Opal hair is what happens when white-blonde hair and rainbow hair have a super-chic baby. Think a pearly base with flashes of pink, lavender, blue, or even green, like the colors inside an opal. Some versions are barely-there pastels; others go all in on the rainbow. That’s the fun of it: there’s no one right way to wear it.
As a member of the hair dye club, I love how much a little color can change a look. I’m also fascinated by the people fearless enough to try something like this. If you’re tempted, keep in mind that very pale opal shades typically need a light blonde base, which may mean significant lightening if your hair is dark. Ask a colorist what your hair can handle and how the shades will fade before committing. Now, on to the good stuff: 12 opal hair ideas worth saving for your next salon visit.
1. Rainbow Opal
This is the color combination that immediately comes to mind when I think about the perfect opal nail polish, and the fact that someone translated it into hair color is amazing.
2. Dark Opal
This one is just toeing the line between opal and rainbow, but I’m not mad about it.
3. Pink Opal
I like this shade for someone who already has pastel-colored hair but wants to try something a little more multidimensional. This is like the gateway into full opal hair.
4. Blue Opal
This is the perfect dusty blue color, and honestly, I’d probably love it if it wasn’t opalescent or styled to perfection. But it is, and that makes it so much better.
5. Opal Ombré
Or is this technically a sombré? Like I said, I’m still learning the finer points of hair dye, so I won’t pretend I have a ruling on that one.
6. Pastel Opal
It’s wild how many shades can go into a look this soft. All those delicate colors take planning, and I can only imagine how long the salon appointment might be.
7. Bright Opal
At first, I was worried this was a little too Barney, and then I wasn’t sure about how matchy-matchy it was with the shirt. But I got over it because the hair itself is beautiful.
8. Silver Opal
Silver hair is striking on its own, but the opalescent touch gives it something extra.
(Related: 17 Half-And-Half Hair Colors That Prove Two Hues Are Better Than One)
9. Neon Opal
Hey, if you’re gonna do it, might as well go big or go home, right?
10. Subtle Opal
I like how you might not even notice this is opal hair unless you stared at it for a really long time.
11. Mixed-Metallics Opal
The combination of opal hair and a blunt bob with bangs screams fashion queen.
12. Blonde Opal
This is like My Little Pony in the best possible way. Seriously, I love it.
