Out of all of the pastel hair colors out there, rose gold never goes out of style. The thing is, it's super customizable so there is a ton of ways to wear the shade (or shades, rather). "Rose gold hair color is balancing the perfect mix of blonde, gold, and light pink," says Maddison Cave of David Mallett salon in New York. "It looks a little different on everyone and may require more pink or gold depending on the color you are starting with." It also makes a great introduction color for anyone going pastel for the first time.
However, before going rose gold, Cave says there are a few things to consider first — namely, your eyes, skin tone, and natural hair color. Fair skin, for example, calls for warming up your base color, known as a base bump, before adding a pinkish gold gloss. "If your skin tone is darker or olive, I would suggest some ombré highlights and using a more heavy-duty, demi-permanent color on the previously lightened pieces," she says. Also important? Bringing pictures of people with your desired tone of rose gold hair to show your stylist. "[Photos] help to communicate the exact shade you are looking for, but don't be afraid to be open to your colorists' creativity," Cave says.
Scroll through to see how celebrities and top hairstylists are doing rose gold hair, and get inspiration before your next salon appointment.
Dark Rose
Celebrity stylist Kristin Ess is the mastermind behind Lucy Hale's pink hair transformation — albeit temporary. She used Rose Gold Temporary Tint ($15) from her eponymous haircare line to achieve these instant highlights. To really bring the look together, pair with pink monochrome makeup.
Peach Sorbet
The Met Gala is all about making a splash and Nicki Minaj did just that when she stepped out in this head-turning hair color. The peach-meets-pink shade perfectly complements her skin's warm undertones and even works to brighten her complexion.
Copper-esque
Iskra Lawrence demonstrates how rose gold hair can look natural, especially when it verges on copper. To achieve this color, she used L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color in Rose Blonde (823) — in case you were wondering.
Dip Dye
Gemma Chan's dip dye rose gold hair is a solid choice if you're looking for a splash of pink without going all in. Consider it subtle drama.
Pops of Pink
Amandla Stenberg gives her protective style a fun and flirty flair with pink color. Play with various shades of pink extensions to achieve the perfect customizable look.
Ombré
Cool without trying too hard, Julia Roberts's loose braid can adapt to fit any mood or occasion. Meanwhile, its pink ombré effect only adds to her visually effortless aesthetic.
Bright Blush
If you're not ready to embrace gray hair just yet, follow Helen Mirren's lead and go bold with your color. Her bright blush tresses read as fun and give her classic pixie cut a modern twist.
Dusty Rose
We almost didn't recognize Constance Wu when she dyed her hair this lovely shade of dusty rose. Intrigued? You're in luck. This neutral tone makes it universally flattering, meaning, it will complement any skin tone.
Barely-There
Here, sombré rose gold color balances out crisp, blunt ends. And while the subtle color melting effect will work on any hair length, we find it especially lovely worn à la asymmetrical lob.
Glossy Rose
This lustrous rose gold look by LA-based colorist Jessica Jewel is enough to make anyone green (pink?) with envy. To really maximize on color and shine, try a hair gloss or hair glaze.
Rosy Blonde
January Jones proves that rose gold hair is stylish even when you're chilling on the couch. Not too dark and not too light, these pink highlights blend seamlessly with blonde strands.
Desert Rose
Nikki Lee, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Nine Zero One Salon, levels-up Emma Roberts's classic strawberry blonde by turning it into a "desert rose dream." The warm-toned rose gold works well on a fair complexion not only because it looks natural but also because it offers a nice contrast against cooler undertones.
Dimensional Rose
If you're ready to completely lean into rose gold hair, then let Hailey Bieber's dimensional pink shade be your inspiration. Consider styling with a texturizing spray to add some grit to an otherwise "pretty in pink" hairdo.
Pink Champagne
Is it just us or does anyone else have the sudden urge to pop open some pink bubbly? Katy Perry is no stranger to switching up her hair color, cut, and style, and this brut rosé-inspired half-up, half-down 'do happens to be one of our faves.
Warm-Toned Waves
Hair color wizard Josh Wood knows customized color. Here, he uses a rose gold tint to give red tresses a rich, warm feel that we can't get enough of.
Soft Rose
Maisie Williams has experimented with a handful of hair colors — blush rose included. The light pink hue serves to soften her look while her visible roots add some edge.
Washed-Out
Barely-there rose gold color adds a warm, sun-kissed glow to long, wavy dark brown hair. To land this low-maintenance look, ask your colorist for rose gold balayage.
Grown-Out
Perhaps one of our favorite beauty muses, Ciara is chock full of hair-spiration. Here, her long, rose gold hair combines with grown-out roots, making her the ultimate It girl.
Rose Gold Curls
Voluminous curls are a statement all on their own but add a flush of pink color and they beg for a double take. To keep curls defined and color on point, try a hair glaze, such as John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine ($13).
Pastel Pink
With its pastel pink color, Jessica Williams seems to be promoting blush for hair. Follow her lead and style it into a messy updo for celebratory "Pink Friday" vibes.
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