Hair trends are built on what inspires us and nothing has inspired us more, or for longer, than a gorgeous sunset. The blend of colors, the nuance and warmth, they all mean something to us and as is the way with whatever we admire, we try to wrap ourselves up in it somehow. In this case, the sunset hair color trend is the wearable manifestation of the sunsets we love.
Sunset hair is the next trend to naturally snatch our inspiration by the roots. Just like the sunsets can vary, so do the sunset hairstyles. Sunset hair color is perfectly customizable to complement any skin tone, length, texture and style of hair, which just makes us love it more.
In this article:
- 55 Glorious Sunset Hair Color Shades to Try
- What Is the Sunset Hair Trend All About?
- How to Get Sunset Hair?
- Tips for Keeping Your Sunset Hair Color Bright
- Makeup & Fashion Tips for Wearing Sunset Hair Colors
55 Glorious Sunset Hair Color Shades to Try
It’s time for some creative sunset hair color inspiration, and the 55 looks presented below will certainly bring your dream sunset to mind.
1. Sunset Vibes
Hand-painted sunset hair can be prismatic and imaginative, taking a variation of a wonderful sunset and wearing it around full time. What better way to keep the warm moment at the end of the day going than to put your favorite sunset brightly in your hair?
2. Melted Sunset Hair
Dark blue to soft orange sunset colors include a range between them to carefully translate the day into the night. The right range of colors for your sunset look is up to you and your stylist to pick colors that you like and that also flatter your skin tone.
3. Motley Sunset Hair
Since most sunsets are comprised of a variety of colors, they can be easy to translate into a hairstyle. Don’t shy away from the bright pop of yellow that really sets off the “sun” part of a sunset.
4. Stolen Sunset
Fuchsia, pink, orange and yellow sunset colors look great on long and short hair, but on long hair it gives a longer transition for the colors. This particular look is a great transition of the range of sunset colors.
5. Lustrous Sunset Hair
Everything you could want from the sunset, planted right in your hair with this hair color setup! Blue/ black roots, magenta hair and blonde tips work perfectly to create a sunset look.
6. Red and Yellow Sunrise Hair
The brightness of the sun is clearly visible in this style of sunset hair. The yellow is bright without being overpowering, leading up into a copper before becoming a deep warm red.
7. Dusky Sunset
Warm depths of burgundy hair turn into golden darker waves of yellow and red. The hints of purple and blue float around in the lengths of hair for a more well-rounded look.
8. Lit Sunset Hair
Burgundy, yellow and rose gold hair shades perfectly blend to create this sunset hairstyle. The colors blend just right with the darker yellow spread across the middle.
9. Tonal Sunset
The colors of the sunset reflected top and bottom are beautiful and soft even for the darkest aspects of the sunset. The bright color arrangement is lustrous and clever.
10. Vintage Sunset Hair
Here you have yellow, peach and deep purple converge in another version of a sunset. The look is ranged in the opposite direction than what might be expected, while the vibrancy of the color is there.
11. Burnished Sunset Hair
Fuchsia and bright carroty red create another beautiful sunset hairstyle without displaying an overabundance of color. If you want to make an impact and achieve sunset hair with minimal colors, this is a great way to do so.
12. Sorbet Sunset
There are several picture-perfect representations of a sunset created in a hairstyle, and this is one of them. With some you can see the sunset without even having to stretch your imagination, more so than others, but with this hairstyle, it is obvious.
13. Peach Orchard Sunset
Peach and purple never looked this good together before, but the unmistakable beauty of this style is the blend of colors. It’s light, warm and cool simultaneously thanks to the blend of the colors, mixed up with a hint of gold in the span of the length of her hair.
14. Polychromatic Sunset Hair
If you love the composition of dark and light but don’t feel the need to stick too strictly to an order for the colors to be in, this is a great option. It’s perfect because the color is where you want it and how you want it.
15. Smoky Sunset Hair
Light, pastel hair colors with a tint of smoke for a softer muted look show off a streaked sunset. The intent to create this color requires a creative hand but it can be done without losing any of the gorgeous qualities with the right stylist.
16. Multidimensional Sunset
Placed carefully, the colors chosen for your sunset hairstyle can be anything from calming to hypnotizing. The prismatic style of this sunset hair color is mesmerizing to say the least, including hints of blue and green with the expected yellows, oranges and reds.
17. Halloween Sunset
The depth of color between the roots and tips is equally intense and melds well together rather than combatting each other. Though the expectation of strong color doesn’t disappoint, this is definitely a look that requires upkeep.
18. Shattered Rainbow Sunset Hair
Placing the colors in a scattered pattern creates more volume and an interesting look that will certainly be a conversation starter. The range of colors includes the expected yellows, oranges, pinks and purples, just placed in an unexpected but interesting way that looks even better when curled.
19. Soft Hued Sunset
Vibrant violet roots lead down to rosy colored hair for a fuller warm look. The smooth composition of colors blends well and creates a warm look despite the coolness of the night tones.
20. Indigo Sunset Hair
Dark colors have a tendency to be very satisfying when used properly in sunset hairstyles. The abundant use of indigo doesn’t distract from the sunset hair look in any way – it just represents a different stage of sunset than others, more nighttime than anything else.
21. Radiant Golden Sunset
This sunset hair color represents a balayage treatment that blends the right shades of red, yellow and orange hair colors together to create a glowing look on light brown hair. The glimpse of red allows the style to pop and glow without overpowering the overall look.
22. Lisa Frank Sunset Hair
Blends of fuchsia and gold rate everything a fan of Lisa Frank could ever want. The brightness of the purples, pinks and golds will evoke a fondness to match the incredible style of eerie Lisa Frank notebook, folder or pencil you have ever cherished or wanted.
23. Summer Sunset Hair
Yellow ends juxtaposed with shades of blue and purple look unmistakably jarring in the best way. The color has to be very well placed here in order to prevent the bleeding of the shades to be more than intentional, but a skilled stylist can definitely get it done.
24. Neon Light Sunset
When you want eye-catching sunset hair colors, go with neon shades. All hair colors fade, but the vivid nature of the neon colors will make for a longer-lasting style than the pastel variety.
25. Completed Sunset
You can still do a sunset hairstyle without adding too much yellow, gold or orange. Hints of copper and rose gold work well with ombre purple and violet. The style has to be hand-painted just like any other ombre or sunset hairstyle.
26. Reds and Purples
The blends of colors are warmer than likely expected for a sunset hair color, as the coolness of the shades of blue is mixed into the red-toned purple. The blend is beautiful and warm but with a tint of fiery red streaks throughout.
27. Hidden Sun
Within the depths of the range of colors in her hair, the representation of the sun is placed for a lot of fun and a pop of surprise. The blend of rich pastels is gorgeous from all directions, even with the bright yellow hidden in the center.
28. Blazing Sunset Hair
Amping up the color of the sunset in your hair is as easy as choosing neon colors to represent their similar counterparts. As the color fades, it will still be stronger than lighter colors would look.
29. Shifted Sunset Hair Color
Once you have chosen your sunset hair colors, placement is between you and your stylist so the outcome fits your style. Spread throughout in whatever method you want – your sunset hair is a reflection of you as much as it is a reflection of the sunset.
30. Softer Sunset Hair Color
Depths of purple and maroon work and meld resplendently before becoming a soft peachy gold color. The transition is smooth yet sudden, nearly unparalleled anywhere else in the style.
31. Sunset on Dark Waves
Dark brunette hair streaked with gold, copper and magenta shows off the favorite shades of an excellent sunset. The loose waves allow the colors to glisten as they would on dark water.
32. Tequila Sunrise
A sunrise and a sunset are the reverse of each other, right? The colors involved will most often be similar. Dark hair streaked with shades of orange, pink and purple reflects the two most consistent times of the day.
33. Maroon and Copper
An ombre treatment shows off a large majority of maroon hair color transforming at the ends to be a warm coppery red. Your interpretation of the sunset hair is all that matters, so talk to your stylist and create the one that works for you.
34. Deep, Pastel and Neon
Artistically spread throughout the length of a voluminous bob, blues, pinks, yellow and silvery blonde shades perfectly work together. The brightness of the yellow that represents the end of the day against the other colors shows a shocking edge and gives a lot of dimension to the hairstyle.
35. Vivid Night
Deep purple, magenta and yellow blonde blend interestingly into the representation of the night sky near the end of a sunset. The bit of yellow at the bottom provides an interesting conclusion to the transition of color.
36. Nearly Complete Sunset
Vivid midnight blue works with hints of orange and peach against magenta for an argent design of a sunset hair color in thick, wavy hair. The blend continues the dark blue further in some spots than others for a beautifully unique and interesting interpretation.
37. Sunrise/ Sunset Hair
Different shades of orange and red can be found in nearly all sunsets and mirror the sunrise. This is the sunset hairstyle for anyone wanting to represent the beginning and the end of the day simultaneously.
38. Warm Sunset Hair Tones
Burning sunset hair using shades of pink and orange brightens up the brown roots, mimicking a bright sunset over dark hills. The look is cool with a burnished effect that will keep people talking.
39. Sunset Blends
Purples and rose gold and pink, oh my! The colors follow the same patterns as longer styles, but on finer and shorter hair the root colors of purple and lavender at her roots show through more and help provide a prismatic effect to the sunset hair color.
40. Dreamy Sunset Hair
The vibrancy of the blue hair roots is the color of azure to represent the coolness of the night sky pressing down on the brighter lavender, rose gold and soft gold transitions of color. There is no shyness in this color, only the shades of the sunset – ideally positioned for this hairstyle.
41. Sunset Colormelt
Red-toned brown roots are brightened with glowing orange and bright red hair shades. On barrel curls these colors catch the light and provide a gorgeous yet modest version of sunset hair that would still be very appropriate even for office work.
42. Inverted Sunset Hair
Mercury silver ends contrast interestingly with the bright pink hair roots and rose gold hair. The unexpected color is another interesting variation of an incoming night sky translated into a hairstyle.
43. Peach, Pink and Blue
Soft peach and pink work together to give you the softest rose gold offered by a sunset. Deep midnight blue roots complete the look optimally, adding in the depth of the night-time sky.
44. Fire Hair
Using Pulp Riot hair color is a good choice for anyone looking for sunset hair, and in this case, lemon and lava blend together for the ideal set-up. Long, loose curls show off the multifaceted tones of the reddish brown, pinkish red, darker orange and bright yellow.
45. A Mermaid’s Sunset Hair
All sunsets are magical, but in the imagination of anyone who loves mermaids, sunsets on the water would be tough to beat and invariably include touch of aqua. This is the perfect blend of a sunset hair and mermaid hairstyle.
46. Pastel Sunset Hair
When you decide on a soft, pastel-colored sunset look, don’t forget to add a few bright streaks of yellow and gold to mimic the true sunset. The colors are soft, but the effect is the same. The appearance of the day exiting and the soft entrance of the evening can clearly be seen mimicked in the hair color.
47. Sunset Melt
Who would have thought that dark hair could show off a combination of colors leading from deep violet to light orange? This collaboration between artists turned out a blazing representation of a visually impactful sunset.
48. Orange and Pink Sunset Hair
Bright pink, orange and yellow create an unmissable tribute to a sunset hair color that has a neon hue to it for an extra bit of “oomph”. The custom color is fun and seems to glow from within.
49. Fiery Sunset Hair Color
Night seeps in at the roots as orange, red and yellow with hints of dark pink imitate the final fighting moments of the previous day. This hair color is undeniably bright and even though it is darker that some other versions of sunset hair, it will never be accused of lacking intensity. As the colors fade, the essence of the sunset will persevere.
50. Edgy Sunset Hair
Sunset hair doesn’t have to be a soft combination – there are neon versions as well. Add in a serious undercut and an angled bang, and this sunset colored bob is several steps away from the pack.
51. Abstract Sunset Hair
Have you ever seen a sunset with colors you didn’t expect? Someone did and it inspired this incredible sunset hairstyle. The inclusion of aqua and soft sky blue mixed in with strong end-of-the-day oranges and magentas works unexpectedly to see the slow exit of a new day in this sunset hairstyle.
52. Complex Sunset
Adding in all the colors of a sunset can be daunting on dark hair, but the tonal quality and the natural depth of color look astounding. The change in shades from natural dark brown to golden tones, broken up by pinks and purples is interesting from every angle.
53. Triple P Sunset
Purples, peaches and pinks blend beautifully to create this trio of sunset hair shades. There is no lack of vibrancy, the colors stand out stunningly, and the inspiration of the last hint of light is evident at the tips of her hair.
54. Sunset Dreams
Dark hair can work beautifully well for sunset hair – the dark roots are excellent and blend right into this look that utilized purple hair shades, pinks, peaches and pale orange to softly blend into each other. It’s a multifaceted and easy-to-picture sunset with this look, making it a perfect representation.
55. Midnight Is Coming
Blue and magenta chase the last of the warm sunlight away, pressing the color down gradually in the reference photo. The blue violet roots of her hair transition into magenta, pink and then warm rose gold at the tips, mimicking the transition of colors in the reference photo. This sunset hair is perfectly blended, the colors appear to be flowing beautifully, naturally into the next. As the color fades, the transition will hold the effect very well.
What Is the Sunset Hair Trend All About?
Sunset hair is a multidimensional colorful look that uses lots of pink, purple, blue, orange and other shades inspired by sunsets.
The sunsets that mesmerize us contain colors that are natural hair hues, but include others that are not. Why not put natural colors in your hair in a vibrant yet fully comforting way? Your sunset hair color can be any point of the sunset – the beginning, middle, end – whatever suits you most.
Starting off with a deep purple or darker blue base to represent the ending of the sunset would include streaks of the waning light throughout – but if you are in the early stages of the sunset, a rosier tinge would permeate throughout.
The type of sunset that shows in the city versus the country, a desert one versus the shore and more are all very different as well. Regardless of your inspiration, certain colors will make an appearance – it is the balance and hue that make it unique. Shades of purple and blue, red, peaches, pinks, orange and blonde all intertwine in an ombre effect to give you the lasting sunset in your crown for weeks.
How to Get Sunset Hair?
If you really want to test out the sunset hair look before taking the permanent leap, check out hair chalk and colored waxes. There are more main tips to go with, regardless of whether you want to test it on your own or go to the salon:
• Use A Reference Photo
I don’t mean a picture of a hairstyle on someone else, though that would be helpful as well. I mean a reference photo of your ideal sunset to make it easier to translate into your hair. The photo will give you the colors you want, the composition, the flow, everything you need to put together your sunset hairstyle. Many of the examples we provide below will show the sunset hair and the photo that inspires it. This is the way to go. It will help you in the next, very important step.
• Choose Your Colors
This is important as you need to know not only the colors you want, but the colors you want to avoid. Remember that the colors will blend into each other, just like the colors of the sunset do.
• Test It Out
You can test out your sunset hairstyle with hair chalk or hair color wax. They are temporary and will allow you to create the blend of colors you want. If you don’t get it right, wash it out and try again. Take a picture, show it to your stylist and really go for it. The hair color wax won’t rub off and will last until you wash it out. Certain hair chalks have a good amount of staying power but the fading will be severe after one day.
Note: Dealing with the back of your head for these types of coloring jobs can be a pain in the neck for even the most experienced colorist. This is definitely the task where you tag in a friend, even if they are only looking to make sure you didn’t miss a spot and that your colors are set up right (another time where the reference photo comes in handy). Sunset hair is a lot of work but what do you expect for results this amazing? It is completely worth it.
If you still decide to go the dyeing route at home to get your sunset hair, here is what you should do:
- Pick your complementing sunset hair colors wisely, making sure the colors look harmonious together, but also you have one stand-out shade to give your final look more brightness.
- Do bleach your hair if your natural color is really dark to make sure you get exactly the colors you want.
- After the bleaching session, apply your sunset colors creatively, starting with darker shades that you will use at the roots, such as blues and purples, and then slowly transitioning to burnt oranges, pinks and reds. Since every sunset is unique, applying your painting skills and creativity you’ll get a one-of-a-kind look that will make the traffic stop.
Tips for Keeping Your Sunset Hair Color Bright
As is the case whenever you color your hair, it’s crucial to adjust your hair care routine to account for the changes to your strands. You don’t want the color to fade and you definitely don’t want your strands to weaken any further and lead to breakage and split ends. It is best to adopt a color-treated hair system, preferably one recommended by your stylist.
Your hair needs to be moisturized, and protein treatments should also be considered, but the most important thing is to utilize washing and conditioning options designed specifically for your color-treated strands. These are designed to protect your sunset hair color and keep your strands from drying out.
- Some clarifying shampoos can strip the color and moisture from your hair leaving it dry and brittle, forcing you to remoisturize and leaving your hair more vulnerable to further damage. Sulfate-free is the way to go.
- Wait to wash your hair until 3 days after you get your sunset hair color. This will give the color time to settle and the cuticle to seal which will protect your amazing color and the health of your hair.
- When you wash your hair, do your final rinse with cold water. Hot water can make the sunset hair colors fade, dry your hair out and rob it of luster. Cold water will encourage the cuticles of your hair strands to lay flat, sealing in moisture and adding shine. Even though your shower might be hot, make your final rinse for your hair cold.
- Try not to wash your hair too often in order to preserve your sunset hair color better. If you are worried that your hair will be greasy-looking, consider a good dry shampoo as an option between washes, as it won’t affect your color.
- Avoid chlorine. If your preferred method of exercise or relaxation involves the pool, take precautions to keep your hair dry. The same goes for salt water – you can either utilize a swim cap or you can slather your hair with a good conditioner to protect your hair from the stripping effect that salt water and chlorine can have on your hair.
- Use a UV protectant for your hair (yes, you read that right! There are hair sunscreen options) to protect your sunset hair from being faded by UV rays. This really shouldn’t be a surprise though, as your hair inspiration is the colors of the sunset, which aren’t seen in the full light of early or midday, right?
- Minimize your dependence on heat styling. There are plenty of other ways to curl or straighten your hair as needed, but if you must use heat, use a heat protectant when styling and use a wide tooth comb on your wet hair rather than a hair brush to prevent breakage.
- Drink lots of water and eat healthy. It really will show through by helping to give you shiny, healthy hair!
Makeup & Fashion Tips for Wearing Sunset Hair Colors
Makeup and fashion when you have sunset hair MUST be on point – you cannot be lax. Even if you are doing a minimal look, you should still do your best to not be overwhelmed by your sunset hair. That may sound exhausting but we can help you with that.
Eye Makeup
Choose your go-to drama and mellow looks. Make certain that the shadows that you pick are monotone or limited to a shorter range of shades (and matched by your lipstick).
Nudes, warm shimmers that match your sunset hair (in tone, not each individual color) are not only safe, but also look beautiful. Finally, don’t ditch your liner or lashes. They will give you the boost you want without fighting with your amazing hair.
Brows
If you are going to match your brows to your sunset hair, it is best to go with one color, preferably the one closest to your roots. Your natural hair color is usually a good option as well, but we all like to go that extra mile sometimes, so be prepared to choose from the darker range of your sunset shades.
Lip Makeup
When it comes to a good lip when you have a sunset hairstyle, consider a lip gloss as your go-to. Lip gloss with a tint or a touch of shimmer can go a long way, is super cute and flattering. If you are a lipstick aficionado, consider using nude shades or complementing your eyeshadow.
Face Makeup
No harsh lines – blend out everything you can. The only exception for this would be your eyeliner. If you want it to be seen, especially a cat eye, go for razor sharp. Other than that, blend in your contouring well, blend your shadows, blend, blend, blend. You don’t want anything to compete with your hair. Make certain that you don’t go overboard and try to only accentuate one feature at a time.
Fashion Tips
Fashion wise you want to make sure that your outfit doesn’t clash with your sunset hair. If you are concerned about wearing your sunset hair at work, you can balance the look out with monochromatic clothing – keep it sleek and chic. The focus is your hair, everything else is a component of the pedestal that shows off your hair.
Photos via Instagram
