How to Get a Unicorn-Inspired Hair Color

Something magical is happening in the beauty world—and surely, you’ve seen it taking place. We’re talking about the unicorn beauty trend. From the perfect iridescent lippy to the coveted metallic dagger nails, there’s something for everyone. Today, however, we’re here to tell you all about unicorn hair. There’s just something about the combo of pretty pastel shades that leaves us swooning—and we have a pretty good feeling that you feel the same way. Want to bring this look to life yourself? Follow the unicorn hair tutorial below—and turn on your imagination!

What You Need to Know About Getting Unicorn Hair

Unicorn hair is all about mixing an array of different pastel colors together to create a fun, versatile look that, despite its many colors, seems to pair well with just about anything. There’s something to be said about a serious style statement—and when it’s done in pretty pastels, you better believe people you’ll turn heads.

The trick to creating a buzz-worthy unicorn ‘do is to keep the shades light and airy. Where other trendy hair colors may be all about full coverage from roots to tips, unicorn hair is more about a series of chunky colors applied with a balayage technique so that they can seamlessly transition into one another for a gorgeous, color melding look.

Since unicorn hair is comprised of many different colors, consider visiting a professional colorist to get the look, as he or she will expertly be able to place the shades. What’s more, remember that when you’re dyeing your hair pastel colors, you’ll need to bleach your strands first in order for the colors to show up. So, the darker your base shade, the more work it’ll require to achieve your desired effect.

Your At-Home Unicorn Hair Color Tutorial

Ready to try the look at home? Follow these steps for a mythical creature-inspired rainbow hair hue.

Step 1: Bleach your hair. To rock a unicorn ‘do, you’ll first need to bleach your hair if you haven’t already or if you aren’t a natural blonde. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach—and make sure to follow the included instructions.

Step 2: Come up with a game plan. Look in the mirror and determine where you want certain colors to be. You’ll want to start at your roots, so the best way to create color variation is to split your hair into multiple sections and pin them out of the way with lobster clips so that you can work one by one.

Step 3: Pick your colors. Try a combination of the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Pink, Soft Pink, Purple, Blue and Aqua. Pastels, FTW! Pick whichever shades you’d like—this look is totally customizable, so it’s all up to you!

Step 4: Bring your Unicorn ‘do to life. Going section by section, apply your shades according to the directions. Continue this process until you have a few chunks of every color all over your head.

Step 5: Show your unicorn hair some love. Once you have your new rainbow hue, it’s important to properly care for it. Switch to a system of products formulated for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask. In the shower, rinse off in lukewarm water as super-hot H2O can strip your strands of essential oils.

Step 6: Style your strands. Then, give your unicorn hair a break from the heat tools by allowing it to air dry instead. 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 and you’re good to go.

Now go and ride off into the sunset like the magical unicorn that you are!