11 Best Pastel Hair Dyes To Spruce Up Your Hair Game In 2024
Pastel hair dyes are here to give you those vibrantly colored tresses effortlessly.
Jill TurnbullHairstylist 
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
medha debIntegrated MA Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
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If you are looking for the best pastel hair dyes, you are at the right place. Style enthusiasts have been experimenting with different hair shades to stay in trend or set new trends, and when it comes to pastels, they render your hair with a subtleness that is a change we welcome from the blazing red and green, and blue. Here are the 11 highest-rated pastel colors to choose from for making your hair turn heads!
In This Article
11 Best Pastel Hair Dyes To Rock That Subtly Colored Mane
1. Best Vibrant Shade:Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Girls Night
Enjoy a night out with your girlies with a little help from the Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color. The amazing pastel lilac shade is sure to turn all heads in your direction while providing softness and sheen to your tresses. It is recommended that you bleach your brown hair to the lightest possible shade to bring out the vibrant shade of this dye. The vegan formulation of this temporary pastel hair color is free of harsh chemicals and is not tested on animals, hence rendering the user totally guilt-free. However, conduct a patch and strand test before using the color. Before buying, have a look at this video on a tester’s experience of using the product for more details.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Ethyl alcohol-free
- Long lasting
- Vegan
Cons
- Might need a couple applications for an even hair color
2. Best Fade-Proof:L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color – P2 Smokey Pink
Let your hair be the highlight wherever you go with the L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color. The shade P2 Smokey Pink settles as a magnificent rosy blush and lends a shimmery sheen to the hair. This cream-based hair dye is easy to apply and offers a fade-defying color finish that is long lasting. Inspired by cutting-edge fashion, this permanent pastel hair dye is sure to make heads turn. Watch this video to know more about the product and the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Provides deep conditioning
- Gentle on hair
- Adds dimension to the hair
- Semi-permanent formula
Cons
- Might have a strong smell due to presence of ammonia
Pro Tip3. Best Long-lasting:MANIC PANIC Creamtone Perfect Pastel Hair Color – Dreamsicle
Give a creamy, dreamy makeover to your tresses with the Manic Panic Creamtone Perfect Pastel Hair Color. The shade Dreamsicle is a pastel orange with warm undertones and shows best results on hair that is lightened to the maximum level. With a chemical-free, vegan formula, this pastel orange hair dye is tested on celebrities and not animals. Get a trendy shade of pastel hair color right at home that stays fade-free for up to 6 weeks. This video and the tester’s experience of using it will give you more insights into the product.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Ammonia-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Might need more than one application for color to set in
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Girls Night Best Vibrant Shade | L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color - P2 Smokey Pink Best Fade-Proof | MANIC PANIC Creamtone Perfect Pastel Hair Color - Dreamsicle Best Long-lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | GIRLS NIGHT | P2 Rosy Blush (Smokey Pink) | Dreamsicle |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 6.75 inches | 2.75 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches | 3 x 3 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 0.02 Ounces | 4.16 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 74,860 | 7,214 | 30,431 |
| Price | $18.49 | $9.97 | $13 |
4. Best Nourishing:Crazy Color Salon Pro Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender
Garner compliments from everyone wherever you go with the Crazy Color Salon Pro Semi-Permanent Hair Color. The beautiful lavender shade leaves a high-impact color that makes your hair an absolute stunner. A strong formulation with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and raspberry oil, this vegan and cruelty-free hair color leaves your hair nourished, conditioned, and hydrated. With a lasting power of up to 10-12 washes, this pastel hair color works really well on hair that has been pre-lightened to the maximum level.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan
Cons
- You may not be able to use heat styling tools after dyeing your hair with this color.
Pro Tip5. Best Damage-Free Formula:Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Semi-Permanent Tint – Bunny
Dazzle like a diva with the Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Semi-Permanent Tint. This soft bubblegum pink shade is made with a damage-free formula and the hair dye protects your locks to help make it silky and soft to the touch. This unicorn hair tint will bring out a vibrant color on the lightest bleached hair and leave a slight tint on brown or darker blonde hair. But do a patch and strand test before applying the color to the hair. If you refrain from animal-based products, you will be delighted to know that this is one of the pastel pink hair colors that are vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Might need a few applications for the desired result
6. Best For Shine:Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Or Pastel Hair Dye – 098 Steel Silver
Image: Schwarzkopf
Put the moon to shame with a silvery mane with the platinum blonde shade of Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Or Pastel Hair Dye. Whether you want a head full of silver hair, some steely streaks to play hide and seek with, or plan to dip-dye your locks, this is the perfect hair color for you. You can use the color as is to opt for an ultra bright color or mix it with the conditioner provided in the box for a subtle pastel look. Any which way you are sure to draw all eyes to your shiny, luscious hair. This professional pastel hair color maintains color vibrancy and lasts up to 15 washes. If you are not sure of the color, consider conducting a strand test.
Pros
- Intense finish
- No developer needed
- Lasts up to 15 washes
- Ideal for color vibrancy
Cons
- Slightly expensive
7. Best Coverage:Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Pearlescence Permanent Color Creme – Pastel Mint
Image: Schwarzkopf
Turn your imagination into reality with the Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Pearlescence Permanent Hair Color. This magical shade lends the softest green color to your tresses, making you feel like a mermaid. Developed with the help of master colorists, this pastel mint hair dye gives you a true-to-tuft color. An impeccable color coverage and unbeatable retention are what this permanent hair color brings to you. Now, salon-quality hair color is just a box away, right from the comfort of your home.
Pros
- Full-hair coverage
- Long lasting
- Developed with colorists
- True-to-tuft color
Cons
Quantity may not be enough for those with very long hair
8. Best Conditioning Formula:IROIRO Premium Natural Semi Permanent Hair Color – 210 Pastel Lavender
Smell as good as you look with the Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color from IROIRO. The amazing shade Pastel Lavender renders a soft glow to your hair and also makes it smell fabulous. The lighter the color of the hair, the better and brighter the hair dye will look. This semi permanent pastel hair dye is cruelty-free, vegan, and renders your hair a bit lavender. It is enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients like coconut oil and quinoa protein that help impart an unmissable sheen and strength to your luscious locks. Many positive online reviews mention that the color does not bleed and conditions the hair strands.
Pros
- Conditions the hair
- Fruity scent
- Tones down brassiness
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May take more than 45 minutes of resting time
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Pravana Chromasilk Pastels Hair Color – Luscious Lavender
If you are on the lookout for pastel tones of color that are vivid and clear, look no further than the Pravana Chromasilk Pastels Long Lasting Hair Color. True to its name, the shade Luscious Lavender makes your hair soft, smooth, and luscious. It comes in a paste form and works well on light-colored and blonde hair as compared to darker hair. The formulation of this cruelty-free hair color is devoid of harsh chemicals and suits all hair types. Proper application of this purple pastel hair dye will result in a vivid hair color that is long lasting.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- No harmful chemicals
- Long-lasting color
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance overpowering
10. Best Vegan:Smart Beauty Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Lilac Haze Pastel
Ace your hair game with the Smart Beauty Semi-Permanent Hair Color. This soft and subtle pastel shade will uplift your entire look, hence boosting your confidence. For the best results, use it on naturally light, blonde,or bleached hair for up to 10-30 minutes depending upon how intense you want the color to be. With a formulation that is free from parabens, sulfates, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals, this pastel purple hair color suits all hair types, whether curly or straight. Moreover, it is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can flaunt your beautifully colored tresses, guilt-free!
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Ammonia-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting color
11. Lunar Tides Semi-Permanent Pastel Hair Dye – Beetle Green
Crank up the brightness with the Lunar Tides Semi-Permanent Pastel Hair Dye. This lovely shade is sure to make everyone go green with envy as it blesses your mane. This hair dye comes in a paste form and works best on chemically-treated and light-colored hair. With a gentle, non-damaging formulation that helps rejuvenate the hair you can be assured of a highly-pigmented color that lasts for long periods. Multiple reviewers have stated they could feel their hair become softer after applying the color. If you are an animal lover, you would be delighted to know that this pastel green hair dye is vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Highly pigmented
- Long lasting
- Hair rejuvenating
- Non damaging
Cons
- Might start fading out after a couple of washes
We now have the list of the top 11 pastel hair dyes for one to choose from. One thing that is very conclusive is that pastel hair dye on dark hair is a big nay. But are you still unsure about the right pastel tones for your hair? Fret not as we help you figure out some cool pastel hair colors that compliments you in every way.
How To Choose A Pastel Hair Color Based On Your Skin Tone
Although pastel hair colors are the latest buzz in the fashion space, many are reluctant to try them out because it might just seem too bold to carry off an icy blue, bubblegum pink, lime green or a smokey grey head of hair. When you set off to get a haircut, all you have to look out for is your face cut but when it comes to your hair color, the complexion of the skin and the undertones have to be taken into consideration.
- Fair skin
People with fair skin can pull off almost any color. However, one should take into consideration the undertones of the skin. It is recommended that fair skinned people with cool undertones should opt for hues like light pinks, peach, champagne, rose gold, coral etc.
On the other hand, for people with warmer undertones shades like lavender, icy blue, grey, silver, lime, etc are best suited.
- Medium skin
People with medium or olive skin accompanied by a warm undertone should look out for colors like mauve, bubblegum pink, etc. If you have olive skin with cool undertones, colors like turquoise, mint, blue, etc will look very good on you.
- Dark skin
It is only a myth that pastel colors are not for dark skinned people. Colors like violet and fuschia will make people with cool undertones on dark skin stand out in the crowd. For warm undertones, hair colors like sap green, plum, ruby, etc will accentuate the whole look.
If you are unsure about the undertone of the skin, you can also place a shirt or scarf of the color that you are planning to do on your hair to see if it uplifts your skin or makes it look pale.
How To Apply Pastel Hair Color?
Applying pastel hair dye on your hair is just the same as applying any other dye with just a few additional steps. It is difficult to find a pastel hair dye for dark hair and moreover, light colored hair is the best when it comes to pastel colors. Semi-permanent pastel hair colors are a lifesaver when one is unsure about how the resulting color will look. So, here are the steps to follow for a perfectly pastel mane:
Step1: Start by bleaching your hair if you have dark hair.
Step 2: In a bowl, take some white hair conditioner according to the amount of hair you want to color.
Step 3: Slowly add the chosen color and mix it well until you get the desired shade.
Step 4: If you already have a box of pastel hair dye, you can skip the steps 2 and 3.
Step 5: Apply the hair dye and make sure all the strands are covered in color.
Step 6: Wrap the colored sections of hair in aluminium foil to prevent color from spreading on other surfaces.
Step 7: Once done, keep the hair color on for 35-40 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the foils and rinse your hair with cold water.
Step 9: Air dry your hair and check for missed spots.
Step 10: Redo another coat if the desired color isn’t achieved.
The Bottom Line
Coloring your hair with pastel hair dyes is a fresh fashion trend that is picking up the pace really quickly. Gone are the days of just reds, browns and blondes as matte shades of pink, lavender, blue, grey and multicolored pastel hair are considered to be raging and chic and are becoming hot favorites amongst fashionistas. If you wish to achieve a vibrant yet mellow-hued mane, it is best to apply a temporary pastel hair dye on light-colored, blonde, or bleached hair. Some such dyes include the Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Girls Night that offers softness and shine to your hair, the MANIC PANIC Creamtone Perfect Pastel Hair Color – Dreamsicle that has warm undertones and remains fade-free for at least 6 weeks, and the Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Pearlescence Permanent Color Creme – Pastel Mint that delivers flawless coverage without irritating the scalp. Hair experts and stylists everywhere advise users to choose pastel hair color products that bring out or accentuate one’s features. Go all out and borrow some hues from the rainbow to give your hair a burst of colors.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Krati Darak, has done in-depth research, checking out the official websites, hundreds of reviews, and user feedback from various sites. She relied on the best pastel hair dyes that are ammonia-free and do not contain harsh chemicals. She also suggests choosing hair dyes according to the skin tone. The hair dyes listed above are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and keep your hair soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave a pastel hair dye on?
For a normal color on your hair, it is advised to keep the dye on for approximately 35-40 minutes. If you wish for a darker color, you can keep it a little longer, watching the color from time to time.
Can I use conditioner to make pastel hair dye?
Yes. If one needs instant pastel hair dye, it can be made by diluting regular hair color with hair conditioner.
Do I need to tone my hair before dying it pastel?
Yes, tone your hair and neutralize the brassy tones on your tresses before dying them pastel in order to make the color stand out well.
Can I dye my hair pastel without bleach?
You can dye your hair pastel without bleaching but the color may not turn out to be as true as you expect.
Can you dye pastel over red hair?
Yes, you can dye pastel over red hair. But do not forget to bleach the tresses to achieve the perfect shade of pastel you are aiming for.
How long does pastel hair dye last?
Pastel hair dyes last around two to three months depending on how your lifestyle and hair care regimen
How can I make pastel hair dye last longer?
To enhance the longevity of your pastel color, use a color-safe, color-depositing shampoo and conditioner, and wash your hair with cold water. Keep you hair protected from sunrays.
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