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Home • News

Color Theory

Carla Gentry Osorio and her Styles New York Salon team prove that fun, temporary hair hues aren't just for kids
By Nykia Spradley · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Color Theory

Want to know the tricks to pulling off bubblegum-pink hair? Subtle placement, a great cut and a sleek blowout. To transport these Halloween-friendly clip-ins into a chic, grown-up zone, look for human hair options that allow you to manipulate the texture with heat.

Color Theory
Angelika Buettner
02
Color Theory

HairUWear Human Hair Color Extensions in Light Purple ($10, ulta.com).

Snazzy Lites Color Clip-in Human Hair Extensions in Playful Pink ($12, snazzylites.com).

Color Theory
Christine Blackburne
03
Camo Chic

If primary colors aren’t your thing, try this fresh spin on ombré. We created a wide bronze band by dusting a shimmery eye shadow three quarters of the way down from the crown, followed by two inches of golden hair chalk on the ends. Fair warning: This look has the least amount of staying power. The hue rubs off easily, so wear a sleeveless shirt and be prepared either to wash it out before bedtime or to cover your hair to avoid ruining your sheets.

Color Theory
Angelika Buettner
04
Camo Chic

TINT Hair Chalk in Golden Girl ($20, finefeatherheads.com).

Color Theory
Christine Blackburne
05
Camo Chic

MAC Eye Shadow in Antiqued ($15, maccosmetics.com).

Color Theory
Christine Blackburne
06
Camo Chic

MAC 138 Tapered Face Brush ($53, maccosmetics.com).

Color Theory
07
True Blue

Liquid tints can deliver a more vibrant payoff, but they can dry stiff and tangle strands. Instead of air-drying, pass a blow-dryer over locks after applying. The heat keeps them soft and crunch-free. Or brush air-dried colored hair softly and dab with leave-in conditioner to soften.

Color Theory
Angelika Buettner
08
True Blue

L’Oréal Professionnel HairChalk in Blue Ocean Cruise ($24, lpsalons.com for salons)

Color Theory
Christine Blackburne
09
Aqua Cool

Spray formulas can get messy, so use a sheet of paper as a barrier to prevent pigment transfer onto your clothes or other parts of your hair. The upside is once it’s on, the shade will stay put until you wash it out—a little bit of work for a whole lot of pretty.

Color Theory
Angelika Buettner
10
Aqua Cool

Rita Hazan Pop Color in Blue ($18, ritahazan.com).

Color Theory
Christine Blackburne