Achieving pastel pink hair requires lightening your hair to a very pale blonde (almost white) and then applying a diluted pink dye. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Lighten Your Hair:
- Assess Your Hair's Current Color: The darker your hair, the more sessions of lightening you'll need. This process can be damaging, so prioritize hair health.
- Choose a Lightening Method:
- Bleach: The most common method, using a developer and bleaching powder. Start with a lower volume developer (10 or 20) to minimize damage. Higher volumes lift more quickly but cause more damage.
- Color Remover (If Applicable): If you have existing dye, use a color remover first to minimize damage from bleaching.
- Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head. This helps determine processing time and prevents unwanted results. Apply the bleach mixture to a small, hidden section of hair and check it every 10 minutes.
- Bleaching Process: Apply the bleach evenly, starting from the roots (since they process faster due to heat from the scalp).
- Rinse and Tone: After bleaching, rinse thoroughly and use a toner to neutralize any yellow or orange tones. This is crucial for achieving a true pastel shade. A toner with a violet or blue base will help counteract these unwanted tones.
- Deep Condition: Bleaching can severely dry out your hair. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask immediately after rinsing and toning to restore moisture.
2. Prepare the Pastel Pink Dye:
- Choose a Semi-Permanent Dye: Brands like Manic Panic, Arctic Fox, and Lime Crime are popular choices for vibrant, semi-permanent colors. Look for a pink dye that suits your desired pastel shade.
- Dilute the Dye: This is key to achieving the pastel effect. Mix a small amount of your chosen pink dye with a generous amount of white conditioner. Start with a ratio of approximately 1 part dye to 5-10 parts conditioner and adjust to achieve the desired pastel color.
- Strand Test (Again!): Perform another strand test with your diluted dye mixture. This will help you visualize the final color and adjust the dye-to-conditioner ratio if needed.
3. Apply the Pastel Pink Dye:
- Protect Your Skin and Clothing: Wear gloves and an old t-shirt to prevent staining. Apply petroleum jelly or a barrier cream along your hairline to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
- Apply the Dye Evenly: Using a tint brush, apply the diluted dye mixture to your hair, ensuring even coverage.
- Process the Dye: Leave the dye in your hair for the time recommended by the dye manufacturer (usually 30 minutes to an hour). Check the color periodically to ensure it's developing as expected.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing immediately after dyeing. Apply conditioner to help seal in the color and add moisture.
4. Maintain Your Pastel Pink Hair:
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on dyed hair and prevent color fading.
- Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Washing your hair less often will help prolong the life of your pastel pink color.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can cause the color to fade faster. Use heat protectant products when heat styling is necessary.
- Use a Color-Depositing Conditioner or Mask: These products contain a small amount of dye that helps to refresh the color and prevent fading.
- Touch-Ups: Depending on how quickly your hair grows and how well you maintain the color, you'll need to touch up your roots and refresh the color every few weeks.
In summary, getting pastel pink hair involves lightening your hair to a very light blonde, diluting a semi-permanent pink dye with conditioner, and applying it evenly. Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the color.
