Our co-founder Brian O’Connor and Director of Education, Alexa Brooke, had the incredible opportunity to create this stunning rainbow wig at this year’s Premier Orlando Hair Show; one of the industry’s most iconic events. Designed to turn heads and celebrate bold self-expression, this vibrant piece stole the spotlight on the show floor. Read on to see the inspiration behind the look, and how they achieved this custom color.

The Inspiration

We set out to highlight as many of our original shades as possible, showcasing GDY’s incredible bendability in a bold, creative way. With Pride Month kicking off and Gemini hair trending, we gave the look a playful rainbow twist. 

Step 1: Prep like a Pro

Starting with a level 9, lace front wig from Bellami, we began the process. It arrived with a shadow root on it, which was a nice touch, as it created a slightly softer look at the base.
We washed the wig to remove any product or build-up, then prepped it with K18 hair mist.

Step 2: Part like a Pro

Once the wig was secured on a mannequin head and tripod, we parted off a 1-inch section straight down the center. This was key to preventing root color transfer between sides while painting. It might sound simple, but this was honestly the most important step in keeping the look clean and precise.

Step 3: Paint like a Pro

Using GDY’s iconic original shades, we got to work on the application. On one side, from top to bottom, we used: None More Black, PPL Eater, Blue Ruin, Kowabunga, Steal My Sunshine, Biz, Rock Lobster, and Ex-Girl. On the other side we channeled our inner Missy Elliott and “put that thing down, flipped it, and reversed it.”

Alexa, and Brian’s lovely husband Kolten, assisted by holding up each section as Brian painted the semi-perm on. Working in ¼-inch sections, we started with the root, applying each color down about 3 inches, then dropped each section to finish the mids and ends. The colors were overlapped by approximately ¼ inch to get that seamless, soft blend. Using this process helped avoid color transfer of the root color. 

After finishing one side, we repeated the same technique on the other. Finally, the center section (which was left out to avoid any accidental color transfer) was parted down the middle and colored with extra care. This step ensured the Gemini parting was flawless.

Step 4: Rinse like a Pro

Cold water was used to avoid bleeding and each color was rinsed separately and thoroughly before moving on to the next, making sure the water ran nearly clear before shampooing and conditioning. Once clean, we used GDY’s Prime to prep the wig for styling — and just like that, it was ready for the big stage at Premier!

Step 5: Apply like a Pro

To prep the model’s hair, Brian and Alexa braided it down into four braids and secured the ends with clear elastics and bobby pins. A strong-hold gel helped lay down any baby hairs before the wig was applied.

Next, we placed the wig and used a strong-hold hairspray along the hairline, setting it with a blow dryer to lock it in place. The remaining, extra lace was then trimmed with small scissors. Once dry, a wig band was placed around the hairline for approximately 10 minutes for extra hold. We smoothed it all out using a flat iron, heat protectant, and a bit of shine spray for that perfect finish. 

Step 6: Stage Time!

“Grateful” doesn’t even begin to describe how it felt to share this look and the heart behind GDY with such an amazing community at Premier Orlando.

While on stage, Brian spoke about the inspiration behind the look, the story of GDY, the incredible Good Dye Young community full of hairstylists and at-home DIYers, and walked the audience through the coloring process. We even added curls live to show off a second styling option.

After the presentation, the wig found its home at the legendary GDY booth; complete with a rainbow floor, rainbow wall, and a claw machine full of semi-permanent color.

We hope this inspires you to play with color, express yourself boldly, and maybe even try a rainbow Gemini look of your own.