What Color is Phytonic? A Deep Dive into this Unique Hair Color
Phytonic hair is one of the hottest new color trends taking over Instagram and Pinterest feeds everywhere. But what exactly is phytonic and what makes it different than other fashion-forward hair colors?
In short, phytonic describes a range of blue-green cool-toned hair colors inspired by the ocean. Read on for a deep dive into the origins, shades, maintenance, and styling tips for achieving the perfect phytonic hair.
What Does “Phytonic” Mean?
The name “phytonic” is a mashup of two words – “phyto” meaning plant, and “onic” meaning blue or green. So phytonic hair combines cool tones of blue, green, teal, and blue-green inspired by colors found in nature.
Phytonic hair first emerged on the scene around 2018 when Instagrammers started posting photos of their brand new mermaid and peacock inspired hair. The color was an immediate hit, picking up steam across social media and inspiring people to try the mystical, oceanic tones on their own locks.
While the name phytonic wasn’t immediately attached, it has since stuck as the perfect way to sum up this fresh new take on hair color trends. The cool blend of blue, green, and blue-green creates a look that is both edgy and ethereal.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind Phytonic Hair
As mentioned above, phytonic hair first started gaining attention around 2018 as Instagram influencers and everyday users alike began sharing photos of their bold new mermaid-esque hair.
The inspiration behind the mystical blue-green tones was clear – the ocean, mermaids, peacocks, and other exotic plant and animal life. After what felt like an era of rainbow bright neons and pastels ruling hair color trends, phytonic offered a refreshing take combining darker yet still vivid shades.
Examples of early phytonic hair shared on Instagram included deep greens fading into light teals as well as steel blue ombres morphing into seafoam green ends. These lush color melanges made it obvious where the inspiration was drawn from.
Phytonic hair also coincided with the rise of unicorn colors and oil slick hair, which similarly embraced shifts between bright blues, greens, purples, and teals. However, phytonic hair keeps things cooler toned by focusing on greens, blues, grays, and teals taken straight from the depths of the ocean.
The mermaid vibe extended beyond just the colors to the actual styling, with beachy, windswept waves being a popular complementing hairstyle. Seashells, pearls, and other ocean-themed accessories further emphasized the aquatic inspirations behind the mystical phytonic hair trend.
What Shades and Colors Make Up Phytonic Hair?
While the name implies an emphasis on blues and greens, the possible shades that fall under the phytonic hair umbrella are diverse. Here are some of the most popular tones and colors associated with phytonic hair:
- Seafoam Green – This light, almost minty green is an iconic phytonic shade. It reminds one of sun glowing through shallow Bahamas waters.
- Teal – Few colors represent oceanic vibes better than a rich teal. Going several shades deeper than seafoam green, teal offers a eye-catching punch of color.
- Steel Blue – This gray-blue shade evokes images of fog rolling over dark waters. It’s a great option for toning down the brightness of a teal or green.
- Emerald Green – Deeper and more mysterious than a seafoam green, emerald green still captures phytonic hair’s exotic plant life inspirations.
- Blue-Green – Literally any mix between various blues and greens can fall under phytonic hair. Blue-green ombres and color melts are a popular choice.
- Cyan – A bright blue-green that calls to mind tropical shallows in exotic locales. Vibrant yet refreshing.
- Teal Blue – Similar to cyan but deeper, teal blue is a marriage of rich teal and muted blue for an elegant, eye-catching effect.
- Dark Green – For those who want something more lowkey, a darker hunter green or forest green still captures the lush plant life essence of phytonic.
- Gray – Cooler grays lend a misty, mysterious vibe and help tone down bolder blues and greens in a colormelt. Ash gray is a great choice.
The beauty of phytonic hair lies in its flexibility – go for brighter shades like seafoam green and teal for a bolder look or subtler tones like steel blue and dark green for an understated take on the trend.
How to Get Phytonic Hair Color
Ready to make the mystical mermaid hues of phytonic hair your own? Here’s an overview of the process:
Bleaching
Since most phytonic shades are quite vivid, your natural hair color will likely need to be lightened first in order to show the tones properly. This means bleaching your hair to remove pigment and create a blank canvas for color.
It’s best to have this done professionally to avoid damage, however you can attempt bleaching at home if you have experience. The level of lightening needed depends on your base shade and how light you want the end result. Lighter bases like pale blonde need less bleaching than darker shades like black hair.
Toning
Once sufficiently lightened, your hair should be toned to cancel out any unwanted brassiness or warmth left behind from lightening. An ash or platinum toner helps prep hair to be the ideal cool canvas for phytonic greens and blues.
Again, having your hair professionally toned at a salon is recommended to ensure the right products and techniques are used based on the condition of your hair.
Dyeing Phytonic Color
Now the fun part – it’s time to infuse your locks with the magical shades of phytonic hair! There are two main routes:
- Professional Coloring – Have your color formulated and applied at a salon for the most customized, controlled results. Vivid dyes like Manic Panic, Pulp Riot, and Guy Tang Mydentity work great.
- Box Dye – For DIYers, brands like Splat, Lunar Tides, and Arctic Fox offer ready to use vivid hair dyes in favorite phytonic shades. Follow instructions carefully!
No matter which dye method you choose, it’s smart to leave the ends of hair lighter to create an ombre rather than saturating everything the same vivid hue. This helps the color last longer and creates a beachy two-tone look.
Caring for Phytonic Hair
Phytonic hair isn’t the most low maintenance color option out there, but taking proper care helps keep it looking vibrant. Here are some top tips for protecting your mystical mermaid strands:
Deep Condition Frequently
All that lightening and coloring can dry your hair out, so it’s crucial to keep things conditioned. Treat your hair to a weekly deep conditioning mask to replenish moisture levels. For bonus points, use a hair mask that contains blue or green tinted pigments to refresh the phytonic color.
Rinse With Cool Water
Hot water opens up the cuticle and allows color molecules to escape more quickly. Stick to lukewarm or cool water when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner to prevent excessive fading.
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates strip color by removing oils that help seal in hair dye. Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner helps maximize color retention in phytonic hair.
Gloss Between Dye Jobs
To brighten up faded sections in between full dye jobs, use a colored gloss or conditioning treatment in your shade. Blue and green glosses help revive vibrancy and block brassiness.
Tone Regularly
If your vibrant depths start looking murky, use a blue or green toned shampoo to refresh the cool tones and avoid warmth. Purple shampoo also helps cancel brassy yellow tones.
Dye Roots Promptly
As your hair grows out, stay on top of touching up roots to prevent too much contrast between your phytonic ends and natural roots. Anything more than 1/4 inch of regrowth starts to look messy.
With the right maintenance regimen, your magical phytonic hair can look fresh from the salon for months on end!
Styling Tips for Phytonic Hair
While phytonic hair color makes a statement on its own, styling and accessories can take the look to the next level. Here are some ideas:
Beachy Waves
Whether created naturally or with a curling iron, undone waves complement phytonic hair perfectly. Tease lightly at the roots for lift and volume, further enhancing the ocean-inspired aesthetic.
Braids and Twists
Small braids, fishtail braids, Dutch braids – any type of intricate braiding looks beautiful in phytonic hair. The colors peek through for a whimsical effect. For extra mermaid flair, add pearls or seashells.
Sleek and Straight
If you want to show off the brilliant tones in their full glory, go for a sleek, glossy straightened style. Use products like smoothening serums to ensure hydration while avoiding frizz.
Half Up Styles
Half updos are a gorgeous way to experiment with braids, twists, and texture while keeping some hair down. Wrap braids across the crown of the head for an ethereal finish.
Add Accessories
Phytonic hair matches perfectly with iridescent and ocean-themed accessories. Adorn braids with pearls or shiny pins. Weave in real or faux coral, seashells, or starfish. Top off any style with a glittering hair vine.
Use Styling Products
- Sea salt spray adds tousled, beachy texture that’s perfect for phytonic hair
- Hair gloss provides mirror-like shine while sealing in color
- Texturizing spray helps create that coveted mermaid crimp texture
- Dry shampoo soaks up oils at the roots for added lift
Have fun playing with different vibes – glossy mermaid princess one day, edgy ocean warrior the next!
Conclusion
The mermaid-inspired tones of phytonic hair offer a cool and edgy look for anyone seeking to stand out against a sea of standard hair colors. While the upkeep requires commitment – with tons of conditioning, frequent toning, and regular dye jobs – the hypnotizing end results are uniquely beautiful and well worth the effort.
Ready to take the plunge into phytonic hair? Do your research, find experienced colorists, and don’t be afraid to dive into this trend with your own personal twist. Phytonic hair combines the best of both worlds – an eye-catching color paired with a low maintenance style. So channel your inner aquatic goddess and make waves with phytonic locks that are sure to mesmerize!
