Pastel hair colors are a fun way to change up your look. These delicate shades work well on various base colors and can be customized to match your unique style. You can add subtle highlights to your natural tone or go bold with a full rainbow transformation. Draw inspiration from these 40 pictures to find your perfect shade, then work with your colorist to bring your vision to life!
Blonde hair creates the perfect base for soft shades. This bob features purples and blues hidden beneath a silvery top layer, creating dimension and mystery. Style with darker outfits to make the hidden colors stand out.
@banboxdye
This pale orange shade adds life to darker blonde hair. The sherbet-inspired color looks fresh and playful on loose waves. Pair it with brighter clothing colors to enhance the warmth.
@kassi.mantra.hair
Following the latest trend, there are usually fewer permanent iterations, including the more subtle one color streak on one side, a sort of racing stripes. Chunky, light pink highlights stand out against pale platinum hair so well!
@alyssawiener
Brown hair makes purple accents really pop, especially when applied as balayage around the base of curls. The contrast creates a luminous effect.
@modernsalon
Full saturation pink works best on lighter base tones, though a skilled colorist can adapt it for any starting color. This hair color creates a cohesive, eye-catching result.
@colordollzbytoni
Lighter shades of rose and lavender flow together seamlessly in this feminine style. Large loose curls show off the subtle color variation while adding movement and dimension.
@hugosalon
Colored hair doesn’t always mean bright shades. For a moody and ultra chic look, go with a mix of silver and copper. Warm and cool-toned metallics can be blended, so don’t be afraid to be creative.
@chrisweberhair
Here, pink saturates the roots generously and fades toward lighter shades at the tips, allowing additional colors to blend seamlessly. The gradient technique creates a cohesive rainbow effect.
@caitlinfordhair
To incorporate some pastels while keeping your look edgy, try adding thick chunky highlights on top of your base color. Go with a cut that allows a variety in your styling, such as this undercut with a shave on one side. The colors are great when combed over in a layered hairdo.
@nealmhair
Want purple pastel hair color, but can’t decide on the shade? Ombre may be your solution! Use a dark plum color for the roots and gradually work your way through the lighter hues to a pale lilac on the very ends.
@glamiris
Pink and mint green are two colors that were made for each other. The hues in your hair are no exception. Being the opposites on the color wheel, these two shades flow gorgeously together when placed side by side.
@caitlinfordhair
Pixie cuts have a natural edge. Adding a pink and purple combination amplifies that attitude, while the short length shows off how beautifully these shades intertwine.
@fernthebarber
The choices of colors are endless with varying hues and intensities. If you’re looking for short haircut options, don’t feel like you have to limit your creativity. Why not go with an assortment and then accent with your favorite tint?
@shelleygregoryhair
Red fits into the pastel spectrum beautifully. If you’re already a redhead, add soft sunset pink or orange highlights to enhance your darker base color.
@chrisweberhair
All-over blush pink creates a cohesive, romantic appearance. While it suits lighter natural tones best, a talented colorist can adapt this hair color for any starting shade.
@bescene
If you’re a fan of cooler toned colors, you may consider a blonde, silver, or even white base shade with chunky light blue accents. Go with a long layered bob cut and focus the color towards the front. Add some subtle touches of blue sparingly throughout the layers to tie the style together.
@headrushdesignsbyjulieann
This intense fuchsia shade demands attention. You can apply full intensity from roots to tips or taper into lighter shades at the ends. A straight shoulder-length angled cut adds punk-meets-chic attitude.
@alexisbutterflyloft
Work closely with your stylist to find the perfect green hue that looks intentional and polished. Pale purple accents set off the green beautifully and add dimension.
@bleachedandblown
Adding red accents to your rainbow palette makes the other shades stand out. Longer hair showcases the full spectrum effect, while a shaved side adds rock star edge.
@shelleygregoryhair
Feeling the blues? A gradual change from a deep blue to blue and silver tips creates a gorgeous flow of cool tones. Styled in curls, your hair will look like icy waters.
@butterflyloftsalon
Pastel hair color with highlights transforms silver and ash blonde hues into youthful, modern shades. The combination makes these formerly mature colors accessible and fresh for younger clients.
@hairbyelm
The longer your hair, the more room you have to blend unique colors and let them reveal their beauty. This photo shows a mix of cool and warm tones with purple, blue, pink, and light green hair. Style your hair in loose curls so that the colors swirl together.
@lamiecramer
Green is yet another great shade that works well on its own or in conjunction with a silver, brown, or blonde base. Mixing greens such as mint and pistachio will add a trendy twist to your hair. Spend time perfecting some funky styles, like messy pigtails or half up knots, so you have an array of go-to options to cycle through.
@candicemarielv
Red tones allow creative freedom. To achieve a warm look, combine colors ranging from strawberry blonde to copper to auburn. A wavy finish will show off the variation in the reds.
@glamiris
While pastels can definitely be used together in some awesome combos, going with a single color set off with very subtle dimensional highlights creates a more elegant style. When selecting your perfect color, go with a hue that compliments your skin tone and won’t clash with your favorite wardrobe.
@salon202
The three primary colors create a complete rainbow when mixed. Start with red at the top and work through ROY-G-BIV for this fun, vibrant look.
@stephilareine
When searching for color ideas, look no further than your first art lesson. Red, yellow, and blue are the first three colors we are generally introduced to, and with them, we are able to create an abundance of hues! This style is achieved by dying small sections – one color at a time. Patience is the key!
@rebeccataylorhair
Red and black become pink and gray when lightened, creating this unique two-toned look. The combination works beautifully for costume events, weddings, or everyday wear.
@jess_cut_it
Black hair creates the perfect backdrop for bold blue. Streaks of both blue and purple blend together to add visual interest and dimension to an otherwise solid base.
@modernsalon
Medium-length layers showcase how pastel hair color can create bright overtones with muted shades underneath. The blue-over-yellow technique produces stunning sea green effects.
@pinupjordan
This permanent color change starts with lightening, then adding lilac as a brightening overtone. Paired with bangs, the updated lilac looks fresh and contemporary.
@modernsalon
Pastel yellow doesn’t have to be pale. This mid-tone shade makes an understated statement, while staying bright and cheerful. The sunny color naturally lifts moods.
@zacharyjarid
This cartoon-inspired frosted baby blue works beautifully on short, shaggy styles. The side part emphasizes the tender color while darkened roots add dramatic contrast and depth.
@taitkieuapril05
A minty emerald look resembles vibrant jungle foliage. The color stands out beautifully on choppy cuts, creating texture and dimension while making a bold statement.
@hair_bylaurap
Lavender is naturally calming and flatters pale skin beautifully. The wide curls add movement and showcase the color’s depth, creating a soft, ethereal appearance.
@samsongreymum
Every rainbow color appears in this complex design for medium-length hair. Block out significant time for a detailed look. It requires precision and a creative colorist to recreate successfully.
@twistedscissorschicago
A short bob perfectly complements this popping grape shade. The modern color adds personality to any outfit, whether you’re dressing casually or heading somewhere formal.
@modernsalon
This coloring technique doesn’t require permanent commitment. Hair chalk washes out in one shampoo—no salon appointment necessary. It’s perfect for testing colors or special occasions.
@jennbradfordhair
Three messy buns embellished with a simple hairclip create versatility. This turquoise shade works equally well for formal events and casual outings, adding whimsy to both.
@taylorrae_hair
Mid-tone green swims at the base of this jet black style for stunning contrast. The darker pastel hair color combination suits those who want softness with edge and drama.
@alexisthurston
As these styles show, pastel hair colors offer endless potential for creativity. Whether you are looking for a subtle change or a complete transformation, there is a shade to suit any preference. Get inspired and explore the softer side of the color spectrum!
