Half Neon Green Half Black Hair? Trust The Answer

If you’re looking for something subtle that can make you feel brand new, that’s where peekaboo highlights come in – a trend where colors just barely peek out of your base color.

There are so many simple things in life that bring joy—whether it’s a morning cup of coffee, a new package in the mail, or sitting in your colorist’s chair for a brand new shade. Here at Hair.com, we’re always thinking of new and exciting ways to play with our hair color with the least commitment.

Want to know more about the Peekaboo Highlights? Here’s everything you need to know, plus 23 ways to try the trend whether you’re blonde or brunette.

What is peekaboo hair color?

Peekaboo hair color is when color is applied to your bottom layer of hair. As you run your fingers through your hair, the shade underneath “shimmers” through your top layer of hair to reveal a pop of color. If you ask for peekaboo highlights at the salon, your colorist will apply thin or thick streaks of color underneath the top layer of your hair.

Why Get Peekaboo Highlights?

Ombre, balayage and dip dye have all been done. We’ve been looking for a trend to inspire us, and peekaboo highlights are it. After all, who doesn’t want a hint of pink or blue hiding somewhere in their mane?

Seeing the flash of your peekaboo hue is a small moment of surprising happiness, like finding five bucks in your pocket or remembering you packed a cookie with your lunch. As they say, the little things make the difference, especially when it comes to beauty.

How much do peekaboo highlights cost?

As always, the price of your service depends entirely on the salon you go to, where it is located, as well as the condition of your hair. Peekaboo highlights can cost a little less money than a full head of traditional highlights, depending on the color you choose. Contact your colorist or visit your salon’s website to find out how much peekaboo highlights would cost.

Is peekaboo hair high maintenance?

Laid back hair lovers, this is for you! Peekaboo highlights are very low maintenance as their placement is partially obscured, allowing touch-ups to be done less frequently and with peace of mind.

Where do you put peekaboo highlights?

More traditional peekaboo highlights are painted onto the bottom layers of hair, but there are other out-of-the-box techniques you can use to experiment with the trend as well. A few alternative ways to add a pop of color to your tresses are weaving color around the face and roots, or gradually toning the hair from front to back.

Inspired to try peekaboo highlights yourself? Keep scrolling for 23 ideas to get you going!

The best peekaboo highlights ideas to try right now

Good Hair Day by @heatherpaints_hair.

forest green

Stay cool with a unique combination of woody green under a rich red. If you choose to go an imaginative shade like green, pick a shampoo and conditioner formulated for fast-fading hair color like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate – Free shampoo and conditioner.

Good Hair Day by @pedro_plastic.

yellow and black

Neon hair is everywhere on Instagram. Up the ante by wearing neon yellow and black at the same time. Bonus points for adding a third shade like platinum gray. Looking in the mirror never gets boring!

Good Hair Day by @alexandralee1016.

purple

Like the flower it is named after, purple hair color is delicate and understated. If you have pale skin, purple peekaboo highlights are for you. We love pulling hair into a braided updo to show off all the nuances of this shade.

Good Hair Day by @hairvteam_parrucchieri.

lavender

For a sweeter, softer version of purple peekaboo highlights, try lavender hair. Hidden under ash gray or silver, the shade creates the illusion of thicker hair while adding an edge to your maned look. Be sure to let your colorist know that you want to blend those highlights as much as possible.

If you want to experiment with lavender before fully taking the plunge, grab a color-depositing conditioner like Biolage Professional Lavender Color Depositing Conditioner to add a temporary dose of purple tones.

Good Hair Day by @artistrybyanita_ and @whitstodyefor.

Cotton candy on black

Less isn’t always more, especially when it comes to hair color. For a peekaboo look that’s whimsical and vibrant against jet black hair, cotton candy peekaboo highlights are your go-to. Combining strokes of pastel pink, blue and lilac, your colorist creates fanciful strands that hide just below your top layer of dark hair.

Good Hair Day by @dandyroots_.

Pink on orange

Regardless of the color of your hair, pink is always an excellent choice for peekaboo highlights! It is particularly lively when combined with an equally light tone from a similar color family, such as burnt orange. Placed atop shoulder-wrapping layers, the end result is a real head-turner.

Good Hair Day by @taylorhardeehair.

Bubble gum pink and platinum

If you’re still into a pink kick but prefer more muted tones, could we recommend platinum blonde layered over bubblegum pink?

The bleach required for this look can cause damage and dryness. So keep a good moisturizing regime on hand to keep your hair from becoming limp and straggly. Biolage Professional Hydra Source Shampoo and Conditioner features a state-of-the-art formula that is said to resemble the moisture-retaining properties of the aloe plant, which can help balance the hair’s moisture levels.

Good Hair Day by @headrushdesigns.

Turquoise

The hair community will probably never get over the serious crush on the color turquoise. The vibrant, not-quite-aqua shade is so beautiful it’s impossible to go out of style.

Good Hair Day by @melissahilights.

Blush to Blonde

This soft shade of blush looks great on cool blonde hair and acts like a pastel eyeshadow. This is a method made handy for pale complexions. If you’re hoping to push the boundaries even further, talk to your colorist about a shade of lilac with hints of purple.

Good Hair Day by @ashlishade_hair.

Ice blue on blonde

There are a dozen cartoon princess jokes you can make about this hair color, but she’s almost too pretty to joke about. If you’re naturally light blonde or have been working toward platinum for months, reward all that care with a frosty blue accent shade.

Since blonde hair can often be quite brittle, we recommend trying this look when you have a bit more length. If you find grooming is too much, just ask your stylist to trim away the blue, or enlist the help of a good split end healer like Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray when you’re letting go of your long ones hair can not separate .

Part of the Instacure Anti-Breakage Collection, the spray is designed to combat damage caused by chemical, mechanical and environmental stress. Users report a 60% reduction in breakage after just one use!

Good Hair Day by @aaashleee.

Turquoise on violet

If you’re looking for a slightly bolder version of purple hair, consider purple with turquoise peekaboo color. It adds a flash of light to the base color in much the same way white blonde brightens a honey shade.

Good Hair Day by @nikki.diederich.

Muted blue on black

Although fashion colors like pastel pink and blue continue to rise in popularity, we’re drawn to vampire alternatives. This gray-blue hue over a black base is a subtle way to create drama without the neon tones. In the right light, these peekaboo highlights could almost be mistaken for shiny highlights.

If you were going through a serious emo phase back then, maybe it’s time to revisit it with this edgy blue look — overdrawn eyeliner not included.

Good Hair Day by @jillianbono.

Indigo on black

Indigo is no longer just for your favorite distressed jeans. This deep shade of cobalt can look just as beautiful in your hair, especially when mixed with a black base. For medium skin tones, this peekaboo look is a low-key way to feel like your color has been refreshed.

Make this dark duo pop with a shine-boosting mask like Shu Uemera Art of Hair Ashita Supreme Intense Revitalization Hair Mask. It is made with Japanese ashitaba extract that gives the hair a radiant shine. This added shine helps sharpen individual colors, resulting in gorgeous dimension.

Good Hair Day by @hannahdisconnected.

Aqua on Silver

These bright pops of color are trickier to maintain than their muted counterparts, but your colorist can customize a hair care routine to keep them looking flawless.

Good Hair Day by @kristin_ess.

Sunny blonde on chocolate

Swap the striped highlights of the early ’00s for this vibrant color combo. Laid in delicate pieces around your face, sunny blonde creates a youthful, natural vibe that’s perfect for laid-back women with messy waves.

When it comes to inspiration for this look, be sure to consult the pros. Colorists with less experience may not be able to recreate the effortless vibe of these peekaboo highlights.

Good Hair Day by @emmastylistt.

Red on Black

There’s no doubt reds are having a moment, and bold streaks of crimson are a vibrant way to dip your toes into the fiery color family without sacrificing your dark roots.

Good Hair Day by @lisa_createdtocreate and @meaghanmastersonhair.

Orange among sunflower

Why mix things up when you can wear orange stripes under a bright sunny yellow? We love the placement of orange at the hairline to add even more brightness to the face. To bring out the pop of color underneath, blow dry the hair first with a round brush for extra volume. Then lift the hair near your hairline up and away from your face and spritz an extra-controlling, texturizing hairspray like Matrix Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray at the roots to give them support.

Good Hair Day by @emmawillismakeup.

brunette under blonde

Gone are the days of veiling our roots! We love a low-maintenance grow out, and asking your colorist for a root stain on the lower layers of hair is an easy way to blur the dividing lines between two hair colors. Flipping your hair upside down or sideways still gives you a hint of peekaboo color that’s unexpected but intentional.

Good Hair Day by @blondingandbridal.

rose gold

As previously mentioned, peekaboo highlights aren’t just limited to the bottom of your hair. If the rose gold trend catches your interest but you don’t want to color your whole head, consider using the rose gold shade on your roots! It will be an accent color instead of the main event.

Good Hair Day by @pati.rodrig.

Rainbow under rose gold

Whether you’ve already tried full rainbow hair or just want to try it as an accent color, pairing it with the always-chic rose gold is the way to go.

Good Hair Day by @msnataliejean.

Reverse peekaboo highlights

If there’s one thing we love about hair color trends, it’s that there are no rules. Why not turn the peekaboo color on its head by adding a lighter shade, like ash blonde, to an outer section of hair? The bold contrast will be front and center for a unique look that won’t be forgotten.

Good Hair Day by @jenthehairmagician.

Sunset Highlights

You’ll know you’ve nailed the peekaboo look when you lift a layer of hair to reveal a set of gorgeous sunset highlights underneath. The combination of magenta, orange, red and yellow perfectly resembles the stunning evening sky as the sun sets in the west. We love how this look also weaves in some lavender and then finishes the look off with a rainbow clip for extra whimsy.

Good Hair Day by @megannoelle_hair.

Caramel on Hazelnut

If you’ve made it this far down the list, chances are you’re looking for a more office-ready color combo to try. Look no further than caramel peekaboo highlights. When hair is slicked back as shown here, the nutty, rich hue is incredibly flattering on any complexion.

On long, flowing waves, this color combo is the ultimate bombshell move. thank us later

At Hair.com you will find all the salon quality products you need to keep your peekaboo hair color rich and healthy

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The underdye hair color trend is back in a big way and modern techniques are making it better than ever. Check out different ways to wear this fun trend and find out how to incorporate this popular hair coloring technique into your look below.

Consider Underdye Hair?

Tired of seeing the same hair colors (ashy blonde, anyone?) and coloring techniques (ahem, balayage) over and over again? You’re probably ready to broaden your horizons and delve into emerging hair color trends that haven’t fully saturated the internet yet. Still.

Underdye hair color is one of those burgeoning trends. It’s a truly unique coloring technique that gives you those fun pops of unexpected color on the lower layers of your hair.

With this technique, the color is not applied to the top layers of hair. So the color only comes through if you move your head or pull it up. That makes it appealing to many women who want to try a new color without fully committing to it by staining their whole head.

It also results in less overall damage to your hair (less hair being dyed or bleached), less maintenance than a solid color and gives you the freedom to be a little more experimental with your color choices.

If you were alive and conscious in the ’00s, the underdye hair trend is nothing new to you. You probably remember celebs like Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, and Nicole Richie sporting peekaboo colors on the bottom of their hair in the heyday of alternative looks.

Today’s underdye hair color looks are less trashy, classier and much more modern. As hair coloring techniques and methods continue to improve, we are seeing a resurgence of women coloring the underside of their hair.

You might be thinking about trying the underdye trend soon. But before you commit to this unique coloring method, be sure to look at many examples for photo inspiration. We’ve got you covered!

It’s a good idea to also read up on underdye hair color and your options. We’ll finish with a few things to think about before booking your appointment. Let’s take a look underneath and see what’s up with the underdye color trend!

What is underdye hair color?

TL;DR: Underdye hair color is hair color that is not applied to the top layer of hair, only to the underside.

Underdye hair dye (sometimes referred to as peekaboo hair dye) refers to dyes that are applied to the underside of the hair, usually the section of hair closest to the neckline. However, variations are common, and different hair characteristics and uses can change the entire look. Here’s a look at how the color of the undercolor can vary:

Depth: Undercolored color can be applied at any “depth” in the hair. Color can be applied to the section closest to the neckline. But we often see undercolored sections made closer to the surface so they show through a bit more.

Placement: Undercolored color can be symmetrical and applied to an entire layer of hair. Peekaboo color can be applied under the top layer with highlights or lowlights. It can also be applied only to specific sections (like bangs or on one side). A popular look is a shaved undercut, which is then dyed a different color to make it stand out better.

Color: Any color can be used for underdye coloring techniques. While the traditional hair colors like blonde, brunette, red, and black are commonly used, it’s very popular to use vibrant, vibrant colors that catch the eye.

Length: The length of your hair changes the look of undercolored sections. If you have very short hair (like a pixie cut), your undercolor will be visible all the time. If you have longer hair, your color can be hidden until the wind blows, you part or move your hair or pull it up.

With all these variations, you can create so many different looks with your underdye color. We’re going to talk more about how you can choose what your foundation color should look like in the “Things to Consider” section. For now, let’s turn our attention to some of the underdye hair color examples that we’ve found that can’t stop drooling about.

15+ Underdye Hair Color Looks to Obsess over

We’re always looking for the next hair trend to obsess over. The underdye color trend is definitely drool-worthy, and we’re downright obsessed here. You will join us after seeing these beautiful inspiration pictures!

1. Black and blond undercolor

The combination of dramatic black with carefree blonde creates a cool juxtaposition that will turn heads. In this look, the face-framing sections at the bottom of the hair are bleached blonde to create a nice contrast that is best shown when the hair is tucked behind the ears.

2. Colors of the Rainbow Underdye

The peekaboo rainbow color is so fun and unexpected! We love how the light, buttery blonde on top doesn’t draw attention away from the vibrant color palette that shines from below.

3. Brunette with warm peekaboo blonde

Do you need to keep things professional or workplace friendly? Go for hidden undercoloring like this one. Only the area stretching from behind the ears to the cleavage is bleached for an attractive contrast that is only visible when the hair is pinned up.

4. Designed and colored undercut

One word for this look: wow! If you are bold in your hairstyle choices and don’t mind taking big risks, this is the edgy look for you. A high undercut shaved into the back with shaved patterns is brought to life with vibrant blue and purple hues beneath pretty platinum blonde.

Read Next: Purple Hair Examples

5. Caramel Strawberry Blonde over Black

This unique strawberry caramel blonde hair color is sure to turn heads, but with the dramatic depth of black peeking out from underneath, it’s quite the look. Do you prefer something “lighter”? Opt for black or brunette lowlights underneath instead.

6. Magenta underdyed fringes

This is a cool, punky take on the underdye hair color trend and we love it! Limit your vibrant color choices to a small section of your hair—the bangs are done here—with only very thin strands layered from the top undyed section. It gives a cool effect to the color and is a unique way to wear this trend.

7. Platinum over the rainbow

Find yourself somewhere across the rainbow with this pretty mix of highly saturated pastels and platinum blonde. Blue, pink and purple bring the bottom to life and the top blonde section can be pinned up or pinned back to show off whenever you like. Add curls for a gorgeous finishing touch!

8. Long with colored undercut

A detailed undercut design that reminds us of a sunflower mandala would be the centerpiece of this pretty long hairstyle, but then the orange and green undercoloring came in and became the showstopper. Since the hair is kept quite long, the peekaboo color only shows when you want it to.

9. Icy Blue Fade with Peekaboo Underdye

This cool toned drop fade is balanced with the help of a full rainbow of vibrant colors peeking out from underneath. Here, the under coloring is applied to both the longer sections and the close-shaved part for more pops of color.

Read Next: Blue Hair Ideas

10. Royal Purple under bright copper

Deep purple exudes a magical vibe from the bottom of the hair, while bright, fiery copper and pink tones dominate the top. When the hair is laid completely flat, you can still see the longest layers of the deep purple tones in this layered style.

11. Ultraviolet with Mulberry Underdye

Shaggy haircuts show off peekaboo colors really well thanks to all the layers in them. Here, a bright ultraviolet color catches your eye and appears to be “shadowed” by a warm mulberry color that emerges at the ends.

12. Rosy platinum over maroon

A unique rose-colored platinum (maybe the new rose-gold?) would be the star of the show, but a deep and hearty maroon color on the underside is what really shines through. We love how this unexpected color combination works!

13. Electric Blue Multicolored undercolor

If the electric blue doesn’t get you, the vibrant colors underneath will! What better way to highlight a bold, vibrant hair color like blue than to add other bold colors? The full effect only unfolds when the hair is pulled up – otherwise it just looks blue.

Continue reading: Galaxy Hair Ideas

14. Clear pastel blue

This example shows a bubblegum pink color on the top gradually giving way to this pastel blue color on the bottom. The big barrel curls gathered at one side are a great way to show off your undercoloring!

15. Mardi Gras Underdye

If enjoying a slice of king pie while parading down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras was a hair color, this would be it. Have fun with bold green, purple underneath and yellow (gold) on top for a color scheme that will have you partying!

16. Cherry red fringes with purple ebony undercolor

Here’s a cute take on the underdye trend! Cherry red bleeds into a pretty deep purple hue on the top layers. Pure ebony color is applied underneath to create a beautiful contrast and shadow effect that gives this style so much depth.

things to consider

Yes, it’s a beautiful look. Yes, there are tons of variations to get you the look you want. And yes, it’s something a little bit different and unique than other hair trends that we’re kind of sick of. But there are a few potential downsides to getting underdye hair color, and it’s important to know about them before committing.

Here’s what you need to know before booking your appointment:

The color will wash out or grow out over time

Don’t expect your foundation color to be a permanent part of your new look – maintenance is required to keep it looking good. If you choose a semi-permanent color, it will wash out and fade after a month or two.

If you choose a permanent color it must grow out as the color will not fade. Luckily, if you have long hair, you can usually hide unwanted roots or faded color. For ladies with short locks, more maintenance is required to keep the color vibrant.

Consider how this affects your obligations

Workplaces, schools, churches, and even volunteer organizations you belong to may have rules about allowed hair colors. If you are involved in an organization or group that may not allow non-traditional colors, you may be forced to wear your hair down every day.

This will hide the colored sections or you will not be able to wear certain styles that show off your new hair color. Think about it and find out what (if any) hair color rules you need to follow before spending money on this service.

First think about the cost and upkeep

Coloring your hair is never a one-time service. It requires costly maintenance and care to keep looking good. So think about how the cost and time involved add up over time when deciding on a primer color.

Your first appointment can range from $50 to over $200 (depending on the average hair dye cost) and touch-up appointments can range from $30 to $60.

If you use this service and have two touch-ups before deciding on a different look, you could end up spending between $110 and $320 in total!

Choose complementary colors

It’s important to carefully consider the color(s) you choose for the bottom of your hair. You have to think about how the color will look with the rest of your hair and your skin tone.

If your hair is a warm color, like coppery red or caramel blonde, avoid cool colors on the underlying sections and vice versa. Make sure you choose colors that also go well with your skin’s undertones. Warm undertones that look best in warm colors and gold should stick with warm colors.

Cool undertones that look best in cool colors and silver should stick with cool colors. Neutral undertones that look great in both warm/cool colors and gold/silver can go for any color – as long as it looks good with the rest of the hair color.

Start small if you are unsure

You don’t have to commit to coloring large sections of the bottom of your hair right away. If you’re feeling insecure, try starting small.

Ask your stylist to add just a few highlights at the bottom of your hair that subtly show through. This gives you a chance to see how you like the peekaboo color without the expense and commitment of coloring the entire underside.

Just have fun with it

Hair is one of the best ways to express yourself. So if you like the underdye look, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it! If you’d never rock a bright color all over the place, you might love the way an unexpected pop of purple brightens up your look as it peeks through the top layer of your hair.

frequently asked Questions

What is Underdye? An under dye is a popular hair coloring technique in which the stylist dyes the bottom half of your hair a different color than the top half. First, separate the hair into a top and bottom section. Then dye is applied to the lower part. Many people choose an unnatural color like blue, pink, or purple for their color. What is peekaboo hair? Peekaboo hair is another name for underdye hair. It gets its name because you can easily see the color under the top color of the hair when you style it in a down hairstyle. Generally, this should be a light color so it pops out of your natural hue when you run your fingers through it. What is undercolor hair? Undercolor hair is another name for underdye or peekaboo hair. These terms are all used interchangeably. If you ask your stylist about any of these options, I’m sure they know what you’re asking for. What is balayage hair? Balayage is French for sweeping. Balayage hair is a technique where the stylist colors the hair using a random sweeping method. It is often a lighter color than the client’s original hair color. It gives hair a natural look of depth and effortless sophistication. How do you do underlights in your hair? Doing underlights yourself can be tricky because it requires you to section your hair in a way that can obscure your view of the section of hair you are coloring. It’s also difficult to get an even coloring if you do it yourself. Start by sectioning your hair into two sections, then secure the top half and continue with the dyeing instructions for the color you use for the bottom half as usual.

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Today we present all the details on 3 of the hottest hair color trends: balayage, ombre and sombre.

These three color techniques are the most requested looks in salons today. All three are low-maintenance styles that will give you a sun-kissed look, but they all have key differences.

BALAYAGE

Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint”. Instead of using foils or caps, balayage is a freehand technique. Color is literally painted onto the hair for a natural beachy highlight.

Balayage gives you softer regrowth lines, allowing your hair to grow longer between color appointments. It requires little maintenance, grows beautifully and naturally, and looks great on both light and dark hair. The color of the highlights can be soft or rather drastic. The result is a casual, natural, less-symmetrical highlight that works on any hair color.

OMBR

Ombre is a French word meaning “shaded” or “shading”. This coloring method gives you a drastic fading from dark roots to gradually lighter hair through the middle, then to very light or blonde ends. Ombre can be done in many different colors like blonde, brown, red or even rainbow.

GRIM

Dusky is similar to an ombre color but more subtle and softer. This style is gaining popularity as a more “grown up” or conservative approach to the ombre. The roots usually keep their natural color with some lighter color at the ends. Sombre is low maintenance and especially ideal for brunettes, adding caramel, blonde, gold or honey tones to brighten the ends. The lighter sections start higher, giving you a more balanced, gradual fade with no regrowth.

Our color professionals specialize in balayage, ombre and somber techniques. Some see us at Alex’s Salon in Santa Barbara!

Ever wondered, “What’s the most common hair color?” Spoiler alert: It’s not brown. Find out the percentage of brown, black, blonde and red hair around the world and see the most common color in our quick, informative guide.

Is there really a common hair color?

The variations and differences in natural hair color have always fascinated people. Meet enough people and you’ll see amazingly different shades of black, brown, red, blonde, and grey/white hair color.

But which color is the most common? And what is the rarest hair color?

It’s hard to understand how common certain hair colors are today because bleach and hair dye are so ubiquitous. While we see many blonde and red hair colors today, it’s clear that many people who wear these shades aren’t naturally blonde or red.

The same goes for brunette and black hair color, which are common dyes in salons — especially during the fall and winter months. With so much artificial hair color in the mix, it’s a challenge to visually assess which hair colors are most common in nature.

We asked ourselves, “What is the most common hair color?” The information we found is surprising. We thought brown or brunette would be the most common color and blonde the rarest, but our hypothesis turned out to be wrong.

We think you’ll find the results as interesting as we do! Read on to find out what the most common hair color is, the rarest hair colors and see the percentage of each natural shade.

We’ll also talk about how hair color is determined by the amount and ratio of melanin – pigment – ​​your body produces. Let’s start with the main question: What is the most common hair color?

What is the most common hair color?

Black is the most common hair color worldwide. It is estimated that between 75% and 85% of the world’s population has black or very dark brown hair.

This may come as a surprise to anyone living in the US, where only about 7.5% of women have black hair. But among populous continents like Asia (4.6 billion people) and Africa (1.2 billion people), black hair color is most prevalent. Here’s a breakdown of the rest:

The most common hair colors (estimated):

Black hair: 85%

85% Brown hair: 11%

11% Blonde hair: 2%

2% Red hair: 1%

1% grey/white hair: 1%

It’s easy to see how more cases of black hair in densely populated areas would tip the scales and make black the most common hair color in the world.

While black hair is most concentrated in Asian and African countries, it is not limited to those areas. Elsewhere in the world, there are large numbers of people with naturally black hair.

But outside of Asia and Africa, black is not the most common natural hair color. Read on to see what the second most common hair colors are after black.

Still curious? Click here to learn how many strands of hair are on a head

How common is each hair color?

There is a lot of variation in natural hair color. While we can group them using generic terms (black, brown, blonde, red, etc.), there are millions of unique shades among people around the world. Even black hair can have multiple shades and undertones!

Here’s what we found out about how common each hair color is around the world.

Black hair

Black is the most common hair color worldwide, with between 75% and 85% of people having a natural shade of black or a very dark brown. There are different variations of black hair color depending on the type and amount of eumelanin pigment in the hair (more on that in a moment).

Without bright light, it can be difficult to distinguish between shades of black hair pigment. Some natural black colors appear bluish or iridescent in light, what many refer to as “raven black” or “blue black.”

Other blacks can appear warm or slightly reddish under bright light. Natural black hair color is also associated with more hair density. People with naturally black hair tend to have more hair per square inch on their scalp, so hair usually appears very full and thick.

In Asia, natural black hair is also associated with larger strand sizes or thickness. Since each strand is coarser, this adds to the overall thickness and fullness of the black hair.

Brown hair

Brown or brunette is the second most common hair color in the world. It is estimated that around 11% of the world’s population has brown hair. In the United States, brown is the most common natural hair color.

The brown hair category includes a variety of shades ranging from very dark brown (almost black) to light brown (almost blonde), depending on the levels of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments in the hair.

People with brown hair usually have medium-thick strands of hair, very few have fine or coarse strands. The average circumference of medium-thick strands is about that of a single thread. This means that most brown-haired people appear to have hair of normal thickness and fullness.

blond hair

Blonde hair is much rarer than black and brown hair color. About 2-3% of the world’s population is blonde (sometimes spelled “blonde”).

Unlike the darker hair colors, which are mostly colored with natural black or brown eumelanin pigment, blonde hair has a higher proportion of the reddish pheomelanin pigment with no traces of black eumelanin and small amounts of brown eumelanin.

Blonde hair is not considered common in most areas of the world.

In countries with the highest proportions of blond hair, the population is relatively small (like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland) compared to countries with high proportions of black or brown hair (like China and India). So overall, we see fewer natural blondes than natural black-haired or brown-haired individuals.

One important thing to note here is that while natural blonde is relatively rare, it is actually the most common synthetic hair color. Up to 3 in 4 Caucasian women will choose to dye their hair blonde at some point.

Significantly more women bleach/dye their hair blonde than any other hair color. So you probably see a higher proportion of blondes in your everyday life than the official 2-3% statistic! It’s clear that blonde’s rarity makes it more appealing to women looking to change up their natural shade.

Red hair

Red hair is the rarest natural hair color. Experts estimate that between 1 and 2% of the world’s population has red hair. Red hair is more common in Scotland than anywhere else in the world, where 13% of the population are redheads.

Red hair is known for the variability of its many shades. Red can be dark and mixed with shades of brown (as in auburn hair), light and orange (copper) and even light and reddish blonde (strawberry blonde).

Red hair is rarer than blonde because it is a recessive trait that only occurs when a person has 2 copies (one from each parent) of a mutated melanin conversion gene (pigment change).

For a child to be born with red hair, both parents must carry and pass on a mutated version of the MC1R gene. If someone with red hair has a child with a brown-haired or black-haired person who carries the red-hair gene mutation, there is a 25% chance of fathering a red-haired child.

This is because the red hair gene is recessive and is easily overtaken by the dominant dark hair genes. The child would have to receive a copy of both parents’ mutated red hair gene in order to show the physical trait. This gives you an idea of ​​why the red hair color is so rare around the world.

Grey/white hair

Gray or white hair is most common in aging people, whose natural hair pigment levels drop significantly, leading to a lack of regular pigmentation. It’s very rare for people to be born with white hair, but there are some cases where it does happen.

Piebaldism is a disorder of melanocytes (pigment cells) that results in a patch of white hair and/or skin at the front hairline. Less than 1 in 20,000 people worldwide suffer from this disorder.

Albinism, a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes, affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. Any of these conditions can cause colorless white or greyish hair to appear from birth, but both are very rare

Read Next: What Causes Gray Hair?

How hair color is determined

Now that you’ve seen how common the different hair colors are and what the most common hair color is, let’s take a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes to create and determine hair color.

This will help you understand why certain hair colors are more or less common than others.

In general, there are 2 types of melanin – the pigment that determines your hair color – that combine in different ways to determine your actual hair color and color. They are:

eumelanin (black or brown) pheomelanin (red, orange, yellow, or pink)

The hair color you see is the product of how much eumelanin (dark) and pheomelanin (light, reddish) are in each strand. The higher the level of black or brown eumelanin, the darker your hair will be.

The higher your level of pheomelanin, the lighter your hair will be.

Every strand of human hair contains both eumelanin, whether it’s the black or light brown version, and pheomelanin. Even very light blonde hair contains some of the brown eumelanin pigment, and even jet black hair contains some pheomelanin.

Here’s a look at how different eumelanin/pheomelanin combinations work to create different hair colors.

Black and Brown Hair: Up to 95% black or brown eumelanin/5% pheomelanin

Red hair: Approximately 33% pheomelanin/66% brown or black eumelanin

Blonde hair: approx. 33% pheomelanin/66% brown eumelanin (no black eumelanin)

These melanin levels also affect eye and skin color. People with more dark eumelanin pigment tend to have darker eyes and may (but not always) have darker skin.

People with high levels of pheomelanin (blondes and redheads) tend to have lighter eyes and lighter skin tone, but there are exceptions. Genetics and environmental factors are complicated!

The rarest hair colors, ranking

We looked at the most common hair colors, global hair color statistics in different countries, and how different ratios of the two types of melanin determine overall hair color.

Let’s wrap it all up by taking a quick look at the rarest hair colors, in order. We’ll use a helpful clothing analogy to bring it all together. Here, the recessive red hair gene is compared to a tank top, recessive blonde genes to a t-shirt, and dominant black or brown genes to a jacket.

A tank top is easily covered by a t-shirt, and both are easily covered by a jacket. See how this relates to hair color below.

Rarest: Red hair. Red hair requires that both parents give the child a copy of a mutated recessive MC1R gene, hence only about 1-2% of the world’s population has red hair. Really rare! Think of the recessive, mutated red hair gene as a tank top. Both parents would need to wear a tank top (carrying the recessive, mutant gene) for the red hair to show. If one parent wears a tank top and the other wears a jacket (dominant brown or black hair gene), the child will not have red hair.

Rare: Blonde hair. Blonde hair is a recessive trait but does not require a mutant gene to appear. Both parents must carry the recessive blond gene in order to conceive a blond child. Think of the gene for recessive blonde hair as a t-shirt. Both parents would have to wear a t-shirt not covered by a jacket (brown or black hair dominant gene). If a parent is wearing a jacket, the child will not have blond hair.

Common: Brown hair. Brown hair is common and the result of a dominant gene masking the effects of a recessive blonde or red hair gene. If even one parent wears a jacket (carries the brown hair gene), it hides a tank top (recessive mutant red hair gene) or a t-shirt (recessive blonde hair gene). So you will only see brown hair even if one of the parents passed on a recessive gene for blonde or red hair.

Most common: Black hair. Black hair is the most common worldwide and is the result of a dominant gene masking the effects of recessive red or blonde hair genes. If even one parent wears a jacket (carries the gene for black hair), it easily hides a tank top and t-shirt. So you will only see black hair even if one of the parents passed on a recessive gene for red or blonde hair.

What is the most common hair color in the world?

The dominance of the black hair gene makes this the most common hair color in the world. The same goes for brown hair, which is the second most common.

Blonde and red hair, the rarest hair colors in the world, are so rare because they are recessive traits that can be easily “hidden” by a single dominant black or brown hair gene. It takes two parents, each carrying a recessive blond hair gene or a mutant red hair gene, to produce a child with blond or red hair.

We hope you found some interesting information in this short guide!

The next time you think about coloring your hair, think of the physical wonder and complexity of what happened at the microscopic level to create your natural color. You might appreciate your natural shade a little more—even if you’re starting to see hints of silver or white!

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1b vs 2 hair color what is the difference and how to choose

Last updated on 06/27/2022 share with

There are different hair colors and types when we choose hair. Think you want to dye your hair black? Or maybe you’re looking for beautiful extensions or even a wig that will capture that rich shade you desire. It is best to understand the difference between the color.

Two of the most confusing hair colors are 1B hair color vs. 2. In this article, we’ll go over the differences between the two and everything else you need to know about them.

What you will learn:

1. What is 1b hair color?

2. What is 2 hair color?

3. What is the difference between 1b and 2 hair colors?

4. 1b vs. 2 hair color, how to choose?

5. FAQ about 1b vs. 2 hair color

1. What is 1b hair color?

As you can imagine, the “b” in 1b stands for black. Compared to jet black, which is very intense in color and has a dark quality, 1b hair color, also known as off-black, is considered the most natural option.

1B hair color is the natural color black. We can call it an off-black color, and it comes closest to black that natural hair can achieve.

Jet black hair, also known as #1, is not a natural hair color.

2. What are 2 hair colors?

Hair color #2 is the darkest brown hair you can find. From a distance it looks black, but up close you can see it’s brown. Most black women have dark brown hair, and hair color number 2 often goes perfectly with it.

3. What is the difference between 1B and 2 hair color?

People confuse 1B and 2 hair colors because they look very similar. But there are a few subtle differences that you should be aware of.

1B’s hair color is darker. Since 1B is naturally black hair and 2 is the darkest brown color, 1B is darker. However, this may not be immediately apparent.

Grade 1B human hair is usually unprocessed, while grade 2 hair is colored to look uniform. Therefore, 1B human hair often tolerates coloring better than precolored #2 hair.

1B human hair often shows color variations while #2 human hair does not.

4.1b vs 2 hair color, how to choose?

Unsurprisingly, the natural black hair tone suits more skin types than the unnatural black tones. For anyone considering dying their hair black, 1B hair color is a safer choice than jet black. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a chance and try a darker tone.

When it comes to hair extensions or coloring, 1b hair color is the most common type. Although salons and hair products can match an off-white shade more effectively, you may not always find a perfect match.

If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, jet black hair is a distinctive color. Suppose you decide between 1B hair color and jet black. In this case, there are three main considerations: your skin’s undertones, eye color, and your intended look.

You may be more comfortable with a shade that passes as natural no matter what color you were born, or enjoy the intensity of jet black.

No color is better as the right color depends on a person’s natural color, desired look and more. But here are a few ways to help you decide:

To match your natural hair color,

Hair extension health is most important to you,

Matching your skin tone.

Is 1B Hair Color Right For You?

If your natural hair color is black, chances are the 1B hair color will be a perfect match.

If you’re on the fence about 1B hair color versus jet black versus dark brown, another consideration is eyebrow color. You can dye your eyebrows to match, but if you’d rather not bother with maintaining eyebrow color, it’s best to lean toward a more natural shade.

5. FAQ about 1b vs. 2 hair color

Is 1b black or brown?

1B=Natural Black, close to 1 but more of a natural color. Not as bright as color 1. 2 = Brownish black, one shade lighter than 1b.

Is the hair 1 or 1b darker?

1 = Black plus black, very black like a witch, or dyed jet black. 1B = Natural black, close to 1 but more natural. 6 = dark brown, lighter than color 4. Rather medium dark brown.

What is the difference between hair color 1 and 1b?

Hair color 1B is between number 1, which is black (or jet black) and number 2, which is the darkest brown color possible on human hair (the color usually appears black until you look closely). This is because #1 is not a natural color but a color while 1B is the natural color for black hair.

How to care for 1b hair?

Just like any other hair color, 1b hair color requires proper care to maintain optimal health, strength and shine. Wash your hair less often, always use conditioner, and brush hair daily to avoid unnecessary tangles and knots. If you’ve colored your hair to match your 1b extensions, concentrate a moisturizing serum or oil, especially at the ends.

Whether you’re keeping your natural black shiny or wondering if a darker color is right for you, 1B hair color remains a popular shade. We hope we’ve answered everything you need to know about 1B vs 2 hair color.

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Black, the deepest hair color, is also the most striking. It may seem like a simple shade, but there is a whole rainbow of black hair color shades that you can use to personalize your black hair color. The subtleties between different black hair tones — from natural-looking blacks to icy blacks to reflective blue blacks — make the decision to dye your hair black all the more exciting. Research black hair color choices at home ahead of time.

Soft black hair color

If you prefer a natural look, Soft Black, the almost black shade, is the black hair color for you. The hair color is just on the edge of the brown-black spectrum. It works well for warm and dark skin tones. Complement the look with natural makeup tones like subtle pinks and rich nudes.

DIY At Home Hair Color: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme Soft Black 20 (Black Tea)

Natural black hair color

For a deep hair color that still looks like it could be the color you were born with, opt for a natural black hair color. The color family can have natural reflections that let your naturalness shine through. Consider this hair color if you have fair, cool skin tone and light eyes.

DIY at Home Hair Color: Garnier Olia 1.0 – Black

Reflective blue-black hair dye

These black hair tones with ultra-reflective blue tones are a striking way to accentuate your hair color. In certain lighting conditions, hair color ranges from black to the deepest blue. It works best with a cool skin tone and is particularly flattering when paired with creamy pink blush or a hint of pink lips.

DIY At Home Hair Color: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color BL21 – Reflective Blue Black

Intense blue-black hair color

For the boldest version of blue-black hair, try edgy. The darkest blue-black possible, this hair look is for anyone who wants their hair to turn heads. This is a great option for anyone with a cool skin tone and light eyes. Pair with silver jewelry to bring out blue undertones or gold jewelry to add warmth.

DIY at home hair color: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme Intense Blue Black 22

Reflective auburn black hair color

Auburn black hair combines the best of soft black hair color and warm, reflective red tones. If you have a medium to dark skin tone – and no matter what the color of your eyes – this hair color will bring out the warmth of your complexion. To complete the look, opt for dark eyebrows and a rosy or matching purple lip.

DIY At Home Hair Color: Garnier Olia 4.60 – Dark Intense Auburn

Hair Color Icy Platinum Black

This trendy metallic black hair color has icy reflections for an intensely cool hue. The subtle shimmer makes your hair look otherworldly. The best part? Metallic makeup is everywhere on beauty shelves, so don’t hesitate to pair your look with anything from a metallic gray eyeshadow to a bold iridescent highlighter.

Violet black hair color

Go for a bold hair color with a hue so rich purple it’s almost black. This hair color will appear black in some highlights and purple in others. Anyone who wants to stand out should go for this look, just pair it with a bold lined lipstick or a trendy matte.

Brown black hair color

Natural brunettes will look gorgeous in this deep dark hair color. This warm shade is the richest brown that lies at the intersection of brown and black hair color. Pair this look with lots of gold jewelry and shimmery bronzer.

DIY At Home Hair Color: Garnier Olia 3.0 – Darkest Brown

Jet Black hair color

The deepest version of black hair color, this stunning shade has subtle hints of cool tones. Light to light complexion is particularly striking in contrast to the dark hair color tone. Wear it with a cat eye and classic red lips for a dramatic beauty statement.

DIY at Home Hair Color: Garnier Olia 1.0 – Black

Green hair is one of the weirdest hair colors in anime. It’s the color of nature. Green is also the complementary color of red. The green personality is also the complement of red. Green hair represents the cycle of reproduction and change. Greens also tend to be rejuvenating characters: healers. Yellows are also rejuvenating characters, but they tend to focus on the emotions, while green heals the body.

Green hair, like redheads, carries sexual connotations. Green is more serene and associated with childbirth and sexual satisfaction. Green is all about completion and wholeness. Reds focus more on desire for sex than birth and completion. That’s why green and red complement each other. Like the colors, the personalities are slightly opposite, but they also go together. Greens cannot have the reproductive cycle they are often associated with without the lust of reds.

Greens are passive. Darker shades of green feel far more exotic than lighter shades of green. The color is also considered trustworthy. Interestingly, very dark shades of green are associated with illness and disease.

Characters of this color are sometimes very sensual, but at the same time not sexual. They hint and suggest, but never act. These characters often have supporting roles in the story. A good example is C.C. by CodeGeass. She supports the protagonist Lelouch in his efforts to fulfill the contract he has with her. Being immortal, she represents the endless cycle of life and death. She is also very sensual; She spends a lot of time taunting Lelouch with legs, too tight clothing, and suggestive poses. Yet it never tempts you to act.

Another example of green is Eureka from Eureka Seven. She’s an interesting character. She is passive at times, but she is also a strong active character in her own right. On the show, she is an “Eva” in many ways. She even adopts 3 orphans to further support the reproductive cycle that her archetype represents. In the series, she can also see/read energy called Trapars swirling through her world. It’s useful when piloting planes and mechas that use these energy streams to fly. Eureka is also very sensual; Unlike C.C. she is not aware of her sensuality. Her body type is very feminine and she sometimes poses in a provocative way to subconsciously emphasize it. Late in the story, she is badly scarred and will take a while to heal. Green’s healing abilities aren’t just for others.

Like all hair colors, not all shades of green exhibit these characteristics. There are shades of green that behave more like reds or even blondes. A favorite of this kind of twist is the green haired library girl, who has a wild/red side that comes out with time.

Green is one of the more exotic hair colors. Although it is the color of nature, characters that are otherworldly or simply alien in the UFO sense of the word have this color. The play between the calm, trustworthy feelings that color evokes and the unsettling “falseness” or otherworldly feelings is popular with writers.

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In short, balayage is a technique for applying color and ombre is more of a style or effect.

We asked Twylla Jane to break down the tech between the two to allow for further differentiation. “Ombre is usually created with a highlighter placed horizontally with full saturation of the section and then blended upwards to diffuse the line. Balayage requires smaller cuts where color is painted onto the hair’s surface,” she explains. So while ombre is more of a horizontal placement, balayage is more of a vertical one.

The good news is that both make for a fairly low-maintenance routine, as hair color placement isn’t strict, but rather gradual (for ombre) or sweeping (for balayage). For example, regular foil highlights require more regular visits to the salon. However, it will cost you. Getting the actual service done and getting the result you want can be expensive, but remember the final look will require a lot less maintenance!

“Balayage and ombre are both specialized and often require a higher beauty budget and more time in the salon,” adds Jaclyn. “It’s a low-maintenance result, but it’s important to continue hair care treatments and visit the salon regularly to get optimal color results.”

In a move that screams big New Year, New Me energy, Bella Hadid dyed her front strands a fiery red and orange combo. Courtesy of stylist Jessica Gillin and colorist Jenna Perry of Jenna Perry Hair Studio, this new look is a throwback to the fiery look of Geri Halliwell aka Ginger Spice. While she has previously dyed her hair different shades of brown, this is Hadid’s first time adopting a more colorful look.

Two-toned hair, half-and-half color, coin, skunk hair, whatever you want to call it, there’s no denying that this trend has gripped celebrities and influencers alike and will continue into the new year.

The trend probably started with Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish’s hair changes. In keeping with the late ’90s-style aesthetic that coincided with her album Don’t Start Now, Dua Lipa’s hairstyle was immediately copied by many. Then there was Tiktok. If you’ve ever come across Harry Potter content on your For You page, you know that people with hairstyles inspired by Narcissa Malfoy’s hair and bangs were quick to jump on board. Her part-black, part-platinum haircut is undeniably Slytherin and a perfect riff on the two-tone trend.

Considering it looks like a derivative of the ’90s chunky highlight trend, there’s no denying that part of its charm lies in its understated and effortless demeanor. Then look into the context of quarantine, social distancing and 2020 and… here we are.

If you’re looking to recreate this two-tone hair trend, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite interpretations below.

Here are all the looks

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