A few years ago, after a lifetime of being cautious with my hair, I started thinking about how I could experiment with color more. Pastel hair dyes were becoming more mainstream, and I wanted — specifically, I wanted pink hair. Not the hot pink that might remind you of your emo pop-punk phase (which, let's be honest, was a good phase), nor the bright and bubbly pink that reminds you of Barbie. I wanted a nice light pink color. But I doubt it because I know how difficult it is to make this color actually last longer than just a few weeks (or even days). I've been struggling with how to make my pink hair dye last longer, but I want to - and I don't want to jinx anything! - I may have come up with some foolproof tips.
After a brief period of using a very temporary pink dye (like, lasted less than 48 hours, not even temporary with shampoo) helped me realize that I loved rose tints, an opportunity fell into my lap: I was invited to work with Celebrity hairstylist joins Matrix hair guru George Papanikolas for a color session. How could I say no? I took a deep breath, chose a brighter pink instead of peach, and let him work his magic. The result is a more intense shade and I was worried I would hate it, but...I love it. The only question is how to make this pink hair dye last longer than the last one.
I'm happy to report that the color is semi-permanent and should last about 20 shampoos, but it has stayed put for over a month. It's survived a round of blonde highlights, multiple long trips to the beach, and multiple shampoos. It fades beautifully, it's still in my hair as I speak, and it gets compliments from me all the time. I seem to have stumbled across a way to make pink hair dye last longer, and I feel the need to share it with everyone who wants this beautiful color. Check out these tips to keep your own pink hair alive forever (or, you know, a few weeks).
1. Start with healthy hair
Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Mask, $12, Amazon
As with any other hair dye, it's crucial to start with healthy hair. Damaged hair doesn't retain color as well as healthy hair, so if your hair is very dry, processed, and brittle, the color will wash out faster. Papanikolas (the guy who dyed my hair) recommended "regular trims" to keep your hair healthier and remove super damaged sections, and use a hair mask to moisturize. Specifically, Papanikolas recommends the "Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Mask," which helps even out pores. Dry, porous ends can fade quickly if not trimmed and nourished. ” So in the weeks before dying your hair, focus on keeping your hair hydrated and healthy with deep conditioning hair masks and deep hydrating oils.
2. Bleach first
Matrix Light Master, $83, Amazon
If it sounds a little crazy for me to suggest that you keep your hair as healthy as possible but also bleach it, that's because it is. Unfortunately for us naturally brunettes, lighter dyes (like pink) look best on lighter hair. As for bleaching beforehand, Papanikolas says: "It's not mandatory, but pink hair works best on lighter hair because visibility is more difficult on darker hair."
Bleaching does get a bad rap, but you can keep your hair healthy while you bleach it. If you have very dark hair, be patient and bleach slowly, allowing a few weeks between bleaching sessions. You should also make sure to always moisturize your hair with deep conditioning masks and treatments. Papanikolas recommends "Matrix Light Master, a great lightening agent that contains conditioning panthenol to help moisturize hair as it's lightened."
3. Choose the right recipe
Matrix Color Sync Watercolor, $12, Amazon
When it comes to hair dye, especially bright colors, formula, brand, and quality definitely matter. You may be tempted to opt for cheaper brands available at drugstores (I get it, hair dye can be expensive!), but it's worth it to choose something that ends up with better results, even if it costs more. You can do some research to find something that works for you, but I highly recommend the Matrix Color Sync Watercolors (I have Quartz Pink). As Papanikolas points out, "It's an ammonia-free demi-color that's perfect for subtle but fun pinks." The perfect hair dye is good for your hair (this one is very conditioning) and renders Comes in lovely shades.
4. Start with darker shades
One of the best ways to ensure your color lasts longer is to start with a darker color than you expect. If you start with a lighter color it will obviously fade faster as it may not last as long. Darker colors will last longer and fade faster than you think. Plus, you might like it more than you thought! My intense pink color only lasted a few days and then started fading nicely. It ended up being a gorgeous rose gold shade that I'm completely obsessed with.
5. Get the job done professionally
Not to sound like a bougie, but getting this hair color at a salon rather than DIYing it in your own bathroom may be your best bet. Your trained colorist can create a better pink for you than you can at home. Not only are the products used likely to be of better quality (and possibly stronger), but they can also do the necessary prep work. When asked if in-salon dye is better than box dye, Papanikolas said, "Absolutely. It usually requires pre-whitening for best results." If you really like pink, save up some money , make an appointment!
6. Let the dye sit for a while
While your stylist most likely knows what they're doing, make sure they leave your hair dye in for the longest possible time. "When working with color, it's recommended to leave the dye on your hair for five to 20 minutes. For maximum deposition, leave it on for the full time," says Papanikolas. When Papanikolas dyed my hair, he set the timer Set for 20 minutes, then a little longer.
7. Don’t wash your hair every day
Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo, $10, Amazon
It’s no surprise that shampoo is pink hair dye’s worst enemy. Papanikolas recommends "spacing your washes" because washing your hair can actually make it fade faster. Alcohol and sulfate shampoos are the worst, but even some so-called color-protecting shampoos are terrible. After dying your hair pink, try not using shampoo for two to three days and use dry shampoo instead.
If you can't imagine cutting back on shampoo, Papanikolas recommends using a "color-safe shampoo, like Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo, which gently cleanses hair without stripping it."
8. Rinse with cold water
If your goal is to keep your pink hair on for as long as possible, be sure to wash and rinse with cold water. Warm water feels great, but it opens up your hair's cuticles, allowing color to escape. Cold water won't have this effect, so your dye will last longer. You don't need to start taking cold showers (although it may actually feel good in the summer), but you should at least take cold showers as long as you can tolerate it.
9. Avoid Heat Styling
Drybar Hot Toddy Heat and UV Protectant, $30, Sephora
We already know that heat opens up your hair's cuticle, allowing color to escape faster. Not only does heat styling cause this, it can also damage your hair and cause it to become brittle. I really believe one of the reasons my pink color lasts so long is because I rarely heat style. I haven't blow-dried my hair in weeks and only use a curling iron once or twice a week. If you must use some kind of heat styling to get the look you want, be sure to use a heat protection spray beforehand.
10. Try to stay away from the sun
Alterna Sun Mist, $10, Amazon
Sunlight not only damages your skin, but also your hair. Too much time in the sun can cause hair damage and dryness. This is especially true for bleached hair, which is inherently more fragile. Going out in the summer seems inevitable, so at least use a sunscreen spray. I've been going to the beach a lot since getting pink hair, and I've been using this Alterna Hair Care Shine Spray religiously.
May your rosy locks stay vibrant and bright!
Image: Jessica Booth; courtesy Brand
