6 Expert Tips for Perfect Pastels

Pastel hair colors are a stunning way to infuse a dreamy touch into any hairstyle. From soft bubblegum pink to lavender, mint green and faded blues, these shades provide a creative and unique way for clients to express their individuality. In recent years, the pastel hair trend has experienced a bold resurgence, with celebrities, athletes and other public figures rocking the look.  While there's nothing more fun than scrolling through tons of gorgeous pastel creations, it takes skill and precision to bring these colors to life. To get expert tips on how to create perfect pastels, we reached out to Cherry Petenbrink (@its.me.cherryp). You may have seen Petenbrink's gorgeous lime green, lavender and baby pink formulations sported by Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket in "The Hunger Games." With the latest addition to the Hunger Games series now on shelves and a movie adaptation slated for release in November 2026, the pastel hues favored by Capitol citizens are poised to make an even bigger splash. Read on to learn how to master these whimsical looks, so you're ready to embrace this latest trend.

1. Consultation 

The key to all successful hair color is an in-depth consultation, where you ask and answer questions. It is important that the guest/client has a clear understanding of process, commitment, cost and maintenance of their desired result. "The key to all successful hair color is an in-depth consultation, where you ask and answer questions. It is important that the guest/client has a clear understanding of process, commitment, cost and maintenance of their desired result."Courtesy of Cherry Petenbrink

Get to know the client's hair history to ensure your success. Previous color applications can cause major issues when decolorizing.

Have a plan to create perfect pastels and follow up appointments that map out the maintenance and follow up appointments.

2. Decolorize/Bleach 

Removing pigment, whether natural or artificial, is a crucial part of a successful Perfect Platinum. Choosing the best option of bleach/lightener and developer is key to the damage free lift you need. I recommend using a bond multiplier that can be added to your mixture or applied to the hair prior to starting this step.

Trust the process. Under processing can cause uneven tones, with too much yellow or yellow/orange left in the hair. Banding (uneven lift) is hard to balance. Your goal is to achieve the palest of yellow level 10. I love a charcoal lightener to achieve this — it tones as it lightens.

Replace and replenish as you work. I choose to strengthen and replace essential amino acids as I work. Doing a deep penetrating treatment mask between bleaching and toning to equal pH and porosity.

Choosing a “toner” can assist in the anchor of pastel pigment. If your goal is soft pink, lavender or coral, demi-permanent color can be used as a filler.

3. Toning/Color 

Neutralize the lift you have achieved. You want a clean and clear canvas to showcase a perfect pastel. Using purple shampoo and conditioner is the first step. This may be enough, depending on the remaining residual pigment in the hair. You can choose a demi-permanent toner, gloss or glaze that neutralizes/deposits a translucent shade that aligns with your final pastel shade choice.

• Example: violet base for lavender, pinky base for pinks, lightest copper base for peachy pastels.

4. Technique 

"Like any other color application, there are many techniques that can be used for desired results. Horizontal placement versus vertical placement will create very different results."Courtesy of Cherry PetenbrinkLike any other color application, there are many techniques that can be used for desired results. Horizontal placement versus vertical placement will create very different results.

• Ombré: Color that melts from one shade to another scalp to ends.
• Marbling: This is a beautiful effect reminiscent of the mother of pearl effect.
• Prism: Create a pattern in the color with various shade options.
• Slicing: Laying slices back-to-back with alternating shades for a multiple prism effect.
• Global Application: One shade scalp to tips.

5. Application 

Work with small thin sections. Saturation is key. Use your index and middle finger, like scissors up and down strands, to work the color into the hair.

If you are using multiple colors, be sure to blur the lines between color shift (creates another color). This will keep your application seamless and beautiful once styled.

Process according to manufacturer’s recommended time. Rinse until clear with cool water. Maintenance is crucial for pastel-colored hair to extend the longevity of the shade.Courtesy of Cherry Petenbrink

6. Maintenance 

Wait at least three days to shampoo. Shampoo less frequently. Use an SLS- and SLES-free shampoo. Use a pastel color conditioner to refresh and replenish pigment between salon visits. I love to make custom color depositing masks. Use cool water when rinsing.

Protect hair from the sun by wearing a hat. Turn the heat down on your styling tools. Use a heat protectant before blow outs and hot tool styling.

Use serum or oil for additional shine. Use a bond building leave-in treatment to keep hair strong and hydrated.

About the Author: 

Cherry Petenbrink (@its.me.cherryp) is an independent hair artist and consultant based in Houston, TX. She is also the Artistic Director for Olivia Garden. In 2012, Cherry used her hair color expertise in the blockbuster film The Hunger Games. Her hair color talent attributes to other big screen characters, including Scarlet Johannsson, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Thompson, Annette Benning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell and Mindy Kaling, among many other highly acclaimed actors who have trusted her with multiple personal and on-screen character looks.