Cool, fair skin: choose warm shades, such as pale pink, peach, or tangerine. Warm, fair skin: choose cool shades, such as lavender, robin’s egg blue, or aqua. Cool, medium skin: stick with a deep, jewel tone, such as amethyst or ruby. Warm, medium skin: stick with a saturated shade, such as aquamarine, emerald, or sapphire. Cool, dark skin: try a pastel shade, such as lilac. Warm, dark skin: try a darker shade, such as plum.
You can even use a temporary hair dye, which is more like a liquid hair chalk. This is a great option if your school or work does not allow unnatural hair colors.
This tutorial will assume that you will be bleaching your hair to obtain the traditional pink, purple, and blue unicorn look, but it will include other options as well. There are some vegan hair dyes that do not require any bleaching. Look for labels such as “For Dark Hair” or “Does Not Require Bleaching. " If your dye comes in a tube, you’ll likely need a 10 or 20 volume developer. If you are using a punk brand, such as Manic Panic, then you won’t need a developer.
If you are using hair chalk or eye shadow, you don’t need to bleach your hair. Click here to continue instead. Your hair must be healthy before you bleach it. If it feels dry or brittle, don’t bleach it. Choose the temporary dye option instead. [5] X Research source
Make sure that your hair is healthy. For best results, deep condition it the night before you bleach it. [6] X Research source
If you are starting with light brown hair, try a 10 volume developer. If your hair is medium brown, a 20 volume developer might work best for you. If you have dark brown or black hair, use 30 volume with care; it is very strong.
Never apply bleach starting from the roots. This will cause it to process too fast and may destroy your hair. You can divide your hair into 4 sections first, but you don’t have to.
Expect to wait anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. Never leave bleach in your hair for longer than 45 minutes, or you’ll destroy your hair. Everyone’s hair reacts differently to bleach. Your friend’s hair may bleach a lot slower than yours.
Allow your hair to air dry naturally.
If the initial bleaching process made your hair too dry, do not bleach it again. Simply settle for darker unicorn hair.
Some hair toners need to be mixed with a developer or white conditioner. Read the instructions to find out. Most hair toners need to sit in your hair for 20 to 30 minutes. [11] X Research source Purple toning shampoos typically need to sit in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. [12] X Research source If you have platinum or pale yellow hair, you do not need to tone it.
Some deep conditioners need to sit for only 5 minutes, while others need to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you plan on dyeing your hair all the way up to the roots, apply some petroleum jelly to the skin around your ears and hairline. It’s best if you wait 24 hours before dyeing your hair, especially if it feels dry.
Stir each color with a separate plastic spoon or tinting brush. This will prevent color transfer. Different brands may have different mixing instructions, so be sure to follow those carefully.
You don’t absolutely have to do this, but it will help keep yourself more organized. It is highly recommended for those with thick hair.
For an all-over dye job, apply the dye to the entire strand, starting from the roots. [15] X Research source For an ombre look, start applying the dye about halfway down the hair shaft.
Again, be sure to work the dye into your hair.
You do not have to wrap the previous sections with plastic wrap. Some color transfer is perfectly fine for the unicorn look. You can apply more than 1 color to a section of hair. Be sure to blend the 2 colors together by rubbing them with your fingers. [16] X Research source
Read the instructions that came with your dye. They will tell you how long the dye should be left in your hair.
You should continue to use cool to lukewarm water for this step. Read the instructions on the container of deep conditioner. Some deep conditioners need to sit in your hair for only 5 minutes, while others need to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
This method is meant to add streaks of color to your hair; it is not recommended for an all-over dye job.
You don’t have to do this step, but it will help keep you organized, especially if you have long or thick hair.
If you are using hair chalk or eye shadow, dampen the hair section first.
If you are using hair chalk or eyeshadow, rub the chalk/shadow across the top and underside of the hair section. [21] X Research source
Wipe your gloves clean between colors to prevent color transfer.
You should do this step if you used hair chalk or eye shadow too.
Since most cleansing shampoos contain drying sulfates, it would be a good idea to follow up with conditioner.
The label should say whether or not it is sulfate-free, but double-check the ingredient label.
Don’t use hot water, or the dye will fade. It will also make your hair dry and frizzy.
If you don’t like to wear hats, try hoods or scarves. You can also spray your hair with a UV protection spray.
