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If you’re thinking about refreshing your look, the most popular hair colors of the year are here to inspire your next salon visit. From rich brunettes to icy blondes, the most popular hair colors of the year are all about dimension, shine, and effortless beauty. Whether you’re drawn to warm honey tones or bold copper hues, these trending shades are everywhere—on red carpets, social media, and everyday street style.
This year’s most popular hair colors range from subtle balayage to high-contrast highlights, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every skin tone and style preference.
The most popular hair colors of the year aren’t just about trends—they’re about confidence and self-expression. Cool-toned platinum, warm chestnut, and vivid reds dominate the list, while natural-looking mushroom brown and creamy beige blonde remain salon favorites.
Cherry Cola Red Hair
This deep, sultry red shade blends dark cherry and cola brown undertones, creating a rich, multidimensional effect. It’s a bold yet wearable choice, offering warmth and vibrancy without being overly bright. The glossy finish adds depth, making it a stunning choice for all skin tones. This shade shines under different lighting conditions, revealing hidden tones of burgundy and mahogany. A perfect choice for those who want a red hue with a sophisticated edge.
- Best suits medium to dark skin tones
- Requires color-safe shampoo to maintain vibrancy
- Pairs beautifully with soft curls or voluminous waves
Buttercream Blonde Hair
Soft, creamy, and effortlessly chic, buttercream blonde offers a delicate balance between warm and cool tones. This shade provides a sunlit, golden finish while maintaining a subtle natural look. The color works beautifully in both straight and wavy hairstyles, creating a seamless flow of light-reflecting strands. A great option for those looking for a soft yet radiant blonde shade. The buttery texture adds richness without looking brassy.
- Complements fair to medium skin tones
- Works well with highlights for added dimension
- Needs toning treatments to avoid brassiness
Espresso Brown Hair with Caramel Highlights
Dark, rich espresso brown hair gets a fresh update with warm caramel highlights. This combination adds movement and depth, creating a luxurious, sun-kissed effect. The contrast between deep brown and golden caramel gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. This color is flattering across different textures, from sleek and straight to bouncy curls. The highlights subtly frame the face, enhancing natural features.
- Best for medium to dark hair bases
- Requires minimal upkeep compared to full-color treatments
- Looks stunning in soft waves for a blended effect
Smoky Lilac Hair
Muted, elegant, and undeniably modern, smoky lilac hair blends cool gray and soft purple tones. The desaturated lavender hue creates a dreamy, ethereal effect without being overly pastel. This shade works particularly well with a balayage or ombré technique, allowing for a soft, natural fade. A unique yet subtle choice for those wanting a pop of color without overwhelming vibrancy. Looks best with soft, tousled waves to enhance the smokiness.
- Complements fair to medium skin tones
- Needs purple shampoo to maintain the cool undertones
- Works best on pre-lightened or naturally blonde hair
Honey Bronde Hair
A perfect fusion of honey blonde and light brown, honey bronde offers a seamless, naturally sun-kissed look. The warm golden tones add brightness without washing out the complexion. This hair color is a versatile option that blends effortlessly with natural brunette or blonde bases. Low-maintenance and flattering, it grows out gracefully without harsh root lines. The perfect middle ground for those who can’t decide between blonde and brown.
- Great for all skin tones
- Requires minimal salon upkeep
- Looks stunning in soft, effortless waves
Jet Black Hair with Blue Tint
For those who love dark, dramatic hues, jet black hair with a subtle blue tint adds an unexpected, modern edge. The hidden blue tones become visible under natural or artificial lighting, creating a sleek, mysterious effect. This shade works best with straight, glossy styles to highlight the reflective shine. It’s a sophisticated yet edgy color choice that suits a variety of skin tones. The added blue hue softens the intensity of pure black hair.
- Ideal for cool and neutral skin tones
- Needs regular conditioning for a glossy finish
- Works best on naturally dark hair for easy maintenance
Cinnamon Spice Hair
Warm and inviting, cinnamon spice hair is a rich blend of copper, auburn, and golden brown tones. This shade adds dimension and warmth, making it an ideal choice for fall and winter. The subtle red undertones catch the light beautifully, enhancing the hair’s natural movement. A flattering alternative to brighter reds, offering a soft, natural-looking glow. Best styled in loose waves or soft curls for a cozy, warm effect.
- Pairs well with medium to dark complexions
- Fades into a soft auburn shade over time
- Looks stunning with face-framing highlights
Mushroom Brown Balayage
Cool-toned and effortlessly chic, mushroom brown hair is a blend of ashy brown, taupe, and subtle gray undertones. This neutral shade offers a fresh, modern twist on classic brunette tones. The soft, blended balayage effect creates dimension without harsh contrast. Works beautifully on straight and wavy hair, enhancing natural texture. A perfect choice for those who prefer understated elegance over bold color.
- Complements cool and neutral skin tones
- Requires purple shampoo to maintain ashy tones
- Low-maintenance and grows out seamlessly
Icy Platinum Blonde Hair
Ultra-light and high-impact, icy platinum blonde is a bold statement color that exudes confidence. This shade requires careful maintenance to keep the cool, nearly white finish intact. The bright, cool tones create a striking contrast, particularly against darker roots. Platinum hair works well in sleek, straight styles for a futuristic look or soft curls for a more romantic vibe. Regular toning and hydration treatments are essential to keep hair healthy and luminous.
- Best for fair to light skin tones
- Requires frequent touch-ups to maintain brightness
- Needs intense conditioning to prevent dryness
Rose Gold Hair
A delicate fusion of pink and golden hues, rose gold hair creates a soft yet vibrant look. The metallic undertones add dimension, making the color shimmer in different lighting. This trendy shade flatters a variety of skin tones and can be customized to lean more pink or peach depending on preference. It’s a playful yet sophisticated choice that adds warmth to the complexion. Works beautifully with loose waves or soft curls to enhance the reflective quality.
- Best for fair to medium skin tones
- Requires regular toning to maintain the balance of pink and gold
- Looks stunning with a glossy finish or subtle highlights
Chocolate Brown Hair with Face-Framing Highlights
Classic yet modern, chocolate brown hair with golden face-framing highlights enhances natural depth and warmth. This look softens facial features while adding brightness around the face. The highlights create a sun-kissed effect without the commitment of full-color treatments. It’s a versatile option that works on all hair textures, from sleek straight styles to voluminous curls. Low-maintenance and grows out beautifully.
- Complements all skin tones
- Adds dimension without overpowering the natural base color
- Works well with both warm and cool undertones
Sun-Kissed Golden Blonde Hair
Bright, warm, and effortlessly radiant, sun-kissed golden blonde mimics the natural highlights created by sunlight. This shade gives hair a healthy, beachy glow, perfect for those who love a relaxed, summer-inspired look. The golden tones prevent the color from looking too ashy or dull. Ideal for soft waves, enhancing the natural luminosity of the hair. The perfect choice for a fresh, youthful appearance.
- Works well on fair to medium skin tones
- Requires regular hydration treatments for shine
- Can be customized with lowlights for added dimension
Pastel Peach Hair
Soft and dreamy, pastel peach hair blends light coral, pink, and golden undertones for a delicate, airy look. This color is perfect for those who want a playful pastel without going too bold. The warmth of the peach hue adds a flattering glow to the skin. Works beautifully with short, textured cuts or long, flowing waves. A fun yet elegant take on unconventional hair color.
- Best for fair to medium skin tones
- Requires a pre-lightened base for the color to show vibrantly
- Fades into a soft apricot shade over time
Ash Gray Ombre Hair
Sleek and modern, ash gray ombre transitions from dark charcoal roots to soft silver ends. This cool-toned shade offers an edgy yet elegant look. The gradient effect creates a natural blend, making it low-maintenance while still high-impact. Works best on straight, smooth styles to highlight the color shift. A stylish option for those who prefer cool, neutral tones over warm hues.
- Complements cool and neutral skin tones
- Requires purple shampoo to maintain the silver-gray finish
- Pairs well with bold makeup looks
Toasted Coconut Blonde Hair
A seamless blend of dark roots transitioning into creamy blonde mid-lengths and ends, toasted coconut blonde offers the best of both worlds. The contrast between deep and light tones creates a natural, effortless appearance. This shade is particularly flattering on layered, wavy hair, adding movement and dimension. The gradual fade ensures a softer, more natural grow-out. A great choice for those who want a multi-tonal blonde with a modern twist.
- Low-maintenance compared to traditional blonde shades
- Works best on medium to long hair
- Adds warmth without looking brassy
Merlot Red Hair
Inspired by the deep tones of red wine, merlot hair blends rich burgundy with subtle violet undertones. This color is bold yet wearable, offering a luxurious alternative to classic reds. The deep saturation gives hair a lush, velvety appearance. Works beautifully on all hair lengths, from short bobs to long, cascading waves. A perfect choice for those who love rich, sultry hues.
- Best for medium to dark skin tones
- Fades into a soft plum shade over time
- Looks best with a glossy, well-conditioned finish
Dusty Lavender Hair
A muted, cool-toned purple, dusty lavender hair is a modern take on pastel trends. The desaturated color gives it a soft, wearable appeal, making it a great option for those who want a unique yet subtle hue. The shade looks best in layered cuts or tousled waves, adding to its effortlessly chic aesthetic. A great transition color for those experimenting with pastels for the first time.
- Works best on pre-lightened hair for true vibrancy
- Needs purple shampoo to maintain cool tones
- Pairs well with neutral or pastel makeup looks
Copper Penny Hair
Vibrant and full of warmth, copper penny hair is a bold mix of red and orange hues. This shade radiates energy, adding instant brightness and depth to the hair. The metallic undertones give it a luminous effect, making it stand out in natural light. A stunning choice for those who want a fiery, attention-grabbing hair color. Works beautifully in voluminous waves or sleek, polished styles.
- Best for fair to medium skin tones
- Requires color-safe products to maintain vibrancy
- Pairs well with warm-toned outfits and accessories
Smoky Blue Black Hair
A deep, mysterious shade, smoky blue-black hair features subtle navy undertones that catch the light. This color adds an unexpected twist to traditional black hair, creating depth and intrigue. Works best in sleek, straight styles for a high-shine effect. The blue tones soften the intensity of jet black, making it more versatile and flattering. A bold yet sophisticated choice.
- Ideal for cool and neutral skin tones
- Low-maintenance for naturally dark hair
- Requires blue-tinted shampoo to prevent fading
Bronzed Auburn Hair
Rich and dimensional, bronzed auburn blends deep red and golden brown hues for a natural, glowing effect. This shade enhances warm undertones in the skin, making it a flattering choice for many complexions. Works beautifully with layered cuts, adding texture and movement. The bronze sheen gives it a unique radiance, especially under sunlight. A great option for those who want a warm, natural red with a twist.
- Best for medium to dark skin tones
- Requires gloss treatments to maintain shine
- Looks stunning with face-framing highlights
Velvet Violet Hair
A bold yet refined shade, velvet violet combines deep purple with inky black undertones for a rich, luxurious finish. This color offers intensity while maintaining an elegant, polished look. Works best on sleek, straight styles to showcase the depth of color. The velvet-like shine makes the shade appear even more dynamic. A great alternative to traditional black or dark brown hair.
- Best for fair to deep skin tones
- Requires regular conditioning to keep hair smooth and glossy
- Fades into a soft plum shade over time
These trending hair colors offer something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic, natural shade or a daring, high-impact hue. Each color enhances hair’s natural depth and dimension, making it easy to find the perfect match for your style. Which one will you try this year?
