The Best Hair-Color Ideas to Try in 2026
There’s no better New Year rebrand than fresh dye job, and if you’re looking for hair-color ideas for 2026, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after some subtle highlights or a whole new shade, there’s a trending color treatment that’s made for you. The trick is knowing what to ask for—and a camera roll full of reference pics, naturally.
If you’re ready for a change but not quite sure which direction to take your color, we asked top hairstylists across the country to weigh in on the color trends positioned to dominate this year. “Heading into 2026, hair color is leaning toward rich, natural shades,” says Nick Stenson, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nick Stenson Beauty. “Think glossy brunettes and warm blondes, paired with low-maintenance techniques like balayage and shadow roots.”
Which other trendy techniques are taking the lead this year? We’re leaning into softness with color-melting—that is, is the low-maintenance, high-payoff hybrid between highlights and balayage. Also on our to-try list? Cozy colors like suede blonde, Bambi brunette, and lots of red and copper. According to Diana Mildice, a colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, hair color “will be low-maintenance and natural with a play on variations of ‘color within the color.’”
Which hair colors are trending for 2026?
Shvonne Perkins, a Madison Reed master colorist, points to an uptick in quiet luxury-coded colors and styles for the year ahead. “More elegant, sophisticated colors will dominate,” she says. “We’ll see less emphasis on fashion shades. And cooler to neutral tones are likely to be played up because we just had a big moment for beigey golden tones.”
Adds Stenson, “Celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Margot Robbie are leading the way, showing that polished, multidimensional tones are both chic and effortless.” Expect to see more cool deep brunettes; bronde blends incorporating high- and lowlights; low-contrast roots; and even almost-blue reds like Cherry Cola red.
That said, cowboy copper isn’t going anywhere. “Everyone loves a beautiful copper, and we will continue the craze,” says Diana Mildice, a colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon.
What color should I dye my hair?
“Choosing the best shade for your skin tone depends on several factors,” says Abby Haliti, owner of NYC’s Abby Haliti Color Studio, adding that much of it comes down to finding your skin’s undertone and knowing whether it’s warm or cool. “Generally, people with warm undertones in their skin look best with warm brunette shades like caramel or chestnut,” Haliti says, noting that warm undertones are usually yellow, peachy, or golden. “Those with cool undertones, such as pink or blue, tend to do well with cooler brunette shades like ash brown or espresso.”
Nicole Lucero, a colorist at NYC’s Mahogany Grace Salon, agrees, pointing to base shades of caramel and honey brown as ideal for warm undertones. “If you have cool undertones, a base shade of ash brown or dark brown would be the best choice,” she says. “If you have neutral undertones, you can do a rich chestnut brown or a dark cherry brown.”
When you are considering coloring your hair, Alissa DeLaTorre, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, says to ask questions like, “What will maintenance look like?" Think about how color will grow out and how often you might need to come in to keep the look fresh. Knowing how it will fade out and what home care should look like is also important. “Always bring pictures because everyone sees color so differently, and sometimes, using words to describe isn’t enough,” DeLaTorre adds.
Haliti also notes that it’s important to consider your eye color and natural hair color when selecting a shade. “For personalized advice, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your skin tone and help you choose the most flattering brunette shade,” she says.
Feeling inspired? Good! Keep scrolling to see the best hair-color ideas in 2026, and get ready to screenshot and show your colorist.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images1/59Color-Melting
Color melting combines the best parts of highlights and balayage treatment in a low-maintenance hybrid. “Think of it as painting wet-on-wet so everything melts together naturally,” says Stenson. “I typically work with two to three shades within the same tonal family and apply them in a gradient, overlapping each color so there is no harsh line of demarcation.” The key, Stenson says, is feathering and smudging the color transition points to create a seamless blend of tones.
Mike Marsland2/59Caramel Ribbons
“I love a good brunette that doesn’t read red but has elements of warmth throughout,” says LA colorist Matt Rez. “It gives a really balanced result.” If you’re a natural brunette, ask your stylist for midlights one or two levels lighter than your base and neutral-warm highlights. “The combo of the two will pick up so beautifully without unwanted warmth taking over and reading as a red,” he says. “Done right, warmth on brunettes is unbeatable.”
Instagram @tmhaircadde3/59Mushroom Blonde
Softer, more muted blonde shades will also be popular this year. “This is a modern, elevated way to bring cool-toned dimension to blonde hair inspired by the subtle, earthy hues of mushrooms,” Stenson says. “This shade creates a soft, natural mix of blonde and brunette tones that maintains a harmonious look as the hair grows out over time.” Since it uses ashy tones, it’s also an ideal choice for a blonde-to-gray transition.
Instagram @iamhairdural4/59Low-Contrast Balayage
A seamless grow-out process might be the most sought-after hair trend of 2026, and subtle balayage guarantees it. “Low-contrast balayage is trending as people shift toward hair color that grows out beautifully with minimal upkeep,” Stenson says. Think soft ribbons of color just one or two shades lighter than your base, creating movement without looking highlighted. He adds that this look is ideal for anyone who wants to add dimension and brightness around the face, without added upkeep. “Ask for subtle, blended balayage with a diffused root, book a glossing appointment every six to eight weeks to keep the look fresh, and use a moisture shampoo to help keep hair glossy between appointments.”
Instagram @rricardoroberts5/59Deep Auburn
Celebs are still going—and in Keke Palmer’s case, remaining—red, which means auburn tones are here to stay in 2026. But before hopping on this cool-girl trend, make sure to do your homework: “Reddish hues are infamous for washing out quicker than any shade, which is why I instruct my clients to do at-home glosses and deep conditioning in the shower between salon color sessions,” says celebrity stylist Rita Hazan.
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Marc Piasecki6/59Toffee Chocolate Balayage
Dessert-inspired hair trends continue to excite us for 2026. “Warm caramel tones over brunette bases continue to trend as they add effortless movement and glow and are especially flattering in winter’s lighting,” Stenson says. He recommends asking for a melted balayage with your favorite chocolate box tones.
Instagram @viphair_ashanti7/59Bronzed Blonde
While bright, icy blondes had their moment in 2025, Stenson anticipates more warmth for 2026. “These shades are soft and elegant and are perfect for anyone growing out warmer highlights or looking for a more natural, effortless blonde,” he says. “To keep the color fresh, use a gloss or toner and finish with a finishing spray to maintain the creamy, luminous tone.”
Instagram @_hairbylaurie8/59Teddy Graham Bronde
If your natural color is somewhere between blonde and brunette, some strategic highlight placement can go a long way to brighten up your hair. The “Teddy Graham” treatment that celebrity stylist Laurie Heaps created for Danielle Fishel is an ideal reference shot: dimensional, lived-in, and cozy.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images9/59Inky Gloss
Thinking about going dark? There’s never been a better time. “Ultra-glossy black is gaining traction as a statement winter color. It’s sleek, bold, and incredibly sophisticated,” Stenson says. “These shades make hair look thicker and healthier instantly.” To amplify that reflective shine, Stenson recommends asking for a blue-black or espresso gloss—or take a cue from Jenna Ortega and opt for a black cherry undertone.
Instagram @bobbyeliot10/59Bronde Blends
Halfway between brunette and blonde—and often incorporating shades of each—bronde blends are the perfect way to add dimension without over-committing to a new color. “These shades look more natural and softer than what we’ve been seeing the past couple of years in heavily highlighted and platinum looks with darker roots,” Perkins says. If you are starting with blonde or highlighted hair, you can achieve this look by perfecting your tone with Madison Reed Color Therapy Mask in Perla or Color Reviving Gloss in Crema.
11/59Cloud Dancer
Pantone’s 2026 color of the year may have received…mixed reviews, but in the realm of hair color, it’s solid inspiration. Lorena M. Valdes, a colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, predicts an uptick in winter pearly white: bright hair with a violet hue to it.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images12/59Midnight Brunette
Dyeing your hair true black might feel aggressive, but opting for an almost-black can bring just as much edge and depth. The “midnight brunette” shade Cunningham created for Riley Keough is a perfect example—“a modern, luminous tone that perfectly captures her depth and sophistication.”
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images13/59Glossed Chestnut
We’re still obsessing over the “glossed chestnut” shade that Cunnningham created for Dakota Johnson, which strikes the perfect balance between rich warmth and sleek shine. “It’s a slightly warm, high-shine brunette with multidimensional tones—think deep chocolate with just a touch of golden warmth,” says Cunningham. “What makes it special is the brilliance of the color: It’s reflective, healthy-looking, and incredibly wearable. It’s the kind of color that looks rich but never flat, and it’s flattering on so many skin tones.”
Instagram @justjenda14/59Butter Blonde
Lower-maintenance than icy platinum, but just as brightening, butter blonde is the perfect trend to try in 2026. “People hear ‘lived-in’ and think they can’t be that bright beautiful blonde anymore, but in reality it’s all about the placement of the blonde,” says DeLaTorre. “Keeping it off the roots and blended will help keep that look bright and refreshed and you can now go longer between appointments.” She also says coloring the money piece “will help make your face pop with slightly bolder color around the face.”
Instagram @ritahazan15/59Golden Auburn
For a lighter take on auburn hair that doesn’t quite tread into strawberry blonde territory, ask for golden undertones. This shade works especially well for blondes who want to transition to red.
Instagram @sdshsalon16/59Mocha Mousse
The hair trend sparked by the 2025 Pantone color of the year Mocha Mousse proves to have some serious staying power, and it’s easy to see why. “Mocha shades are another favorite for people who have naturally dark hair and want to see some dimension in their hair,” says DeLaTorre. “It’s the perfect tone to help make it look natural and sun-kissed while also keeping the rich brunette look.”
Christopher Polk/Getty Images17/59Praline Brown
Light brown bases with added warmth are ideal for a “diffused, face-brightening effect” sans bleach damage, Stenson says. As for shade inspiration: “Praline brown is a cozy blend of glowing golds and pearlescent browns achieved by placing very fine pieces of light gold and wider pieces of rich hazel brown throughout the hair,” Mildice says. “Babylights are a more delicate and finer thread, easing harsh grow-out, while the bolder hazel brown defines the highlights with stronger ribbons.”
Lori Harvey / Instagram18/59Bambi Brunette
We’re carrying this cozy color trend over from 2025, and celebs like Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Zendaya are on board. Colorist Mark Leeson describes Bambi brunette—named for the cartoon deer, and just as darling—as “a soft, warm, light-reflective take on brown hair.” To get the look, “Ask your colorist for a soft brunette base with lighter warm caramel accents threaded throughout, particularly around the face and mid-lengths,” Leeson advises. “These need to be fine and blended, so it feels seamless rather than stripy. The idea is to add dimension and glow without it looking like traditional highlights.”
Instagram/@loriharvey19/59Blended Honey
Prepare to see a whole lot of warm, cozy, and honey blondes, says celebrity hairstylist Rossano Ferretti. “For color, bronze honey balayage brings warmth and richness to the forefront, blending golden and caramel tones seamlessly for a sun-kissed effect,” says Ferretti. “Bronze honey balayage is ideal for creating depth and brightness without harsh contrasts, making it a versatile choice for both lighter and darker bases.” It’s no wonder it’s trending!
Instagram/@igksalons, @santirhair20/59Cowboy Copper
“This year it will be all about the warm tones in hair color, and one of my all-time favorite warm hair-color trends is cowboy copper,” says Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist, extensions artist, educator, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar.
“This color combines the warmth of a soft chestnut brown with the vibrancy of a dose of copper and really works wonders for brightening up most complexions,” she continues. “If you’re thinking about trying this color out, consult with your colorist and let them help you determine if warm tones will work best with your skin tone and eye color (all of which contribute to the overall look).”
Instagram/@brycescarlett21/59Brunette Balayage
“Winter is the ideal season to embrace deeper, warmer, richer tones, and smoky brunette balayage offers the perfect balance of depth and dimension,”says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa.
“Inspired by celebrities like Lily Collins and Camila Morrone, this color trend feels effortlessly modern and versatile,” she continues. “It’s a practical choice for those seeking a low-maintenance look while still making a bold statement with soft, diffused highlights. This color works beautifully for brunettes or anyone transitioning from lighter tones who wants to go darker without losing visual interest.”
Instagram/@marcmena22/59Modern Blonde
“Platinum is a classic statement, but this year, we’re seeing a shift toward a more refined, vintage-inspired version of the shade,” says says Ferretti. We most certainly are: Consider all the Old Hollywood–inspired bobs and corresponding colors we’ve seen lately.
“Vintage platinum takes the boldness of platinum blonde and tempers it with pearly, creamy undertones, moving away from icy or ashy finishes,” Ferretti continues. “It’s about finding that perfect balance between bold and delicate.”
Instagram/@miriamparkhair23/59Cherry Red
According to Stephanie Angelone, master stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York, we can expect to see a whole lot of reds in the new year—and especially gorgeous chocolate cherry.
“Red is such a universal color and looks good on any skin tone. Many celebrities have dyed their hair red over the last couple years, like Kendall Jenner and Megan Fox,” she says. “If you’re looking for the perfect red shade of extensions, try RPZL’s Jackie O Red 30-inch clip-ins.”
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images24/59Auburnt Sienna
“Auburn but more brilliant? Auburnt sienna is shimmering into winter with a multifaceted blend of our favorites! The movement of terra-cotta copper, glitzy gold, and chili red appears lit from within this rich auburn base,” says Mildice. “The golden micro-lights sprinkled throughout add just a touch of additional sparkle.”
What’s more, she adds, tons of variations of auburnt sienna are complementary to most skin tones and can be personalized based on each individual.
Instagram/@dianamildice25/59Palomino Blonde
“Palomino blonde is a soft swish of deep yet vibrant gold, creamy pale blonde, and deep topaz highlights placed in ribbons throughout the hair,” says Mildice. “Ask for these colors to be placed in a paneled pattern around the head either with a balayage or foilage technique. This is on trend and allows you to keep depth alongside the brightness and recover your shimmery blonde during winter months.”
Instagram/@hairinel26/59Warm Chestnut
While cooler temperatures are the biggest inspiration in choosing trending warm tones, Cleveland points to celebrities like Chrissy Tiegen for keeping the momentum going. “She wears her warm-toned chestnut so beautifully,” she says.
“If this trend works for you, be sure to ask your stylist for product recommendations that will help extend and preserve the life of your color,” she continues. “One of my favorite color-protecting hair care lines is Wella Color Motion+, followed by Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Heat Protection Spray, which not only protects the hair from heat damage but also prevents color fading from free radicals in the environment.”
Instagram/@beyonce27/59Winter Frost
“Although many love to go darker in the winter months, bleach and tones never go away,” says Mildice. “This color captures light and snow with a slight lavender wash and the waves resemble a melting icicle. Typically, platinum blondes can look empty or colorless, but winter frost has the slightest pigment to keep you guessing.” A perfect example of the shade? Beyoncé’s icy blonde.
Instagram/@sooparkmakeup28/59Vintage Brown
Brunettes of 2026 will be reminiscent of the past, adds Lauren Mildice, meaning natural and undone. “By placing subtle ribbons of walnut and nutmeg underneath and through the length, we stay true to the brunette world with color that appears organic,” she says.
Instagram/@dualipa29/59Cherry Cola
Cherry cola, which is an almost-blue take on the red trend, is deeper and darker than what we’ve been seeing for a lot of 2026. “This shade is more of a violet-infused red that has blue undertones, and a bit more dramatic and less natural than what we’ve seen lately trending in reds,” says Perkins.
Instagram/@bychloerose30/59Blurred Roots
“The trend that will continue to dominate highlighting is low-contrast grow-out,” Perkins continues. “While the money piece and chunky ’90s highlights made an appearance last year, the general aesthetic will remain a soft, blurred grow-out line that stays away from visible stripey grow-out.”
Instagram/@peterluxhair31/59Luminous Blonde
Diana Mildice points to “high lumen” blonde as another ideal color for anyone considering blonde. “This luminescent blonde is created by blending multiple tones of metallic gold and platinum throughout the hair, allowing one tone to define the other by creating a backdrop for the lightest tone to shine through,” she says. “When we outline our lightest blondes with a warm topaz tone, we create a natural balance.”
Instagram/@harold_james32/59Smoky Brunette
That said, we’ll still see lots of brunettes in the new year—just a new take on the shade. “There has been quite a bit of focus on warm and golden brunettes, which look more sun-kissed and naturally highlighted,” says Perkins. “The smoky brunette tones have a level of elegance that we see trending into next year in fashion and beauty.”
Instagram/@daniellepriano33/59Warm Apricot
Known as “kettle copper,” this warm apricot shade is enhanced by blending shades of apricot and peach throughout the hair. “The diffused face frame is complementary to the overall color,” says Mildice.
Instagram/@kvn.luong34/59Honey Highlights
Another variation on bronde is honey blonde. We’ve already seen lots of it in the lead-up to the new year: Keke Palmer, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna have all debuted the shade.
“This look is usually achieved in a combination highlight/lowlight service,” says Perkins. “In order for the shade to look multitonal and complex, it’s important to leave plenty of lowlight or background pigment in the hair to keep it toasty and ‘bronde’ as opposed to fully blonde. This shade can be either warm or cool toned. That will be up to preference.”
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Instagram/@sooparkmakeup35/59Cream Blush
Blush latté, which is a creamy blonde shade Mildice named, is created by sprinkling pale blonde, taupe, and a hint of soft rose within the hair. “This palette contains hues that all complement each other and softly swirl together seamlessly,” she says.
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Instagram/@dimitrishair36/59Cherry Violet
Another blue-tinted red to consider? Cherry violet, as worn by Megan Fox. “It’s a bolder take on red that can feel more exciting and more of a statement than the soft approach of natural warm reds from recent trends,” says Perkins. “The depth and more austere look of these shades speaks to some of the structure we expect to see in haircuts next year.”
As for how to get the look? “Typically, achieving this shade will require at least one overall permanent color appointment using a product like Madison Reed’s Radiant Cream Color in Rimini (5RV) before glossing appointments and for maintenance using something like Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in Barolo,” she continues. “For that first color, you’ll want to use violet-blue-ash references.”
Instagram/@claytonhawkins37/59Soft Ombré
Mildice also says that sombrés, or subtle ombrés, are on the rise. This makes perfect sense, seeing as we’re leaning more toward subtle grow-out periods.
“There is something really appealing about a not-so-tried-for look. Sharp highlight lines that lead the eye right up to the scalp can look obvious and outdated,” Perkins concurs. “A deeper, more grown-in root actually emphasizes the lighter pieces by giving a natural base and brings the focus to the eyes and cheekbones, which highlighting is supposed to do. It’s a more modern effect than having light bright pieces originating from the scalp.”
Instagram/@jacobrozenberg38/59Strawberry Frost
According to Valdes, we can expect to see an influx of “frosted berry” next year, which she defines as a beautiful strawberry blonde.
Instagram/@peterluxhair39/59Cool Brunette
“This is a cooler, more solid brunette with more violet silver tones. It’s more of a statement brunette that is ultra ash and less concerned with looking sun-kissed,” says Perkins. “The dimension comes from the reflection of the cool tinges that give a sort of icy feel to the overall shade.”
Instagram/@kattthompson40/59Praline Blonde
“Here we blend a praline face frame with diffused vanilla length,” Mildice says of a shade she’s coined as praline blonde. “The depth around the face is deeper and creates the perfect frame without washing out skin tone. In this case, the brightness is encouraged to live within the length of the hair, keeping a low-maintenance result.”
Instagram/@dimitrishair41/59True Copper
Of course, good old-fashioned copper isn’t going anywhere. “Everyone loves a beautiful copper and we will continue the craze,” Mildice says. Some may say red and copper hair can be higher maintenance, but if “you’ve perfected your hair routine with color- and heat-safe shampoos and conditioners, masks, and water temperature in the shower, you will have a lasting rich red color that’ll take longer to fade,” says DeLaTorre. “It’s all about the home care.”
Instagram/@marcmena42/59Vanilla Sundae
Another delicious hair-color blend? Vanilla sundae blonde. “Fair golden and slightly cool tones intermix, creating the smooth shade from your beloved dessert, says Mildice. “By backdropping this color with a light brown tone, it creates a soft, chocolate-drizzled effect. It will be popular since it’s a great in-between blonde that still remains bright. It’s not too golden or too ashy.”
Instagram/@dimitrishair43/59Hazelnut Hues
“Hazelnut lights are going to take over,” Mildice says. “Now many are inspired to change up the tone by adding dimension. Hazelnut-colored hair adds richness, and combining that shade with the dripping butterscotch tones creates a beautiful golden effect. Gold shades flatter every skin tone.”
Kevin Mazur44/59Sun-Washed Blonde
Rita Hazan, celebrity hair colorist and founder of the namesake salon Rita Hazan, is behind Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour dye job, a summery shade Hazan is calling sun-washed blonde. “I lightened her natural color three shades,” says Hazan. “And then I customized where I wanted to place the highlights.” As for where the sun-washed name comes from, Hazan says her inspo was end-of-summer hair, “when you spend all summer on the beach and the sun and salt water give you the ultimate color.”
Instagram/@lanacondor45/59Dusty Rose
“We are starting to see a lot of dusty rose gold in the salon,” Korab continues. “Dusty rose gold is a toned-down trend of the copper we are seeing. This trend combines blonde and a warm gold to create that dusty rose gold. We saw this trend first in the early ’00s and it is now making a comeback.”
Instagram/@dimitrishair46/59Face-Framing Highlights
Money-piece highlights aren’t going anywhere. “I’m still seeing lots of pop highlights in the front,” hairstylist Glenn Ellis points out. “When the two front pieces of the hair have more of a chunky highlight, it gives more of a sun-kissed blonde look.”
Instagram/@meganfox47/59Midnight Onyx
Wednesday-inspired goth glam is taking over hair color too. “This rich black with extra shine, as if to look reflective, is trending after Wednesday,” says Valdes. “For Wednesday’s look, ask your colorist for an allover color from roots to ends. Malibu C treatments are great to remove any buildup that helps dull and greasy hair.”
Instagram/@lala48/59Rich Burgundy
As is to be expected, we’ll be seeing more burgundy hair color and red hair color this year. “Since we’ve turned the corner for the new year, we have seen the trend of burgundy and reds coming back,” says Korab. “This trend is adding more violet to your reds, creating more of that burgundy or merlot color.”
Instagram/@jennakristina49/59Golden Blonde
“‘Ash blonde’ is going to be less relevant and we are going to be seeing more gold and honey tones,” says hairstylist Nicholas Taylor. “I predict the Playboy bunny golden blonde is making its comeback as well as deep honey blondes. Chris Appleton did a honey blonde on Kim Kardashian that I’m obsessed with.”
Instagram/@shaymitchell50/59Expensive Brunette
Over the past year we’ve seen many blonde celebs like Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber trade in their blonde for a pretty brown hair color, and we expect to see more following in their footsteps. “Expensive brunette is all about giving deeper hair energy, dimension, and detail,” says celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith, European creative director for Evo Hair. “It’s all too easy when going for a darker shade of hair color to apply one tone all over, a similar result to using a box dye at home. I’m of the opinion that it’s professional hair colorists’ responsibility to give our clients something they could never get at home, and so expensive brunette is all about adding detail and interest with multiple deeper shades to make the result more dimensional and expensive looking.”
Instagram/@gregoryrussellhair51/59Winter White
Expect to see brighter blondes popping off too. “We are really loving the retake on this classic bottle blonde look on Anya Taylor-Joy,” says Mark DeBolt, colorist and co-owner of Mark Ryan Salon. “There is just something about that one-tone, even color that is a high-lift, or double-process, blonde. This color is great for the person that wants to stand out in the crowd—this blonde can transport you back to glamour of Old Hollywood beauties like Marylyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield.” Though anyone can get to this shade with enough bleach, DeBolt really only recommends it for those with lighter natural hair colors since it’s such an intense process.
JB Lacroix/WireImage52/59Black Diamond
“This power color gets us back to a place of control and glamour,” says Liz Burns, the creative director and lead stylist at Goldie x Bob Salon in Denver. “This shade represents power, authority, and charisma.” Since black hair looks so shiny and healthy, Burns says this color actually flatters a wide range of skin tones—on paler skin it has a Snow White effect, and on darker skin it can bring out richer tones. When talking to your stylist, ask for an inky-black hair dye and a gloss to make it look as shiny as possible.
Instagram/@emilygrace.hime53/59Flower Child Blonde
“This year is about ushering in effortless-looking blondes that can be worn all year long,” says celebrity colorist Jeremy Tardo. Case in point: this rooted retro-blonde. “Keep your roots natural and fade baby blonde shades into your hair,” he says. “And ask your colorist for a natural-blonde color melt that you can touch up twice a year.” Keep in mind that the look will be way more low-maintenance if you’re a natural blonde, as darker hair will require more frequent upkeep.
Instagram/@jessicachastain54/59Cinnamon Red
DeBolt loves this softer take on red if you aren’t ready to go bold. His number-one tip? “Bring plenty of pictures to your colorist,” he says. “There are so many types of red, and you want to make sure to get the right tone for your skin. This shade looks beautiful on creamy skin and anyone who has peachy warmth. Cinnamon reds look particularly beautiful on anyone with green or hazel eye color.”
Instagram/@mahoganys_glo/@glamlifecoach55/59Mahogany Glow
Mahogany glow is perfectly suited for darker hair. “These red-brown accents reflect light beautifully on rich brunette locks,” says Tardo. “The tones are especially flattering if you have textured hair with a dark natural base color.” For a similar look, he says, ask your colorist for mahogany pigments to be mixed into your usual brunette color.
Lauren Grummel56/59Reverse Balayage
“Reverse balayage is definitely a new trend,” says Lauren Grummel, a hairstylist in New York City. “So many people are looking for lower-maintenance color, and this is a perfect solution.” If you already have bright highlights but are looking for something with an easier grow-out, Grummel suggests asking for a root color that’s one shade lighter than your natural hair. “It will blend seamlessly with the highlights and your natural color, creating a lower contrast. But you’ll still have pops of the highlights,” she says.
Instagram/@kalliekaiser57/59Buttercream Blonde
If you’re a natural blonde and want to go lighter but not quite platinum, go for a baby blonde with a hint of warmth. “With a natural light canvas to work off, you are already cutting through several layers of underlying warmth that takes a brunette hours to accomplish,” says celebrity hair colorist Bianca Hillier. “This grows out nice and easily without much maintenance. You can get away with highlights once or twice a year. Make sure your colorist gets a good look at your eye, skin, and lip hues to conclude what is too buttery or just enough.” (Be sure to check out more of our favorite blonde hair color ideas if you’re thinking of going lighter.)
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Luren Grummel58/59Barely There Highlights
If you’d like highlighted hair, this is a great option for a little lift with hardly any upkeep. Grummel says to ask for highlights only a couple of shades lighter than your natural shade to add some some dimension without any harsh grow-out.
Insagram/@madisonbeer59/59Amber Brown
If you want a simple change for your winter hair color once colder weather hits, DeBolt recommends asking your stylist for a blushy, warm gloss on brown hair. “If you have faded highlights from summer, a simple gloss would do the trick and will add shine and warmth for the months ahead,” he says. “If your hair is one single color you will need to add some delicate, hand-painted highlights around your face and throughout the crown.”
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