Playing with Pastels

Spring is here! And with it comes a lightness in our steps and a gentle smile on our faces. An adventurous spirit abounds so why not bring this feeling of spring freshness into your hair this season. Pastel hair is all the rage, soft feminine colours, creating sultry and sexy, spring looks.

So, if you are keen, there are a few do’s and don’ts worth mentioning before you take the plunge and step out into your new spring/summer look. Carefully choose the colour you want to be. Soft pastel colours work best on light hair and a fair skin. If you have dark hair you will have to lighten your hair colour first. This is best done professionally as your hair may lift unevenly, especially if you have a previous colour on your hair. A pastel colour needs to be applied to an even hair colour surface so as not to look blotchy.

The tone of your skin should largely determine your choice of hair colour. A sallow or olive toned skin is generally not going to look good with a light soft pastel colour. This type of skin tone will work much better with a more vibrant and intense pastel hair colour. If you have dark, prominent eyebrows this also need to be taken into account, a light pastel colour might not look that great. A brighter colour would once again work better.

Your age, style of dress, and make up application also needs to be considered. You don’t want to look as if you are trying to be something you are not. In general, a good rule to follow is “Less is More”. A good hairstylist or colourists will be aware of this and will be able to advise you accordingly.  This principle also applies if you want to add more than one colour to your hair. Contrasting colours are not going to look as stylish as colours of a similar tone or hue.

Whether to colour your whole head, your tips, or to add just a few streaks is sometime your hairdresser can advise you on. This should be influenced by your hairstyle, the colour of your hair and what you have done with your colour in the past, as well as your personal image.

Regular maintenance of your pastel hair colour is important as these colours tend to fade quicker than regular tints or colour washes. So to keep your pastel hair colour looking great be prepared to spend the time and money on the upkeep.

Play with your colour this spring – most definitely – these looks are phenomenal! But do so discerningly, so you can wear your pastel hair with confidence and elegance.