Thinking about transforming your locks into a dreamy pastel shade? Those cotton candy pinks and soft lavender hues might look magical on Instagram, but pastel hair requires serious preparation and maintenance.
Before you take the colorful plunge, there are crucial things to understand about the process, upkeep, and impact on your hair health.
1. Bleaching Is Non-Negotiable
Your natural hair must be lightened to an almost-white blonde before any pastel color will show up properly. This means bleaching—even for blondes. The lighter your starting canvas, the more vibrant and true your pastel shade will appear.
2. Prepare For Multiple Sessions
Dark hair won’t transform to pastel in one sitting. Most colorists recommend 2-3 separate bleaching appointments spaced weeks apart. Rushing this process risks severe breakage or that dreaded orange phase between dark and light.
3. Budget For Professional Help
DIY might seem tempting, but pastel transformations typically cost $200-500 at salons. The investment covers professional-grade products and expertise that prevents damaged hair disasters. Trust me—this isn’t the place to pinch pennies!
4. Your Hair Texture Will Change
Bleach alters your hair structure permanently. Those bouncy curls might loosen, and silky straight strands might feel more coarse. Deep conditioning treatments become essential, not optional, in your new hair care routine.
5. Fading Happens Fast
Unlike permanent dyes, pastel colors typically last 1-3 weeks before noticeably fading. Each shampoo removes some pigment. Prepare to refresh your color regularly or embrace the evolving shade as it softens with time.
6. Special Shampoo Is Essential
Regular shampoos contain harsh sulfates that strip color immediately. Color-depositing shampoos designed specifically for fashion colors help maintain your pastel dream. Purple shampoo becomes your new best friend for keeping brassiness away.
7. Cold Showers Become Your Norm
Hot water opens hair cuticles, allowing precious pastel pigments to escape faster. Switching to lukewarm or cold rinses significantly extends color longevity. Not fun in winter, but worth it for those extra days of perfect pastel!
8. Swimming Requires Protection
Chlorine and salt water are pastel color’s worst enemies. Apply leave-in conditioner before swimming and wear a swim cap when possible. Green-tinged pastel blonde after a pool day isn’t the look anyone’s aiming for!
9. Heat Styling Accelerates Fading
Those flat irons and curling wands you love? They’re now your color’s enemies. Heat opens hair cuticles, releasing color molecules faster. When you must style, use heat protectant and lower temperatures than you did pre-pastel.
10. Roots Require Strategic Planning
Dark roots with pastel ends can look intentional and stylish. Completely blended roots need touch-ups every 4-6 weeks. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to before choosing your application style.
11. Makeup Colors May Need Adjusting
Your usual makeup palette might clash with your new hair color. Pastel pink hair can make certain blushes look harsh, while blue tones might not play well with some lipsticks. Experiment with complementary makeup shades for harmony.
12. Wardrobe Colors Matter More
Certain clothing colors will make your pastel hair pop, while others might clash dramatically. Neutrals generally work well with any pastel shade. Consider your existing wardrobe before committing to a specific pastel tone.
13. Weather Affects Color Intensity
Sunlight contains UV rays that fade pastel colors surprisingly quickly. Hats and UV-protective hair products become summer essentials. Winter might actually be ideal for pastel experimentation due to less sun exposure.
14. Workplace Policies Vary Widely
Not all workplaces welcome fantasy colors, even subtle pastels. Check your company’s dress code before committing. Some professional environments have relaxed these policies, but others maintain strict natural-color-only rules.
15. Emergency Color Correction Is Costly
If you hate your pastel result, fixing it isn’t simple. Color correction often costs more than the original service. Have realistic expectations and bring plenty of reference photos to your stylist to avoid disappointment.