The Unconventional Winter Hair Trend Celebs Are Loving

Every winter brings a rotation of cosy knitwear, darker palettes and, increasingly, bold seasonal hair statements. This season a playful, unconventional colour treatment — a soft, pastel pink applied in deliberate panels, curtain-like swathes or melt-in highlights — has been spotted on a surprising cross-section of celebrities, from creative collective KATSEYE’s Megan to athletes and young stars. It’s less about all-over neon and more about wearable, editorial colour that reads modern in street style and striking under studio lights.

Why this pink trend works for winter

At first glance, a pastel hue might feel more summery than wintry, but the way stylists are applying pink now makes it seasonally apt. Rather than full-head dye, colourists are favouring:

• strategic face-framing pieces that warm the complexion under layering and scarves,
• soft root fades that echo the moodier textures of autumn/winter wardrobes, and
• low-maintenance placement that complements darker base tones.

These approaches allow the shade to feel contemporary without the upkeep of a full bleach-and-tone service. For celebs, the look reads editorial and youthful but can be tailored discreetly for everyday life.

How stylists are creating the look

Colourists are mixing techniques to achieve a lived-in pink that resists harsh regrowth lines and lasts longer in cooler months. Common methods include:

• shadow roots with pink sunk into the mid-lengths and ends — this softens contrast and lengthens the life of the colour,
• panel-colouring or face-framing ribbons for instant impact without full commitment, and
• balayage melts where pastel pink is fused into blonde pieces for a diffused, painterly finish.

These techniques also give stylists control over intensity. A pastel wash can be built up gradually or neutralised to a dusty rose depending on skin tone and wardrobe choices.

Practical care and maintenance

Pastel and fashion colours require a different routine to natural shades. If you’re tempted by a winter pink, consider the following maintenance tips used by professionals and their celebrity clients:

• Prepare with a consultation: assess existing colour, porosity and scalp health before committing.
• Use low-temperature styling and heat protectants to prevent colour fade from daily blow-drying and straightening.
• Swap to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and cool rinses to preserve pigment.
• Invest in a pigment-refresh gloss or conditioning colour mask to boost vibrancy between salon visits.
• Plan touch-ups around planned social calendars — pastel tones might need a gloss every 4–8 weeks depending on wash frequency.

For many celebs the balance is between a look that photographs well under studio lighting and one that endures day-to-day. These care steps keep the colour looking fresh without constant bleaching or toner sessions.

Who will suit a winter pink?

The beauty of this season’s approach is its adaptability. Because the pink is often applied selectively, it can flatter a wide range of skin tones and hair textures. General considerations:

• On fair skin, a cool, dusty rose complements natural undertones; warmer pinks add contrast without washing out the face.
• Medium and olive complexions often suit deeper candy or coral-pink accents that pop against darker bases.
• Deeper skin tones look striking with rich, berry-pink placements or bright magenta panels for a vivid, luxe finish.

Texture matters too: natural waves and curls carry pastel tones with dimension, while straight hair emphasises placement and precision.

Key Takeaways

• The winter pink trend favours selective placement (face-framing panels, panels, melts) over full-head colour, making it more wearable and lower-maintenance.
• Styling techniques such as shadow roots, balayage melts and panel colouring produce a soft, editorial finish that suits both street style and red-carpet moments.
• Maintenance is manageable with a sulphate-free routine, cool rinses, heat protection and periodic pigment-refresh glosses — expect salon touch-ups roughly every 4–8 weeks depending on washing habits.
• The shade is highly adaptable: tones can be adjusted to flatter fair, medium and deeper skin tones, and the look suits a wide range of hair textures.
• Consultation with a professional colourist is essential to assess hair health, porosity and the right placement for a flattering, long-lasting result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I need to bleach my hair to achieve pastel pink?
A: It depends on your starting point. Pastel shades typically require a light base to show true colour. Colourists often use selective lightening (panels or balayage) rather than full-bleach services to minimise damage.

Q: How long does pastel pink last?
A: Pastel pigments are more translucent than vivid dyes and will fade faster, often visible after 4–6 weeks. Longevity depends on hair porosity, water temperature, washing frequency and UV exposure.

Q: Can I do this at home?
A: Achieving a seamless, low-damage pastel look is best done with professional guidance. At-home products exist for temporary colour or semi-permanent refreshes, but incorrect lightening can cause uneven results.

Q: Will pink damage my hair?
A: Colouring always affects the hair structure to some extent, especially if lightening is required. A careful consultation, olaplex-type bond-repair treatments, and conditioning routines reduce risk and maintain integrity.

Q: How can I transition away from pink if I change my mind?
A: Options include toning with a neutralising gloss, deep conditioning and gradual colour lifting, or using darker colour melts to blend the pink into your natural shade. Seek a colourist’s advice for the least damaging route.

Q: Is this trend suitable for professional settings?
A: The selective placement options (subtle face-framing or discreet paneling) can be tailored to conservative workplaces. Discuss placement and intensity with your stylist to achieve a polished, work-appropriate result.