Think Pink

Thursday, February 16, 2012   |   Rachel McGregor

Rachel McAdams and Kelly Osborne have done it. So has Lady Gaga. Pink practically invented it. But in late 2011 Katy Perry took it to a whole new level. Yes, we’re talking pale pink highlights. Where once fuchsia tresses were associated with girl-power punk, Ms Perry (formerly Mrs Brand) showed us how pink hair can actually look understated and sophisticated when she showcased her shoulder-length bob with touches of pale. Want to get the look for yourself? The good news is, it’s easy if you’re any kind of blonde. Unfortunately, if have naturally auburn or dark hair, you might want to give it a miss, as this look will require you to bleach your hair quite intensely, which means dry, brittle tresses. Our official advice is to have pink highlights done at your hairdresser – they are the professionals, after all, and – when it comes to candy-coloured hair dye – you don’t want any mishaps. But if you’re hell-bent on doing it yourself because you need to save a few bob (and who doesn’t these days?), here’s how: 1 If your hair is dark blonde and requires a little bleaching to get it nice and pale, try a home highlighting kit. This isn’t necessary though if you already have honey- or ash-blonde hair. 2 Decide where you want your highlights. Ombre is still around. ‘Ombre’ means ‘graduation’ in French: Instead of colour that starts at the root, it starts further down the length of hair and blends into the mid-shaft and end. 3 Wash your hair before highlighting to eliminate build-up. Do not condition your hair. 4 Dry your hair thoroughly before applying highlights (unless your colouring kit says otherwise). 5 Put on your gloves, mix the dye according to the instructions, and wrap a towel around your neck to keep dye from dripping on your skin and clothes. 6 Start highlighting at the back of your hair and work your way forward to avoid smudging the dye with your arms. 7 Leave the dye in for the recommended time and then wash thoroughly. (Remember, though, that if your hair has been bleached it’ll be extra porous and more susceptible to soaking up the colour, so be careful with how long you leave the dye on for.) 8 Condition your hair every time you shampoo, and make sure to use a colour-safe conditioner. This will keep your hair from drying out or getting brittle. You might also want to try a gloss-imparting serum for extra shine and manageability. PS: Pink hair dye is available at most Dish-Chem stores.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Rachel McGregor Rachel McGregor is a Cape Town journalist (and part-time narcissist) specialising in food, health and lifestyle-related features. In her spare time she loves to cook and poke fun at hipsters. Sometimes she dreams of giving it all up and becoming a millionaire.

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