Blue monday: top tips for achieving blue hair

With 16 January just around the corner, Blue Monday is on the horizon. A day where the blues set in and some of us might feel down and well – blue! Instead, Pulp Riot want us to take the opportunity to create some gorgeous blue hair. From midnight blue to turquoise and Royal blue, it’s one of the versatile colours around and can be used all over or as a pop of colour. Pulp Riot Artist Emma Graves said it’s one of her favourite colours to work with. “Gwen Stefani appeared at the MTV Music Awards in 1998 with blue hair and a matching blue bikini top to match. It was such an iconic look and I totally fell in love with blue hair from then on. Blue tones are so adaptable and it a great colour to play around with.” Pulp Riot artist, Helena Brookes, says creating the perfect teal isn’t difficult but needs proper care and attention. “As with any bright tones, hair needs to be properly prepped prior to colouring, and the right aftercare should be recommended to ensure it stays vibrant for longer.” Below, Helena and Emma share their top tips for getting the best results for blues.

                       

Helena’s top tips for creating the perfect blue hair

1. Consider your technique

An easy option when taking on blue hair is to go for techniques such as dip-dye, ombré or balayage. These will be simple to maintain when applying the blue top up at home. Or, try the hidden panel technique for clients who just want a splash of colour or haven’t tried anything like this before. The blue will be hidden unless curled or tied half up, half down. You can go as vibrant or as pastel as you and your client want.

2. Choose the right shade

When using blue you’ll find the deeper you go the longer it will last. If you’re wanting even easier maintenance, Helena suggests using Pulp Riot Nemesis for a deeper smoked blue, or Nightfall for the deeper and brighter blue result. These blues will give your client an amazing fade and will last longer.

3. Wash with cold water

Wash in the coolest water you can and resist washing it more than twice a week to prevent colour fading quickly.

4. Semi-permanent is the way to go

 Having blue hair can be super fun over the holiday periods but can sometimes be stubborn to remove. When using Pulp Riot semi-permanent colour, Helena uses Blank Canvas colour remover to take away any unwanted blue hues from the hair. Back to blonde in no time!

Emma's dos and don'ts when working with blue hair

1. Don’t shy away from blue tones because you think it’s difficult to work with.

There are many ways you can be creative with blue tones – and if you go wrong or don’t like it, Pulp Riot Blank Canvas will change it right back. So get out there and encourage your clients to embrace blue hair!

2. Fine sections are a must for this look to get full saturation of product.

Take time to perfect that blend, toners such as Pulp Riot blending colours are a dream to work with.

3. Don’t over wash the hair

To keep the colour looking good always use a colour safe shampoo and conditioner such as Kerastase Chroma Absolu. Always use a heat protector for styling which will protect all the colours you have in the hair.

4. Hair should be as clean as possible.

If there is any yellow in the hair, the results will be green.

5. Encourage clients to top up the colour between visits with a colour conditioner

By adding your Pulp Riot colour into a retail conditioner, clients can top up their colour between salon visits.

Nailed blue hair? Why not try Very Peri, the on-trend shade for 2022