Surprising health secrets behind the colour pink

By Itoro Oladokun

There’s something undeniably uplifting about the colour pink. From a swipe of pink lipstick to a chic pink dress, it offers an instant burst of positive energy. And while you admire all the pinks shoes, pink hair and pink spaces, know that that’s not all of what pink stands for. It can actually boost your mood and overall wellbeing.

Pink boosts your mood and overall wellbeing

Wearing pink is a bold health statement and a scientifically backed mood enhancer. Little wonder why our favourite pink lover, Nicki Minaj, once remarked, “Pink made me happier. I love looking at pink anything. I started with a little bit of pink in the back of my hair, and soon I wanted more,” following the release of her album, Pink Friday 2.

Science too has uncovered the benefits of pink. A study (LINK) on Baker-Miller pink reveals that this soft, bubblegum colour can lower heart rate, reduce aggression, and even calm muscles.
In fact, some U.S. correctional facilities once painted jail cells in this shade to reduce inmate aggression. And guess what? It worked. “The shade has a tranquillising effect,” noted Dr Alexander Schauss, the behavioural researcher who pioneered the study in the late ’70s.

Stress killer, glow enhancer

Feeling stressed and anxious? Pink tones have been linked to reduced cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone). Try adding pink elements to your day — be it in your workspace, wardrobe, home décor, or even your diet with pink-hued foods like watermelon or guava, all loaded with antioxidants.

Psychologists also say soft pinks evoke feelings of safety, warmth, and tenderness, making them ideal for spaces designed for relaxation or recovery. Even Kendall Jenner reportedly painted her living room in Baker-Miller pink to curb her appetite and promote calm.

Pink and the pulse of Pop Culture

Culturally, pink holds power. It’s the colour of breast cancer awareness and the global feminist resurgence, It says soft, but not silent. It symbolises both health and happiness, as seen in phrases like “in the pink” and “tickled pink”.

And in fashion? Pink plays chameleon. From Valentino’s eye-popping Pink PP to soft blush athleisure in post-pandemic wardrobe rotations, this colour remains a wellness signal disguised as a style statement.
Pink rocks

“Colours influence our physiological state more than we realise,” says Dr Angela Wright, a world-renowned colour psychologist. “Pink has a unique duality — it calms without sedating. It soothes without dulling your senses.”

But not all pinks are created equal. While millennial pink may ignite nostalgia and creativity, neon pinks can evoke excitement or even overstimulation. Soft pastels, on the other hand, signal emotional safety.

Own your pink energy

Want the health benefits of pink without painting your life like a bubble tea café? See what you can do here:
In your home: Add dusty pink throw pillows, pale rose curtains, or a rosy Himalayan salt lamp.
In your wardrobe: Think muted pink satin, power suits, pink scarves or comfy activewear. I also think it’s lovely owning a pink cap for morning walk-outs.

In your diet: Pink-hued foods like watermelon, guava, beetroot, Nigerian grown apples, or Himalayan pink salt not only look good, they’re packed with antioxidants and health perks.
Makeup: Get your blush in pink and glow as you wear. Pink lip gloss, pink shadows, and even pink tools are absolutely amazing and calming.

Pink is no longer just “a girl thing.” It’s a wellness tool, a mental health strategy, and a fashion flex all rolled into one perfectly flushed palette. As we celebrate International Day of Pink, remember: embrace your pink energy, feel the calm, and let your inner glow shine through. Let this be your reminder that self-care can be soft, stylish, and backed by science.

So yes—wear the pink. Live the pink. Feel the pink. Enhance your glow and boost your mood on this International Day of Pink.