Colour by Number

Somewhere over the rainbow, we're still mad about bold colours.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Somewhere over the rainbow, we're still mad about bold colours.

We’re still having too much fun with hair colours inspired by rainbows and unicorns to let this trend fade just yet. However, it does take a lot of commitment, as these special colours fade fast (lasting from one week to a month) and require a constant colour refresh. You will also need to factor in time for home care with colour shampoos and hair masks to combat colour fading and damage. Picking out outfits will also get much harder, as you'll have to make sure the colours don't clash. It's a lot to take on, but when your hair is this beautiful, it’s all worthwhile. 

1  Sabrina (@sabrinangui)  Colour and styling by Karl Ko, Salon Vim
1 Sabrina (@sabrinangui) Colour and styling by Karl Ko, Salon Vim

Orange sunset

The clever use of copper in this balayage style lends an irresistable sun-kissed vibe. Colour is applied on the surface rather than saturating the sections, with softer shades at the roots and thicker chunks of highlights at the ends.

 2 Joan (@mojojojoan_) Colour by Shermaine Lai, styling by Issac Ng from TONI&GUY Hairdressing
2 Joan (@mojojojoan_) Colour by Shermaine Lai, styling by Issac Ng from TONI&GUY Hairdressing
Blue steel
The lighter and darker shades of blue are beautifully brought out thanks to the root shadow technique, where the colour is darkest at the roots then gradually gets brighter towards the ends. This technique allows hair to look natural when it grows out.
 3 Kimberly Andrea Alyssa (@kimberryx)  Colour and styling by Timothy Ting from Mi The Salon
3 Kimberly Andrea Alyssa (@kimberryx) Colour and styling by Timothy Ting from Mi The Salon

Silver lining

A trio of colours – ash blonde, ash brown and pink – are woven together to pull off this icy cool look. A combination of techniques, including contouring with strategically-placed dark and light shades, help to frame the face.

4 Noelle (@noel.lin)   Colour by Noel Ng, styling by Zoe Yang  from HARTS salon
4 Noelle (@noel.lin) Colour by Noel Ng, styling by Zoe Yang from HARTS salon

Technicolour dreams

Shades like pink, magenta, blue and dark ash brown may seem contrasting, but are complementary when the right techniques are applied. Here, the root shadow technique is used to create darker roots that progress to brighter shades, leaving a fun mix at the ends.

 5 Shirley Wong (@happytravelller) Colour by Ken Hong from Evolve Salon,
 styling by Sean Ang
5 Shirley Wong (@happytravelller) Colour by Ken Hong from Evolve Salon, styling by Sean Ang

Rainbow bright

Every section is hand-painted with shades of pink, blue and yellow to create an iridescent or prismatic effect. The result is a fluidity of colours that overlap, creating a multi-tonal effect.

What you need to know

Patience is required. The lighter the hair colour, the more bleach you’ll need. Check with your colourist if your hair condition is suitable. If your hair is damaged, it may take more than one salon session to get your desired hair colour, as your hair may need a “rest” period in between to let it heal.

Blonde can turn brassy easily. Use a purple (or blue/silver) shampoo to prevent it from turning too yellow. The Kerastase Reflections Chromatique collection offers customised at-home colour care treatments to refresh your hair colours.

A regular trim and in-salon treatment is recommended to keep your coloured locks healthy.

Photography Micky Wong Makeup TG Goh Wardrobe H&M Beauty Direction and Text Cynthia Chew.