Have you noticed the wave of pink hair making a splash everywhere from Instagram to the streets? Well my friends, it’s not just a trend; it’s a full-blown movement.
Pink hair has captured hearts with its range of playful shades, from soft pastels to bold magentas. Whether it’s a symbol of self-expression or just a fun change, there’s no denying pink hair is having its moment.
So, you’re thinking of joining the pink parade? Fantastic! This article is your all-in-one guide to turning your hair into that perfect shade of pink, right from the comfort of your home.
We’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right hue to maintaining that vibrant color. Ready to transform your hair into a stunning pink masterpiece? Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Pink Shade
- How to Prepare Your Hair for Pink
- Understanding Your Hair’s Texture and Natural Color
- Bleaching Basics (If Needed): A Step-by-Step Guide for Different Hair Types
- Tailoring the Bleach Process for Different Hair Types
- What are the Alternatives to Home Bleaching?
- How to bleach your hair at home – Pro Hairdresser Tips
- Toning Your Hair: The Secret to Perfect Pink Perfection
- Which is the best pink at-home hair dye to use?
- Best pink hair dye at a glance.
- TOP PICK!
- Manic Panic High Voltage Colour Hair Dye, Fuschia Shock
- How to Dye Your Hair Perfect Pink at Home.
- Pro Tips: Creating a Multi-Tonal Look or Color Melting
- Watch and learn: How to dye your hair pink at home.
- How do I care for my pink hair?
- FAQs: Dyeing Your Hair Pink at Home
- Parting words
- Our Research & Review Process
Choosing the Right Pink Shade
First thing’s first. When it comes to dyeing your hair pink, the first and most crucial step is selecting the right shade.
And trust me, it’s not just about picking your favorite color from the array. Your skin tone plays a pivotal role in how that pink will look on you.
Expert Insights
“The key to any hair color, especially something as bold as pink, is ensuring it complements your skin tone. You want a shade that brings out the best in your complexion, not one that clashes.”
Enza Piazza, Hairstylist and Color Consultant
So, how do you find your perfect pink match? Let’s break it down:
For Fair Skin Tones:
If you have a fair complexion, you’re in luck because most pink shades will look stunning on you.
Lighter pinks like blush, baby pink, or a soft pastel will enhance your skin’s natural glow. If you’re feeling adventurous, even a neon pink can be a showstopper.
For Medium Skin Tones:
Those with a medium skin tone can experiment with a wider spectrum.
From vibrant magenta to peachy pinks, these shades can really make your skin pop. If you want something subtler, a rose gold tint can be a beautiful choice.
For Olive Skin Tones:
Olive skin tones can beautifully offset deeper pinks. Think along the lines of deep rose, fuchsia, or even a richer shade like bordeaux. These hues bring warmth and depth, complementing the greeny undertones of your skin.
For Dark Skin Tones:
Darker skin tones have the versatility to play with high-contrast colors. Bright, bold pinks like hot pink or neon magenta can look absolutely stunning. If you prefer a softer look, mauve and berry shades can add a subtle, yet striking touch.
Remember, the goal is to choose a pink that makes you feel fantastic while enhancing your natural beauty.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. After all, hair color is one of the best ways to express your unique style!
How to Prepare Your Hair for Pink
Before you even think about adding that gorgeous pink hue to your hair, it’s crucial to ensure your hair is in its best condition.
Think of your hair as a canvas for your new color – the healthier it is, the better the results will be.
Healthy Hair is Key
Healthy hair not only absorbs color more evenly but also holds onto it for longer. If your hair is weak, brittle, or dehydrated, the dye might not take as well or could even cause further damage.
This is why it’s so important to give your hair some TLC before you start the dyeing process.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
A great way to prepare your hair is through deep conditioning treatments.
These treatments can help restore moisture, improve texture, and strengthen your hair.
Aim to do a deep conditioning treatment once a week for at least a few weeks before you plan to dye your hair. Look for products rich in nourishing ingredients like natural oils, keratin, and vitamins.
Understanding Your Hair’s Texture and Natural Color
Your hair’s natural texture and color significantly influence how it will react to the dye. Here’s what you need to know:
Hair Texture
- Fine Hair: Tends to process hair color faster because it has a more transparent cuticle layer. Be cautious with processing times to avoid over-dyeing.
- Thick or Coarse Hair: Can be more resistant to color. It might require a longer processing time or stronger dye formulation.
- Curly or Wavy Hair: Be extra mindful as these hair types can be naturally drier. Extra hydration is key before dyeing.
Expert Insights
“When using a lift hair color on low-porosity hair, I like to apply a thin layer of conditioner to the hair before color application. This helps to equalize porosity and allow the chemical to penetrate evenly.”
Stephanie Johnson, Senior Cosmetologist/Trichologist
Natural Hair Color:
- Lighter Hair: If you have naturally light or blonde hair, pink dye will show up quite vividly. However, you might still need a toner to ensure an even base.
- Darker Hair: For those with darker hair, you may need to lighten your hair first for the pink to show up true to color. This process can be harsh on your hair, hence the need for it to be in tip top condition.
By starting with healthy, well-moisturized hair, and understanding your hair’s unique characteristics, you’ll set the stage for a stunning pink transformation that looks vibrant and lasts longer.
Remember, a little prep goes a long way in achieving that dreamy pink shade!
Bleaching Basics (If Needed): A Step-by-Step Guide for Different Hair Types
Dyeing your hair pink often involves a crucial step before the actual coloring – bleaching.
Especially for those with darker hair, bleaching is necessary to get the vibrant, true-to-color pink your heart desire. However, it’s a process that requires care and attention to detail. Let’s walk through the bleaching basics:
1. Evaluate Your Hair Condition
Before anything, assess your hair’s health. If your hair is damaged, it’s best to postpone bleaching and focus on hair treatments to improve its condition.
2. Choose the Right Bleach and Developer
The bleach and developer you choose will depend on your natural hair color.
Light brown or blonde hair may only need a mild developer (like 20 volume), while darker hair might require something stronger (like 30 or 40 volume).
3. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections. This ensures even application and helps avoid missing spots.
4. Application
Apply bleach evenly to each section, starting from the ends and working up to the roots. The roots process faster due to the heat from your scalp, so they should be bleached last.
5. Processing Time
Follow the instructions on the bleaching product regarding processing time. It’s vital not to leave bleach in your hair longer than recommended as it can cause significant damage.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to help soothe and repair your hair.
Tailoring the Bleach Process for Different Hair Types
- For Fine Hair: Be extra cautious with the processing time as fine hair lightens faster.
- For Thick or Coarse Hair: You may need a longer processing time or a second bleaching session for an even base.
- For Curly or Wavy Hair: Focus on deep conditioning both before and after bleaching to maintain hair integrity.
HAIR BLEACHING TOP TIPS!
- If you’re new to bleaching or if your hair is dark or damaged, consider consulting a professional. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action.
- Always conduct a strand test first to gauge how your hair reacts to the bleach.
- Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation during the process to avoid irritation from fumes.
What are the Alternatives to Home Bleaching?
- Visiting a salon: A professional stylist can ensure a safer and more evenly distributed bleaching process.
- Temporary hair color sprays or waxes: If you’re hesitant about bleaching, these products can offer a fun way to try out pink hair without the commitment.
- Try a natural method: It is possible to lighten your hair with some natural remedies like lemon juice, baking soda or apple cider vinegar!
How to bleach your hair at home – Pro Hairdresser Tips
Here’s a great, easy to follow tutorial on how to bleach your own hair at home that guide you through the process on how to do it safely and successfully!
Toning Your Hair: The Secret to Perfect Pink Perfection
After bleaching, your journey to pink perfection isn’t quite finished yet. Enter the crucial step of toning your locks.
Toning is like the fine-tuning of your hair color, ensuring that the pink dye sits beautifully on your hair. It helps to:
- Neutralizing Unwanted Tones: Bleaching often leaves hair with brassy or yellow tones. A toner helps neutralize these colors, providing a clean slate for the pink dye.
- Customizing Your Shade: The right toner can subtly alter the underlying pigment of your bleached hair, affecting how the pink dye will ultimately look.
Choosing the Right Toner
- Assess Your Bleached Hair Color:
- If your hair has yellow tones, look for a purple-toned toner. Purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it effectively neutralizes the yellowness.
- If your hair is more orange-toned post-bleaching, a blue-toned toner will be your best bet. Blue neutralizes orange hues.
- Select the Formulation:
- Toners come in various forms, like shampoos, conditioners, and semi-permanent dyes. Choose one that suits your comfort level and maintenance desires.
- Application:
- Follow the instructions on the toner product. Typically, toner is applied to damp hair and left on for a specific amount of time before rinsing.
- Monitor the Process:
- Keep an eye on your hair as the toner works. Once you’ve achieved the desired shade, rinse your hair thoroughly.
HAIR TONING TOP TIPS!
- Do a Strand Test: Before applying the toner all over, do a strand test on a small section of hair to ensure you get the desired result.
- Mind the Timing: Don’t leave the toner in for longer than recommended. Over-toning can lead to dull or overly ashy tones.
- Condition After Toning: Toning can be drying, so follow up with a good conditioning treatment to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
By toning your hair correctly, you set the stage for a vibrant, true-to-tone pink that looks professional and polished. This step might seem like a small one, but it makes a world of difference in achieving that dreamy pink shade you’re after!
Which is the best pink at-home hair dye to use?
Ready to take the plunge? Read our reviews of the best pink hair dyes money can buy!
Best pink hair dye at a glance.
| Hair dye | Looks like | Best for | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Oreal Paris Feria, Rosy Blush (Smokey Pink) |
| Subtle tones and accents. | |
| Schwarzkopf Live Color Xxl Ultra Brights 93 Shocking Pink Semi-Permanent Pink Hair Dye |
| Experimenting with pink hair. | |
| L'Oreal Paris Colorista Makeup Hot Pink Neon, Semi-Permanent Hair Dye |
| Strong dark pink colour. | |
| Garnier Olia Deep Rose Hair Dye Permanent, Deep Rose |
| Cool rich rose. | |
| Manic Panic High Voltage Colour Hair Dye, Fuschia Shock |
| Super bright pink. | |
| Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright or Pastel Colour Semi-Permanent, Raspberry Rebel |
| Longer lasting colour. |
TOP PICK!
Manic Panic High Voltage Colour Hair Dye, Fuschia Shock
Best for: Super bright pink.
We love Manic Panic colors – they are vegan, vibrant, comparatively long-lasting, and totally hardcore.
You can’t beat Manic Panic for colour vibrancy and coverage and this colour is no exception.
This one is super bright and lasted on our bleached blonde hair for a little over a month.
Like all dyes, darker, non-bleached hair will definitely produce a darker colour that will fade faster.
The only downside is that the colours are prone to colour-bleeding and can mark your clothes even after the first wash.
How to Dye Your Hair Perfect Pink at Home.
Now comes the fun part – transforming your hair into that fabulous shade of pink!
Whether you’re going for a uniform color or a multi-tonal masterpiece, the right application technique is key. Here’s how you can achieve your desired pink look step by step!
Tips for a Successful Pink Dye Job:
- Always wear gloves to protect your hands from staining.
- Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to prevent skin staining.
- Conduct a patch test 48 hours before to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the dye.
Step #1. Mix Your Pink Dye
Mix up your hair color formula according to the instructions on your chosen box dye.
If you’re aiming for a softer or pastel pink, you can mix your chosen pink dye with a white conditioner. This dilutes the intensity of the dye, allowing for a more subdued shade.
Keep adding dye to the conditioner until you reach your desired color. Remember, it’s always better to start with less dye and add more as needed.
Step #2. Applying the Dye
Start with dry, unwashed hair. Oils in your hair can help protect your scalp during the dyeing process.
Divide your hair into sections. This ensures even coverage and makes the application process more manageable.
Use a tint brush for precise application, especially if you’re aiming for specific patterns or highlights.
Apply the dye mixture section by section, ensuring that each strand is well coated.
Step #3. Processing Time
Leave the dye in your hair for the duration specified on the packaging. This can vary depending on the brand and the intensity of the color you’re aiming for.
Avoid leaving the dye in for longer than recommended, as this won’t necessarily intensify the color and could lead to unnecessary hair damage.
Step #4. Rinse Out the Dye
Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. This helps seal in the color and prevents excessive bleeding.
Now all that’s left to do is style your new do and admire!
Pro Tips: Creating a Multi-Tonal Look or Color Melting
- For a multi-tonal effect, prepare different shades of pink by varying the amount of conditioner mixed with the dye.
- Apply the different shades to various sections of your hair. For a more natural look, blend the shades where they meet to create a melting effect.
- Lighter pinks work well on the higher layers of your hair, while deeper pinks can add depth underneath.
Watch and learn: How to dye your hair pink at home.
How do I care for my pink hair?
Once you have the colour you love, you’ll need to look after it with super gentle products to keep the colour vibrant and locked in for longer.
Looking after this colour locks can be a challenge.
There are many products on the market designed to keep your colour bright and make it last as long as possible between appointments.
But there is no magic formula that will do this for you without any effort from your side!
Make sure to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner so they don’t strip out all of the colour in one wash.
Invest in good heat protecting spray if you regularly blow dry or straighten with hot tools- especially during winter when cold air tends to have a more damaging effect than usual!
For extra nourishment add some olive oil into every other mask treatment too – coconut oil works well too because its natural properties leave locks feeling soft, conditioned and shiny.
Once a week, use a really nourishing deep conditioning mask to help re-moisturise and repair your hair.
You can top up with dry shampoo for dyed hair to keep your hair feeling fresh.
And don’t forget to always follow our most excellent advice in How to look after coloured hair and keep it luscious for longer.
FAQs: Dyeing Your Hair Pink at Home
How long does pink hair dye last?
The longevity of pink hair dye depends on the type of dye used (semi-permanent vs. permanent), how often you wash your hair, and your hair type. Generally, semi-permanent pink dyes can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
Can I dye my dark hair pink without bleaching it first?
To achieve a vibrant pink on dark hair, bleaching is usually necessary. Without bleaching, the pink dye may not show up or might give a very subtle tint.
Will pink hair dye damage my hair?
Any hair dye can cause damage, especially if your hair is bleached first. However, using quality dyes and following a proper hair care routine can minimize damage.
How can I prevent the pink dye from fading quickly?
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, wash your hair less frequently, and use lukewarm or cool water for washing to extend the life of your pink hair.
Is it possible to achieve different shades of pink?
Absolutely! You can mix your pink dye with different amounts of conditioner to create lighter shades, or even mix different pink dyes for a unique shade.
Can I dye my hair pink at home if I have previously dyed or treated hair?
Yes, but it’s important to consider the current state of your hair. If your hair is damaged, focus on repairing it before adding more dye.
How often should I touch up my pink hair?
This varies depending on how fast your hair grows and how quickly the color fades. On average, a touch-up every 4-6 weeks is common.
What should I do if the pink color doesn’t turn out as expected?
If the color is too bright, you can wash your hair a few times with a clarifying shampoo to fade it. If it’s too light or uneven, you might need to reapply the dye or consult a professional stylist for advice.
Parting words
So, if you’re looking for a hair colour that’s more than just another shade of brown or black and want to add some fun into your life, then this may be the right choice.
And if you’re still not convinced, just take a look at all the celebrities who have been rocking it this year.
The likes of Emma Stone, Rita Ora and Selena Gomez are only some examples of how it’s never too late to go for something new!
Are you ready to give it a try?
Found your perfect pink 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.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
