WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT….
It may be one of the hottest hair trends right now, but are rainbow and pastel shades a good look for anyone over the age of 25, asks GH Beauty Director Eve Cameron
Mention blue, purple or pink hair and you may think of Mrs Slocombe from Are You Being Served?, Marge Simpson or, if you have little girls in your life, My Little Pony. Alternatively, you might be one of an increasing number of very cool grown-up women who are embracing shades a touch more colourful than the usual blonde and brunette. Rainbow and pastel hair, you see, is officially A Thing.
Unlike many other trends, this one doesn’t come from the catwalk or a Kardashian, but has its roots in street style. It’s been bubbling for a few years and suddenly it’s everywhere, from Instagram to the high street. It’s a democratic trend, suiting all ethnicities, skin tones, hair types and ages, though it’s Millennials and 50 pluses who are really going for it, according to colourists I’ve spoken to.
It’s no coincidence that these are also the times in our lives when we are celebrating new freedoms. The Millennials are dyeing their hair pink because they can and won’t get grounded for it. At 50 plus, we know life’s too short not to try a little streak of pink just for the hell of it. Besides, it’s only hair. It will wash or grow out.
Still not convinced? I have to confess I didn’t think I’d be a crazy colour convert either. However, the more I considered it, the more women of my age and older I spotted with blue tips, green fringes and purple rinses – and they mostly looked great.
I knew I wanted some of what they were having, but a subtle version. My regular colourist, Jack Howard at Paul Edmonds, suggested a pastel pink streak using a new range of semi-permanent colours, #colorfulhair, from L’oréal Professionnel. A small, hidden section was pre-lightened before the colour was applied and I left the salon with a ‘peekaboo’ highlight that showed when I ran my hand through my hair. I loved it. Just like when I cut myself a slice of cake and end up eating several more, I started to fantasise about extra highlights, maybe mint ones?
But then I washed my hair and most of it came out. Apparently semi-permanent blues and greens last longer than pastel pinks and corals. Although disappointed that it didn’t last a shampoo or two longer, it was a great way to try the trend. And I will do it again as it’s easy to work into my colouring sessions, and it feels youthful and fun. I also have a feeling that the new less-is-more techniques (of highlights rather than a full head) mean that crazy colour could become the new normal, just as darkest red-black nail polish is now a suit-all classic, whatever your age.