Pastel hair color is having a moment. Yes, 2016 has been a big year for mermaid hair color, with stylists and colorists stretching their creative muscles more than ever. Perhaps it was Katy Perry in in her California Girls music video, or Kylie Jenner’s Insta selfies showing off pastel blue waves, that gave rise to this now household phenomenon. Either way, it's now not uncommon to see candy-colored hair on the street, at festivals, in the media and even at work. Yep, it seems mermaid hair won't be disappearing anytime soon. So with that in mind, we rounded up the best rainbow hair colorists around the world to inspire the candy-hearted diva in you.

Not Another Salon

Where: London, UK

@notanothersalon, based in London's trendy Brick Lane, specialises in 'anti-grunge coloring'. If you're not in the know, this is a method of hair coloring that puts gloss and shine first, so hair never ends up looking dull. The salon is headed by balayage mistress Sophia Hilton, who is affiliated with no other than L'Oréal. Her team of hairstyling magicians also regularly work at Paris, Milan and, London Fashion Week. Not too shabby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGon7IpyDWz/

Guy Tang

Where: West Hollywood, USA

@guy_tang takes neons to hairy new levels with his intricate mix of hues. The Cali-based stylist refers to himself as a “hair-activist” – he's just that passionate. His Instagram has a whopping 1.7 million followers, and it's not hard to see why — he personality is as fun and vibrant as his handiwork. You can also keep up with his colorful projects on his Youtube channel.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BF3EeuDmnJu/?taken-by=guy_tang

Axis Hair

Where: Vancouver, Canada

@axishair is the place to go for Vancouverites seeking something a little different. The salon has been operating out of its Coal Harbour location for more than 20 years now and the stylists there have no qualms about experimenting with bold colours. Check out their luscious Instagram account and ask them for 'the moon'.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKYMQQGDPdG/

Jaymz Marsters

Where: Norfolk, UK

@jaymz.marsters creates stunning hair colour blends out of his rural British base. But they're not for wallflowers – we're talking eclectic combos like electric blue with intense lemon. The young stylist is inspired by Japanese culture, and his work is as sophisticated as it is unique, earning him coverage in many hair editorials (think Modern Salon and Hairdressers Journal). He's even come up with his own unique coloring technique called 'Candy Lights'.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BILWgCPAJ2w/?taken-by=jaymz.marsters

Be Scene

Where: Several locations, USA

@bescene is owned by Linh Phan, a hairstylist and colorist with quite the following (i.e. a cool 237k Insta followers). Check out his subtle but stunning 'before' and 'after' pics and you'll know why. As the #BESCENE hashtag he created implies, great ombre is not supposed to fade into the background. And his work sure doesn't.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIqadEWgw7h/

Fuck Bad Hair

Where: Vancouver, Canada

@evalam_ doesn't mess around, and she certainly doesn't sugar coat. Creative director Eva is a no-nonsense hair stylist and founder, and her insta hair account ('F#ck Bad Hair') is totally badass, full of feisty females with divine locks. As she puts it, "I create shit I like", and there's no denying you'll like it too. Check out her blog for hair inspo and some spirited life advice.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKWWxDuBa_w/?taken-by=evalam_

Las Vegas Hair

Where: Las Vegas, USA

@shelleygregoryhair of Las Vegas Hair is known for #pastelbraidlove — a trend that's exactly as pretty and girly as it sounds. And you don't even need to drop into her Las Vegas-based salon to gaze at it; her Snapchat (ShelleyGhair) is well worth a watch to catch the wondrous hair transformations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGDE5E0rKXG/?taken-by=shelleygregoryhair

Phenix Salon Suites

Where: Riverside, USA

@pink_nouveau, otherwise known as Amy, takes the rainbow hair trend a step further with geometric-inspired clipper art. Her clientele ranges from children all the way up to grandmothers. And she doesn’t just stop at hair color, she enhances it with creative cuts and makeovers – just check out her Insta for the dazzling results.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH5px1nBcxT/?taken-by=pink_nouveau