Pastel Blue Hair Color | How To Get The Cool Blue Look.

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Pastel blue hair is lighting up our hearts and heads as a must-have trend this year.

There’s no denying that pastel blue is having a moment. Whether it’s in the form of statement earrings or an expertly-applied smoky eye, this versatile hue always manages to turn heads.

And when it comes to hair color, it’s definitely having its time in the sun!

In particular, this sassy shade has been popping up all over Instagram and Pinterest, with trendsetters ranging from Kylie Jenner to Bella Hadid embracing this bold shade.

But what exactly makes pastel blue hair so special? And how do you know which shade is right for you? Can you even get the look at home?

We’re here to answer all of these questions and more!

Read on to find out if you can rock the icy blue look and all the tips and tricks you need to make sure sure it lasts.

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What is pastel blue hair?

This icy blue look is a softer, more delicate version of the electric blue hair trend.

It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with blue hair but don’t want to go too bold. It’s a great way to add a pop of color to your look without going over the top.

We love it because it’s so versatile. Wear it as streaks, ombre, or all over color. It frames faces and makes eye color pop!

You can also blend it with other tones of green, purple and even white hair color to experiment with hot on-trend styles like mermaid and unicorn hair.

All you have to do is find the right blue for you!

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

pastel blue hair colors icy blue hair collection pinterest board

Is pastel blue warm or cool?

The age-old debate of whether blue is a warm or cool color has been reignited by the latest beauty trend.

On one side of the argument are those who say that blue is a cool color, and therefore pastel blue hair will make you look like you just walked out of a snowbank.

On the other side are those who say that blue can be both warm and cool, depending on the shade, and that pastel blue is actually quite flattering for warmer tones.

So which is it?

Well, this sassy shade is best for those with cool skin tones. It suit pale skin and can make those with warmer undertones looked washed out.

That’s not to say you can’t warm it up by blending it with other warmer pastel colors like candy floss pinks and minty greens.

The best way to figure out if pastel blue hair is right for you is to try it out for yourself. If you’re feeling daring, go for it!

If you’re not sure if your undertones are warm or cool, just use our handy checklist below!

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is pink or pale.
  • You blush easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
  • The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
  • You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.

If you have warm undertones:

  • You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
  • Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
  • You might have freckles.
  • You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades better.
  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
cool or warm undertones infographic

Best pastel blue hair colors.

  • Baby blue
  • Powder blue
  • Turquoise blue
  • Teal blue
  • Sapphire blue
  • Sky blue
  • Icy blue

Will pastel blue hair suit me?

You can also find out which hair colour suits you by taking our quiz!

Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colours most suit you!

Which Hair Color Suits Me?

You can also try out some virtual colors in Here are the best apps to change your hair color!

How do you get light pastels for blue hair?

There’s no getting around it: this shade is tricky!

You have to be careful with the tone, because too much blue can make you look like a Smurf.

But if you get it right, blue can be an incredibly striking and beautiful color.

The key to nailing the look is to start with light pastels.

This will help to create a nice base color that you can then build on with darker shades.

And don’t be afraid to experiment! There are so many different shades of blue out there, so take your time and find the one that’s perfect for you.

With a little bit of patience and some trial and error, you’ll be rockin’ the icy look in no time.

Do I need to bleach my hair to dye it pastel blue?

If you’re thinking about dyeing your hair an icy blue pastel, you might be wondering if you need to use bleach first.

The short answer is: it depends!

If your hair is light blonde, you can probably get away with using a direct dye, which will give you a more subtle color.

If your hair is brunette and darker, you’ll likely need to use bleach to lighten it first before applying the dye of your choice.

Of course, bleaching your hair comes with its own set of risks, so be sure to do your research before taking the plunge.

And if in doubt, always consult a professional stylist. They’ll be able to help you figure out what’s best for your hair type and color.

How do you get pastel blue hair?

Once your base color is light enough, you’ll need to use a purple shampoo to help remove any brassiness.

This will get rid of any unwanted warmth or tones in your hair that will make your new color ick.

Then, you’ll need to choose a pastel hair dye and apply it to your hair. The table below shows you some of our top recommended permanent and semi-permanent dyes to get the look.

Make sure you check the color your hair is now with the color chart on the side of the box dye.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t end up with an unwanted shade!

We always recommend doing a strand test so there are no nasty surprises.

Best pastel blue hair dyes

Hair dyeLooks likeBuy it now
Keracolor Clenditioner Semi Permanent Hair Color Depositing Conditioner- Blue Keracolor Clenditioner BLUE Hair Dye - Semi Permanent Hair Color Depositing Conditioner, Cruelty-free, 12 Fl. Oz.
ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color PERIWINKLE ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (8 Fl Oz, PERIWINKLE)
MANIC PANIC Blue Angel Hair Dye Creamtone Pastel MANIC PANIC Blue Angel Hair Dye – Creamtone Perfect Pastel - Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Light, Sky Pastel Blue Hair Dye - Vegan, PPD & Ammonia-Free - For Coloring Hair on Women & Men
Adore Semi-permanent Haircolor, 196 Sky Blue Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color - Vegan and Cruelty-Free Hair Dye - 4 Fl Oz - 196 Sky Blue (Pack of 1)
Crazy Color Hair Dye - Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi Permanent Hair Color BUBBLEGUM BLUE Crazy Color Hair Dye - Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi Permanent Hair Color - Temporary Dye for Pre-lightened or Blonde Hair - No Peroxide or Developer Required (BUBBLEGUM BLUE)
WELLA Color Charm Paints Semi-Permanent Hair Dye for Temporary Hair Color,Light blue WELLA Color Charm Paints Semi-Permanent Hair Dye for Temporary Hair Color, Intermixable Shades, Blue Lagoon

How to dye your hair pastel blue.

Here’s an easy, how-to video to show you how to get this color succesfully at home, step-by-step.

What does pastel blue hair fade to?

Most dyes will eventually fade, regardless of how well you take care of your hair.

But what does this shade actually fade to?

The short answer is that it depends on the brand of dye and how long you leave it in for.

Typically, this color will fade to a light purple or greenish color.

This is because blue and yellow are opposite colors on the color wheel, so when blue dye begins to fade, it reveals the yellow tones in your hair.

If your hair is naturally blonde or light brown, you might even end up with greenish-golden highlights!

However, if you mix different brands of dye, or leave the dye in for too long, you could end up with some weird faded colors.

Patchiness is also a problem where different dyes can fade at different rates.

So, if you’re looking for a blue, it’s best to play it safe and stick to one brand.

Is pastel blue hard to get out of hair?

The truth is that blue is one of the hardest colors to remove from hair. The pigments stick and are really tough to remove with just regular shampooing.

So if you’re thinking about dyeing your locks, be prepared for a long-term commitment.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to make the process a bit easier.

First, try using a clarifying shampoo to remove as much of the color as possible.

Then, combine equal parts baking soda and white vinegar, and massage it into your hair.

Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it out with cold water.

Finally, use a deep conditioning treatment to rehydrate your hair and prevent damage.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to get a lot of the color out of your hair without too much trouble.

How to care for pastel blue hair.

Now comes the hard part: keeping your new color looking fresh.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your hair looking its best.

With a little effort, you can keep your color looking tip top!

Parting words.

We hope this guide has helped you on your quest for the perfect pastel locks.

Remember to take your time, do your research, and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about anything.

Most importantly, have fun with it!

Hair color is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.

So go out there and rock that blue hair like a boss!

Found your perfect pastel blue shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!