Demi Lovato blue hair wasn’t just a trend. Honestly, it was a whole cultural reset for anyone who spent 2013 scrolling through Tumblr. I remember seeing those first photos from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and thinking, "Okay, the game has changed." It was vibrant. It was messy. It felt like Demi was finally exhaling.
People still talk about it. Why? Because it wasn't a "safe" celebrity makeover. It was a loud, unapologetic neon signal that the Don't Forget era was long gone. If you were a fan back then, you knew that blue hair meant the Neon Lights Tour was coming, and things were about to get loud.
The Five-Hour Transformation That Started It All
Most people think she just slapped on some box dye and called it a day. Nope. Not even close. Her longtime stylist, Amber Maynard Bolt from the Nine Zero One Salon, actually spilled the tea on this. It took five full hours to get that specific shade of "Neon Blue."
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They didn't just use one tube of paint. Bolt used four different shades of blues and greens to create that dimensional, electric look. They had been prepping for it for months, slowly lifting Demi’s hair to blonde so the blue would actually pop instead of looking like muddy swamp water.
What was the inspiration?
Pinterest. Seriously. Demi told E! News at the time that she’d just spend hours looking at cool hair colors online. If something stuck with her, she did it. It’s kinda refreshing to know that even a multi-platinum star gets their hair inspo the same way we do—by falling down an internet rabbit hole at 2 a.m.
Why Demi Lovato Blue Hair Was More Than a Marketing Tactic
Sure, the hair matched the "Neon Lights" single. It made for great tour posters. But for Demi, hair has always been a barometer for her mental health and personal freedom.
She’s been very open about her journey with bipolar disorder and sobriety. In later interviews, like with Ellen DeGeneres, she mentioned how she used to "hide" behind her hair. In 2013 and 2014, that blue hair—and the subsequent side-shave—felt like the opposite of hiding. It was a "here I am" moment.
- The Rebel Phase: She was tired of the "hot pink" look she'd had previously.
- The Rockstar Transition: She was moving away from the polished X-Factor judge look into something grungier.
- The Identity Shift: She’s said that changing her hair allows her to "own" herself.
When she stepped onto the Neon Lights Tour stage with those blue locks and a leather jacket, she wasn't just a pop star. She was a rocker. The blue hair was the uniform for that transformation.
How to Get the Look (The Right Way)
If you're looking to recreate the Demi Lovato blue hair vibe, don't just grab the first blue bottle you see at the drugstore. Demi’s look worked because of the prep.
First, you have to get to a very pale blonde. If your hair has yellow tones, blue dye will turn it green. That’s just color theory. Bolt used Unite Blonda Shampoo to prep Demi’s hair, which uses violet tones to kill the brassiness before the blue even touches the strands.
Pro Tips for Staying Vibrant:
- Cold Water Only: Washing your hair in hot water is the fastest way to turn your blue into a sad grey.
- Mix Dye with Conditioner: This was Bolt’s secret for keeping the hair from getting fried during the five-hour process.
- Sulfate-Free is Non-Negotiable: If your shampoo suds up like a bubble bath, it’s probably stripping your color.
The Secret Color Line
Did you know Demi actually launched her own line of clip-in extensions because of this era? It was called Secret Color. She wanted fans to be able to get that "Demi Lovato blue hair" look without the five-hour salon commitment or the permanent damage. It featured headband-style extensions in royal blue, purple, and pink.
It was a smart move. Most of us weren't allowed to dye our hair neon blue for school, so the "secret" part was actually pretty literal. You could wear them for the weekend and be back to "normal" by Monday morning.
The 2014 Evolution: Shaves and Ombrés
The blue didn't stay static. By early 2014, Demi added a buzzed side-shave to the mix. She’d style the long blue hair to one side, showing off the undercut. Then came the lavender and silver ombré transitions.
It was a chaotic time for her hair follicles, but a great time for fashion. She’d pair the blue hair with:
- Studded leather blazers
- Ripped black skinny jeans
- Heavy silver chains
- Dark, smoky eyeshadow
It was the "Neon Lights" aesthetic personified. It wasn't about being "pretty" in the traditional Disney way; it was about being edgy.
Is the Blue Hair Coming Back?
Fans are always asking if we'll see a return of the blue. Recently, Demi has leaned more into her natural dark hair or shorter, "shorn" looks that reflect her spiritual growth. In 2021, she famously buzzed her head to "shed the past."
While she might not go back to the exact 2013 teal, the influence is still there. Every time a celebrity goes for a "fantasy color," Demi’s blue era is the blueprint. It proved that you can be a mainstream pop artist and still look like you belong in a punk club.
Practical Next Steps for Your Hair Journey
If you're inspired to go blue, start by assessing your hair health. High-intensity colors require a healthy "canvas."
- Deep Condition Weekly: Spend two weeks babying your hair with protein masks before any bleaching happens.
- Consult a Pro: Even if you dye it at home, get a professional to do the initial lightening. It’s the hardest part to get right.
- Maintenance Check: Ask yourself if you’re ready to wash your hair in freezing water. If the answer is no, maybe try the clip-in route first.