6 BEYOND BOLD HALF AND HALF SPLIT HAIR COLOUR IDEAS
For locks that are twice as nice, it’s all about split hair colour right now; a trend that sees two block shades painted through strands to create a duo-tone effect. From punchy pastels to statement bolds, this split hair trend was made for the brave, seeing colours meet at the roots (below left) or halfway through the lengths (below right).
Case in point:
Image Credit: @aslabreyt
Image Credit: @jhair_stylist
How Do You Color Hair Half and Half?
Two colours, two ways. Here, we explore how to create the split hair trend for your clients, whether you’re dividing the colour up vertically or horizontally. Which look will you be trying first?
1. Split From the Roots
For half and half hair colour that starts at the parting, you’ll want to treat the two sides of the head separately. Consider the base you’re working with, and whether hair lightener is needed as a canvas for colour. As a general rule, Blondor is required for locks any darker than a medium blonde – that is, if you’re trying to switch to a shade that’s bolder and brighter or lighter than the existing hue. Use a pintail comb to precisely split the two halves of hair, then clip into place so there’s no bleeding between the colours you’re creating. You’re aiming for a clean, flawless line.
2. Split Through the Lengths
Half and half hair colour top and bottom is a little like a dip-dye. Your client’s shade switches part-way through the lengths for a contrasting effect, meaning precision is key. The goal is a clear line across the full width of hair, whether created with Blondor and foils plus two toners, or two concentrated colour formulas from root to mid-lengths, then mid-lengths to tips.
Half and Half Hair Colour Ideas and Formulas
Two Tone Red Hair
Image Credit: @aslabreyt
Pure and punchy, this two-tone red hair look is split directly down the middle, then styled poker straight to allow the crimson-orange combo to make a statement. Color Fresh CREATE was applied to a Blondor’d surface, using the semi-permanent shades Next Red (left) and Infinite Orange (right). We are obsessed.
Yellow Split Hair Colour
Image Credit: @kai_sohn
Anything but mellow, this neon yellow hair look sees violet blonde roots segue into acid bright mid-lengths. Who knew pastels and brights could make such a dream team? Wella Passionista Kai Sohn used BlondorPlex + 4% (1:1,5) to pre-lighten, then toned roots with permanent Koleston Perfect 8/96 + 10/96 + 0/66(10:10:1) 1,9% (1:2). After rinsing, a combination of Color Fresh CREATE Uber Gold and Neverseen Green (10:2) was applied to the mid-lengths and ends, resulting in split hair colour that’s beyond Insta-worthy.
Icy Two Tone Hair Colour
Image Credit: @tombadgerhair
More 70/30 than 50/50, this black and white split hair creation sees an icy cool shot of colour swept through the front of the hair on just one side. Wella Passionista Tom Badger painted the panel in Blondor 4%, let it develop for 30-40 minutes, then applied 10/69 + 8/69 + 9/60 over the top for a killer contrast.
Green and Grey Split Hair Colour
Image Credit: @off7thsalon
Charcoal lengths and green money piece highlights are giving us Billie Eilish vibes, and they are easily recreated using Color Fresh CREATE for that emerald hue. Look to Neverseen Green, and consider adding a dose of Super Petrol for a cooler twist. Then, apply in three-inch panels through the front of the hair, before rinsing, drying and styling with a curling iron.
Pink and Blonde Split Hair Colour
Image Credit: @ajhairstudio
This is a strawberries and cream dream come true, featuring macaron pink on one side and vanilla on the other – both enhanced by a sleek and super-blunt bob haircut. For the blonde, Color Touch 10/81 + 9/16 1,9% was applied and rinsed, before Koleston Perfect 10/95 + 0/65 gave locks a pinky pastel glow.
Black and White Split Hair Colour
Image Credit: @kelly_evans_hair
For clients who ask ‘how do I dye my hair half black and half blonde?’, this look is the answer, with an even split between glossy jet black and a frosty platinum that’s ultra-alluring. While BlondorPlex was used for the lift, permanent Illumina Color gave the finished look a light-reflective sheen that pairs flawlessly with super-straight styling.
How to Maintain Half and Half Hair Colour
For clients looking to refresh and revive their half and half hair colour, the new Color Fresh Mask offers the perfect colour-brightening solution. A conditioning treatment that deposits pigment, it’s designed to be used between colour appointments to keep salon hues looking fresh, glossy and lustrous. There are 11 to choose from, spanning natural-looking blondes, soft pastels and vivid tones. Recommend clients pick up two – one to match each half of their split colour creation.
