Everything You Need To Know About The Barbie Pink Hair Colour Trend

Traditional hair colours are on hiatus this season because there's a new hue in town that's captivating hearts and turning heads — Barbie Pink hair. Inspired by the iconic doll that has charmed generations, this whimsical trend is taking the world of fashion by storm. With the Greta Gerwig Barbie movie release, Margot Robbie isn’t the only celebrity sporting the look. Clients are now starting to embrace the colour themselves, experimenting with Barbie pink hair tones to create a stunning, eye-catching look. Breaking down the Barbie Pink hair trend, how to get the look, and most importantly how to care for the colour, Andrew Smith, Owner of Andrew Smith Salons and Milkshake Global Ambassador gives his expert advice!

The Trend: Barbie Pink Hair

Barbie Pink hair is all about embracing a sense of fun, youthfulness, and unapologetic femininity. This captivating shade evokes memories of childhood play and whimsical fantasies, allowing clients to express their vibrant personality and add a touch of magic to their everyday lives. The boldness of Barbie pink exudes confidence, daring individuals to break free from societal norms and embrace their true selves.

How To Create The Look:

The journey to achieving Barbie pink hair is an exciting and transformative process. As colourists, it's important that we create the perfect canvas for this vibrant shade and start the colour process by pre-lightening the hair. Then, the pink dye/toner can be applied in the exact shade you’re after. After creating the look, I always recommend following with a treatment to ensure the pink looks its very best and to repair the hair after the colour process.

Who Can Wear The Trend:

Barbie Pink hair is not for the faint of heart. It's a statement-making colour that demands attention and invites curiosity. By choosing this striking shade, clients are signaling to the world that they're not afraid to stand out, break conventions, and challenge the status quo. It's a celebration of individuality and an invitation for others to embrace their own unique style.

Variations of the Look:

Barbie pink hair is not limited to a singular style or aesthetic. This captivating shade lends itself to a wide range of creative possibilities. From soft pastel hues to vibrant and electrifying neon tones, Barbie pink can be customised to suit any skin tone, hair length, or personal preference. Whether paired with edgy pixie cuts, flowing mermaid waves, or intricate braids, Barbie pink hair effortlessly adds a touch of whimsy and charm to any hairstyle. If a client does not want to opt for an all over Barbie hue, and instead are looking for a subtler take on the trend, clients they can experiment with pastel hues or add slices or highlights of pink through their hair for a more low-key finish.

Upkeep Tips for Barbie Pink Hair:

With any hair colour aftercare should be discussed with the client, particularly for tones of fuschia and neon pink that may fade quickly. Some of my top tips you can provide to clients are:

Use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner: Look for products specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Avoid using harsh shampoos that can strip the colour and opt for gentle, sulphate-free options. The Milkshake Color Maintainer Shampoo & Conditioner are two of my favourites.
Wash your hair less frequently: Frequent washing can cause colour to fade more quickly. Try to extend the time between washes to preserve the vibrancy of your pink hair. When you do wash, use lukewarm water as hot water can strip the colour.
Use cold water for rinsing: After shampooing and conditioning, rinse your hair with cold water. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in the colour and adding shine.
Avoid heat styling tools where possible: Excessive heat can fade hair colour, so minimise the use of heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
Protect your hair from the sun: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause hair colour to fade. If you'll be spending time in the sun, consider wearing a hat or using a UV-protecting hair product.
Use colour-depositing products: Maintain the vibrancy of your pink hair by using colour-depositing products like shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks designed specifically for maintaining pink or coloured hair. These products help to refresh the colour between visits to the salon. One of my favourite pink hair colour products is the Milkshake Colour Whipped Cream in Light Pink.
Limit chlorine exposure: Chlorine in swimming pools can cause colour to fade or even change. To protect your pink hair, wet your hair with clean water before swimming and wear a swim cap. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and use a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine residue.
Schedule regular touch-ups: Pink hair requires maintenance to keep it looking fresh. Schedule regular touch-ups at the salon to keep the colour vibrant and avoid visible roots.

Ensure clients are aware that the longevity of their pink hair colour will depend on various factors including their hair's condition, and how well they care for it, which is why home care and regular touch-ups are key!