9 Split-Dyed Hair Ideas for Every Aesthetic

As someone with what I would consider an out-of-the-box beauty aesthetic, I’ll admit that I got a little worried when it seemed like the hair trends of today were projecting us toward an endless cycle of blond, brunette and blond again. But, as we stray a little further from the “clean girl” aesthetic and embrace a more individual approach to beauty, the trends are shifting, and more experimental beauty looks are gaining traction, namely in the way of split-dyed hair. Searches for the half-and-half hair dye technique are rising, and the split-dyed hair concepts today have made the look suitable for a wide array of look preferences. If you’re interested in switching up your hair look but aren’t sure if/what split-dyed hair style is best for you, we rounded up some of our favorite, most trendy split-dyed hair looks to help you fit the trend to your personal aesthetic.

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Split-Dyed Hair: Maintenance, Styling Tips and Expert Advice

If you’re looking to get into split dyed hair, you may be feeling hesitant, as the style is certainly more out-of-the-box than many of the minimalist hair trends today. If that’s the case for you, let Gee’s number one piece of split-dyed hair advice ease your mind. “Expect to stand out and be the coolest person in the room,” they say. “I love doing split dye because it’s a bold, dramatic way to express yourself. Playing with color combos and placement makes it feel unique to you.” In terms of making sure your split-dyed hair is perfect for you, Gee recommends asking your stylist what color combos would complement each other while still providing a unique contrast. Pritchard also advises considering how your cut will work with your new color. “It’s important to note that because of how color reflects light, a haircut can appear fuller on the lighter/brighter side and sleeker on the deeper/darker side,” she says.

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As you might expect, proper post-salon care and maintenance is key to keeping your split-dyed hair as vibrant as possible for as long as possible. First and foremost, Pritchard urges split-dyed clients to use color safe, salon-grade shampoo and conditioners as well as a hair mask once every week or so. “Wash your hair less often and use as cold of water as you can tolerate,” she adds. “I also recommend washing each side separately at least for the first two to three washes.” Pritchard also advises against going to sleep with split-dyed hair wet, and instead advocates for a silk pillowcase or loose braids overnight. “Depending on the color and personal preference, I recommend refreshing your color every four to six weeks for pastels and six to eight weeks for deeper shades,” she says.

Split-Dyed Hair Ideas to Spice Up Your ‘Do

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Pastel Rainbow

What often scares clients away from a split-dyed hair look is the often ultra-vibrant hues associated with the ‘do. But, as this style by Pritchard showcases, muted pastels make for the perfect introduction to split-dyed hair.

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Black and White, Front and Back

Who says split-dyed hair has to be defined by your part? As this look of Pritchard’s reveals, split-dyed hair can be altered to fit your personal hair preferences, like this client’s choice to meld silvery blond and black hues, parting the colors at the crown of the head instead.

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Split-Dyed Streaks

If you’re intrigued by split-dyed strands but aren’t ready to fully take the plunge, consider a style like this one, where Pritchard blended a purple streak down one side of the client’s jet-black ‘do, stopping the accent color about 1/4 of the way back.

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Brunette and Blond

If you’re looking to try a split-dyed hair look without delving into vibrant hues, this half blond, half cayenne brown look by Pritchard is a great option, placing the lighter sections in the under layer of the hair as opposed to one side of the head. “Low maintenance but high impact, just how we like it,” Pritchard says.

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Split-Dyed Pixie

Split-dyed styles also lend themselves beautifully to a cropped, pixie cut, as displayed by this black-and-blond look by Gee.

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Asymmetrical Pixie Split

Another work of Gee’s, this style is what they call an “asymmetrical split dye,” straying from the hyper-perfect, down-the-middle dye and blending the accent color a bit more subtly.

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Spooky Season

Heading into fall, adding pops of warm, autumnal colors to your ‘do—like in this style by Pritchard—is the perfect way to awaken your strands and add dimension for the new season.

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Radioactive Realness

Now, if you’re not afraid of a bright color, split-dyed hair is the perfect way to play with vibrant hues, like in this Pritchard ‘do that she aptly described as serving “radioactive realness.”

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Orange Creamsicle

A great transitional option for summer to fall that still turns heads, this bright orange and platinum blond look by Pritchard is like an orange creamsicle for your strands.