Living Coral: Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year is bringing back pink hair
We're already dreaming up ways to wear the hue.
Colour experts Pantone have just announced their much-anticipated Colour of the Year for 2019 and guys, it might be our favourite one yet. We’re waving goodbye to last year’s ultra violet shade and saying hello to what they’re calling ‘Living Coral’, a vibrant peachy pink.
In previous years, we’ve seen past winning hues go on to inspire fashion, interiors and of course, hair, so if Pantone says it’s going to be big, it’s big. Besides, who are we to argue if it means pink hair is officially in again?
Read on below to get inspired for your new year, new me hair colour with these swoon-worthy coral pinks.
Living Coral: Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year is a hair colour lover’s dream
Pantone have described this year’s colour of choice as a “coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge”. Warmer than traditional pinks with the touch of orangey red, it’s a flattering summery colour that’s already hugely popular in the world of make-up. Credit: @krystalkleartxds
It takes some confidence to dye your hair such a daring colour but the beauty of the shade is that you can go as vibrant or as understated as you feel comfortable with. We love this coral ombre blend which flows from a brighter coral into a lighter peachy blonde. Credit: @h2ktom
Editor’s tip: Your hair colour will stay looking vibrant for longer if you use a colour care range like the TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s moisturising and keeps colour-treated hair looking vibrant and shiny between colouring.
What better way to spice up a sleek bob than with a head-turning (and totally ahead of the trend) coral? Credit: @genie.unicorn
Not a stranger to bright rainbow hair colours? There’ll be no chance of you getting lost in the crowd with this beautifully bold coral. Credit: @jmcintyrehair
We automatically associate sunny coral shades with the summer months but it’s complexion-boosting benefit make it a real all-rounder. Who says you have to wait for the sun to make an appearance? Credit: @hairbyme.amanda
Enhance shorter cuts with colour like this contrasting soft yet edgy cropped ‘do. Credit: @hairwithtaryn
Read more on last year’s Colour of the Year winner, Ultra Violet and the hair hues it inspired, below.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2018: Ultra violet hair colour inspiration
With so many different shades of purple out there from lavender to plum, lilac to mauve, what is it about ultra violet that makes it so unique? Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute describes the hue as “a blue-based purple”, so look out for hues with cool, blue-based undertones running through. Credit: @heidithorson
The inspiration for this year’s COTY comes from musicians like Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, all of whom have associations with the colour. Purple is also historically seen as quite a rebellious colour, having ties with the women’s suffrage movement, so it’s the perfect shade for people who like to break the mould. Credit: @beamasini92
It’s not just musical influences that have inspired this year’s colour, though. Pantone note that “Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet”, which, given the rise in mindfulness, adult colouring and meditation is just what our social media obsessed world is calling out for! Credit: @scottjaveda
Editor’s tip: If you do decide to try out purple hair, maintaining vibrancy will no doubt be top of your agenda. The TIGI Bed Head Colour Goddess Oil Infused Shampoo & Conditioner will help you hold on to your colour as long as possible, reducing fading between treatments.
The oil-infused formula is designed to defend your colour, while pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E help provide the care that colour-treated hair needs.
Colour has come a long way over the past few years and with so many different colouring techniques around nowadays (balayage, ombre, splashlight…the list goes on!), you can really make a look that’s completely unique to you.
Take this Instagrammer for example, who’s added mermaid blue strands through the ends of her ultra violet hair to create an enchanting multi-tonal result. And would you just look at that braid?! We have no words. Credit: @you_good_mood_
We understand that for a lot of people (if not most), dyeing their hair purple is a pretty major decision, particularly if you’re new to colour. So, if you’re crushing on the colour but can’t bring yourself to totally transform your look, hidden highlights are a great way in.
Ask your stylist to colour only the lower layers and that way, you’ll have subtle pops of colour peeking through that you can show off for nights out or weekends by simply putting your hair up into an updo. Part-time colour? Sounds perfect to us! Credit: @pierre_lupina
One thing that’s great about this year’s colour is that purple is traditionally seen as quite a unisex shade, meaning both guys and girls can get in on the hype. We love the way this guy has spruced up his undercut style with a wash of purple. Let’s hear it for the boys! Credit: @thatjimkid
