How Long Does Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Last?
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair is a semi-permanent dye that typically lasts between one to two weeks on pre-lightened hair, but the duration can vary significantly based on hair porosity, color intensity, and aftercare practices.
Introduction to Lime Crime Unicorn Hair
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair burst onto the beauty scene, capturing attention with its vibrant shades and cruelty-free ethos. Unlike permanent dyes that chemically alter the hair shaft, Unicorn Hair deposits color on top of the hair, making it a less damaging alternative for those seeking a temporary color change. Its appeal lies in the ability to experiment with bold, fantastical colors without the long-term commitment or harsh chemicals associated with permanent dyes.
Benefits of Using Unicorn Hair
Unicorn Hair offers several advantages over permanent hair dyes:
- Lower Damage Potential: The semi-permanent formula is less harsh, minimizing damage and dryness, particularly important for pre-lightened hair.
- Versatile Color Palette: The wide array of shades allows for creative experimentation and mixing to achieve custom colors.
- Temporary Color Change: It’s ideal for those who want to try a new color without the commitment of permanent dye.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Appeals to consumers seeking ethical and sustainable beauty products.
- DIY-Friendly: The relatively simple application process makes it accessible for home use.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving the best results with Unicorn Hair requires a careful application process:
- Pre-Lighten Hair (if needed): For pastel or brighter shades, hair needs to be platinum blonde or very light. Use a bleach kit and follow instructions carefully.
- Wash and Dry Hair: Shampoo hair without conditioner to create a clean base. Completely dry hair before applying the dye.
- Protect Skin and Clothes: Wear gloves and an old t-shirt or cape to prevent staining. Apply petroleum jelly along the hairline.
- Apply Unicorn Hair: Generously apply the dye to hair, ensuring complete saturation from root to tip.
- Process: Leave the dye on for the recommended processing time (usually 1-2 hours) based on desired intensity.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo.
- Condition (Optional): Use a color-safe conditioner to help seal the cuticle.
- Style as Usual: Air dry or use a low-heat setting to style.
Factors Influencing Color Longevity
Several factors impact how long Unicorn Hair lasts:
- Hair Porosity: Porous hair absorbs and releases dye faster, leading to quicker fading.
- Starting Hair Color: The lighter the hair, the more vibrant and longer-lasting the color will be. Dark hair requires significant pre-lightening.
- Color Intensity: Deeper, more pigmented shades tend to last longer than pastel shades.
- Washing Frequency: Frequent washing accelerates color fading.
- Water Temperature: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, releasing color.
- Shampoo Type: Sulfate-based shampoos strip color more effectively.
- Heat Styling: Excessive heat can damage the hair cuticle and cause color to fade.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can break down the dye molecules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve color longevity:
- Skipping the Strand Test: Always perform a strand test to check the color result and processing time on a small section of hair.
- Applying to Dirty Hair: Dirty hair can create a barrier, preventing the dye from adhering properly.
- Using Hot Water: Hot water causes the hair cuticle to open, leading to faster fading.
- Over-Washing: Excessive washing strips the color from the hair.
- Using Harsh Shampoos: Sulfate-based shampoos are known to strip color.
- Neglecting Aftercare: Proper aftercare is crucial for maintaining color vibrancy.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Unicorn Hair
Maximize your Unicorn Hair color with these simple tips:
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on colored hair.
- Wash Hair Less Frequently: Opt for dry shampoo between washes to extend the color.
- Use Cool Water: Rinse and wash hair with cool or lukewarm water.
- Apply a Color-Sealing Treatment: These treatments help lock in color and prevent fading.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize heat styling or use a heat protectant spray.
- Protect Hair from the Sun: Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when exposed to sunlight.
- Reapply Color as Needed: Unicorn Hair is safe to reapply as often as necessary to maintain the desired color intensity.
Comparing Unicorn Hair to Other Semi-Permanent Dyes
| Feature | Lime Crime Unicorn Hair | Other Semi-Permanent Dyes (Example: Arctic Fox) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan/Cruelty-Free | Yes | Often, but not always |
| Color Range | Wide, vibrant | Variable |
| Longevity | 1-2 weeks typically | Variable, generally 2-4 weeks |
| Damage Potential | Low | Low to moderate |
| Availability | Widely available | Variable |
| Price | Mid-range | Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the right Unicorn Hair shade for my hair?
Choosing the right shade depends on your natural hair color and the level of pre-lightening. For pastel shades, you’ll need platinum blonde hair. For darker, more pigmented shades, you can get away with slightly darker base. Always check the shade guide on the Lime Crime website or packaging for recommendations.
Can I mix different Unicorn Hair shades together?
Yes, absolutely! One of the great things about Unicorn Hair is its mixability. You can blend different shades to create custom colors. Experiment and have fun with it! Just remember to do a strand test first to ensure you like the final result.
Will Unicorn Hair cover gray hairs?
Unicorn Hair is not designed to cover gray hairs effectively. As a semi-permanent dye, it deposits color on the surface of the hair and may not fully penetrate or adhere to gray hairs, which are often more resistant to color.
How long should I leave Unicorn Hair on my hair?
The recommended processing time is typically 1-2 hours. For more intense color, you can leave it on for longer, but it’s always a good idea to do a strand test to monitor the color development. Never exceed 3 hours.
Does Unicorn Hair stain skin?
Yes, Unicorn Hair can stain skin. To prevent staining, apply petroleum jelly along your hairline and wear gloves during application. If staining occurs, use makeup remover wipes or rubbing alcohol to remove the dye from your skin.
Can I use Unicorn Hair on eyelashes or eyebrows?
No, do not use Unicorn Hair on eyelashes or eyebrows. It is not formulated for use near the eyes and could cause serious irritation or damage.
How do I remove Unicorn Hair if I don’t like the color?
Color removal can be tricky. You can try using a color remover specifically designed for semi-permanent dyes. Another option is to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and hot water, which will help fade the color. You might need to repeat this process several times.
Is Unicorn Hair safe to use during pregnancy?
Consult your doctor before using any hair dye during pregnancy. While Unicorn Hair is considered less harsh than permanent dyes, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
What’s the difference between a tinted hair conditioner and Unicorn Hair?
Tinted hair conditioners deposit color gradually over time with each use, while Unicorn Hair provides a more immediate and intense color result. Tinted conditioners are better for maintaining color or adding subtle tones, while Unicorn Hair is ideal for a more dramatic color change.
Will Unicorn Hair damage my hair?
Unicorn Hair is less damaging than permanent dyes because it doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide. However, pre-lightening your hair can cause damage. Ensure you condition your hair regularly to keep it healthy.
My Unicorn Hair color faded quickly. What did I do wrong?
Several factors could contribute to rapid fading: using hot water, washing too frequently, using harsh shampoos, not using a color-sealing treatment, or having porous hair. Review the tips in this article to improve color retention.
Where can I buy Lime Crime Unicorn Hair?
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair is available at various retailers, including the Lime Crime website, Ulta Beauty, and Amazon. Check online for the best prices and availability.