Opal Hair Is Instagram's Newest Hair Color Trend, and You're Actually Going to Want to Try It
Like a shiny, shimmering ball of light.
We’re three weeks into 2018, and already, a new hair trend has been birthed into the Instagram world: opal hair. And thankfully, unlike some trends of yesteryear, this hair color trend is not only completely gorgeous, but totally wearable in real life.
The color is pretty much the result of a milky mixture of metallic pink and sherbet orange—almost like a melted Creamsicle, or a puff of cotton candy. “We strongly believe softer, delicate colors will dominate 2018 hair trends,” said hairstylist Mike Lowenstein in an interview with Allure.
A post shared by Pastel Hair & Platinum Hair (@rossmichaelssalon)
A photo posted by on
Lowenstein created the soft, opalescent trend with his wife, Melody, in their Washington-based salon, by first lightening the hair to platinum blonde, then using a mix of violet-based toners for a pastel finish. And, since the color is so light and sheer, it’ll eventually just fade to blonde, making this look insanely easy to maintain, solely because there will eventually be nothing to maintain!
If you’re looking to experiment with opal hair at home, make sure you find a seriously excellent colorist, first (we’re big on checking Instagram for proof of work), and have a consultation before going in for the dye. After that? Take a zillion Instagram pics, because this lewk is everything.
A post shared by Pastel Hair & Platinum Hair (@rossmichaelssalon)
A photo posted by on
A post shared by Pastel Hair & Platinum Hair (@rossmichaelssalon)
A photo posted by on
A post shared by Hair Extensions & Bridal Hair (@myhairstylistnancy)
A photo posted by on
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025
Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
By Kayla Greaves Published
-
We Can't Promise You Won't Get Nightmares After Watching These 32 Great But Terrifying Paranormal Movies
Bring on the jump scares.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Rihanna Lets Her Curls Out to Play In a New Fenty Beauty Campaign.
Fenty Beauty is releasing a new product and Rihanna showed off her natural hair to help promote it. See the look here.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Rihanna’s New Pixie Cut Puts Her Curls Front and Center
Fenty Beauty is releasing a new product and Rihanna showed off her natural hair to help promote it. See the look here.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
Ginseng Extract May Be the Answer to Your Hair Growth Woes
Rapunzel status, unlocked.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
20 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family Members
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
24 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed Friends
Guaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This Season
The season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024
It's time to get a little scissor happy.
By Jamie Wilson Published