How to Get a Tiger Eye Hair Color

2018’s hair color trends are alive and well. 2017 introduced geode hair and blorange hair to the beauty scene, but it’s about time we said hello to latest must-try shade: tiger eye hair. This gorgeous rock-inspired hair color melds together a mixture of bronze, gold, and dark brown highlights and lowlights to create a truly customized hair color. We bet we know what you’re thinking: This is one hair color you seriously want to try, right? Since tiger eye hair is still a relatively recent hair color trend, we’re outlining what you need to know about it, who it’ll look best on, what to ask for at the salon, and how to care for your tiger eye hair color once you have it. Let’s get to it! 

WHAT does TIGER EYE HAIR LOOK LIKE?

Tiger eye hair color is defined by deep, warm caramel colors that vary across the spectrum. This mix of shades helps to create a multi-dimensional look that resembles a tiger eye stone. Similar to balayage highlights, tiger eye hair color is marked by darker roots fading into lighter ends. 

WHO SHOULD GET A TIGER EYE HAIR COLOR?

We’re firm believers that you should try any hair color you’d like! However, when it comes down to logistics, the warm golden hues of tiger eye hair make it so that warm complexions can rock it best. That being said, if you still want to get in on the trend, ask your colorist if he or she can slightly tweak the warmer colors so that they’re a little more neutral. 

HOW IS TIGER EYE CUSTOMIZABLE?

Depending on your skin’s undertones, your colorist will be able to determine which dye shades will bring your tiger eye hair to life for your complexion. Where deep bronzes and honey golds pair well with warm undertones, cool undertones are better suited with icy, neutral hues. Regardless of what highlights and lowlights are painted onto your hair, in order to really obtain the look, your base color should be in the brunette family in order to make tiger eye hair really pop—which means you might be in for a longer color process, depending on what you’re starting with. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK YOUR COLORIST BEFORE GETTING STARTED?

Yep—tiger eye is one hair color trend that you’re going to want to have done by a professional, since it requires blending so many different shades together. First and foremost, you should bring an inspiration picture that represents exactly what you want. From there, discuss with your colorist the different methods to obtaining a tiger eye hair color so that you won’t be disappointed with the final result. And keep in mind that if you’re adding golden highlights to your hair, that will require bleaching. 

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR TIGER EYE HAIR?

The good news is, tiger eye hair is pretty low maintenance. Since the color is concentrated on the lower half of your hair and your roots remain untouched, you don’t have to worry about super-frequent touchups. Yes! Of course, you still will want to make a few changes to your hair care routine to tailor it to color-treated hair. 

Stock your shower with a system of nourishing shampoo and conditioner that can be used by color-treated hair, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner. Then, once or twice a week, swap out the conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Renourishing Butter to give your locks the extra TLC they deserve.

It’s not just about the products you use, either. Show your tiger eye hair some love by turning down the dial in the shower—after all, scalding hot water can strip your hair of oils, leaving your color looking dull. Rinse off in lukewarm water instead. And put down the heat tools from time to time to give your hair a break. Tiger eye hair looks so pretty when paired with curls or waves, so spritz some of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray onto wet hair, then let your hair air dry for natural, carefree waves.

Looking for other gorgeous hair colors to try in 2018? Check out our article, How to Rock the Metallic Hair Color Trend.