As a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
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@hairloveheather
Short and electric, the vibrancy of this crop borders on neon. The platinum blonde mixed into the style enhances the brightness and cool factor of this color job. With a color this bold, it looks best on short hair because there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s bright neon hair hues were the most popular non-traditional hair colors. Unlike their predecessors, these modern pastel shades are more versatile and easier to maintain. Pastel purple hair is the top favorite of all the pastels.
To achieve a pastel shade you will need to lift your natural hair color. If your hair isn’t platinum blonde or white, you have to bleach it to pull off a light pastel color. For the best result, you should go to a colorist, a hairstylist that specializes in coloring.
You can bleach your hair for a pastel look in two ways. One is a single-process method where you bleach and color in one go. The other is a two-step method – bleach first, then add the pastel color. Professional hairstylists usually go for the two-step process, while at-home kits often stick to the single process.
Before diving in, it’s crucial to check if your hair can handle the treatment. Do a strand test first. Once that’s all good, it’s time to pick your perfect pastel shade!
The most popular pastel hair color brand is Manic Panic. Their hair colors come in over 80 shades that can help you nail the pastel color of your choice. An innovative product that Manic Panic has created for pastel hair is a Manic Mixer/Pastel-izer. This product can be mixed with any of the Manic Panic colors to make it a pastel shade. This product is probably the easiest way to dye your hair pastel at home.
Once you have chosen your favorite shade, you have to choose how you want to place it. If you want an all-over color, you will need to bleach all of your hair. Another approach is to bleach and color only the ends, this is known as “dip dyeing.” Some other techniques that can be done with pastel hair color are ombre, balayage, and highlights.
Purple tones offer a dreamy, sophisticated twist on any hairstyle. Check out the ideas below.
@larisadoll
This wavy bob features an all-over brown hair color with purple balayage highlights that are placed throughout the mane. The result is chic and modern, perfect for women who like to spice things up.
Ombre is a beloved technique for wearing dark and light hair colors seamlessly. This technique can be done with any color, from natural to neon shades, but it looks absolutely stunning in a brown-to-lilac gradient.
@crystaldquach
When you’re on the hunt for low-maintenance hairstyles, this is arguably one of the best. The curls are free-flowing and slightly undone, giving the style a messy look that is perfect for a carefree day or a romantic date.
@evalam_
When you like the idea of lavender hair, but feel uncertain about trying a more pronounced tone of the color, going a subtle shade is going a safe way. The dominating hair color in this dye job is medium brown, and there are very subtle dusty mauve highlights in the front that frame the face. Soft waves are placed all over for a stylish everyday look.
@valdoeshair
This is one of the softest and most feminine shades out there. It looks especially gorgeous in a romantic downdo with long, voluminous waves. Plus, with this length, you can style it in so many different ways.
@beautybystark
Whether you’ve got short purple hair or super long purple locks like these, you’re definitely someone who stands out. Placing curls at the very ends and leaving the top and middle sections smooth, puts the volume and focus on the lower section.
@hairbypkilla
The wavy bob is given a stylish boost thanks to the chic lilac hue. To break up the color a bit, the roots are left black. The final result is fun, flirty, and impossibly cute.
@glamiris
Wavy tresses meet choppy ends in this gorgeous lavender hairstyle. The classy cut lets the magical color standout, while still maintaining an easy-to-pull-off style. With dimensional highlights, this look is as close to understated as it gets.
@taitkieuapril05
Love the contrast of dark roots but not your natural hair color? Try a gradient with deep periwinkle roots and lighter ends for a pastel dream. The ethereal look is sure to rack up many compliments.
@jaywesleyolson
A vintage-inspired bob couldn’t be any more modern than it is in this pretty purple-and-platinum-blonde hue. A faded lilac tint adds a fresh pop of color to your bleached hair, and those big barrel waves give it some seriously enviable volume.
@linapetrova
Purple-and-silver highlights define the magical allure of this mane. Add a touch of glitter to the roots to accent its unicorn-worthy style. Grab small sections of your hair, wrap them around a 1.5” or 2” curling wand, and hold for a few seconds. Let them go, and you’ll have luscious curls.
@sheariouslytoni
If you opt for a warmer tone, lilac hair can be a perfect complement to strawberry blonde tresses. Going with a balayage shows off your natural hair color and the fun shade all at once. The contrasting hues set off each other, creating a style that is equal parts vibrant and chic.
@stephygnarstagram
Big barrel curls will spotlight your ultra feminine style, while lighter ends accentuate the volume of your hair. The pale colors and choppy cut give it a surprisingly minimalist look, even while it plays with this season’s top trends like ombre bobs and pastel hues.
@bescene
What do you get when you combine Lana Del Ray-inspired curls with a pastel ombre? Hollywood glamour with a pop of color. Despite its bold style, it’s actually a great choice for newbies to colorful hair. Leave an ample amount of your natural hair color, so you can avoid touchups and grow your hair out quickly if you choose to chop off the lilac.
@lisalovesbalayage
Ready for waist-skimming locks, this light purple hair is the ultimate of long hair goals. Dark brown roots are melting, making their way into the wavy pastel lengths full of body and dimension. If you’re a brunette, don’t be shy to experiment with unicorn colors. Just make sure to fight the damage of bleach with oils and masks to keep your locks as lustrous as these.
@taitkieuapril05
A cliche for a reason: sometimes less is more. Instead of going for the usual blonde highlights, piecey lavender strands give the same brightening effect and dimension – but with a bit more personality.
@hairbynoora
Absolutely stunning, those soft tresses are laced with heather bits with a pinkish undertone, creating the ultimate dream look for any girl. The wavy strands, hitting mid-back, channel mermaid-like beauty. Recreate this beachy style by twisting your hair in a low bun overnight and simply letting it down in the morning.
@jamiekeikohair
Instead of going with a full-head of lilac locks or doing an ombre, try dyeing the hair around your face to brighten up your look. Not always our hair can handle the potential damaging effects of hair dyes, so just adding color to some parts is an equally cool alternative.
@chrisweberhair
Don’t be afraid to embrace the purple trend to the fullest extent. A gradient shag is a fun way to incorporate all your favorite pastel shades, from periwinkle to ashen purple and faded magenta. What’s more, dark roots will play-up your cool-girl style.
@cassderosa
What’s a chic match to silver? Purple, of course. The two-tone look mimics the natural dimension of a rich blonde or brunette, but in a palette that is oh-so-sweet. Whether your hair is long or short, straight or curly, as long as the two colors are evenly distributed throughout, anyone with confidence can pull-off this look.
@shelleygregoryhair
Silver highlights pair perfectly with pastel purple, not just because they brighten up your hair, but because they can give it a shiny, almost otherworldly metallic finish in the coolest way possible. Even if your hair is feeling a little dull, a silvery hue creates an illusion of great luster.
@larisadoll
When you think “pastels” you might think of something very dainty and lady-like. But the colorful hair trend can be as bad-ass as it can be quaint. Electrify your hairstyle with vivacious purple roots, contrasting against periwinkle ends. Choppy layers will add a voluminous finish to your edgy cut.
@joeltorresstyle
This medium-length layered cut uses a gradient blend of purple shades to create a look that straddles the line between tame and vivacious. Dyeing you hair for the unicorn rainbow can be a balancing act. The key is to keep your colorful hair sleek, that way it can be as playful as it is professional.
@spectraltones
Purple is the perfect match for gray because the two blend seamlessly with a low contrast. It almost downplays the bold choice. Wavy tresses are a chic way to go if you want to show off the dimension of your two-tone hairstyle.
@hairbykotay
Make your ombre even more exciting with luscious purple ends. The warmer shade of purple pairs well with the chocolate brown base. The delicious combo is simply irresistible and is easy to care for, especially considering you don’t have to get your roots touched up… like ever.
@jesstheebesttcolor
Short and electric, the vibrancy of this crop borders on neon. The platinum blonde mixed into the style enhances the brightness and cool factor of this color job. With a color this bold, it looks best on short hair because there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
@hairloveheather
Skimming the shoulders, this lob showcases ombre done right. The ashen blonde and purple bring your femininity to the forefront without skimping on your sense of style or originality. When everyone is wearing the wavy bob (because it’s so adorable!) a colorful ombre is the best way to stand out.
@chrisweberhair
Light purple and gray can be combined to achieve an ethereal look. To keep your hair looking lightweight, avoid any blunt cuts with this type of hair color.
@taytailx
One way to blend color throughout your hair is by adding highlights. When you’re applying a lighter shade like this dreamy lilac hue, however, it’s a great idea to pair it with lowlights.
@evalam_
With a hot pink color at the roots and light purple throughout the middle and to the ends, a hairstyle like this demonstrates the magic you can create when you combine two flashy hair colors. The thick, chunky curls finish the look and create a nice amount of volume and depth.
@xostylistxo
A lovely ash-brown base with subtle lilac balayage is what makes this long and curly look stand out. A flattering side part, revealing the naturally colored roots, is also responsible for why this hair works so well.
@sammiiwang
A few tones of pastel purple, pinkish purple, and silver-blonde blend to create a sophisticated hair color, not your doll’s gaudy hair. The hairstyle is a messy masterpiece that would look fantastic in any hair color but in purple, it’s absolute perfection.
@heatherchapmanhair
Equal parts rockabilly and old Hollywood glam, a hairstyle like this one is bound to turn heads. The bright shade is a cool, modern upgrade to the vintage updo with Victory rolls placed untraditionally to the side and along the back of the head.
@hairbymisskellyo
This adorable short bob instantly draws your attention with its bold cut and asymmetric shape. It’s angled and chopped throughout with layers placed in different directions for a funky and unique appearance. There is also a deep side bang that adds a hint of mystery.
@guy_tang
Calling all girly girls, this one’s for you! The long, chunky waves are absolutely stunning and romantic. Recreating the look is pretty simple – just add a side part and tons of thick curls all over. The light silver and purple hair color adds just the right amount of softness and femininity.
@larisadoll
Pastel color is good not only as an all-over color but also as an accent. Place some smears of purple to frame your face, dip dye the ends, or better yet, color the roots. It’s a pretty fresh idea compared to the usual options, and you don’t see it too often, which makes it really interesting.
@jesstheebesttcolor
You can go for a rather rich shade of purple, but if it’s pastel, it will still look tender. Avoid monochromatic looks with hair colors that are too unnatural. Even subtle highlights make a big difference and move your hair color to the next level.
@caitlintyczka
What a stunning balayage! Long light brown hair is adorned with tender orchid brush strokes placed throughout. They start at the top and travel to the tips. The side peekaboo bangs add to the mystery of the look.
@mizzchoi
Purple looks good both in sleek and tousled textures. In this example the curls are slightly undone and then pulled apart, which creates a messy appearance that seams effortlessly charming.
@guy_tang
Like most color trends, pastel purples look great on short hair too. Besides, it’s much easier to experiment with new hair colors when your locks are cropped.
@katiezimbalisalon
Pastel hair color is fun, vibrant, and versatile, which is why so many girls want to try it. Choose your color, follow our tips, and the result will be a fabulous hair color everyone will envy.
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