How to Get Root Beer Hair

When you think of root beer, chances are you’re going to imagine a dark, deliciously sweet beverage, not a hair color. But this season, soda-inspired root beer hair has become a beauty trend. Keep reading to learn all about what a root beer hair color looks like, what you need to know before getting root beer hair, and how to take care of colored hair once you’re done getting your dye job.

What Is Root Beer Hair?

So, you’re intrigued by the name root beer hair—what does this hair color actually look like? Root beer hair is a take on ombré hair. It’s comprised of dark brown and amber brown hues mixing beautifully together for a root beer-inspired hair color.

WHAT Should you KNOW BEFORE GETTING root beer HAIR?

Like all hair color transformations, root beer hair will require some precision coloring to become a reality. Unlike other lighter trendy hair colors, root beer hair doesn’t require too much lightening. That being said, if you’re starting with a dark brown base shade, you may need to bleach your hair first in order for the amber shades to show up on your hair. Since root beer hair features gorgeous swirls of varying brunette and amber shades, it’s best to leave this hair color trend up to a professional colorist. (If you’re looking to color your hair at home, read our article, 10 At-Home Hair Color Tips for a Gorgeous New Hue.)

HOW do you TAKE CARE OF root beer hair?

Once your colorist gives you the root beer hair you’ve had your sights set on, it’s time to show your hair some love! Colored hair requires special care, so check out our tips below for caring for root beer hair.

Switch to a system of shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask formulated for color-treated hair. Make room in your shower for some new products, including a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm.

Turn down the dial in the shower. Super-hot water can strip your strands of essential oils, which can leave your hair looking duller and feeling drier. So, rinse off in lukewarm temps instead when you have root beer hair.

Use a heat protectant before heat-styling. Want to blow-dry your root beer hair? Make sure to use a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, first. If you’ve decided to straighten your root beer hair, pay attention to the heat settings on your flat iron—use the lowest temperature that you can while still only having to make one pass over each section of hair.

Embrace your hair’s natural texture. We happen to think root beer hair looks gorgeous when paired with waves or curls! So, put down the heat tools from time to time and rock your natural texture. Create beachy waves by spritzing on the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray to towel-dried hair, then letting your hair air dry. Create one braid for looser waves or multiple braids for tighter waves. Once your hair has dried completely, undo the waves and be on your way.

Pick the right style. When you have a hair color as gorgeous as root beer hair, you’ll want to show it off. While beachy waves look gorgeous, we also love when root beer hair is paired with a mega braid or micro braids tying into a half-up top knot. If you go the mega braid route, after spraying your hair with a texturizing hair spray, weave a thick braid from one or both sides of your part back towards the crown of your head. Before pinning it in place, gently tug at each weave to loosen up your hair for a fuller-looking braid. If you opt for the micro braids look, keep in mind that these braids look best when super-sleek. To achieve that, massage some hair gel into the strands you’re braiding back.

Now that you’ve updated your hair color to root beer hair, check out more hair color tips by reading our article, 4 Best Tips for Touching Up Your Roots.