Every year as the weather begins to warm up, you see people dyeing their hair pink. This bold and vibrant yet unconventional choice of color has actually become quite common; you see it on your Instagram feeds and maybe even among your own friend group.
Bubblegum-pink hair has always been a trendy choice for spring, but it's seemingly become even more popular amid the pandemic with everyone from Kaia Gerber to Dua Lipa and most recently Demi Lovato giving the color a go.
During times of stress and turmoil — which pretty much sums up all of 2020 and 2021 so far — people look for other ways to establish control, and their hair often becomes the first place to start. Still, that doesn't explain why out of all of the colors of the rainbow, pink always seems to be the most popular — not blue, green, or purple.
The reason comes down to psychology. Every color impacts your mood differently, and pink tends to elicit feelings of serenity, romance, and youthfulness. "Pink's calming effect can actually change mood and behavior," Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, head of research at the Mental Health Coalition and practicing psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, told POPSUGAR. "People who are shown the color pink become more physically relaxed, less hostile, and less aggressive. Our minds and bodies are intimately connected."
With all of the uncertainty happening around us, dyeing your hair pink is not only a good way to signal a new beginning and establish control, but it can also directly influence the way you feel every time you look in the mirror. That's not all, though; it also comes down to the connotations you have with the color.
"This is culture-specific, so I am speaking in terms of American culture, but pink is usually seen as a romantic, youthful, cheerful, and whimsical color," Dr. Torres-Mackie said. In terms of dyeing your hair this color, "you can feel that you're exuding cheer, calm, and whimsical feelings as you go about your daily life."
Loneliness — something that more people than ever are experiencing during this time apart — can also be a motivating factor, according to Dr. Torres-Mackie. "As so many people are struggling to connect with others and find romance in today's upside-down world, adding pink to your appearance can be a way to embody what you're missing at the moment," she said.
That's not to say everyone who dyes their hair pink is feeling lonesome or craving control in their life; it's also just a fun color that can brighten your mood. "The recent trend in pink hair might be a way for people to embody hopefulness, which is exactly what we need right now," Dr. Torres-Mackie said. "Similar to how wearing a bright yellow outfit on a rainy day can brighten your mood, dyeing your hair pink takes it one step further to embody a bold statement of hope."
FAQs
Sanam Hafeez, a New York City-based neuropsychologist, says that pink is the color of "universal love of oneself and of others." "Pink represents all that we need in this world right now," says Hafeez. "Very often, pink is thought to have a calming effect. It is not a 'loud' color like yellow or orange.
What is the psychology behind dying your hair pink? ›
In terms of dyeing your hair this color, "you can feel that you're exuding cheer, calm, and whimsical feelings as you go about your daily life." Loneliness — something that more people than ever are experiencing during this time apart — can also be a motivating factor, according to Dr. Torres-Mackie.
What does it mean when a woman dyes her hair pink? ›
It's all about romance, nostalgia, and love," she explains. "People with this energy in their aura definitely enjoy being feminine, and pink energy can bring out the divine feminist in us all." She recommends anyone who is hoping for more fun or playfulness in their daily routine try out the color pink.
What does pink hair symbolize? ›
Pink hair is a vibrant, trendy shade offering various hues, from soft pastels to bold fuchsias. It's a symbol of self-expression, once rooted in punk and alternative subcultures but now embraced by people of all backgrounds.
What is the link between dyed hair and mental illness? ›
Several theories have been proposed to explain the observed association between hair colour and mental health. One theory suggests that the production and distribution of melanin may impact neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation.
What does the color pink do to your brain? ›
It provides warm and comforting feelings with an overall sense that everything will be ok, reassuring our emotional energies, alleviating feelings of anger, aggression, resentment and neglect. There have been conducted studies that confirm exposure to the colour pink has calming effects on our nervous system.
What does the color pink mean in psychology? ›
In psychology, pink is found to provide a sense of calm. That calmness brings feelings of relaxation and contentment. Pink is a soothing color, not a rousing one. Think of it as the difference between romance (pink) versus passion (red).
Is dying my hair pink a bad idea? ›
If you're someone looking to take on a new 'do, pink might be the color for you. However, while there's a pink shade to flatter every skin tone, having pink hair isn't always a journey seen through rose-colored glasses. In fact, the buzzy shade can be damaging to strands and require constant upkeep.
What does purple hair mean LGBTQ+? ›
Orange represents healing. Yellow represents sunlight and the bright spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Green represents nature, growth, and harmony. Blue represents serenity and acceptance. Purple represents spirit.
What does it mean when a girl dyes her hair blonde after a breakup? ›
One reason for changing your hair is to exert a sense of authority following a relationship breakdown, which can often lead people to feel like they've lost control over their lives. 'It might be in order to make a statement, for example announcing "I'm in control of my appearance as well as my life"' says Dr Hole.
Pink Hair Color
Pink hair color is often associated with imagination, curiosity and individuality. Pink-haired people are usually artistic and expressive. They don't fear being different and are non-adhering to the social norms.
What color is pink spiritually? ›
Pink. Pink represents unconditional love, love requiring nothing in return. It is also the color of friendship and conviviality. In the aura it signifies balance between the spiritual and the material.
What does the color pink say about a woman? ›
Pink. Pink as a favorite color is said to represent a loving, kind, and sensitive individual, often with a strong nurturing and sensual side. Your romantic view of life is said to bring you to have idealistic standards.
Why do people dye their hair psychologically? ›
"[Dying your hair] can be a part of branding, to present a certain image," says Dr. Daramus. "Sometimes, though, it's an identity shift. It can be as simple as 'winter me' to 'summer me', or as complex as going from being a student to a professional or from being in a relationship to being single.
Is hair an indicator of mental health? ›
Hair sample analysis is often used in psychiatric disease research to evaluate previous periods of stress encountered by patients. Glucocorticoid analysis is the most frequently tested indicator of stress.
Do people with BPD dye their hair a lot? ›
Identity and Impulsivity
Couple this with the fact that people with borderline personality disorder are often impulsive and what you might end up with is someone who is constantly changing their identity. It might be that they are constantly dyeing their hair colour.
What does pink hair say about your personality? ›
Some may perceive those with pink hair as rebellious, attention-seeking or unconventional in a way that challenges traditional norms. These stereotypes can lead to unwarranted assumptions about a person's character, values or professionalism.
What is the psychology behind hair color? ›
The psychology behind color has been studied continuously: red is associated with boldness and flashy things, orange is an enticing but happy color, purple represents royalty, pink symbolizes girlhood, and so forth.
Why do people dye their hair as a coping mechanism? ›
It can be a coping mechanism for dealing with life changes such as a breakup, a career change, or simply the desire to start anew. In this sense, a new hair color can mark a milestone, acting as a reminder of resilience and personal growth.
