Oil slick hair is one of the newest trends. Most likely you have already noticed it on Instagram since it’s catching on more and more. But what is it in fact? It consists of a multidimensional iridescent look. Usually, it’s made with green and purple highlights on top of the hair. The reason for which it is called like that is that it resembles an oil or gasoline spot found on the ground when it rains. Of course, the easiest way is to go to a salon. However, some women prefer to do it themselves. Here’s how to get oil slick hair at home.
Getting Oil Slick Hair 101
1. Section Your Hair
The first thing you need to do is to section the dry hair. Split it into four parts, twist, and clip each of them.
2. Lighten the Hair
This step is optional since it depends from one person to another. If you’re a light brunette, you can skip it altogether. However, if you have a dark shade, the dye may not be so effective so it’s better to lighten the hair first. A good idea is to use lightener powder and to work it through the hair. Make sure your hair is dry before proceeding to the next step.
3. Section the Hair Again
If you lightened your hair, split it again into four sections, twist and clip them out of your way.
4. Add Hair Dye
The goal here is to make the hair resemble oil. For this reason, you should use jewel tones. Pink, blue or ultraviolet are all good choices, but you can use your creativity and test other shades as well. Put on some gloves and then apply the colors randomly to each of the sections. Some say that it’s better to apply them symmetrically. Truth is, the effect is much more impressive if you alternate colors.
5. Wrap the Hair
After you finished applying the dye, it’s time to wrap the hair in tin foil. Wait around forty minutes. If you want it to be more intense, you could wait 5-10 minutes more.
6. Rinse It
Finally, you need to rinse the hair. However, hot water can remove the dye from the hair, so it’s best to wash it with ice cold water. It may be the toughest part, but it’s essential if you want to have beautiful oil slick hair. Ideally, you should wash it with cold water as long as you can, since this helps preserve its color. You might want to try using a sulfate free shampoo to get the full effect.
7. Protect Your Hair
The last thing you need to do is to protect your hair. All the dyeing process can affect it, so make sure you use special products for this. Use conditioner, a mask, as well as hair oil for a perfect effect. Dandruff shampoo also works well if you don’t want to spend the money on expensive products.
Conclusion
Getting oil slick hair can be easily done in a salon. However, where’s the satisfaction? The 7 steps above help you obtain the best look you can at home. Moreover, it’s your choice how much dye you use and where, so the final look depends entirely on you and your skills.