White Hair with a Pink Tinge

Young woman with short white pixie hair
Photo: Litvinov/Shutterstock
Q: I have very short white hair that has a pink tinge to it. How can I get my hair back to white?
 
A: The solution depends on the cause of the pink tinge. If an environmental factor is responsible - such as mineral deposits from water, product buildup, or exposure to certain chemicals - you’ll need to eliminate that factor to prevent further discoloration.
 
One effective approach is to use a clarifying shampoo, which removes residue and impurities from the hair. Alternatively, a blueing shampoo, like Clairol’s Shimmer Lights, may help neutralize unwanted tones. These shampoos are specifically formulated to brighten gray or unpigmented hair, counteracting yellowish or brassy hues.
 
That said, I should clarify that what we often call white hair is technically pigmentless gray hair. True white hair doesn’t exist naturally. Even individuals with albinism typically have very pale yellow hair due to the keratin’s natural undertones.
 
If your hair’s pink tinge is naturally occurring rather than environmental, the cause might be internal. Certain dietary factors, medications, or supplements can lead to subtle discoloration in hair, skin, or nails. For example, high doses of beta-carotene or certain B vitamins may alter pigmentation.
 
On the other hand, if the pink tint resulted from a previous coloring treatment, the fix involves color correction. In this case, using a very light, drab-based hair color (often containing green or ash undertones) can neutralize the pink and restore a more natural-looking shade.
 
If you’re unsure about the cause or uncomfortable experimenting at home, your best option is to consult a stylist at a reputable salon. They can assess your hair’s condition, determine the source of the discoloration, and recommend the safest corrective measures.
 
If you prefer a DIY solution, consider trying Revlon’s FanciTone line, specifically the Ultra White Minx shade, which is designed to enhance brightness in light or gray hair. Always perform a strand test first to ensure the desired result.
 
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See also:
 
Hair coloring
 
Questions about gray hair