Pink hair is having another major moment, and we tapped four colorists to spill the tea: Hannah Mejia (@hannahsdisconnected), Matthew Williams (@matthewwhair), Paula Peralta (@thepaulaperalta), and Brenda Huerta (@c0mptonkitty). From bubblegum brights to smoky mauves, these are the professionals behind some of the internet’s most jaw-dropping pink transformations — for years — and they’re breaking down why the color refuses to quit, their can’t-live-without shades, and the products they trust to make it pop.
Keep reading for the full conversations, plus grab some inspo to use on your future clients.
Why Pink is “Back”
“I honestly don’t think pink hair ever really left! In the creative color world, pink has always been a staple,” says Mejia. “I think what we’re seeing now is it becoming more mainstream again, especially because there are so many ways to wear it! From soft blush and dusty rose to bright bubblegum, hot pink and deeper magentas.”
Williams agrees the shade has serious staying power: “I’m loving the pink hair resurgence, I feel like pink is one of my most requested vivids and I never get tired of it.”
Peralta sees it as more than a trend cycle: “Pink is basically a neutral so in a world focused on whimsy and fun, it’s no wonder that we are seeing it gain momentum again.”
Plus, @c0mptonkitty is noticing a more nuanced take on the color lately: “I’m loving seeing all the pink looks! Pink is always in but lately I’ve been seeing some really fun unique tones which is refreshing. The deep purple toned pinks and the mauve smokey tones have been popular in my chair lately.”
The Shades They’re Loving
The range within “pink” is part of what makes it so popular. Mejia is drawn to the full spectrum: “I love ALL pinks, but I’m especially drawn to really vibrant pinks, pastel pinks, neon pinks, I really just love pink hair. I also love customizing pinks and creating softer, more muted or dimensional shades depending on the client. Pink is one of those colors you can completely transform just by adjusting the tone, depth or saturation.”
@c0mptonkitty’s go-to shades include Good Dye Young’s Brainwash, Ex-Girl, and Live Laugh Love: “I love mixing these as well but they are beautiful on their own. From hot pinks to pastels the range is limitless. Bleach London’s Rosé shampoo + conditioner is great for those clients who want something fun without a full commitment.”
Williams reaches for a few different formulas depending on the look: “My go to pink shades are Ex-Girl from Good Dye Young and Cosmic Pink from Uberliss. My all time favorite professional pink formula is Magenta from Pravana, extremely diluted.”
Peralta takes a different approach for longevity, starting with the challenge most colorists face: “One of the biggest challenges we are seeing is that a semi permanent pink fades quickly. My formulation back is to use permanent color to create a beautiful pinky rose tone. My go to is Paul Mitchell the Color XH HLP + 6RV (3:1) to create the perfect rose gold. For an extra dose of longevity, I’ll often topcoat with a semi permanent. Paul Mitchell Colorways Hot Pink diluted to the perfect tone or used straight from the tube give shine and longevity.”
Why Their Go-tos Are Their Go-tos
For Mejia it comes down to control: “It’s the saturation, blendability and versatility. I want my pinks to be impactful, but I also care about how they fade and how much control I have over the final tone. I love being able to take a pink and make it brighter, deeper, softer, warmer or cooler depending on the look I’m creating.”
Williams points to consistency as the deciding factor: “It’s hard finding a consistent formula when it comes to pinks, and for that same reason I adore how consistent the shade and tonality is.”
@c0mptonkitty credits her products for both performance and payoff: “They’re the best option when it comes to color longevity and they don’t bleed when washing so you’re able to play around with multi-colored styles as well. They smell incredible and are so conditioning. I always have true to tone, even, and shiny results that really pop with GDY.”
And for Peralta, it’s about the bigger picture: “I love these formulas because it’s not just about the beautiful color end result, it’s also maintaining the integrity of the hair.”
Bottom line: pink hair isn’t a phase, it’s a lifestyle. And with this much range — from bubblegum to smoky mauve — there’s a shade for everyone finally ready to commit. If you grab any inspo from these fellow pros, tag them plus @readthetease on Instagram so we can all see your pink-a-licious results!
