Think pink: Why pink hair is the hottest hair hue for 2019 and how to wear it

From flamingo to fuschia, here's how to go pink 
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Emma McCarthy14 January 2019

Some trends come and go. Others are here to stay. Pink hair surprisingly falls into the latter category.

While the technicolour dye job’s popularity in the capital had all the makings of a passing fad — and the volume of slime green and Smarties-blue barnets are still in the minority — bubblegum-tinged tresses have refused to fade and over time have become the new norm, accepted in polite society as more of a millennial licence than a radical statement.

If 2019 is the year you’ve decided to take the plunge into peony, know that there’s more to pink than you might think.

From bubblegum to blush blonde and flamingo to fuchsia, Alex Brownsell — the bright spark behind trailblazing Dalston dip-dye salon Bleach London — offers a comprehensive how-to guide to the new fuchsia classics.

1. Standing at the door of the pink flamingo

“We wanted to create a style that felt both raw and soft at the same time,” says Brownsell.

“We loved the idea of keeping a freshly bleached root and having the mid-lengths to ends coloured in a light but vivid pink.”

To get this look, Bleach’s semi-permanent Super Cool Colour in Odd Fuchsia (£6) was diluted with its vitamin-rich Beer Conditioner (£7) for a subtly washed-out yet still vibrant shade.

Brownsell suggests styling straight with a side-parted quiff over the eye. “It sets off the look, as you can clearly see the creamy blonde root.”

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

2. Liquorice all sort

“The ‘Bleach Bit’ is having a revival at the moment,” says Brownsell — that’s in-salon lingo for when just the front section of the hair is streaked with bleach, à la Geri Halliwell circa 1997.

"Here, we bleached the front section and coloured it with a mix of Super Cool Colour in Odd Fuchsia (£6) and Lavender Vida Loca (£6) for a perfect pink/purple hue. Mixed in against the dark curls, this look is super-striking.”

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

3. Strawberry milkshake

“Afro hair can be bleached but caution and a trip to the salon is always advised,” says Brownsell. “We wanted to achieve a frothy, warm pink shade, reminiscent of milkshake bubbles, so we bleached the hair gently to a light blonde, making sure to add our Alex-Plex anti-breakage additive (£4) into the bleach to protect the hair.”

The brand’s Smoky Rosé semi-permanent colour cream (£6) completes the look and “works perfectly with the softness of the curls”.

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

4. Shrinking violet

If your hair is naturally ice-white — like London-based model Jordan Charles — experimentation is a straightforward affair.

“Our new Watercolours are a natural vegetable dye, which sprays into the hair and rinses straight out with water and no fear of staining,” says Brownsell.

Charles’s “gorgeous grey-toned violet” is created with Blue Gardenia (£7) — a violet-hued colour pigmented from blue gardenia flower and beetroot and enriched with vitamin B5 and a mix of amino acids for a hit of hydration.

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

5. Pink suede

“Even the shortest of hair can go pink. Using the new Bleach Super Cool Colour in Smoky Rosé (£6), we were able to create a texture of pink suede on a grade-one shaved head. Close-shaved hair can be bleached to achieve a cool colour result — it’s a fuzzy pink effect and we love it.”

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

6. My Little Peony

Created using no fewer than three different pinks, Odd Fuchsia, Rose Gold and Rosé are applied in sections to give the effect of highlighted colour.

“It’s a way of using traditional techniques with modern pinks,” says Brownsell, who adds that there’s only one way to wear it — “when the high pony goes up, the mix of shades shines through”.

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

7. A rose gold between two thorns

For blondes who want to have some fun with pink without full commitment, try rose gold — a soft strawberry-blonde blush that is among the most requested tones in salons.

“Creating that perfect gentle mix of yellow-toned pink is easy with our new Rose Gold colour, which provides a light, even finish.”

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

8. Peach Bellini

“On an untoned yellow base, you can achieve a peachier tone using our Rose Gold Super Cool Colour while still having a note of flattering pink,” explains Brownsell.

This Peach Bellini hue lives up to its name with its fuzzy soft blush and touch of champagne to finish. “Paired with the right cut, it’s the cooler way to wear a pink shade.”

Hair by Alex Brownsell; photography by Hugo Yanguela

Bleach has salons in Dalston (42 Kingsland Road, E8), Soho (2 Berwick Street, W1) and Brixton (195 Ferndale Road, SW9); bleachlondon.co.uk

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