Introduction
When dying your hair pink, it’s important to consider what color you will dye over it when you are ready for a change. The color you choose to go over pink hair will depend on the shade of pink, as well as your desired end result. In general, there are a few approaches you can take:
Go darker – Brunette, black, burgundy, and other darker shades will cover pink hair easily. The darker color overwhelms the pink shade underneath. This is a good option if you want to go for a deeper, richer overall look.
Go lighter – Lighter blondes and pastels can also cover pink hair, but may require bleaching first to lift the cuticle and allow proper saturation. This approach requires more processing but can let you transition to a lighter, brighter look.
Complement the pink – Alternatively, shades like purples, reds, and oranges will layer nicely on top of pink, allowing some of the original color to show through for dimension. This creates a fun, vibrant color combination.
What Factors Affect Covering Pink Hair?
There are a few key factors that affect how well other colors will cover pink hair:
Current shade – Light, bright pinks will be easier to cover than darker magentas. The darker and more saturated the current color, the more difficult it will be to cover.
Natural hair color – Those with naturally lighter hair will have an easier time coloring over pink than those with dark brown or black hair. Pre-lightening before going pink allows more flexibility.
Condition of hair – Porous or damaged hair will soak up more of the new color while healthy, conditioned hair may resist. Ensure hair is properly conditioned before coloring for best results.
Desired shade – The closer the new shade is to the original pink, the better the coverage. Going radically lighter/darker than the original pink will be more challenging.
Best Colors to Go Over Pink Hair
Here is an overview of the top color options to go over pink hair:
| Color | Results on Pink Hair |
|---|---|
| Black | Covers pink beautifully, especially darker pinks |
| Dark Brown | Also covers pink very effectively |
| Burgundy | Blends nicely into lighter pinks for a reddish tint |
| Purple | Mixes complementarily with the pink undertone |
| Lighter Blonde | With bleaching, can fully cover pink for a lighter look |
| Pastels | Subtly mixes with the pink for a softened, faded effect |
As shown, both darker shades like black and brown and lighter shades like blonde can completely cover pink hair when applied correctly. Dynamic shades like purple and burgundy will interact with the pink in interesting ways for bold, vibrant looks.
Step-by-Step Process
Here is an overview of the basic process to color hair from pink to a new shade:
1. Evaluate the pink shade. Assess how light or dark, warm or cool the pink shade is to select the most compatible new color.
2. Lighten if necessary. If going lighter significantly from the pink, pre-lightening will probably be required first.
3. Shampoo and condition. Thoroughly cleanse and condition the hair to prepare it for the new color.
4. Do a strand test. Try the planned new color on a small section first to gauge results.
5. Mix the color and apply. Following the product directions, apply the new shade thoroughly from roots to ends.
6. Process and rinse. Leave on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly. Apply conditioning treatment if needed.
7. Style as desired. Once dry, style the hair as desired to show off the beautiful new color!
Going slow and steady while following the product recommendations will provide the best results when coloring over pink hair. Consult a professional stylist if unsure about the process.
Maintaining Newly Colored Hair
To keep your new color looking fresh and vibrant:
– Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners. Avoid harsh shampoos that may strip the color.
– Wash hair less frequently, around 2-3 times per week. Too much washing can cause fading.
– Limit use of hot styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers. Heat can also cause color fading over time.
– Use leave-in treatments and masks to boost moisture and minimize color loss.
– Get regular trims to snip away dry ends and remove faded portions.
– Use semi-permanent glazes or toners between full coloring services.
– Avoid chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure which can all lead to faster fading.
With proper at-home care and maintenance, your new color should stay crisp and last 4-6 weeks before needing a touch up.
Consulting a Stylist
While it is possible to cover pink hair at home, consulting a professional stylist is often advised. The processes of lightening, toning, and coloring over pink hair can be complicated and using the wrong product or technique can lead to unexpected results.
A stylist will evaluate your current hair and your desired look to recommend the safest, most effective way to cover the pink. This personalized service is especially important for dramatic color changes.
The stylist can also incorporate highlights, lowlights, balayage, or other techniques along with the full color to create dimension. Salon coloring keeps the hair healthy and minimizes damage too.
So for anyone unsure about how to optimally transition their pink hair to a fabulous new shade, scheduling a consultation with a stylist is the best approach.
Common Concerns When Coloring Over Pink Hair
Some common concerns and questions people have about coloring over pink hair include:
Will it damage my hair to color over it so soon? As long as you nourish the hair properly between coloring services, it is generally fine to color over it within 4-6 weeks. Just be very gentle and avoid over-processing.
Will the pink hue still show through the new color? With correct application and timing, the new shade should fully cover the pink. But some tint of the pink may affect the end result slightly. Doing a strand test first provides insight.
Is color remover an option for going lighter? Removing pink completely is challenging. Color removers may strip some of the pink shade, but pre-lightening will still be required for major lightening.
Should I just let it fade rather than coloring over it? You can allow the pink to fade over several weeks/months before coloring, but it will not fade entirely on its own. Coloring gives you more control over the final result.
Will the new color look the same on my pink hair as it would on virgin hair? There may be some subtle differences in tone, but the new shade should look very close on properly prepped pink hair as it does on virgin hair.
Consulting with your stylist and doing a strand test will address any concerns about how the new color will take to your pink hair. With the right guidance, you can achieve beautiful results.
Conclusion
Whether you want to go darker, lighter, or complement the shade, there are many gorgeous color options to go over pink hair. Assessing your current color and desired look then prepping and applying new color carefully will lead to success. While coloring over pink hair takes some finesse, the creativity and fun of transforming your look makes it worthwhile. Consult a professional stylist if you have any concerns and enjoy your beautiful new tresses!
