What's the Deal with Denim Hair? Here’s How to Get the Look

Take one look around and there’s no denying that ‘90s trends have made a comeback. Case in point? The denim trend—and we’re not just talking jackets and jeans. Denim-inspired hair color is now a beauty trend. Think back to your favorite, over-washed jeans. You know the ones: perfectly faded, totally laidback, and pair beautifully with literally anything in your closet. Now imagine what that would look like on your hair. Where platinum hair once stood as the go-to laidback, cool-girl hue, denim hair has arrived to switch things up. With variations like indigo, stonewash, and acid wash, there’s a shade of denim hair out there that will flatter just about everyone. Looking to switch your hair color up? Find the best shade of denim hair for your skin tone, learn how to get the look, and find hair care tips for keeping your new hue looking it’s best. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING DENIM HAIR

Slipping into this hair color may not be as simple as squeezing into your favorite pair of jeans. Getting denim hair first requires bleaching in order for the blue color to show up on your strands. The darker your base color, the more work may be needed to achieve the level of blue you desire. With any drastic color change, seeing a professional colorist is always a good idea, however, you can get the look at home if you’re more of a DIYer. If you’re heading to the salon, be sure to bring photos with you to show your colorist what you’d like. A professional will also be able to guide you in the right direction in regards to what shade of blue will complement you the most. 

THE BEST SHADES OF DENIM HAIR

Ready to take a walk on the blue side? Here are the most popular shades of denim hair to choose from. 

Denim Hair Color #1: Indigo

If you’re not quite ready to embrace a bright blue hue, indigo is the perfect denim variation for you. This ultra-dark shade offers an intense addition to naturally dark hair. This color adds depth to darker skin tones, and it also contrasts gorgeously with paler skin tones by creating an illuminating effect. 

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Indigo

Denim Hair Color #2: Stonewash

If you’re not ready to part ways with your silver hair addiction, a stonewash denim ‘do is just what you’re looking for. The grayish-blue shade can help soften the overall look of your hair for an almost metallic finish.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Féria in Smokey Blue

Denim Hair Color #3: Acid Wash

The palest of all denim, acid wash hair is all about being a pastel blue and white hybrid. Whether you go for an all-over dousing of color or prefer a bleached blonde and baby blue ombré, this denim ‘do looks gorgeous on lighter skin tones. 

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Blue or L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray in Pastel Blue

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DENIM HAIR

When it comes to denim hair, making a few changes to your hair care routine is key. For starters, switch out your regular hair care products for a system of shampoo, conditioner, and mask that are safe for color-treated hair. Try the the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Remedy Balm.

Next, put down the heat tools and embrace your natural texture. Denim is casual, so why not rock effortlessly tousled hair? Apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, then let it air dry. To give your strands extra shape, braid your hair before bed (after using the wave spray) and remove the braids when you wake for the easiest beachy waves ever.

Finally, keep up with your touch-ups by scheduling regular appointments with your colorist or stocking your bathroom with at-home dye. While denim hair is stunning, it does require quite a bit of maintenance.

Open to considering another fashion-inspired beauty look? Check out our article, The Sweatpants of Makeup: A No-Fuss Makeup Look.