As someone with what I would consider an out-of-the-box beauty aesthetic, I'll admit that I got a little worried when it seemed like the hair trends of today were projecting us toward an endless cycle of blond, brunette and blond again. But, as we stray a little further from the "clean girl" aesthetic and embrace a more individual approach to beauty, the trends are shifting, and more experimental beauty looks are gaining traction, namely in the way of split-dyed hair. Searches for the half-and-half hair dye technique are rising, and the split-dyed hair concepts today have made the look suitable for a wide array of look preferences. If you're interested in switching up your hair look but aren't sure if/what split-dyed hair style is best for you, we rounded up some of our favorite, most trendy split-dyed hair looks to help you fit the trend to your personal aesthetic.
Featured Experts
- Kristen Pritchard (@thedarkestdark) is an alternative colorist with Curl Up and Dye Hair Salon in Las Vegas
- Gee (@got2bgee) is a junior stylist with Suite V Brooklyn in New York
Split-Dyed Hair: Maintenance, Styling Tips and Expert Advice
If you're looking to get into split dyed hair, you may be feeling hesitant, as the style is certainly more out-of-the-box than many of the minimalist hair trends today. If that's the case for you, let Gee's number one piece of split-dyed hair advice ease your mind. "Expect to stand out and be the coolest person in the room," they say. "I love doing split dye because it’s a bold, dramatic way to express yourself. Playing with color combos and placement makes it feel unique to you." In terms of making sure your split-dyed hair is perfect for you, Gee recommends asking your stylist what color combos would complement each other while still providing a unique contrast. Pritchard also advises considering how your cut will work with your new color. "It’s important to note that because of how color reflects light, a haircut can appear fuller on the lighter/brighter side and sleeker on the deeper/darker side," she says.
As you might expect, proper post-salon care and maintenance is key to keeping your split-dyed hair as vibrant as possible for as long as possible. First and foremost, Pritchard urges split-dyed clients to use color safe, salon-grade shampoo and conditioners as well as a hair mask once every week or so. "Wash your hair less often and use as cold of water as you can tolerate," she adds. "I also recommend washing each side separately at least for the first two to three washes." Pritchard also advises against going to sleep with split-dyed hair wet, and instead advocates for a silk pillowcase or loose braids overnight. "Depending on the color and personal preference, I recommend refreshing your color every four to six weeks for pastels and six to eight weeks for deeper shades," she says.
Split-Dyed Hair Ideas to Spice Up Your 'Do
9 Split-Dyed Hair Ideas for Every Aesthetic
