Cardi B Is Bringing Back the Biggest Hair Color Trend of the 2000s

Cardi B has never been one to play it safe when it comes to hair. From neon greens to electric blues, she treats every new shade like a moment. Her latest look? It may very well be her hottest yet. 

In a promo video for the final season of the hit Netflix series You, Cardi B debuted a fiery two-tone masterpiece—platinum blonde roots melting into a blazing red-orange hue. The color shift is so seamless, it looks like her hair is literally igniting in real time. Leave it to Cardi B to turn a simple promo into a full-blown beauty spectacle. 

This high-voltage look isn’t just bold, it’s a throwback to early 2000s hair trends, when chunky highlights, dip-dyes, and dramatic color contrasts ruled. Think Christina Aguilera’s Stripped era meets a modern-day supernova. “Red hair specifically is making a big comeback because it’s energetic and fearless,” says L’Oréal Professionnel and Color Expert Min Kim. “People are looking to make a statement with their hair, and this vivid dip dye does just that.”

The platinum-to-red fade feels both nostalgic and fresh, proving once again that Cardi B knows how to push beauty boundaries while tapping into the Y2K resurgence. Read on below on how to get the look.

How to Get the Look

While it might seem like a masterpiece only a pro could pull off, celebrity colorist Kim assures us that achieving this scorching shade isn’t as complicated as it looks.

The key to nailing the effect? A platinum base. This ultra-light starting point allows the fiery red and orange tones to shine at full intensity, creating that seamless, flame-like gradient. Once the hair is lifted to the right level, Kim recommends layering on a bold, high-impact red to lock in that blazing-hot finish. The result is a color that’s equal parts Y2K nostalgia and modern style, proving that Cardi never misses when it comes to a beauty statement.

Be warned, keeping a fiery shade like this vibrant isn’t just a one-time effort. It’s a full-on commitment. Red tones are notorious for fading fast, so switching to a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is non-negotiable—not only because they cleanse without stripping color but they also infuse hair with hydration and shine, keeping that red bold and glossy for as long as possible. Adding a weekly color-depositing mask or a UV protectant spray can also help fight fading, ensuring your hair stays as intense as the day you stepped out of the salon.