When it comes to hair color inspo, we often look towards our favorite trendsetting celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, or Hilary Duff to inspire our next look. However, lately it seems as though everyone has been finding inspo in one of the most unlikeliest of places — Disney’s most famous and fashionable villain, Cruella de Vil.
Blame it on that new live-action Cruella flick that Disney released this past May, but De Vil’s infamous black-and-white hair color has never been cooler. Rather than just settling on one hair color, many people have been opting for a much edgier two-toned look by bleaching and toning one side of their head blond and dyeing the other side black. The results have been stunning and dare we say, devilish!
Back in May, Gwen Stefani gave her signature platinum blond ‘do a bold Cruella-inspired update thanks to the help of some black clip-in bangs and hair extensions. Kehlani went for full Cruella vibes with her two-toned, black-and-platinum blonde straight-back cornrows created by hairstylist Preston Wada. RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage gave the look a try by adding a streak of silver to her raven hair. And, even Selena Gomez has jumped on the two-tone hair bandwagon with her recent blond hue that featured her signature dark lock peeking through underneath.
So, what’s the appeal of this hair color trend? Apparently, “the boldness” says hairstylist Catherine Gibbs. “This style is so striking, it’s no wonder so many are drawn to it. So precise and powerful, it evokes high fashion,” she adds.
While you don’t have to worry about any puppies being harmed in the making of this hairstyle, there are still a few things to keep in mind before giving Cruella hair a try.
“No matter who you are and what hair you’re starting out with, obtaining this style is going to require two color corrections: one to achieve the split-dye or “Cruella” look and one to get rid of it when this trend goes out—like all trend do, good or bad,” explains hairstylist Miller Shea, who’s received tons of requests for the Cruella look in the past year. “If you are wanting this look, just be mentally prepared for what it takes to get there. And, equally important, what it takes to get back.”
Gibbs recommends asking your stylist for color-blocking or a more wearable “peek-a-boo” placing if they want to achieve this two-toned color. “From there, the client and stylist should work like an artistic team, creating a look that will dazzle and be one of a kind,” she says.
According to Shea, inspo pictures are super important and will be a must for your salon appointment. “I don’t care if you have a whole album saved, I want to see them!” she says. “For creative styles like this especially, nothing helps you communicate what you’re wanting to me more than a picture does. Seeing your hair goal is the only way for me to be sure we’re on the same page.”
And once you have your two-tone color? “Be ready to follow your stylist’s instructions carefully,” Shea advises. “This is a high maintenance hairstyle. If you’re wanting to maintain this look long term —I may be a little harsh, but I tell my clients not to even bother if they can’t be in the salon every six weeks. If you’re waiting any longer between appointments, you’re looking at another color correction (and higher risk for damage) every single time we get in there to touch it up.”
Gibbs echoes these sentiments and adds that when it comes to wash day, make sure to keep water temperatures low so the lightest part of your hair does not bleed. She also recommends using a PH balanced, color-safe shampoo and conditioner regimen for longer-lasting color.
If you’re ready to embrace your inner Disney villain, be sure to follow both Miller Shea (@millershea.r) and Catherine Gibbs (@ccatherinee.g) on Instagram for more Cruella hair inspo!
