Just when you thought dip-dying, bright ombrés and rainbow hair were the boldest dye-jobs you could get, someone came up with a formula to have your hair literally glow in the dark - and the results are insane!
Glow-in-the-dark hair, which is also being called blacklight hair, has officially become the latest and most outrageous hair trend of the year and we have the "Star Wars" franchise to thank. It all started with a "Star Wars"-themed hair contest on Instagram called #StarWarsPopLocks when hair and makeup artist Mishele DiMaria came up with the crazy idea, according to Teen Vogue. The multicolored style looks fun and colorful during the day and then creates a mesmerizing effect in the dark when put under a blacklight.
You can use Manic Panic High Voltage Classic Cream Formula Hair Color - which has been on the market for years but just started gaining attention - in Cotton Candy Pink, Electric Tiger Lily or Siren's song for a semi-permanent effect or Manic Panic's Dye Hard Hair Color Styling Gel for a glowing look that washes right out. DiMaria calls her two-toned look "Lightsaber," but once the trend started to spread, people didn't stop there, and Instagram and Pinterest soon became filled with hundreds of photos of people with full heads of rainbow glow-in-the-dark hair.
While it's fun and exciting to try at home, professional stylists are weighing in on the idea and suggest that it be done by a skilled hairstylist so you don't damage your hair.
"Glow-in-the-dark is a fun trend that won't necessarily damage your hair, but keep in mind that bright colors tend to stain blondes," New York-based celebrity colorist Meghan Frayne told Mashable. "Always make sure your hair is conditioned before applying color."
New Jersey stylist Elizabeth Davis explained that she starts by pre-lightening the hair to almost a platinum blonde. "Blondes, of course, I can see why they have more fun," she told "Today." "It's more expensive and more of a commitment for those with darker hair."
Her salon, which has been bombarded with requests for the illuminating process, then uses the professional hair color line Vivid Neons by Pravanna as this line leaves hair soft and in the best condition once finished. Instead of placing it on hair in a single process, Davis prefers to do a balayage or ombre style to achieve the best results or refresh the color the clients already have.
"Vivid Neons will be bright and vibrant as long as they are in the hair," Pravanna stylist Jamie Muniz explained to "Today." "So [they last about] 4 to 6 weeks depending on care."
Davis recommends clients wash their hair only twice a week, just shampooing the root of the hair, to prevent the color from fading, and to avoid hot water.
