Here at Hair.com, we always look forward to seasonal color trends. What we anticipate most every year at the beginning of December, however, is the unveiling of Pantone’s Color of the Year. These hues don’t just predict trends in home decor and fashion, but also inspire hair colorists (and color daredevils) around the world.
If you’ve been anticipating the reveal as much as we have, you’ll be happy to know that Pantone just unveiled Viva Magenta as its Color of the Year for 2023. We tapped Matrix Brand Ambassador George Papanikolas to spill on everything you need to know on how to translate the color on your hair, and what products you should add to cart to maintain your new fantasy color.
What is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023?
Upon Pantone revealing Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750) as its 2023 color of the year, the company called the punchy hue “brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.” After the past two years we’ve had, Viva Magenta sounds like a fitting choice.
“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute. “Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.”
The company added that Viva Magenta encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint, and we honestly can’t think of a better way to flex the color then with a new year’s hair transformation.
What is Viva Magenta hair?
Papanikolas says that Viva Magenta is a strong vivid tone that makes a statement, which is why so many of our favorite celebrities have experimented with the shade. While in the red family, Vivid Magenta falls somewhere in between a true red and fuschia color.
Good hair day by @xander.hair.
Who should try Viva Magenta hair?
The pro colorist says vivid fashion shades can work with any complexion, but warns that “if you have a lot of red in your skin, you may want to avoid this tone since it can look harsh.” If you’re new to experimenting with fantasy shades we suggest trying a money piece or balayage, as opposed to an all-over color.
How do you get and care for Viva Magenta hair?
If you’re wondering what's the most important thing to know about achieving and maintaining this hair color, we asked Papanikolas for tips. “Typically, you will need to pre-lighten the hair before you apply these fashion shades,” he says. “If you prefer a more subtle version, apply the shade over highlights. Most of the time it will fade after about 20 shampoos, but the more vivid the longer it will last.”
He advises regular salon glosses to maintain the tone. “Matrix Keep Me Vivid Collection is a great at-home maintenance regimen to keep the color fresh,” says Papanikolas. This is a must-have for anyone with Viva Magenta hair because it’s specifically formulated to preserve the delicate color molecules.
Interested in experimenting more with bold hair color? Shop Hair.com for all your fantasy color maintenance needs.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Nourishing Conditioner
A lightweight, yet hydrating conditioner that leaves colored hair vibrant, smooth and soft.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A sulfate free, gentle shampoo that gently cleanses so hair color remains vibrant.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Color Lamination Vibrancy Spray
A hair-color-sealing spray that promotes vibrancy.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Color Velvetizer Protectant Balm
A non-sticky hair balm that protects hair from UV rays and heat.
Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo + Conditioner Duo
A sulfate-free, duo that gently cleanses and conditions so hair color remains vivid
