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

Take one look around and there’s no denying that denim has made a comeback—and we’re not just talking jackets and jeans. Denim-inspired hair is now a trend. Think back to your favorite, over-washed jeans. You know the ones—they’re perfectly faded, totally laidback, and pair beautifully with literally anything in your closet. Now just 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. Here, find the best shade of denim hair for your skin tone, learn how to get the look, and find tips for caring for your new blue hue.

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. What we mean: Getting denim hair first requires bleaching in order for the blue color to show up on your strands. So, 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.

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 is especially gorgeous on darker skin tones, as it can add depth. It also contrasts gorgeously with pale skin tones, as well, by creating an illuminating effect.

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

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. Intrigued?

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

3. Acid Wash: The palest of all the denim hair colors, acid wash hair is all about being a pastel blue and white hybrid. Whether you go for an allover 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

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 formulated for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask.

Then, put down the heat tools and embrace your natural texture. Denim is casual—so why not rock casual hair? Apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse, L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, or L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Undone Style Cream to wet hair, then let it air dry.

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 definitely stunning, remember that it does require quite a bit of maintenance.