Autumn Pastel Hair Inspiration

From the vintage markets of Shoreditch to the catwalks of Paris, from Tumblr to the high street, and beyond, the pastel hair trend has seen the world’s fashionistas through three candy-coloured seasons, and if you thought November’s autumnal shades were going to do anything about it, you’d be totally wrong. Pastel hair is here to stay. And we couldn’t be happier about it.

It brightens any complexion and it brightens our day. We live in an overcast nation and if there’s one thing to lift our spirits it’s, well, ice cream… but ice cream-tinted hair is a very close second.

Here are some of our favourite pastel looks which will complement your raincoats just as well as they did your bikinis.

Candy Floss Pink

The shade that started it all: cotton candy pink is floral, feminine and just a little bit naughty.

Nobody epitomises the spirit of this look better than Charlotte Free – model of the moment and rock ‘n’ roll fashion muse. This messy pastel/fuchsia hybrid has been her signature look ever since she first graced the runway and inspired a million trend-spotting copycats across the globe to ditch their demure tresses and stain their locks flirty-coloured.

It wasn’t just the belles of the fashion world who got in on the act either. For any older ladies out there looking for a new ‘do, do like Helen Mirren does and dip your toes in the pastel trend with a slinky metallic tint. We think Mirren rocked it best at the Baftas, with an elegant champagne gown to match her bubble-tinted crop:

Sci-Fi Lilac

If the prospect of pink hair only fills you with fear then a softer lilac may stop you from confusing yourself with Barbie. This has to have been the second most prevalent pastel shade spotted on the catwalks back when the trend first kicked off but for those with an edgier style, or perhaps even a tomboy streak, a futuristic lilac allows you to indulge your inner child and hang onto your punk edge all at once. In short – you get to have your purple cake and eat it too!

We love Kelly Osbourne’s lavender look, which combines her glossy take on the granny-inspired trend with a lick of blood red lipstick, kaleidoscopic eyelashes and a graphic cat eye:

Powder Blue

For those of you for whom even lilac was one girly step too girly far, rest assured: you can still own the pastel trend with a set of cool-toned locks.

Turn your tresses aqua to really stand out. If you’re blessed with blue eyes and a fair complexion then we are really jealous of you if you decide to go for the modern blue rinse, because you are going to look drop dead amazing.

And for once Lady Gaga, of all people, teaches us that there’s virtue in moderation: if a full head of bon-bon-inspired hair is too much, dip-dye your tips for jaw-dropping (jaw-breaking?) impact instead. Powder blue ombré curls: less isn’t always, but definitely can be, so much more: