Bright hair colors are not as unicorn as they were a couple of years ago. Women are bold enough to try on pastels, as well as neon, metallic and melted looks. Brands have discovered new ways your vivid colored locks can look gorgeous from day one to their last day by changing hues while fading. We conducted this interview with Heidi Bolton, hair artist from Phoenix who does vivids every day. She has a lot to share!

Recommended Video TRHs: How to find the perfect vivid color for a client?

Heidi: I don’t know if I’ve ever told anyone not to get a specific color… If their particular choice isn’t totally suited for their look, I might recommend adding some other shades into the mix. I think that matching hues to skin tones isn’t the way it used to be. If you want a particular color and it might not be the best choice for your tone, I would usually recommend changing it! From a warm base to a cool base, or even adding other colors with it, so that it isn’t quite so severe.

Instagram / @heididoeshair

TRHs: What are the biggest hair painting techniques right now?

Heidi: Every day new ways of applying color are created. “Melting” is always popular. Blending one shade into another seamlessly. It’s a classic mermaid look. Grey was popular for a while, and versions of it, but thank goodness that’s mostly passed.

TRHs: Some women want to try vivids but they’re afraid to cope with fading and frequent appointments. When we first met, you mentioned color lines that fade out beautifully!

Advertisement Heidi: Yes, my personal favorite fashion color line is PulpRiot. They specifically created their dyes to be beautiful from day 1 until the last day you see it on the hair. Fading is now part of the beauty. So if you start with dark purple, eventually you’ll see a beautiful lavender as it fades. I always advise people to choose their color a shade or two darker than their actual goal. Then they have their look for a longer duration, and can enjoy every shade along the fading journey.