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Here's How to Get Rainbow Hair if You're a Brunette

If you've been dreaming of a mermaid mane, this is how you get vivid colors minus the damage
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While I've never truly subscribed to the idea that blondes have more fun, they do have infinitely more options when it comes to rainbow hair color trends. From dreamy pastels to galaxy-inspired ombre, these colors were designed for people with flaxen hair. But now there's a rainbow hair color trend just for brunettes that doesn't require bleaching.

Oil slick hair is a technique that allows brunettes to rock rainbow hair, minus the serious damage that can come with it. Celebrity colorist Aura Friedman invented the look, which incorporates inky iridescent tones of purples, blues and greens, and was inspired by gasoline-laced puddles on a rainy day.

"It's dark, mysterious, rich and, more importantly, the most striking fantasy hair trend with the least amount of damage," says Splat Hair Color Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Helen Crutchfield-Christoni.

Crutchfield-Christoni says for a more vibrant oil slick look, darker brunettes will need to lift their hair to a light brown, but don't have to go to the platinum or light blonde levels that other rainbow hair color trends require.

The color should last four to eight weeks, says Crutchfield-Christoni, as long as you stick to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners (We like Joico Color Endure Sulfate-Free Shampoo, $14.99, and the Joico Color Endure Sulfate-Free Conditioner, $16.99).

Here, 16 oil slick rainbow hair looks to give you all the inspiration you need for your next salon or at-home color.

Image via @alix_maya

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Pop of Red
While the traditional oil slick colors play up violets, greys, blues and greens — make the trend your own by incorporating a strand of red here and there. It's the perfect contrast for making blue eyes pop.

Image via @hairbymandielynn

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Oil Slick Ombre
Ombre hair is still very much a thing, but an oil slick version is one way to enhance the style. (Plus, it's perfect for the ladies who have hair color commitment issues.

Image via @kristiwhite

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Brilliant Brunette
Why pick one, when you can have them all? We love this extra-vibrant take on the oil slick hair trend. Just be sure to go two to three days between washing to extend the life of your bright, eye-catching colors. To DIY this look at home, try Splat Midnight Hair Color, $8.99.

Image via @hairbynicolementzer

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Light and Bright
So what if you're a naturally light brunette? You can still pull off the trend by adding subtle red highlights to the green/purple/blue scheme — and it looks just as beautiful in a subdued tone. It instantly jazzes up your natural look, and there is zero bleaching required. Winning (does happy dance).

Image via @j_stuteville.designs

BY JESSICA AMARIS | OCT 26, 2016 | SHARES
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