Mane Changer: 4 Ways to Pull Off Pastel Pink Hair

When you think of spring hair colors there are a few hair color trends that first come to mind and we bet if you’re anything like us pastels are at the top of that list. Pastel pink, namely, is a warm weather (and cold weather, to be honest) hair color that we love because it looks so good on every skin tone, it brightens up any look and it signifies that you have a fun, possibly even cheerful, side to you.

No matter your disposition, it’s a stunning hair color that will turn heads and there are so many options for how to wear it. You can use a light pink hair dye to give yourself a total mane makeover — one that’s in season year-round — or opt for subtle soft rose lowlights. There are no limits. If you’re ready to be powerful in pink hair this season, check out these four looks we love and the at-home hair dye that you can use to get them.

Pastel Pink Balayage

Why we love it: A swept-on pastel pink lets your new color blend so seamlessly with your natural shade, the pink hue is the only giveaway that it wasn’t created by sun kisses. It’s bold, fun and playful in the best way. Pair it with cherry blossom-inspired makeup for a true monochromatic beauty look.

How to DIY: Since balayage can be too complex a technique to try on your own, we’re only giving you the temporary hair color version of this look. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Soft Pink to your hair, stopping three to four inches from your roots. Then comb the hair color through your hair again, starting a half inch from your roots through your lengths, creating a “natural” swept-on color.

If you have blonde hair, you can apply the color directly to your strands. If you’re starting with a dark base you’ll always have to lighten your hair with bleach before adding your light pink color.

Pastel Pink with Moneypiece

Why we love it: A money piece is an adventurous look-at-me hair statement for those who love to play with their tresses. While some money pieces can be less dramatic than others, they always offer face-framing strands that make both your hair and your face stand out equally.

How to DIY: This one is a little easier to pursue on your own as it mostly involves all-over color. First, section off the hair in front of your mane that you want as your money piece and clip it otr of the way. Then, dye the rest of your strands pastel pink using Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Pink. 

Coming back to your face-framing highlights — which you can decide to do as wide or slim as you want — grab an alternating hair dye and give them a thorough coating from root to tip. Whether you want to go with a permanent shade or something more temporary is up to you, just be sure to follow the directions on whichever hair dye you choose.

Pastel Pink with Pink Dip Dye

Why we love it: Dip dye hair had a moment years ago — and now it’s back. If you ask us, it never really went out of style, it simply let other trends take centerstage for a while. But it continues to be an edgy and stylish look that can also be whimsical and romantic if you want it to be. It gives rockstar vibes even in the sweetest of colors.

How to DIY: First things first, if you have dark hair you’ll need to lighten it with bleach first. Put some time between your bleaching session and your dyeing session to prevent hair damage. 

Once you’re ready to dye your strands, grab your Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Pink and give them an even coating, stopping about three to five inches from the ends. You can also opt for a temporary version and use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Soft Pink. 

Then, coat your ends with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Hot Pink for a cohesive look that’s still a headturner.  

Pastel Pink Highlights

Why we love it: Opting for highlights is one of the easiest ways to switch up your hair color without a huge commitment. Don’t get us wrong, when you go with highlights in a color like pastel pink you are clearly looking for some flair — but it can be done in a sleek and, believe it or not, subtle way.

How to DIY: Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Coral Pink, which works on all hair types and textures. Shake well and hold the can four to six inches away then spray onto individual strands of hair. The trick to getting that springtime, pastel look is to stop at one coat for a worn-in, subdued hue. 

If you want to upgrade the edge factor on this look, grab the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Pastel Mint and form some highlights with the light green color. It’ll create a contrast of highlights and lowlights across your mane in two shades that play extremely well together.   

Next: 3 Ways to Wear Caramel Brown Hair

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Bel Mills, IG/@bel_pipsqueekinsaigon and Georgia Bess, IG/@georgia_bess, Photo Design: Crystal Simone