If you have damaged hair but still want to dye your hair pink, consider going with an ombre instead. This way, you won’t bleach all of your hair. It would be best if your hair hasn’t been washed for a few days before you start bleaching it. This may sound gross, but the accumulated oils will help protect your hair.
If you have light hair between levels 8 and 10, you may not need to bleach it at all. Speak to a stylist to find out what level your hair color is.
Each increment of 10 with the volume developers can lighten your hair one more level. Avoid using a 40 volume developer. They act very fast and are very damaging.
If your hair is not light enough, you will need to do a second bleaching session. If it is healthy, you could do it the same day. If your hair is damaged, though, you should wait a couple of weeks before bleaching it again. You could also grab a small piece of hair from the back of your head—your hair is usually darker here. [6] X Expert Source April FerriProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
The heat from your scalp will cause the bleach to process faster than the bleach on the ends of your hair. You must apply the bleach to your roots last. Be thorough when applying the bleach to each section. It can be especially easy to miss spots along the back of your hair, so pay close attention when bleaching the hair there. If you are going for pastel pink hair, aim to bleach your hair to a level 10, or platinum. [8] X Research source Be careful when bleaching hair that has already been dyed. Your hair may not bleach evenly, and the dye may react with the bleach. [9] X Research source
Check for signs of damage from the bleach, like excessive shedding or breakage. If you see these signs, wait a few weeks before bleaching your hair again.
If your hair is healthy, you can bleach it again the same day. If it’s damaged, wait a week or 2 before bleaching it again.
Listen to what the stylist tells you. If the stylist says that they can’t bleach your hair any further, then don’t attempt to do so. [10] X Research source
A cool pink is anything that includes blue or purple tones. How white or silver your hair turns after toning depends on how light you managed to bleach it. Orange hair will turn more silver, while yellow hair will turn more white.
If your hair turned yellowish, get a purple-tinted toning shampoo. If your hair turned orangish, get a blue-tinted toning shampoo instead. Store-bought toning shampoo comes in different strengths, so you have to experiment. Making it yourself will allow you to adjust the proportions and get the right strength. [14] X Research source
Be sure that you completely saturate your hair. [16] X Research source
Toner can make your hair pinkish. If you like the color it turned, then you are done!
It is best to wait a few days between bleaching and dyeing your hair. Both processes are harsh, so it would be a good idea to give your hair a few days’ rest.
The type of conditioner that you use does not matter, but it needs to be white. If you did not tone your hair, be careful of what shade of pink you start with. It will end up more yellow/orange. If you want extra dimension, prepare 2 to 3 different shades of pink in separate bowls. For example, you could prepare atomic pink, cupcake pink, and virgin rose dye.
Follow your hair’s natural light-and-dark patterns. Use darker pinks in the darker areas and lighter pinks in the lighter areas, especially around your face. Consider doing a strand test first. This will allow you to correct the color before committing to it. [20] X Research source
Do not leave lightening dye or bleach-containing dye longer than the recommended time. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap. This will help the dye develop better and keep your surroundings clean.
Follow up with a vinegar rinse to lock the color in and make your hair shine. Leave the vinegar in your hair for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing it out. If your hair smells like vinegar, use a leave-in conditioner or other product to mask the scent.
Add some of your dye to your bottle of conditioner. This will deposit a little bit of color into your hair each time that you wash it and help the color last longer.
Most hair masks need to be left in your hair for 5 to 10 minutes, but some need to be left in for 15 to 20 minutes. Read the label, but don’t panic if you leave the mask in too long.
If you can’t handle cold water, use lukewarm water instead.
If you must use a flat iron or a curling iron, make sure that your hair is completely dry first. Apply a good heat protectant and use a lower heat setting. The sun can cause the color to fade as well. Wear hats, scarves, or hoods when going outside.
The brighter your pink is, the more noticeable the fading will be. Pastel pinks won’t fade as quickly. Some people like the pastel shade that their pink dye fades to. If you like the shade that it fades to, then don’t touch it up as often. [31] X Research source
Try a light shade if you want something that is easy to work with and maintain. Examples include: baby, cotton candy, pale, and pastel. Try a bright, neon-shade if you want a longer-lasting dye job. Examples include: atomic, carnation, cupcake, flamingo, magenta, and shocking. Stick with a deep shade if you have dark hair and can’t bleach it light enough. Examples include: bordeaux, eggplant, violet gem, and virgin rose.
If you can’t decide on a color, go to a wig shop and try on wigs in various shades.
It’s harder to lift color from dark hair than lighter hair, even with bleach.
If your school or job has a strict dress code, consider a more natural shade of pink, such as rose gold. Ask your principal/employer if the color your want will be acceptable.
