageXFenty collection. The singer-turned-fashion/beauty mogul stunned in a lilac lingerie set—with gorgeous locks to match! Though the look garnered an insane amount of attention—5 million likes and counting—RiRi’s shade likely isn’t permanent. So what can we learn from the “L.E.M.O.N” singer? You don’t have to make a long-term commitment to a bold shade. Instead, play around with wigs, clip-in extensions or even temporary color spray to see if you’re ready to take the plunge.
Tip #3: Classic styles give extreme colors a more wearable feel
Afraid you won’t be able to sport a funky color without looking like you’re ready to go to Coachella? You can! Wearing your hair in more sophisticated styles tones down any shade. High ponytails, low chignons or even casual braids can provide a lived-in feel to any eye-catching hue.
Tip #4 Maintenance is key
Though there aren’t many rules when it comes to experimenting with color, there is one vital tip to keep in mind: Constant maintenance is critical. You’ll have to stay on top of your touch-ups in order to prevent your color from fading. Similarly, you’ll want to baby your strands as much as possible, especially if any lightening was involved. Avoid heat-styling as much as possible, apply overnight hair masks 1-2 times a week and avoid products containing sulfates and alcohol, two ingredients that strip your color.
Tip #5: Don’t be afraid to customize the trend to your liking
The best part about the neon trend? Everyone can try it out, whether you want to do a couple of neon-twinged strands or sport intense two-tone color a la Nikki Minaj. What’s more, leading haircare brands such as KEVIN.MURPHY are now offering toned-down takes on the classic neon. The KEVIN.MURPHY RADIANT FLUX collection fuses neon shades with hints of gold to create a range of fashion-forward shades, providing endless color options to fit everyone’s personal style.
