Get Pink Hair at Home With *This* Tinted Mask
Turning hair pink is usually a task you need your colorist for. (And if you're looking for a bespoke shade that lasts, we do recommend heading to your nearest Wella salon.) But, with a certain tinted treatment mask and the right base hue, you can also unlock a low-commitment pink shade at home, whether you're going for a soft baby pink, a peachy tone or a bright fuchsia mane.
So, let's explore how to get your perfect shade of pink – or top up already-pink locks – featuring DIY tips and tricks for the dreamiest rosé mane...
But, First – Will a DIY Pink Color Work For Me?
Like all bold or pastel hair colors, pink tones pop brighter on a light blonde base. At the very least, you need a light brown or dark blonde hair color if you're trying to create pink locks at home. So, if you're already working with pre-lightened hair from root to tip or you've previously had a balayage, you can go ahead and start applying your perfect pink color. Remember: the darker your base is, the subtler your pink will appear.
But if you don't have a naturally light shade or bleached hair, put your pink in the hands of your colorist. They'll be able to lift even dark hair strands to the ideal hair level to ensure light pinks, hot pinks and dark pinks show up.
There are a few other points to think about if you're deciding whether to DIY your pink color or head to the salon. Here's how to know which color route is right for you...
Image Credit: @jhair_stylist
Image Credit: @brianacisneros
Get Pink Hair at the Salon If...
- You have dark blonde, red or brown hair that needs pre-lightening. Your professional hairstylist will be able to lift your hair to the exact level needed for your pink goals.
- You need precise placement. From pink balayage to fuchsia highlights, introducing a new technique to your look requires the expertise of a pro colorist.
- You want a longer-lasting color. Your colorist will be able to mix up your dream pink shade in a permanent formula, like Koleston Perfect, so you can love your look for longer.
Try Pink Hair at Home If...
- Your natural tone is light or you already have highlights. If your hair doesn't need pre-lightening, enjoy a DIY pink that appears bright and bold on light blonde hair and soft and subtle on dark blonde or light brown hair.
- You want a low-commitment color. Perfect for summer or festival season, a temporary semi-permanent pop of pink can be achieved at home with the right treatment.
- You're refreshing an existing pink color. Topping up your colored hair is easy with a pink pigment-depositing mask.
How to Get Pink Hair at Home
Step 1: Choose Your Shade
Are you going for a bright shade of pink or a pastel hue? Now's the time to decide. With Color Fresh Mask, you have three options, and each one delivers a radiant tint in just 10 minutes. These color-depositing masks are your zero-damage route to temporary color, with a boost of conditioning ingredients that keep hair soft and let you skip conditioner.
Take your pick between:
Pink - The brightest shade of hot pink that can make a serious statement – especially when you apply it to light blonde hair.
Pink Blush - A ballet slipper pastel pink that's perfect for spring and summer. If pale pinks are your goal, try this tinted treatment. We love it through already lightened, balayaged lengths for a subtle, rose gold twist.
Rose Blaze - A darker pink to give you that rose brunette hair look. If you crave a deep shade of pink, try this richer, almost-mauve color.
Peach Blush - Peach blonde hair is trending right now, so if you want a warmer take on pink, try this juicy shade. There's still a hint of strawberry in there, giving you the dreamiest hybrid hue.
2. Wash with Your Favorite Shampoo
Damp, just-washed hair is the ideal canvas for the Color Fresh Mask, so lather up with a color-safe shampoo that suits your hair type and condition. If you're dealing with frizzy, dry hair, try ULTIMATE SMOOTH Shampoo, a gloss-boosting formula with Squalane and Omega-9. Or, if you have damaged hair, reach for ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo to cleanse without stripping delicate strands. Curly and coily hair types will love NutriCurls Micellar Shampoo for a gentle, texture-loving refresh, while oily hair regains balance with INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo. Massage in your chosen formula and rinse thoroughly with warm water, taking care not to rub too hard. A gentler touch is essential for preventing tangles and damage.
3. Squeeze Out Excess Water
After washing with your color-kind shampoo, you don't want your hair to be too wet as the water can dilute your mask. So very gently squeeze out excess water before reaching for your coloring conditioner.
4. Apply the Hair Mask
On damp hair, apply your chosen shade of Color Fresh Mask. You can smooth the color from root to tip or, if you're going for a balayage effect, focus your dream tone through the mid-lengths and ends.
5. Smooth it Through Evenly
Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the mask through your hair. Because it's packed with conditioning oils, the tinted deep conditioner will also provide some slip for detangling.
6. Leave it On for 10-20 Minutes
Let your mask develop for at least 10 minutes before you rinse it out (at the bathroom sink or in the shower) to reveal your perfect pink hair color. Just lukewarm water (not stripping hot water) is enough to remove any residue, and then you're ready to glow. Repeat these steps weekly to maintain and refresh your pink hair.
Image Credit: @luca_brusini
Image Credit: @jhair_stylist
Give Pink Hair Extra Glow
Healthy hair is the answer to the glossiest pinks, so after using the Color Fresh Mask, dial up the glow with these hair care regimen upgrades:
1. Rinse with Cool Water
After rinsing out your mask with warm water, give it a quick cool water blast to encourage the cuticle to lie flat; a trick that can help hair appear shinier.
2. Dry with a Microfiber Towel
Regular towels can be too rough for delicate strands of hair, so switch to a microfiber towel. Use it to blot away excess water – no rubbing required – resulting in less friction and fewer tangles.
3. Repair Hair Damage in 90 Seconds
Like a flash treatment mask in liquid form, ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue is a powerful leave-in spray designed to keep hair strong and repair damage in 90 seconds¹. Mist it from root to tip through towel-dried hair, let it absorb, and you'll enjoy 99% less breakage². It's not just for already damaged hair; it prevents future damage, too!
4. Gloss Up with a Hair Oil
A fashion week favorite, ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum was the 'mane' attraction at Victoria Beckham's Paris Fashion Week show, where models worked the sleekest, shiniest hair that you can recreate at home. Layer the oil over ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue for your own injection of gloss. Formulated with Squalane and Omega-9, it nourishes hair in 30 seconds for up to 3 days of smoothness³.
Can I Dye My Hair Pink Without Bleaching It?
It depends on the base you’re working with as well as your hair goals. The lighter your natural color or previously bleached hair is, the brighter your pink will appear, so keep that in mind before DIYing your color. So, if you have light blonde hair - or even if you have dark blonde strands and you’re going for a subtle result - you may be able to enjoy pink hair at home with no pre-lightening. But if you have dark hair, we recommend heading to your nearest Wella salon. There, your colorist will be able to create the perfect base for your pink hair look.
How Do I Maintain Pink Hair at Home?
Let's talk about top-ups. To keep your pink shade looking rosy, we recommend applying your chosen Color Fresh Mask at least once per week or every couple of weeks. It’s a zero-damage tint, so there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain from reapplying. It’s even packed with conditioning ingredients for a boost of nourishment.
Looking for more advice on achieving your dream color? Discover our complete round-up of hair color trend guides and advice to inspire your next salon transformation.
¹ When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.
² Vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
³ When using ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum, if unwashed for 3 days, vs. untreated.