Icy blue hair is a mesmerizing, ethereal color that evokes images of winter wonderlands and fairytale princesses. It’s a statement color, demanding attention and exuding confidence. But achieving this stunning look isn’t as simple as picking up a box dye. It requires careful planning, patience, and a commitment to hair health. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, from understanding your hair’s current state to maintaining your icy blue masterpiece.
Understanding the Icy Blue Hair Color
Icy blue isn’t just one shade. It encompasses a spectrum of cool-toned blues, ranging from a pale, almost white blue to a deeper, more vibrant sapphire. The perfect shade for you will depend on your skin tone, natural hair color, and personal preference.
Consider your skin tone when choosing your shade of icy blue. Those with cool undertones often look best with lighter, more silvery blues, while warmer skin tones can pull off deeper, more pigmented shades. Ultimately, experimentation and consultation with a stylist are key to finding the perfect match.
Icy blue hair requires a very light base, often a level 9 or 10 blonde. This is because blue pigments are delicate and easily overpowered by darker underlying tones. Attempting to dye darker hair icy blue without proper lightening will likely result in a muddy, greenish hue.
Preparing Your Hair for the Transformation
The foundation for stunning icy blue hair is healthy, strong strands. Bleaching, which is almost always necessary to achieve the desired lightness, can be incredibly damaging. Therefore, prioritizing hair health before, during, and after the coloring process is crucial.
Start weeks, even months, before your appointment by incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your routine. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair shaft.
Limit the use of heat styling tools, such as straighteners and curling irons. Heat can further dry out and damage already vulnerable hair. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
Consider a protein treatment to strengthen your hair before bleaching. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much protein can make hair brittle. Consult with a stylist to determine if a protein treatment is right for you and which product is best suited for your hair type.
Avoid washing your hair for a day or two before bleaching. The natural oils on your scalp can provide a protective barrier against the harsh chemicals in bleach.
The Bleaching Process: Achieving the Perfect Base
Bleaching is the most critical and potentially damaging step in achieving icy blue hair. It’s essential to approach this process with caution and patience.
Start with a strand test. This involves applying bleach to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to assess how it reacts and determine the processing time needed. This prevents any surprises or unexpected damage to your entire head of hair.
Choose the right developer volume. Developer volume determines the lifting power of the bleach. A lower volume (10 or 20) is less damaging but may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired lightness. A higher volume (30 or 40) lifts faster but carries a higher risk of damage. It is recommended to go slow with a lower volume developer.
Apply the bleach carefully and evenly, starting from the roots if they are darker and working your way down to the ends. Ensure that all strands are thoroughly saturated with the bleach mixture.
Monitor the hair closely throughout the bleaching process. Check the strand test regularly to see how the color is lifting and avoid over-processing. The goal is to achieve a pale yellow or almost white base without causing excessive damage.
Rinse the bleach thoroughly with cool water. Apply a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and help repair any damage caused by the bleaching process. Consider using a purple shampoo or toner to neutralize any remaining yellow tones and create a clean, even base for the blue dye.
If your hair is not light enough after the first bleaching session, wait at least two weeks before attempting another bleaching session. Continue to prioritize hair health during this time by using deep conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling.
Dyeing Your Hair Icy Blue
Once you’ve achieved the perfect light blonde base, it’s time to apply the icy blue dye.
Choose a high-quality semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye specifically formulated for pastel or vibrant colors. These dyes are less damaging than permanent dyes and deposit color without lifting the hair’s cuticle.
Perform another strand test before applying the dye to your entire head of hair. This will help you determine the processing time and ensure that you achieve the desired shade of icy blue.
Apply the dye evenly to clean, dry hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a tint brush to ensure thorough and even application.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time. It’s important not to leave the dye on for longer than recommended, as this can result in uneven color or damage to your hair.
Rinse the dye thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo immediately after dyeing, as this can strip the color.
Apply a color-safe conditioner to help seal the cuticle and lock in the color.
Maintaining Your Icy Blue Hair
Maintaining icy blue hair requires a commitment to color-safe products and gentle hair care practices.
Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip the color from your hair, causing it to fade quickly.
Wash your hair as infrequently as possible. Frequent washing can also strip the color. Consider using dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes.
Use cool water when washing your hair. Hot water can open the cuticle and cause the color to fade.
Avoid excessive heat styling. Heat can damage the hair and cause the color to fade. When you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
Use a color-depositing conditioner or hair mask to refresh the color and keep it vibrant. These products deposit small amounts of pigment with each use, helping to maintain the icy blue shade.
Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade the color and damage the hair. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Schedule regular salon visits for root touch-ups and to maintain the overall health and condition of your hair. A professional stylist can also help you adjust the color as needed and provide personalized advice on how to care for your icy blue hair.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
- Brassy tones: If your hair is pulling brassy tones after bleaching, use a purple shampoo or toner to neutralize the yellow and orange hues.
- Uneven color: If the color is uneven, try applying the dye to the areas that are lighter or darker first. You may also need to consult with a stylist to correct the unevenness.
- Fading color: To prevent fading, use color-safe products, wash your hair infrequently, and protect it from heat and sun.
- Dry or damaged hair: If your hair is dry or damaged, use deep conditioning treatments regularly and avoid heat styling.
Professional vs. DIY: Choosing the Right Approach
Deciding whether to achieve icy blue hair at home or in a salon depends on your experience, comfort level, and the current condition of your hair.
DIY Pros: Cost-effective, convenient.
DIY Cons: Higher risk of damage, potential for uneven color, requires extensive research and knowledge.
Professional Pros: Expertise and experience, access to professional-grade products, lower risk of damage, personalized color consultation.
Professional Cons: More expensive, requires scheduling appointments.
If you have experience with bleaching and dyeing your hair, and your hair is in good condition, you may be able to achieve icy blue hair at home. However, if you are unsure or your hair is already damaged, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist.
Icy blue hair is a beautiful and unique color that can transform your look. By following these steps and prioritizing hair health, you can achieve stunning icy blue hair that turns heads and makes you feel confident and beautiful.
What level of blonde is required before attempting icy blue hair?
Achieving icy blue hair requires a very light, almost platinum blonde base. Think the inside of a banana peel – that’s the target shade. Any remaining yellow or orange tones will significantly affect the final color, resulting in a muddy or greenish hue rather than the desired icy blue. It’s crucial to lift your hair to the lightest possible shade for the blue tones to truly shine.
Attempting to apply blue dye over darker blonde shades will result in disappointment. The underlying pigments will mix with the blue, creating undesirable greens or simply obscuring the blue altogether. This often leads to uneven color and a need for additional bleaching, which can further damage your hair. Taking the time to properly lighten your hair to the correct level is paramount for a successful icy blue transformation.
How can I minimize damage when bleaching my hair to achieve a light blonde base?
Minimizing damage during the bleaching process is essential for the overall health and appearance of your hair. Start by using a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume) and applying the bleach in thin sections. This allows for even processing and reduces the risk of overheating certain areas. Incorporate a bond-building treatment like Olaplex or similar into your bleaching process to strengthen and protect your hair bonds.
Furthermore, don’t rush the process. It’s always better to perform multiple bleaching sessions with lower developer volumes than to try and achieve the desired level in one go with a higher volume, which can significantly increase damage. Deep conditioning treatments and protein masks in between bleaching sessions are also crucial to replenish moisture and rebuild damaged protein structures.
What type of blue dye is best for achieving icy blue hair?
For icy blue hair, you’ll want to opt for a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye specifically formulated for pastel or light shades. Look for dyes with violet or silver undertones to help neutralize any remaining yellow in your hair and create that cool, icy effect. Many reputable brands offer pre-mixed icy blue shades, making the application process easier.
Consider the condition of your hair when choosing a dye. If your hair is already damaged, opt for a semi-permanent dye, as it deposits color without further altering the hair’s structure. Always perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired color and to check for any allergic reactions.
How do I prevent my icy blue hair from fading quickly?
Icy blue hair is notorious for fading quickly, so proper aftercare is crucial. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip away the dye molecules, accelerating the fading process. Also, wash your hair as infrequently as possible, opting for dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair fresh.
Avoid hot water when washing your hair, as it opens up the hair cuticle and allows the dye to escape. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water to seal the cuticle and help the color last longer. Additionally, protect your hair from sun exposure, which can also cause color fading, by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray.
How often will I need to touch up my icy blue hair?
The frequency of touch-ups depends on factors like your hair growth rate, the porosity of your hair, and how well you maintain the color. Generally, you’ll need to touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks to maintain a consistent color. As for refreshing the overall color, you might need to reapply the blue dye every 2-4 weeks, depending on how quickly it fades.
Incorporating a color-depositing conditioner or mask into your routine can help extend the life of your icy blue color between touch-ups. These products deposit a small amount of pigment with each use, helping to keep your hair vibrant and prevent fading. Remember that consistency is key to maintaining your desired icy blue shade.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to get icy blue hair?
One common mistake is not lifting the hair to a light enough blonde. As mentioned earlier, any remaining yellow tones will drastically affect the final color, resulting in a greenish or muddy blue shade. Another mistake is using a low-quality or inappropriate dye. Choosing a dye that isn’t specifically designed for pastel or light shades can lead to uneven color or a color that fades quickly.
Neglecting proper hair care after dyeing is also a significant mistake. Using harsh shampoos, washing too frequently, and exposing your hair to heat without protection can all contribute to rapid color fading and damage. It’s essential to invest in quality hair care products and follow a consistent routine to maintain your icy blue hair.
What should I do if my icy blue hair turns green?
If your icy blue hair turns green, it’s likely due to remaining yellow tones in your hair mixing with the blue dye. To correct this, you’ll need to neutralize the green tones with a pink or red-toned shampoo or conditioner. These colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, so they will cancel out the green.
If the green is persistent, you may need to re-tone your hair with a diluted pink or violet toner before reapplying the blue dye. Ensure your hair is as light as possible before attempting to reapply the blue. In severe cases, consulting a professional hairstylist may be the best option to correct the color and avoid further damage.