4 things to consider before coloring your hair PINK!

As evidenced by the wave of pastel hair colors, Hollywood is thinking PINK! Though the edgy effect looks great on stars like Rita Ora and Nicole Richie, having pink hair isn’t always a journey seen through rose-tinted glasses if you factor in the high upkeep and damage that the process can have on your strands. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the look on a test-drive. We just want to be sure you are informed before you take the pink (or any bright or pastel fashion color) plunge. Here are four things you should consider.

1. Your Natural Hair Color

Going pink is a multi-stage process unless you happen to be a natural light blonde. It is very intense and requires professional help, especially for those of you with a darker natural color. If you’re starting with a dark base, find a salon that specializes in color, as the natural pigment in your hair must be significantly lightened before the pink color can be applied. Salons that put an emphasis on creative color should be able to correctly lift your natural tone with minimal damage.

2. Your Undertones

The warm flamingo hue you saw on Instagram may be less flattering in real life if you have a cooler complexion. Just as you would determine a natural-looking hair color based off of your cool or warm undertones, picking a rose-tinted hue should follow the same format. Those with warm skin tones should choose warm pinks or peachy pinks with hints of orange or yellow, whereas cool skin is flattered by equally-cool fuchsia and magenta hues that have a violet or blue base.

3. The Upkeep

Crayola shades fade faster than their natural-looking counterparts! To keep your pink hair fresh, you need to use a high quality sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. In between salon visits—which will definitely become more frequent if you are committed to the trend—use a color-depositing conditioner every other time you shower. We love the Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Shampoo and Conditioner.

4. Your Work or School Environment

Within a creative environment, working a bold carnation color is nothing out of the ordinary, but if your office is more corporate, consider going for a more subtle effect to prevent breaking any dress codes put in place by HR. In a buttoned-up work environment, a soft rose gold ombre, or even a little pop of color with Hot Heads Hair Extensions is a great alternative!