Prism Roots: The Dreamiest Rainbow Hair Color Trend You Must Try
Vivid rainbow roots are the bold, magical hair color trend redefining festival looks and creative style statements everywhere.
Prism roots are undeniably one of the most captivating hair color innovations in recent years, enchanting everyone from festival goers to hair color enthusiasts with their bold, magical gradation of rainbow shades—starting right at the roots and fading into ethereal pastels. If you’ve ever dreamt of living as a walking rainbow, this trend is your ticket to technicolor stardom.
What Are Prism Roots?
Prism roots refer to a vivid, multi-tonal hair color technique where vibrant rainbow shades are painted directly onto the roots of your hair, gradually transitioning into lighter, more pastel tints as they move toward the ends. This effect transforms the scalp into a mesmerizing spectrum, reminiscent of a prism refracting light—hence the name.
- Inspired by hidden rainbow hair and bold bangs: Prism roots take colorful experimentations even further, bringing the party right to the scalp.
- Conceived by Kristina Cheeseman: St. Louis-based colorist Kristina Cheeseman developed the look, demonstrating her fearless approach to color theory and application.
- Main feature: Bright, unapologetic color at the roots delicately diffuses into refreshing, subtle ends for a seamless blend of boldness and softness.
How Did the Rainbow Roots Trend Begin?
The rainbow hair movement has seen various incarnations through the years—from hidden strands and colorful underlights to pastel bangs. Rainbow styles exploded across social media and fashion runways, cementing their place as a statement of creative freedom and festival-ready flair. Prism roots, however, flipped the script by focusing all the vibrancy at the roots rather than throughout the lengths or undersides.
- Previous trends included hidden rainbow hair, where the color only showed when the hair moved a certain way.
- Rainbow bangs brought eye-catching color to the forehead. But prism roots take the drama to the next level.
- Now, with prism roots, the roots become the focal point, acting as a glowing halo of color that fades downward.
Why Are Prism Roots So Popular?
Prism roots aren’t just another colorful dye job—they’re a statement. It’s the heart of creative hair for individuals who want to stand out and embrace a magical, bold look, especially during events like festival season or Coachella, where expressive beauty reigns supreme.
- Perfect festival look: The style aligns perfectly with over-the-top, mesmerizing trends associated with music festivals.
- Unapologetic self-expression: Prism roots let wearers showcase their unique personalities and artistic side.
- Magical aura: The effect mimics carrying a rainbow “halo,” turning heads wherever you go—though, as the originator jokes, a pot of gold is not included.
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How Prism Roots Are Created: The Process
Crafting the perfect prism roots effect is all about selection, placement, and blending. Colorists skillfully layer and feather colors from the scalp, ensuring a seamless shift from vibrant roots to muted ends. Here’s a breakdown:
- Base Preparation: To capture the boldness and clarity of rainbow shades, the ideal canvas is platinum or very light blonde hair. This often requires significant lightening for brunettes or anyone with darker hair.
- Sectioning: The hair is divided into carefully planned sections, preventing accidental blending of neighboring hues and keeping colors crisp.
- Roots Application: Color is painted at the roots in precise stripes, starting with vivid shades such as bright red, then moving to orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Each shade is feathered outward about 1–2 inches from the scalp.
- Fade and Blend: As the dye extends away from the roots, it is blended or slightly diluted, causing hues to fade gently, repeating the rainbow pattern in softer tones toward the ends.
- Processing: The dye is typically allowed to sit for 30 minutes for pastel effects or longer for deeper saturation, then rinsed carefully with cool water until it runs clear.
- Aftercare: Condition thoroughly to restore moisture and bounce, as bleach and vibrant dyes can leave hair feeling dry.
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair: The Dye Behind the Look
A key detail behind Kristina Cheeseman’s original prism roots transformation was her use of Lime Crime Unicorn Hair dyes. This vegan, cruelty-free formula is renowned for vibrant, lasting color and gentle effects on lightened hair.
| Shade Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Leeloo | Fiery orange-red |
| Tweet | Sunny yellow |
| Jello | Intense green |
| Moonchild | Soft pastel lavender |
Is the Prism Roots Look for You?
If you’ve always wanted to experiment with transformative color but still value versatility and subtlety, prism roots may be your dream dye. Consider:
- Festival fans: Perfect for those who love standing out at music festivals and parties.
- Artistic spirits: If hair is your canvas, prism roots offer endless artistic possibilities.
- Commitment level: Prism roots require a platinum base and regular upkeep, but the payoff is a show-stopping look no one can miss.
Pros & Cons of Prism Roots
| Advantages | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Instant, vibrant impact | Requires pre-lightening which can damage hair |
| Endless color customizations | Bright colors fade faster than natural shades |
| Perfect conversation-starter | Frequent touch-ups needed for root regrowth |
| Synonymous with unique style and creativity | Color bleed possible with wet or sweaty hair |
Expert Tips for Perfect Prism Roots
- Seek a professional colorist: Achieving sharp yet blended rainbow roots takes advanced skill—professional hand painting is recommended.
- Lighten with care: Bleaching safely to a pale level-10 blonde is critical for color clarity; always use Olaplex or a similar bond repair system during lightening.
- Vivid color choice: Choose a high-pigment semi-permanent dye like Lime Crime Unicorn Hair or Manic Panic for maximal vibrancy.
- Preserve your color: Use sulfate-free shampoos, wash with cool water, and extend the time between washes to prevent rapid fading.
- Embrace regrowth: As roots grow, you can refresh your prism or transition to a new pattern or color spectrum as desired.
Step-By-Step: DIY Prism Roots at Home
- Lighten hair to a platinum-blonde base using a quality lightener.
- Section hair into manageable, even parts for precise application.
- Prep colors in bowls, one for each shade of the rainbow you plan to use.
- Using gloves and a tint brush, apply colors to the roots first, feathering as you blend about 1–2 inches down each section.
- Repeat the rainbow sequence if desired for several layers, or dilute for paler shades at the ends.
- Let the dyes process for up to 30–45 minutes, per manufacturer instructions.
- Rinse gently in cool water until the water runs clear. Condition thoroughly.
Why Prism Roots Dominate Festival Trends
Prism roots have become synonymous with high festival and creative style. Their visual intensity captures the essence of carefree, bold self-expression central to festival culture. Whether it’s Coachella, Lollapalooza, or a local music bash, you’ll find festivalgoers decked out in technicolor roots that shimmer in sunlight and stage lights alike.
- On-trend with celebrity styles: Major stars like Kim Kardashian West, Halsey, and Cardi B have embraced the rainbow hair phenomenon, further fueling its meteoric rise.
- Limitless styling: Prism roots shine with every braid, bun, or updo, revealing hidden layers and shimmering color from every angle.
- Social-worthy: Few hair trends attract more Instagram likes, story shares, or “where did you get that done?” conversations.
Product Recommendations for Vivid Roots
- Lime Crime Unicorn Hair: Vegan, semi-permanent, delivers intense color payoff and delicious fade, featured shades include Leeloo, Tweet, Jello, and Moonchild.
- Manic Panic: Iconic for punky, shocking colors since the 1970s.
- Punky Colour and Arctic Fox: Alternative options for long-lasting rainbow color enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between prism roots and regular rainbow hair?
Prism roots localize the boldest colors at the scalp, gradually fading to softer or undyed ends for a prism effect, while regular rainbow hair colors the entire shaft in distinct rainbow patterns.
Can I get prism roots if my hair is dark?
You’ll need to bleach your hair to a very light, even blonde to get true-to-tone colors. Attempting prism roots on dark bases will result in muted, muddy shades.
How long do prism root colors typically last?
Depending on aftercare and product choice, vivid semi-permanent dyes can last 2–4 weeks before noticeable fading. Pastels and lighter shades may fade faster, especially with frequent washing.
Is it damaging to dye just my roots?
The bleaching required for vibrancy may stress hair, especially if touch-ups are frequent. Use bond-building treatments and deep conditioners to protect scalp and strands.
How do I maintain my prism roots?
- Wash hair with cold water and sulfate-free shampoo.
- Limit sun exposure and always use a UV-protectant spray.
- Refresh color every 2–4 weeks for maximum vibrancy.
Final Thoughts: A Rainbow Revolution
The prism roots trend is much more than a fleeting social media craze—it’s an artistic celebration of individuality, color theory, and bold living. From technicolor daydreams at festivals to jaw-dropping Instagram selfies, this trend is proof that the only limit to your look is your imagination. If you’re ready to channel your inner unicorn, the prism roots spectrum is open and waiting for you.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/9383-prism-roots-the-dreamiest-hair-color-combination-youve-ever-seen
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a19861803/prism-roots-rainbow-hair/
- https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/news/a38400/theres-a-new-way-to-do-rainbow-roots-and-its-amazing/
- https://www.ibtimes.co.in/prism-roots-hair-trend-making-people-crazy-will-you-try-it-pictures-767304
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/20545-rainbow-hair-trend-dye-colour-beauty
- https://intothegloss.com/2020/05/rainbow-hair-moodboard/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/news/a44686/what-happens-when-you-try-rainbow-hair/
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