Mane Changer: 5 Ways to Sport a Vibrant Navy Blue Hair Color

To go darker with your winter hair color like you never have before it may be time to try a navy blue hair color. This cool-toned winter shade provides a striking pop of color with the depth, shine and vibrance of blue-black strands. 

Flattering on all skin tones, this sapphire-like hue is easily one of the most unique ways to play with color this season. Check out our favorite ways to sport a navy blue hue with your hairstyle and how to care for navy strands, below. 

Navy Dip Dye Jellyfish Cut

Why we love it: This season’s layered, edgy haircut of choice is the jellyfish cut. Much like the octopus haircut, this controversially chic ‘do includes a short, classic bob style at the top with long, disconnected layers at the ends of the hair to resemble the shape of a jellyfish. Combined with a navy blue hair color, this style exudes a cool, effortless and laid back look, giving nod to some of this season’s hottest hair trends. 

Get the look: We recommend booking an appointment with your stylist to achieve the precise styling of a jellyfish cut, but you can DIY the color at home. First Bleach your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach in Hyper Platinum. Then, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Downtown Denim and apply the color to the ends of your hair to achieve the navy dip dye color.

Navy Afro-Textured Hair

Why we love it: Use a rich, navy blue color to spotlight your gorgeous, natural hair texture. This indigo-navy hue is ultra-flattering for those with a medium, dark or deep skin tone. It provides dimensional color with vibrance and all-over shine.

How to get the look: Head to the drugstore and grab the L’Oréal Paris Féria Midnight Bold Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Cosmic Azure. This shimmering, navy blue hair dye gives vibrant color to those with dark hair — no bleach required. In as little as an hour, you can give your curls an indigo makeover without the negative effects of bleach damage.

Navy Bixie Cut

Why we love it: The bixie cut is the ultimate ‘90s haircut that combines a pixie cut with a bob. This style is edgy with much less maintenance than the classic pixie cut thanks to the longer, grown out length. When paired with a navy blue hair color, this nostalgic ‘do is uniquely your own.

How to get the look: For the bixie cut, we definitely recommend making an appointment with your stylist. As for the navy strands, those are DIY friendly and we suggest using the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Indigo to get the look. This inky blue color lasts four to ten shampoos so it’s a great way to give navy blue strands a temporary go before you commit with permanent dye.

Navy Ribbon Underlights 

Why we love it: Because of the depth in color, navy hair is naturally more subtle than other hair color trends like oxblood hair or lavender hair. Additionally, underlights are subdued thanks to their strategic placement under the top layer of hair. Together, these two hair color trends make vibrant hair color wearable and easy to blend (or showcase) simply based on the way you style your hair. 

How to get the look: Separate your top layer of hair like you’re creating a half-up, half-down style. Clip the top half of your hair up and out of the way with a claw clip. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Blue and spray your under hair until it’s saturated with color. This temporary hair color lasts until your next shampoo, allowing you to experiment with navy blue strands whenever you feel like it. 

Navy Oil Slick Hair

Why we love it: Oil slick hair features a variety of different colors to resemble the shifting hues of an oil spill. This certain navy variation makes your hair color a midnight masterpiece. The navy, purple and silver ribbons of color give your strands dimension, brightness and depth that remind us of social media’s favorite balayage highlighting technique.  

How to get the look: For easy highlights at home, grab the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Blue, Purple and Silver. Take half-inch sections of hair, hold the can four to six inches away and spray an even layer of color to create DIY highlights. Repeat this process all-over your hair until there is an even mix of navy, purple and silver ribbons.

How to Care for a Navy Blue Hair Color

To keep your navy blue strands from turning into faded color that lacks vibrance, the right routine is key. Check out our top tips to help you maintain your navy strands.

1. Use a Sulfate-Free System for Color Treated Hair

A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner are key to preserving your color. 

This reparative duo works to strengthen color-treated hair inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. Use it to improve hair damage from bleaching or coloring while it strengthens your hair and protects against future harm.

Editor’s tip: Hot water can dry out your strands and lead to faded, lackluster color. For the sake of your navy blue hair, we recommend washing your tresses in lukewarm water. While it’s not as relaxing as a hot shower, your hair color will be better for it. 

2. Maintain Your Color With a Glossing Treatment

To maintain your navy blue hair color’s vibrance and shine, add an in-shower glossing treatment like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Clear to your routine. In as little as 15 minutes, this toning gloss corrects lackluster and brassy color while deep conditioning strands. 

Another way to maintain your hair color is with a glossing shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, pH Balanced. This system is infused with argan oil to help cleanse hair without stripping color, leaving it silky, shiny and smooth.

It also includes an in-shower glossing treatment, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze, which helps to keep colored hair shiny and vibrant. First, cleanse your scalp and hair with the shampoo, then spray the in-shower glaze on wet hair and let it sit for one to three minutes, (do not rinse) and follow up with the conditioner.

3. Opt to Air Dry Your Strands

Using hot tools on a frequent basis can damage your strands and lead to faded hair color. So, put down the hot tools and take a more low-maintenance approach by air-drying your hair.

Those with straight hair can opt for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner to smooth hair, control frizz and seal split ends. Those with wavy and curly hair should use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner to bring out their natural curls. 

When you reach for hot tools, always remember to prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant or L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In.

Next: Mane Changer: 5 Ways to Wear Trendy Lavender Gray Hair Color

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: IG @/angelkosio, Design credit: Sarah Duvivier