Dip-Dye Hair Is Back—and Even Cooler Than it Was the First Time

Disco Pink

To get that dipped look on darker hair, "you'll need to pre-lighten first," says Craig. From there, add the color of your choosing on top. That part can be done at home or the salon—just be sure you run your color preferences by your stylist so they can help you come up with a care plan.

A Nod to Skunk Hair

With "skunk"-colored hair also on the rise, the dip-dye method is a safer way to experiment with the look than a high-contrast, face-framing highlight. When you're done test-driving the trend, cut off those ends and you'll have a bob or shorter haircut that's dye-free.

It Isn't Easy Being Green

"Some colors—blues, greens, reds—will stain the hair and last longer than others," says Choi. "But typically, they wash out quickly," which is why unnatural colors like this are usually considered to be pretty high maintenance. 

Making Waves

Pugh's finger-waves-meets-beach-waves look by stylist Peter Lux might be the style that launched the resurgence of this color trend. We love how she paired her lavender-dipped ends with a smoldering bright pink eyeshadow.

Dusty Dip

High contrast isn't the only way to wear dip-dyed ends. Pairing your roots and ends to the same tonality can create a fun and unique one-dimensional look.

Dip-Dyed Braids

According to Kim, lifestyle is a big part of the equation when deciding what type of dip-dye color to start with. Dip-dyed braids are a great non-committal way to avoid long-term damage and try on an extra vibrant color.

Asymmetrical Dip Dye

We're not sure if it's the asymmetrical dip dye, the peek-a-boo highlight vibes, the stick-straight hair, or the pinned-up side bang, but everything about this look is a hair throwback. We're curious to see if any celebs will venture this deep into the 2010s energy with dip dye's resurgence.

Golden Bantu Knots

We love the way Lizzo paired her dip-dyed Bantu knots with bleached brows. This look is only for the bold.

Cool As Ice

Lady Gaga's icy blue dip-dyed ends are fading to perfection on her silver strands.

While dip-dye color won't damage your hair, there are measures you can take to help hold your fun, vibrant hue as healthily as possible. "Using L’Oreal Professionnel's Metal Detox ($83) before your color service and as part of your at-home care and treatment routine will remove any metal build-up and prepare the hair for all color services, ensuring limited damage and long-lasting color results," says Kim.

Black on Blonde

The amount of color you dip on your ends is determined by considering your features and what's already happening with your hair. "Where the color is placed and how it's applied should enhance a client's face shape and haircut," says Kim.

Layered Dip Dye

If you're dip-dying on layered hair, adding that pop of color into some face-framing highlights will help your dipped ends complement your haircut.

Color Over Shape

"Dip dye works really well on one-length haircuts," says Craig, who points out that a pop of color can do the same thing as layers: add dimension and movement to the hair.

Blue on Blue

Talking with your colorist will help you customize your tone and the shade of your dip-dye color to your unique features. "[Considering] skin tone and eye color are essential to providing a look that enhances a client's natural features," says Kim.

Blended Twists

Adding twists to your dip-dyed strands can break up that abrupt tonal change and provide a more blended distinction.

Keep it Neutral

Wearing dip-dye hair color without a rainbow hue is also très chic. "We're seeing a lot more of those root-y-er looks," says Craig. "It feels safer to some people who don't necessarily want to come into the salon every two months."

Grown Out

Even once your bright color has washed away, you'll still be left with those lightened ends, and that's ok. "People are bringing in references of grown-out hair color," says Craig, so the aftermath is really a whole new look with minimal maintenance. It's an obvious win-win.

Just the Tips

If you have bangs or layers in your haircut, Craig recommends leaving them out. This color trend is all about the tips.

Rainbow Dip

If you're choosing to dip dye with a color(s) that requires a little more attention and upkeep, "you'll probably want to come into the salon every two weeks," says Craig. For at-home dip-dye applications, she recommends Manic Panic's Classic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Dye ($10).