Millennial Pink Hair Is Still as Cool as Ever—Here's Proof

Petal Pink Bob

When you think of pastel-pink hair, "minimalist" isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind. Somehow, Jessie Bush of We the People makes the trend look subtle, opting for a whisper of pink coloring with a soft pearlescent sheen. This color will gradually fade over the weeks, so only truly consider it if you're willing to maintain regular upkeep.

Sunset Pink

It's official: Models love pastel-pink tresses. Irene Kim, known for experimenting with dozens of technicolor hues, always seems to come back to her favorite shade of pink. Kim opts for a brighter iteration, weaving in hints of orange and yellow for a summery version of the color. The technique looks like hair painting, which Elena recommends, saying it creates so much depth and allows for more natural-looking hues throughout—no matter what color you're after.

Lived-In Peach

Like Kim, influencer and model Nyané Lebajoa is no stranger to bold locks, but pink is a permanent fixture in her repertoire. The casual, undone version of pink here is effortless: slightly grown out and piled high for enviable cool-girl style. The peachy-pink tone is subtle, dreamy, and perfect for the season.

Pink-Dipped Ends

For a more low-maintenance take on pastel-pink hair—or to ease your way into an allover dye job—try dip-dyeing instead. This is a great option for brunettes who are wary of lightening their hair enough to get the vibrant pastel to shine through. The gorgeous rosy pink here looks so lush.

Just a Hint of Pink

Alternatively, try out the color by dyeing just a small swath of hair. It's a low-commitment start that allows you to see how the color looks overall. Think of it as the kiddie pool version of a deep dive into pastel pink.

Sunset Pink

Looks like celebrities are taking part in the pastel pink trend, too. Katy Perry's cotton candy pink 'do is certainly eye-catching in and of itself. She's known for her bold hair colors, though she also has been known to embrace jet black or platinum blonde.

Casual Pink

Elle Fanning is another blonde celeb that went pink. Her sherbet-drenched strands look amazing against her pale coloring and light eyes. There's something so effortless about this look, but we can totally see it all dressed up with a bright pink lip and one of her iconic Rodarte dresses on the red carpet.

My Little Pony Pink

Kylie Jenner is no stranger to bright hair change-ups, either. Her long pastel pony looks super slick and ultra-shiny. What kind of gloss or serum do you think she uses? Maybe it's Ouai's Hair Oil ($28) by hairstylist Jen Atkin's signature brand.

A Bright Pastel Lob

In most cases, it's important to accentuate skin tones and not match them—unless that's the look you're going for. Elena mentioned she has clients with pink skin tones that are afraid to try pink hair, but strangely pink cancels out the pink, she says. It all depends on the hue you're after and while a hair colorist has the experience necessary to advise on what looks best, pink is a personal decision.

A little trick to keep your pink vibrant: Elena gives clients a mixture of New Wash ($40) with some of the pink direct dye so they can upkeep the color at home.

Floor-Grazing Braids

Pink hair can also be super sultry, like Nicki Minaj in her long pink braids grazing the floor for her "MotorSport" music video, which is one of Aviles's favorite looks.

Unicorn Pink

While super sweet, this level of color is a commitment. As both experts mentioned, it'll fade quite quickly, depending on hair texture and how often you use shampoo. If you go in for a double process, get a touch up every six to eight weeks. With highlights, you can wait two to three months. Go in for salon treatments like Olaplex and Milbon, which can be done as often as every four weeks to every other month.

Illuminated Ombre

The dyeing process really depends on the look clients are after, and depending on the style, it'll be obvious when you need to refresh the color. With an ombre style like Nikki Lee from Nine Zero One Salon, or added highlights, it might require painting so the time in between touch-ups is longer and actually lends itself to a natural grow-out process. A more saturated look could be a combination of a full process plus painting, and therefore require more upkeep. A consultation is essential so you can discuss all the details. For someone with olive skin, Elena would probably use a bit more peach around the face, or even add in some purple to soften yellow tones in the skin.

Candy Pink

When it comes to light pink hair, look no further than model Fernanda Ly as a source of inspiration. Ly has walked for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and more—all with pink hair in tow. The cut, along with the color, is what makes the look here. Her blunt bangs and subtle layers create a sleek combination that balances out the whimsical color.

Sweet and Pink

This pastel pink take is equally as inspiring, and a little easier to pull off with subtle layering. While Ly's version above is sleek and modern, Lana Condor's pink hair color and cut looks more like a total fairytale dream come true like.

Rock 'n Roll Pink

This pastel pink look is by Aviles at Seagull Salon in NYC and manages to look grunge-cool with an added modern femininity that's so rad. PS: Here are some things to avoid in order to keep hair this fresh: saltwater, chlorine, hard water, and drugstore shampoos. Aviles also recommends avoiding natural or organic shampoos and conditioners, as your bleached hair will need more nourishment than they can provide. Plus, don't go near a hot tool, unless it's GHD and you're sure to prep with heat protectant.

Glam Retro Waves

Pink hair can be super glamorous, as seen on Salma Hayek at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Aviles is a fan of this look as well, citing Hayek as a pastel pink hair reference she likes.

The Pastel Version of Rose Gold

Mixing pastels into your look doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a head of shockingly pink hair. For a more subtle version of the trend, try a mauve blonde. This take by Ramirez Tran Salon in Los Angeles is a metallic rose gold. If you're not ready to jump headfirst into full-on pastels, this subdued take could be a way to experiment with the trend.

Metallic Pink

Zara Larsson is another celeb that rocked pink hair on the red carpet. Her straightened style looks super futuristic under the lights.

Throwback Pink

Talk about a throwback look we're coveting. Gwen Stefani sported a bright wash of pastel pink in 1999 on her way to Paul McCartney's Record Party, which, no big deal or anything. FYI: Bleach is a harsh product, no matter how you slice it, Elena says, so it will inevitably be a bit drying on the hair. Her advice: go lighter on the hair tools and use extra gentle products. If you take care of your hair it can be healthy, even with color, she says.

Pastel Pink Bob

Helen Mirren's amazing pink style was temporary but honestly, she's still pink hair goals through and through. When it comes to semi-permanent color, pastel pink will show up on naturally blonde hair, but it's possible the color won't last unless the hair is porous.

Pastel pink definitely won't show up on naturally darker hair unless you use a wash out color like Jerome Russell's Temporary Pink Spray ($6). As for the difference between semi-permanent color and a temporary tint, the semi-permanent color goes into the hair while temporary color lays on top and comes out on your next shampoo.

Darker Roots

With a darker root look, try a highlighting technique. When a client asks for their roots to be natural, Aviles also suggests clients bleach all of their hair to ensure consistency in the color throughout, so any unwanted warmth will be avoided. Pastel hair is achievable no matter what your natural color, but it's especially important to invest in moisturizing hair care products with naturally dark hair as bleach will have to stay on longer and will absolutely need more aftercare.

Blushing Pastel

We'll end this round up with a signature look because this all-over blush pink style is certainly a contemporary classic that's bound to stay in style for quite a while.