Hair color is such a personal choice, but a fun way to showcase your unique style. If you’re interested in a fantasy shade, yellow hair is a great way to pick something different that will definitely turn heads and spark a conversation. We’re highlighting some of the best yellow hair colors you can create below. From canary yellow to neon and pastel looks, these yellow hair colors are bright and just perfect for summer.
1. Sunny Ombre Yellow Hair
Natural roots transition into a bold yellow hair color that subtly shifts from an orange-yellow into a bold pop of sunflower. Add layers for a more natural effect and add big sexy curls with a large curling iron or wand for a full-wattage effect.
2. Fiery Veronica Lake
Veronica Lake was known for her iconic waves, but you can take it a step further with this bold ombre that requires you to bring the drama. Bright red roots smoothly transition to a rich orange hair color before finishing with a warm yellow. Use pins to set hair as you curl it on a large barrel roller to create that perfect Old Hollywood image.
3. Gradient Effect
Who said that yellow hair has to be one-dimensional? Turn heads with tresses that are primarily dyed yellow from root to tip. But create drama by adding subtle rose-pink highlights around the face.
4. Bright Harley Quinn
Who needs blue and red when you could go for red and a very warm copper yellow effect instead? Snag this Harley Quinn-inspired look by evenly parting hair before you add color. Set with loose curls to give it a nice finished look.
5. Yellow Blonde Angled Bob
You can have it all with this look, a classic bob with razored ends and a fresh color that’ll turn heads. To keep it realistic, leave roots natural and even allow some of your natural hair color to blend mid-length before shifting into this bold yet warm yellow hair color.
6. The Yellow for Not Really Yellow Fans
If bold yellow hair has you scared, you’ll appreciate this yellow-inspired ‘do. Strawberry blonde and warm honey roots blend into a traditional blonde hue, giving the effect and warmth of yellow, without the commitment of actually using a yellow hair dye.
7. For the Ultimate Lakers Fan
If sports comes first for you, this very untraditional twist on yellow hair dye may appeal to you. Specifically for Lakers fans (or Vikings fans), nap this look by dyeing your hair’s under-layers purple and reserving the bright yellow hair dye for your crown.
8. Pastel Yellow Bob
Not all yellow hair colors have to be neon bright and in your face. If you’re more about a subtle color play, you’ll appreciate this unique ombre that takes coral-hued roots and transitions them into a yellow, so barely-there you’ll swear that it’s actually blonde (which it is).
9. The Fire Starter
We get it, some people need to have all eyes on them no matter what. And if this sounds familiar, then we recommend this cute crop. Warm but darker red roots transition into bright neon yellow hair that’s reminiscent of watching a fire.
10. Warm Yellow Crop
If you’re concerned about yellow hair looking more clown show than dramatic, we understand. Avoid this fiasco by keeping your roots natural and opting for a yellow that’s warmer with orange hues in it. Leave about an inch to an inch and a half of your roots their natural color so that you’ll create that lived-in effect.
11. Fierce Glowing Bob
Angled bobs are naturally dramatic. But when you throw in a bold yellow hair color, all bets are off! To make this look work, hair should be precision razored and angled with the shortest length at the nape. Of course, that’s after your stylist applies a warm yellow hair dye with orange tones in it.
12. Just the Ends
Not everyone wants a full head of yellow hair. And we get it, that’s a serious commitment. If this sounds familiar, you’ll appreciate this crop, which takes long lengths and slowly transitions from naturally dark roots into an auburn middle before settling on a bold yellow at the ends. To make it work, match the tones between your yellow hair and your natural hair (warm with warm, cool with cool).
13. Transitional Yellow Hair
Who says that yellow hair has to be the style of the show? Maybe it’s just a part of the full story. In this look, natural roots blend into yellow hair before transitioning out into a warm copper-orange hue. Set hair on a large barrel curler to create a finished ‘do.
14. A Bit of Lavender
If you don’t want a full head of yellow but still want a ‘do that turns heads, we’ve got you. This look isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a two-tone style that transitions from bold yellow roots into an almost sun-bleached blonde hair color before transitioning into the boldest lavender ends we’ve ever seen. This requires a precision coloring job, so it’s probably best to go to the pros.
15. Classic Crop with a Dose of Color
A bold hair color doesn’t have to feel over the top when done properly. This yellow hair is balanced by a balayage treatment that begins with darker roots and leaves some tresses untouched until the tips to create a more natural effect. This mid-length lob is set on a large curling iron to create a gentle tousled effect.
16. Golden Crown
We’re always fans of a gentle ombre treatment, and this one definitely fits the bill. Fiery orange roots softly transition into sunny yellow hair. But the star of this show is the actual hairstyle itself. The crown begins with French braids that are later woven into a beautiful flower effect – perfect for a special occasion.
17. The Black & Yellow
This is more than a classic song, it’s a whole mood. If you ever thought that black and yellow hair wouldn’t make sense, this ‘do proves that you’re wrong. Roots are intentionally dyed darker, while the middle and ends are dyed yellow and orange. Again, this is a precision hair dye project.
18. Honeyed Yellow Hair
Once again, you don’t need a full head of yellow hair to make an impression. If you like the idea of partially committing to color, ombre is the way to go. Dark roots are seamlessly shifted into a warm orangish hue before the ends are dyed yellow. But what sets this look apart is that the under-length of the hair is left dark to create a subtle bit of contrast.
19. Feeling Blue
Need more inspo for a subtler yellow hairstyle? How about an inky navy blue that transitions into yellow hair? For the best effect, hair should be fully bleached, so you have a good canvas. Opt for cool navy blue for the roots while leaving the middle length untouched. Then continue with a bold yellow hue for your ends.
20. Sunshine Bob
You really can’t go wrong with a bob. It’s classic, dramatic, and always in style. We’re loving how this razored bob is given a fresh effect thanks to the warm yellow hair color. But for a more natural effect, roots are left natural, and the transition into the yellow hue is gradual rather than stark.
21. Going Back to Your Roots
Not all yellow hair colors have to be blindingly bright. This sunny crop pairs a short yet sassy angled bob with yellow hair that’s more wearable for the less dramatic set. Natural roots are left longer, and a soft creamy yellow is applied roughly two to three inches out from the roots.
22. Neon Dream
If your mantra is “go big or go home,” this is the yellow hair color that you need. Warm yellow-orange roots transition into a bright neon yellow hue for a surprisingly organic effect. To bring it all together, set hair on a medium barrel curler and tousle for a fresh and earthy look.
23. Soft Ombre Yellow Hair
Yellow hair can come in so many hues that if you’re thinking of adopting this bright hair color, the options are limitless. Here, orangish roots transition into a warm yellow that reminds us more of orange juice than shocking neon. For a sleek effect, make sure that your roots are fully orange and keep tresses sleek and straight.
24. Harvest-Ready Yellow Hair
If you’re one of those people that live for a crisp autumn day, this is the hair color for you. The trick to making this work is to keep the “bold” yellow hair limited to the ends of your hair. The roots and majority of the length are given a more natural effect with a balayage that creates a natural blend between auburn, warm cinnamon, and hints of yellow that are carried higher to make it look like you’ve opted to grow out your yellow hair.
25. Classic Yellow Balayage with a Twist
Hands down, balayage is the best way to incorporate yellow hair dye into your look while still managing to make it look natural instead of shocking. This time, the effect is done on longer hair. But just like with the previous look, the roots and the bulk of the length are predominantly dyed with more natural-looking hues such as auburn and cinnamon, while the ends are dyed a bold and warm yellow.
26. The Perfect Cosplay Style
For the cosplayers and Lolita fans, this bold yellow hair is the perfect option. But even so, we like that there’s still variation. The hair isn’t just one yellow hue. Instead, the stylist opted for an ombre effect that transitions from warm to cool yellow hair dyes to create visual interest. For the ultimate cosplay style, the hair is half pinned up into two cute mini buns.
27. Make Them Green with Envy
Ombre hair is still in style, and for good reason. When done right, it’s mesmerizing to see. This time, bright yellow hair is balanced with a soft lime green crown to create a unique ombre effect that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Then the hair is set on a large barrel curler to create a polished finish.
28. Rosy Yellow Hair
Just because you want yellow hair doesn’t mean that you can only use that color. Here, a range of hues is used to achieve a unique effect. The roots are highlighted with balayage to transition between a fiery orange, pale blonde, and yellow blonde. But then strategic strands are painted rose gold to create a one-of-a-kind hair color that’s sure to turn heads.
29. Fire Yellow Hair
In case you haven’t noticed by now, one of the most popular yellow hair dye combinations is orange and yellow. While they’re not officially complementary colors, they just make each other pop naturally, which is why it’s a fan favorite. This time, an almost reddish orange hue is drawn down from the roots to mid-length before a warm sunshine yellow hair dye is applied from the mid-length through to the tips. But some yellow is strategically applied higher to give a more natural and “lived-in” effect.
30. Yellow Winter ‘Do
We totally get that a whole head of yellow hair might be a bit much for many people. So consider this look. Warm chocolate roots and mid-length are paired with a warm-hued yellow to give that “I’m growing my hair out” effect. While you could totally wear this hair straight, we do like the precision waves created on this lovely model.
31. Piecey Ray of Sunshine
If you prefer a more natural effect, it’s always best to blend natural roots (or the semblance of natural) into your look. In this style, natural roots gently transition into yellow hair before being curled on a wide barrel for a casual effect.
32. Chasing the Blues Away
Opt for an instant mood booster with this super bright play on yellow hair. Pick a bold hue that would rival the best that Crayola has to offer and keep it uniform from root to tip. To keep it interesting, have layers cut into your bob to help create texture and prevent it from looking like a wall of yellow.
33. Yellow-Orange Hair
We love that there’s no one way to go when it comes to yellow hair. This time, an inch of hair at the roots is left natural before transitioning into a bold and warm yellow-orange hue. To create a sleek effect, hair is loosely curled on a large barrel and gently brushed out for big sexy curls that anyone would love.
34. Bright from Root to Tip
If you’re more of the “go big or go home” variety, then you might not want to keep your roots their original color. If this sounds familiar, then this head-turning look involves committing to a bold yellow hair color but ensuring that it complements the undertones in your skin. Create layers around the face and razor the ends to create texture and set on a medium-width barrel to keep the look polished and sophisticated.
35. Bold Yellow on Yellow Ombre
There’s no rule that says you can only use one shade of yellow if you decide to snag this bold hue. After bleaching hair, go bolder at the roots with a warm golden yellow and gently shift to a cornsilk yellow at the ends to create dimension. While this is gorgeous on medium-length hair, this tonal ombre can be achieved on long or short hair, too.
36. Radioactive Yellow Hair
There’s no rule when it comes to combining fantasy colors – the sky is literally the limit. This time neon yellow hair transitions into bold lime green shades to create a look that will make people wonder if you’ve somehow managed to create a real-life filter so that you look stunning everywhere you go.
37. Go Green in Style
They’re not officially complementary colors on a chart or anything, but green and yellow have a wave vibing when we see them together. This time, the combination is edgy thanks to a healthy dose of natural roots that are left intact. This classic ombre application sees natural roots transition into a bold shamrock green before shifting into bold yellow hair. Curls are added to the tips of the hair to finish the look.
38. The Yellow That Isn’t
There are so many ways to go for yellow hair, especially if you’re not the type to go for a bold head-turning hue. Instead, this is another great middle-ground style that lets you dabble with color without going from zero to 100 in one appointment. To make it work, you’ll need a balayage stylist who knows how to precisely paint a gradient between warm browns and a pastel cornsilk yellow shade. Draw that gradient throughout the length while keeping the last two to three inches of your hair exclusively yellow.
39. Yellow Hair Color for Blondes
If you prefer being a blonde, that doesn’t mean that you can’t embrace yellow hair. Keep it natural by leaving your roots their original color but opt for a warmer blonde while also being mindful of your skin’s undertones.
40. Mermaid Yellow Hair
We can’t say no to fantasy hair, especially when it’s mermaid-inspired. Again, you’ll want an expert colorist to do this look, as it requires strategic rainbow color placement at the crown before transitioning into two yellow hues. Your mid-length will be left a bolder yellow with orange hues in it, while your ends are left lighter with a cornsilk yellow hair dye.
41. Fresh Gradient Yellow Hair
We can’t get enough of ombre and gradient styles, and this fresh twist on yellow hair colors is no exception. Almost neon yellow roots are gently mellowed into a literal strawberry blonde blend from the mid-length through to the tips. Light face-framing layers are added to keep the look modern.
42. Autumn Leaves
We might be a ways off from the fall season, but this vibrant yellow hair color puts us in the mood for pumpkin spice and hayrides. Natural roots are gently transitioned into warm orange-red hues before a bright yellow hair dye is applied from the middle length to the tip. To create more definition, layers are added, and hair is blown out for volume.
43. Rainbow Brite Yellow Hair
This reference might go over your head (no pun intended) if you’re not an ‘80s baby. But we’re getting Rainbow Brite vibes from this daring ‘do. Bold blondish yellow hair is given an edge by creating strategic rainbow highlights in the mid-length. Roots are left natural to keep it wearable. For added surprise (or to make it more wearable), place that rainbow color in middle layers, so it’s only visible if you wear your hair up in a pony or half ‘do.
44. Boho Yellow Hair Color
There are so many ways to wear yellow hair, and we’re loving this option. Roots are left natural and longer, while yellow hair dye that almost verges on a bold rich blonde is applied to the rest of the hair. Be sure to paint the yellow into the middle to create a natural gradient and prevent harsh lines. Set with a medium-sized barrel to create soft waves – a headband is optional!
45. Fiery Underside
We love seeing all the creative color blends stylists create with yellow hair. Here, the nape is colored a copper orange-red hue, while the bulk of the hair is painted a rich yellow with orange tones. The blend feels natural and creates serious visual contrast when the hair is worn up.
46. The Cheetah Inside
This is definitely a look for a bold gal who isn’t afraid to make a statement. And it also requires an expert colorist to pull it off without looking crazy. Hair is left yellowish blonde, while strategic charcoal gray hair dye is applied to select strands near the face and beneath the crown. Expertise is required to paint cheetah-like spots in face-framing strands for a look that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
47. Bold Blue Ombre
If you liked our navy into yellow ombre but felt the blue was too subdued, then you’ll love this bold cobalt alternative. Much like with the other style, this one features a vivid cobalt crown that transitions into platinum gray before mellowing into a sunny yellow hair color. Set hair on a large barrel iron to create a polished effect.
48. Gradient Yellow Hair
There’s no one way to wear yellow hair, and we’re obsessed with this one. If you can’t decide between yellow or red, this unique gradient effect gives you the best of both worlds. A mix between cool and warm reds is applied to the crown and ends, while the middle relies on a bold yellow hair dye. The hair dye is gently blended to create a seamless transition for a stunning effect.
49. Festive Fall-Inspired Yellow Hair
If you’re not ready to commit to a full head of bold hair color, we get it – it’s not for everyone. But this fun play on yellow hair with orange accents puts us in the mood for Halloween trick or treating and apple picking. The majority of your hair is left natural, while select strands closest to your face and all of your ends are strategically dyed either yellow, orange, or an ombre blend of the two. Again, for something this precise, always go to a pro!
50. Sha-Bang Hair
Yes, we know, it’s a corny pun. But take a look at this ‘do, and you’ll understand why. While the main length of this classic shag cut is colored with a more natural warm blonde yellow hair dye, the real drama is in the bangs. While it may not be for everyone, we like that the lower half of the bangs was colored a vibrant yellow and that it was painted in a blunt fashion to create visual interest.
51. Sunshine Yellow Hair
Sunny yellow hair is always a must-do for us, and this bright and fresh crop is the perfect example of why that is. This yellow hue has strong orange influences and is uniformly applied from roots to tip. To keep is edgy, hair is cut into a bob with razored ends for texture.
52. “Lived-in” Yellow Hair
If you’re a fan of a little root action, you’ll like this yellow hairstyle. While roots are allowed to look grown out, a bold sunny hue is applied just below the crown and carried out through the ends. Hair is set on soft curls to soften the boldness of this hairstyle.
53. Another Sunny Day
Once again, yellow hair is a completely wearable look if you know how to apply the color properly. We like that the yellow hair dye is placed strategically further down the length of this model’s hair before dominating in the ends. To keep it wearable, keep your roots and middle natural with a gradual transition.
54. Two Pops of Color
Clearly a lot of people are influenced by the Harley Quinn trend of 50-50 hair. If you’re bold enough to pull this off, you’ll want to keep roots natural and then pick a sunny yellow hair dye for one half of your head and a gentle rose gold for the other. Side-swept bangs and soft layers frame the face to take the edge off of this bold color combo.
55. Non-Yellow Yellow Hair
We love that there are so many options for people who might be a little leery of yellow hair but still want to take the plunge. This time warm chocolate brown roots are transitioned below the crown into a bright classic yellow hue. But strategic strands are lifted almost completely to the roots to create visual interest.
56. Go Bold or Go Home
Some people feel that there’s no point in wearing a bold hair color if you’re going to play it safe. If this sounds familiar, then this bold yellow orange hue should be applied from root to tip for an eye-catching effect. Set hair on a medium-size barrel to create waves and texture.
57. Just a Pop of Color
Not ready to fully commit to color? Then why not color just the ends? We’re loving this bold bob that features shorter blunt cut Betty Paige-style bangs and a smidge of color at the ends. A warm blonde hue that’s naturally multidimensional is paired with a bold yellow that’s applied to the lower two inches of this model’s hair. But we like how the color is applied to create the illusion that she opted to slowly grow out her yellow.
58. Neon Shock
Bold fashionistas are going to really love this hairstyle. If you’re ready to make a commitment and go outside of your comfort zone, then you can’t do better than this neon yellow hair. The color is applied uniformly and complements the classic bob with bangs.
59. Two-Toned Duel
Picking the perfect hair color can be such a struggle. So why pick just one color? This is another popular color combo that pairs a warm yellow with a fiery orange hue. While the bulk of the hair is dyed orange, the face-framing portion is left yellow and set on a medium-barrel curler to create a soft wavy texture.
60. ‘90s Throwback
The ‘90s were all about neon colors. And if you’re looking to create an homage to the era, this is the look you want to recreate. While the crown is colored a bold yellow, the ends are dyed a neon green, and a strategic set of under layer highlights in a bold neon pink. Totally ‘rad.
61. Golden Rays
There’s nothing wrong with a classic bold hue of yellow. This stylist opted for a wearable approach by keeping the roots dark. A warm yellow hair dye with slightly orangish tones is applied roughly two inches down from the root and continues through to the ends. Hair is set on soft curls to create visual interest.
Photos via Instagram
