Like most of today’s longest-lasting hair trends, pastel tones give off a lived-in look all their own. The colors of cotton candy and lilac are noticeable yet subtle and bold yet soft. From a washed-out millennial pink to a smokey teal, they remain a highly sought-after look. Let’s take a look at some ideas to achieve a lovely pastel look.
Consider Your Hair Color And Texture
No matter your current tone, pastel hair will likely require you to bleach your strands. All color, natural or faux, needs to be stripped almost entirely before depositing the candy color you’re crushing on. Color also affects our texture. If your hair is already over-processed, it’s likely experiencing the pain point of frequent breakage and you probably want to pump the breaks and focus on your hair’s health for a minute. Do a deep conditioning treatment and lay off the chemicals. In short, pastel’s ideal candidates are the naturally light (or pre-lightened) and the untouched, never-before-colored heads of hair.
![a beautiful and lovely light pink straight long bob with shiny and chic hair is amazing to make a statement a beautiful and lovely light pink straight long bob with shiny and chic hair is amazing to make a statement](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-beautiful-and-lovely-light-pink-straight-long-bob-with-shiny-and-chic-hair-is-amazing-to-make-a-statement.jpg)
a beautiful and lovely light pink straight long bob with shiny and chic hair is amazing to make a statement
![a bubblegum pink midi textural bob with a lot of volume and a bit of waves is a catchy and bright idea a bubblegum pink midi textural bob with a lot of volume and a bit of waves is a catchy and bright idea](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-bubblegum-pink-midi-textural-bob-with-a-lot-of-volume-and-a-bit-of-waves-is-a-catchy-and-bright-idea.jpg)
a bubblegum pink midi textural bob with a lot of volume and a bit of waves is a catchy and bright idea
![a stylish pink bob hairstyle a classy pink long wavy bob is a fab idea, whether you are a Barbie fan or not](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-classy-pink-long-wavy-bob-is-a-fab-idea-whether-you-are-a-Barbie-fan-or-not.jpg)
a classy pink long wavy bob is a fab idea, whether you are a Barbie fan or not
![a cold pale pink A line bob with waves and bleached touches is a catchy idea if you love cold shades a cold pale pink A-line bob with waves and bleached touches is a catchy idea if you love cold shades](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-cold-pale-pink-A-line-bob-with-waves-and-bleached-touches-is-a-catchy-idea-if-you-love-cold-shades.jpg)
a cold pale pink A-line bob with waves and bleached touches is a catchy idea if you love cold shades
![a cotton candy long bob with super straight hair is a fantastic statement with color and a trendy hair length a cotton candy long bob with super straight hair is a fantastic statement with color and a trendy hair length](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-cotton-candy-long-bob-with-super-straight-hair-is-a-fantastic-statement-with-color-and-a-trendy-hair-length.jpg)
a cotton candy long bob with super straight hair is a fantastic statement with color and a trendy hair length
![a cute light pink wavy long bob with wispy bangs and textured hair is a chic and pretty idea to rock a cute light pink wavy long bob with wispy bangs and textured hair is a chic and pretty idea to rock](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-cute-light-pink-wavy-long-bob-with-wispy-bangs-and-textured-hair-is-a-chic-and-pretty-idea-to-rock.jpg)
a cute light pink wavy long bob with wispy bangs and textured hair is a chic and pretty idea to rock
![a lovely mermaid blue bob hairstyle a delicate and chic pastel blue long bob with textured hair is a cool idea, especially if you have blue eyes](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-delicate-and-chic-pastel-blue-long-bob-with-textured-hair-is-a-cool-idea-especially-if-you-have-blue-eyes.jpg)
a delicate and chic pastel blue long bob with textured hair is a cool idea, especially if you have blue eyes
Salon Or DIY?
Once you’ve had your hair professionally lifted, you can use over-the-counter dyes, which are called direct dyes. You run the risk of going too bright or having an uneven distribution of color, but if you chat with your colorist beforehand, they may be able to offer some pointers for your best at-home experience. If you do take matters into your own hands, Garrett advises that when you make it back into the salon, you’re always sure to inform your colorist of any color products previously used on your hair.
![a gorgeous light blue with an icy tone long bob with layers and messy texture is an ultimate idea for summer a gorgeous light blue with an icy tone long bob with layers and messy texture is an ultimate idea for summer](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-gorgeous-light-blue-with-an-icy-tone-long-bob-with-layers-and-messy-texture-is-an-ultimate-idea-for-summer.jpg)
a gorgeous light blue with an icy tone long bob with layers and messy texture is an ultimate idea for summer
![a gorgeous lilac wavy long bob with bangs and a slight ombre effect is a fantastic idea with a delicate feel, perfect for spring and summer a gorgeous lilac wavy long bob with bangs and a slight ombre effect is a fantastic idea with a delicate feel, perfect for spring and summer](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-gorgeous-lilac-wavy-long-bob-with-bangs-and-a-slight-ombre-effect-is-a-fantastic-idea-with-a-delicate-feel-perfect-for-spring-and-summer.jpg)
a gorgeous lilac wavy long bob with bangs and a slight ombre effect is a fantastic idea with a delicate feel, perfect for spring and summer
![a gorgeous long pastel bob done in blush and lilac, with a classic fringe is a fresh take on classics a gorgeous long pastel bob done in blush and lilac, with a classic fringe is a fresh take on classics](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-gorgeous-long-pastel-bob-done-in-blush-and-lilac-with-a-classic-fringe-is-a-fresh-take-on-classics.jpg)
a gorgeous long pastel bob done in blush and lilac, with a classic fringe is a fresh take on classics
![a lilac jaw length bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a relaxed hairstyle with a catchy color a lilac jaw-length bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a relaxed hairstyle with a catchy color](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-lilac-jaw-length-bob-with-wispy-bangs-and-a-bit-of-texture-is-a-relaxed-hairstyle-with-a-catchy-color.jpg)
a lilac jaw-length bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a relaxed hairstyle with a catchy color
![a lilac midi bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a catchy and lovely idea with a soft touch of color a lilac midi bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a catchy and lovely idea with a soft touch of color](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-lilac-midi-bob-with-wispy-bangs-and-a-bit-of-texture-is-a-catchy-and-lovely-idea-with-a-soft-touch-of-color.jpg)
a lilac midi bob with wispy bangs and a bit of texture is a catchy and lovely idea with a soft touch of color
![a lovely pastel blue and green shaggy messy bob with wispy bangs, a darker root and a lot of wavy volume a lovely pastel blue and green shaggy messy bob with wispy bangs, a darker root and a lot of wavy volume](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-lovely-pastel-blue-and-green-shaggy-messy-bob-with-wispy-bangs-a-darker-root-and-a-lot-of-wavy-volume.jpg)
a lovely pastel blue and green shaggy messy bob with wispy bangs, a darker root and a lot of wavy volume
![a lovely textural long bob in a soft shade of pink, with texture, volume and waves is amazing to rock right now a lovely textural long bob in a soft shade of pink, with texture, volume and waves is amazing to rock right now](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-lovely-textural-long-bob-in-a-soft-shade-of-pink-with-texture-volume-and-waves-is-amazing-to-rock-right-now.jpg)
a lovely textural long bob in a soft shade of pink, with texture, volume and waves is amazing to rock right now
![a millennial pink short bob with curved ends is a chic and lovely idea, both edgy and timelessly elegant a millennial pink short bob with curved ends is a chic and lovely idea, both edgy and timelessly elegant](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-millennial-pink-short-bob-with-curved-ends-is-a-chic-and-lovely-idea-both-edgy-and-timelessly-elegant.jpg)
a millennial pink short bob with curved ends is a chic and lovely idea, both edgy and timelessly elegant
Is Pastel Hair Hard To Maintain?
Pastel colors do not have a lot of longevity. Direct dyes are the perfect products for at-home touch-ups. The amount of times you freshen up your color depends on your own desires. If you start out as a platinum blonde, go for a touch-up every four to six weeks. For the highlighted or balayage bases, you can stretch it out to every three to six months. Aside from touch-ups, you also have at-home care to consider. Similar to the blue or purple shampoos recommended for blondes, these temporary dyes will last much longer with the use of color-preserving shampoos and conditioners.
Some pastel shades aren’t as straightforward and require an informed blend by a color expert. Shades like peach need to be mixed just right to avoid any “orange-you-glad-you-didn’t-learn-that-the-hard-way” type of situation.
![a lovely purple bob hairstyle a pastel purple messy and wavy long bob with side bangs is a fresh idea to rock, it looks amazing](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-pastel-purple-messy-and-wavy-long-bob-with-side-bangs-is-a-fresh-idea-to-rock-it-looks-amazing.jpg)
a pastel purple messy and wavy long bob with side bangs is a fresh idea to rock, it looks amazing
![a pink jaw length bob with a darker root, shaggy layers and a messy texture is a cool and fresh idea a pink jaw-length bob with a darker root, shaggy layers and a messy texture is a cool and fresh idea](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-pink-jaw-length-bob-with-a-darker-root-shaggy-layers-and-a-messy-texture-is-a-cool-and-fresh-idea.jpg)
a pink jaw-length bob with a darker root, shaggy layers and a messy texture is a cool and fresh idea
![a lovely bob hairstyle with wispy bangs a shaggy lilac long bob with wispy bangs that accent the eyes, with a bit of volume and texture](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-shaggy-lilac-long-bob-with-wispy-bangs-that-accent-the-eyes-with-a-bit-of-volume-and-texture.jpg)
a shaggy lilac long bob with wispy bangs that accent the eyes, with a bit of volume and texture
![a shiny light pink bob with central parting and straight hair is fantastic for anyone who loves such shades a shiny light pink bob with central parting and straight hair is fantastic for anyone who loves such shades](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-shiny-light-pink-bob-with-central-parting-and-straight-hair-is-fantastic-for-anyone-who-loves-such-shades.jpg)
a shiny light pink bob with central parting and straight hair is fantastic for anyone who loves such shades
What Bob To Choose For Pastel Hair?
Here any bob will do, whatever length and shape flatters you. A-line or classic, jaw-line or midi, long or ear-length – it’s totally up to you. Consider having bangs or at least some face-framing layers for a lovely look. Go for waves and volume as without them your bob may look a bit flat.
![a soft pink midi length bob with side part and some texture and volume is a cool and fresh idea for spring or summer a soft pink midi length bob with side part and some texture and volume is a cool and fresh idea for spring or summer](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-soft-pink-midi-length-bob-with-side-part-and-some-texture-and-volume-is-a-cool-and-fresh-idea-for-spring-or-summer.jpg)
a soft pink midi length bob with side part and some texture and volume is a cool and fresh idea for spring or summer
![a stylish long bob hairstyle a straight pastel blue long bob with a bit of lilac locks is a stylish and catchy idea that looks modern](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-straight-pastel-blue-long-bob-with-a-bit-of-lilac-locks-is-a-stylish-and-catchy-idea-that-looks-modern.jpg)
a straight pastel blue long bob with a bit of lilac locks is a stylish and catchy idea that looks modern
![a stylish and delicate lavender straight bob with slight blush balayage is a catchy and subtle idea for spring or summer a stylish and delicate lavender straight bob with slight blush balayage is a catchy and subtle idea for spring or summer](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/a-stylish-and-delicate-lavender-straight-bob-with-slight-blush-balayage-is-a-catchy-and-subtle-idea-for-spring-or-summer.jpg)
a stylish and delicate lavender straight bob with slight blush balayage is a catchy and subtle idea for spring or summer
![delicate short pastel blue hair with a darker root, with much volume and a side bang is a fantastic idea delicate short pastel blue hair with a darker root, with much volume and a side bang is a fantastic idea](https://i.styleoholic.com/2023/09/delicate-short-pastel-blue-hair-with-a-darker-root-with-much-volume-and-a-side-bang-is-a-fantastic-idea.jpg)
delicate short pastel blue hair with a darker root, with much volume and a side bang is a fantastic idea