Oh, pastel blue hair? Yes, please! This dreamy hue is a cotton-candy cloud of a trend.
It’s like stepping into a fairytale but make it edgy. Whether you’re looking to channel icy winter vibes or just want a splash of cool, calming energy, pastel blue hair is your ticket to Insta-worthy locks.
Years ago, I walked into a salon with a Pinterest board full of pastel dreams and left…with mermaid blue hair that was more “deep sea” than “delicate sky.”
Lesson learned: pastel shades require precision (and maybe a little patience and a different skin tone to mine, washed out much?). But oh, when it’s done right? Pure magic.
So, let’s talk about how to get that flawless pastel blue hue, how to keep it fresh, and the most stunning styles to show off your new look. Spoiler: You’re going to want to screenshot everything.
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Pastel Blue Hair: The Trend That’s Turning Heads Everywhere
Pastel blue isn’t just a hair color; it’s a moment. It’s soft, subtle, and oh-so-stylish. But before we dive into the best ideas and tips, let me tell you why I’m obsessed.
Picture this: a few years ago, I walked into a salon with a Pinterest board full of pastel dreams and left…with mermaid blue hair that was more “deep sea” than “delicate sky.”
Lesson learned: pastel shades require precision (and maybe a little patience). But oh, when it’s done right? Pure magic.
So, let’s talk about how to get that flawless pastel blue hue, how to keep it fresh, and the most stunning styles to show off your new look. Spoiler: You’re going to want to screenshot everything.
Expert Insights
“Pastel blue hair can give a traditional hairstyle a bit of flair, dazzling onlookers from the range and complexity of blue pastel tones within the locks of your hair.”
Check out the latest looks over on our Pastel Blue Hair Pinterest Board for ideas and inspiration.
What Is Pastel Blue Hair?
Pastel blue is like the perfect balance of bold and breezy. It’s softer than a royal blue but brighter than a silvery ash.
Think frosty skies, denim clouds, and a dash of whimsy. It’s a shade that works for so many aesthetics—from ethereal goddess to streetwear chic.
Plus, it plays well with others! You can pair it with silver tones, blend it into a pastel rainbow, or even rock it with darker roots for an edgy contrast.
Expert Insights
“In order to get the true pastel tones that you desire, you must have a near-white canvas to color over.”
— Justin Anderson, Pravana guest artist at the Chris McMillan Salon
Who Can Rock Pastel Blue Hair?
Spoiler alert: anyone! But here’s the tea—your hair’s base color plays a huge role.
Since pastel shades are light and delicate, you’ll need a super blonde base to make it pop. If your hair is naturally dark, this might mean some serious bleaching sessions (but don’t worry, we’ve got tips for keeping it healthy).
Skin tone? Don’t overthink it! Cool tones will love how pastel blue brings out those icy vibes, while warm tones can create a gorgeous contrast.
9 Pastel Blue Hair Ideas to Steal Right Now
When it comes to pastel blue hair, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re going for full-on ethereal vibes or just want a hint of frosty fun, there’s a style to match every personality and level of commitment.
From bold, head-turning hues to subtle, peek-a-boo touches, these ideas will have you running to the salon—or grabbing that DIY dye kit.
1. Full-On Pastel Blue
This one’s for the bold and beautiful! Opt for an all-over icy pastel blue that screams cool-girl chic. It’s like a frosty fairy tale on your head.
The key here is a seamless application—you want the shade to look soft and even. Pair it with sleek, straight hair for a polished vibe, or add beachy waves for a mermaid-meets-cloud-nine aesthetic.
2. Blue and Silver Ombre
Low-maintenance and stylish? Yes, please!
Blue and silver ombre lets you keep your natural or darker roots while blending into frosty pastel perfection. The silver tones add an icy edge, making this look especially stunning on cooler skin tones.
Plus, you won’t have to run to the salon every few weeks for root touch-ups—bonus!
3. Baby Blue Highlights
Not ready to commit to full-on blue? Dip your toes in with soft baby blue highlights. These work beautifully on blonde hair for a subtle, dreamy effect.
Add a few face-framing streaks for a playful twist or scatter them throughout for an ethereal glow.
Pro tip: Ask your stylist for a peek-a-boo placement if you want the color to pop when you style your hair but stay hidden when it’s down.
4. Denim Blue Balayage
Imagine your favorite worn-in jeans, but as hair. A denim blue balayage combines pastel blue with soft gray and slate tones for a dimensional, textured look. It’s perfect if you want something sophisticated but still trendy.
The natural gradient gives this style a “lived-in” vibe that’s effortlessly cool, and it pairs perfectly with shaggy layers or long, tousled waves.
5. Rainbow Pastel Magic
Who says you have to pick just one color? Combine pastel blue with shades of lilac, mint, and blush pink for a cotton-candy masterpiece.
The trick here is a seamless blend of colors—no harsh lines, just a soft, dreamy melt from one hue to the next. This look is perfect for festival season, or whenever you’re feeling extra magical. (Psst, don’t forget to snap a selfie!)
6. Frosted Tips
A little pastel blue goes a long way when you focus it on just the ends of your hair.
Frosted tips give off an effortlessly cool vibe, especially when paired with shaggy, layered cuts or blunt bobs. It’s also a super fun way to try out the color without committing to a full head—because sometimes less really is more.
7. Pastel Blue and Lavender Blend
Why choose between two stunning shades when you can have both? A pastel blue and lavender purple blend creates a soft, almost holographic effect that’s beyond mesmerizing.
This look works especially well on long hair, where the colors can cascade and shift in the light. Pair it with loose curls to make the hues dance!
8. Icy Blue Money Pieces
Face-framing pastel blue streaks, aka “money pieces,” are the trend right now.
This style adds just a touch of boldness while keeping most of your hair its natural shade. Whether you leave the rest of your hair blonde, brunette, or even black, pastel blue money pieces make a statement without going overboard.
It’s flirty, fun, and totally low-commitment.
9. Pastel Blue Underlayer
Here’s a sneaky way to rock pastel blue: hide it underneath!
Dye the bottom layer of your hair pastel blue while leaving the top a natural shade or even a contrasting color. It’s like a surprise party every time you tie your hair up.
This peekaboo look is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with color while keeping things professional or subtle for day-to-day life.
How to Get the Look
- Start with a Clean Slate: Lighten your hair to a pale blonde (Level 9 or higher for my fellow hair nerds).
- Tone It Up: Yellow tones in your hair can make pastel blue look greenish. Use a purple toner to cancel out any brassiness.
- Apply the Blue: Your stylist (or you, if you’re feeling adventurous) will paint on a pastel blue dye. Semi-permanent colors are great here for easy experimenting.
- Rinse and Style: Voilà! Your icy dream hair is ready for the world.
Once your base color is light enough, you’ll need to use a purple shampoo to help remove any brassiness.
This will get rid of any unwanted warmth or tones in your hair that will make your new color ick.
Then, you’ll need to choose a pastel hair dye and apply it to your hair. The table below shows you some of our top recommended permanent and semi-permanent dyes to get the look.
Make sure you check the color your hair is now with the color chart on the side of the box dye.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t end up with an unwanted shade!
We always recommend doing a strand test so there are no nasty surprises.
Best pastel blue hair dyes
How to dye your hair pastel blue.
Here’s an easy, how-to video to show you how to get this color succesfully at home, step-by-step.
Caring for Pastel Blue Hair
Here’s the thing about pastels—they’re delicate! But don’t worry, keeping your color fresh doesn’t have to be a full-time job:
Here are a few tips to help you keep your hair looking its best.
With a little effort, you can keep your color looking tip top!
Is pastel blue hard to get out of hair?
The truth is that blue is one of the hardest colors to remove from hair. The pigments stick and are really tough to remove with just regular shampooing.
So if you’re thinking about dyeing your locks, be prepared for a long-term commitment.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to make the process a bit easier.
First, try using a clarifying shampoo to remove as much of the color as possible.
Then, combine equal parts baking soda and white vinegar, and massage it into your hair.
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it out with cold water.
Finally, use a deep conditioning treatment to rehydrate your hair and prevent damage.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to get a lot of the color out of your hair without too much trouble.
Parting Words
So, what do you think? Could pastel blue be your next hair adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of icy chic vibes or playful pops of color, this shade is guaranteed to turn heads—and maybe spark a few compliments from strangers. Because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little hair-envy moment?
Thinking about giving it a try? Let me know your dream look or any questions you’ve got—I’m here to help you nail it!
Found your perfect pastel blue shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
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