18 Jaw-Dropping Hair Color Trends To Look Extraordinary

This year, the spotlight is on jaw-dropping hair color trends that promise to transform your look and make you stand out in any crowd.

As we dive into the details of this post, we’ll explore 18 extraordinary hair color trends ranging from the subtle elegance of shadow roots and pearl blondes to the bold and vibrant hues of sunset red and smoky lilac.

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1. Shadow roots

Shadow roots have become a staple in contemporary hairstyling, blending modern aesthetics with practical benefits for a longer-lasting color.

This trend involves applying a darker hue at the crown, typically a shade close to your natural color, which not only adds depth and dimension but also makes any hair color more manageable.

The distinctive characteristic of shadow roots is the seamless transition from one tone to another, creating an illusion of depth that enhances your hair’s overall appearance.

When you choose shadow roots, you’re opting for a low-maintenance style that’s easier to grow out and less demanding in terms of frequent salon visits.

This technique is perfect if you’re not looking to change your hair color dramatically but still desire a polished and sophisticated look.

It works wonderfully across all hair lengths and colors, adding a chic, multi-dimensional look that’s as stylish as it is manageable.

2. Pearl blonde

Pearl Blonde is a hair color trend that’s capturing the hearts of many because of its unique ability to blend cool and warm tones, creating a luminous, sophisticated look that’s highly sought after.

If you’re aiming to achieve this stunning shade, the process begins by lifting your hair color to a very light blonde, ideally to a level 9 or 10. This is crucial because any residual darkness can affect the purity of the pearl blonde tone.

Achieving the perfect Pearl Blonde requires meticulous attention during the bleaching process. It’s essential to apply a generous amount of bleach and ensure the hair is well-saturated.

Monitoring the lifting process is key; additional product may be needed on areas that are lifting more slowly to achieve an even base.

Once the desired lift is achieved, toning is the next critical step. Using a high-quality toner helps counteract any yellow hues, bringing out the true pearl blonde color.

The toner should be applied quickly and evenly, focusing on not over-processing the roots to maintain a natural gradient.

3. Smoky lilac

Smoky Lilac is a stunning hair color trend that strikes the perfect balance between subtle and vivid, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of unconventionality to their look without going too bold.

This shade combines the cool undertones of purple with a smoky finish, offering a unique twist on the conventional purple hues.

When you opt for Smoky Lilac, you’re embracing a color that is versatile enough to complement various skin tones due to its mix of warm and cool undertones.

It’s a color that not only enhances your style but also boosts your confidence with its distinctive appeal.

The application process involves a careful technique where the colorist starts by lightening your hair to create a suitable base for the smoky lilac tone.

This may involve lifting your natural hair color to a lighter level, especially if you have darker hair, to ensure the lilac tone pops as intended.

The formula used to achieve Smoky Lilac often includes a blend of violet and blue tones, which helps maintain a smoky, dewy look by offsetting any potential reddish hues in the base color.

This careful blending is crucial to achieving the signature smoky effect that defines this trend.

4. Sunset red

Sunset Red is a breathtaking hair color trend that captures the fiery essence of a sunset, blending shades of red, orange, and sometimes even pink to create a vibrant, head-turning look.

This trend is perfect for those who desire a bold change and wish to make a statement with their hair color.

When you choose Sunset Red, you’re not just changing your hair color; you’re adopting a piece of the sunset’s beauty, characterized by its warm and inviting glow.

The process typically starts with lightening your hair to create a suitable base for the vivid colors. This is crucial as it ensures that the reds and oranges appear bright and true to tone.

For achieving the Sunset Red look, colorists often use a technique that involves blending multiple hues to mimic the seamless transition of colors seen in a sunset.

This might include a darker red at the roots, which gradually transitions into a fiery orange and then into a soft pink at the ends, creating a stunning ombre effect.

5. Caramel balayage

Caramel balayage is a delightful hair color trend that continues to captivate with its rich, sun-kissed hues that add incredible dimension and warmth to your hair.

This technique, which originated from the French term meaning “to sweep,” involves a freehand painting method that allows for a more natural and subtle transition than traditional highlighting methods.

When you opt for caramel balayage, you’re choosing a style that enhances the natural flow and movement of your hair, creating a look that’s as effortless as it is stunning.

The beauty of caramel balayage lies in its versatility. It can be adapted to a wide range of hair colors, from light brown to dark brunette, providing a soft, luminous lift that enhances your natural hair without an overbearing contrast.

The application involves painting on the color in such a way that it looks like it has been naturally lightened by the sun.

Typically, the colorist will select hues two to three shades lighter than your base color to ensure the highlights subtly stand out, providing a smooth gradient that looks both elegant and dynamic.

One of the greatest advantages of choosing caramel balayage is its low maintenance.

6. Rose gold

Rose Gold has truly captivated the hearts of consumers and retailers alike, transitioning from a popular shade in jewelry to a stunning choice in hair color.

It’s a color that complements a wide range of skin tones, adding a warm glow to your overall appearance.

The unique appeal of rose gold lies in its ability to blend pink and gold tones into a seamless, shimmering finish that catches the light beautifully.

There are several variations of rose gold that you can choose from depending on your personal style and the level of boldness you’re comfortable with. 

Classic Rose Gold is a balanced mix, not too pink, not too blonde, but just the right amount of each to achieve that signature rose gold look.

If you’re looking for something a bit more subdued, Pastel Rose Gold offers a muted blush shade that’s effortlessly cool and sophisticated.

7. Bronde (brown + blonde)

Bronde is the perfect blend of brown and blonde, offering a stunning balance that captures the essence of both shades.

This hair color is ideal if you’re seeking a natural yet noticeable change. It can be tailored to be warmer with golden tones or cooler with ashier hues, depending on your preference and skin tone.

The beauty of bronde is its versatility. It suits a wide range of complexions, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re a brunette wanting to lighten up or a blonde looking to deepen your shade.

The key to achieving the perfect bronde is in the balance and placement of color. It’s neither too light nor too dark, sitting comfortably in between, providing a beautiful, sun-kissed finish.

Creating the perfect bronde look often involves a mix of techniques, including balayage and babylights, to add depth and dimension.

This approach allows for a more personalized color, giving you a unique yet subtle transformation. Your stylist might choose to lighten your hair to a certain level before adding in the nuances that create the bronde effect.

This might mean lifting your hair to a darker yellow for a warmer tone or to a lighter yellow for a cooler finish.

8. Pastel blue

Pastel Blue has emerged as a captivating choice for those looking to embrace a softer yet distinctly vibrant hair color.

This shade offers a dreamy, ethereal quality that can truly transform your look, giving you a touch of whimsy and a playful edge.

If you’re contemplating a shift to Pastel Blue, understanding the nuances of achieving and maintaining this color can enhance your coloring experience and ensure beautiful results.

The journey to perfect Pastel Blue hair often starts with pre-lightening your hair to a very light blonde.

This crucial step ensures that the pastel pigment shows up true to its tone, providing a clean and even canvas.

The lightening process should be done professionally to preserve hair health and achieve an optimal base color.

Once your hair is lightened, applying the Pastel Blue dye is the next step. It’s essential to use a high-quality dye to achieve that soft, powdery blue look.

The dye should be evenly applied, ensuring full coverage to avoid patchy results. For those who have experimented with colors like silvery blue or lavender before, Pastel Blue offers a refreshing new twist with its serene and subtle hues.

9. Chocolate cherry

Chocolate Cherry hair color is a luscious blend that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the vibrant undertones of cherry red, creating a look that’s both bold and sophisticated.

If you’re looking to add a touch of drama to your appearance while maintaining an air of elegance, this shade might just be your perfect match.

When you opt for Chocolate Cherry, you’re embracing a color that works beautifully across a variety of skin tones.

It can be customized to be deeper with more pronounced red tones or subtler with a muted burgundy cast, depending on your personal preference and what complements your complexion best.

This versatility makes it an appealing choice for anyone looking to enhance their natural beauty with a rich, eye-catching color.

The process of achieving the perfect Chocolate Cherry shade can vary depending on your starting hair color and the desired intensity of the red hues.

For those with darker hair, adding subtle red highlights can introduce a warm vibrancy without overwhelming your natural color.

10. Lavender ombre

Lavender Ombre is a stunning hair color choice for those who love the magical hues of purple.

This trend allows for a beautiful transition from darker shades at the roots to lighter lavender tones at the ends, creating a dreamy, ethereal look.

The allure of Lavender Ombre lies in its versatility and the ability to customize it to your personal taste and style. For a truly pastel dream, tones of lavender cascading into blush can create a soft and romantic vibe.

Achieving this look typically starts with pre-lightening the hair to a light, bright base to ensure the pastel colors show vividly.orating a deep conditioning treatment regularly can help maintain the health and luster of your locks.

11. Honey blonde

Honey Blonde hair captures the essence of golden warmth and radiance, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking a natural yet glamorous look.

This delightful shade combines golden tones with amber and caramel, creating a rich, sun-kissed effect that enhances a variety of skin tones.

It’s perfect for adding a touch of brightness to brunettes or depth to lighter blondes, embodying a versatile appeal that suits almost everyone.

When you choose Honey Blonde, you’re embracing a color that’s both timeless and on-trend, ideal for spring and summer or any time you want to brighten up your appearance.

The process of achieving this gorgeous hue involves careful lightening of the hair, followed by the application of a warm, golden toner that brings out the honeyed highlights.

It’s a color that offers a stunning blend of depth and vibrancy, making your hair look as if it’s been kissed by the sun.

12. Icy silver

Icy Silver is a captivating hair color that embodies a sleek, sophisticated look, perfect for those aiming to make a bold statement.

Achieving this stunning shade involves a meticulous process, ensuring that the end result is nothing short of spectacular. If you’re starting with cool-toned platinum hair, you’re already on the right path.

However, achieving that perfect icy silver tone requires your hair to be lifted to a very light shade, ideally to the level where it resembles the inside of a banana peel.

The journey to icy silver is not for the faint-hearted as it demands significant care and attention during the lightening process. It’s crucial that your hair reaches the lightest possible level before toning.

This stage is often achieved in a professional setting to ensure optimal results and to maintain the integrity of your hair.

Once lightened, the toning process begins, which is critical in achieving that crisp, icy hue. A purple or violet-based toner is typically used to neutralize any yellow undertones, transforming them into the desired silvery shade.

13. Pumpkin spice

Pumpkin Spice hair color embodies the essence of autumn, blending the warm, inviting hues of copper red with tones like auburn, strawberry blonde, and dark brown.

As the leaves change, so can your hair, offering a perfect opportunity to align your look with the cozy, vibrant atmosphere of the season.

Opting for Pumpkin Spice hair means embracing a palette that can be tailored to both bold and subtle styles.

If your natural hair color is lighter, consider an all-over color for a dramatic transformation that captures the richness of fall.

For those with darker shades, introducing highlights of pumpkin spice can add a stunning contrast and dimension, making your hair appear more dynamic and textured.

Transitioning to Pumpkin Spice isn’t just about a new look; it’s about making a statement that resonates with the season’s aesthetics.

14. Dusty rose

Dusty Rose is a hair color that perfectly blends the softness of pink with a hint of earthy tones, creating a subtle yet striking appearance.

This color is often achieved through techniques like balayage or ombre, giving it a unique, multi-dimensional look that can vary from a light pastel shade to a deeper, smoky rose.

When you decide to go for Dusty Rose, you’re choosing a color that combines the playful charm of pink with a mature, understated elegance.

The process usually starts with lightening your hair to a suitable level to ensure the pink tones show up vividly.

This is followed by applying a mix of rose and subtle violet dyes, which can be adjusted to achieve the desired depth and warmth of the dusty rose shade.

15. Denim blue

Denim Blue hair color is a versatile and stylish choice that mirrors the comfort and classic appeal of your favorite jeans.

This color can range from deep navy shades to lighter, pastel-like hues, offering a fantastic array of options for personal expression.

If you’re looking to capture the essence of denim in your hair, consider exploring shades like Indigo, Stonewash, and Acid Wash, each providing a unique take on this trendy color.

Indigo is perfect if you prefer a subtle yet impactful look. This deep blue shade is ideal for adding a touch of sophistication and depth to darker hair.

It works beautifully to enhance darker skin tones and creates a striking contrast against lighter complexions. 

Stonewash offers a softer approach, incorporating elements of gray to achieve a muted, metallic finish that resembles the effect of stone-washed denim.

This shade is particularly flattering for those who are not ready to fully commit to a vibrant blue but still wish to experiment with cooler tones.

16. Peachy pink

Peachy Pink hair color is enjoying a resurgence, inspired by the vibrant shades of the year.

If you’re drawn to hues that both brighten your complexion and give your hair a luminous quality, peachy pink might just be the perfect choice for you this season.

This delightful shade merges the softness of pink with the vivacity of orange, creating a look that’s both refreshing and chic.

Achieving the ideal Peachy Pink tone often starts with pre-lightening your hair, especially if it’s on the darker side. This step ensures that the peach hues are vivid and impactful.

Depending on your current hair color, this might involve bleaching to a significant degree of lightness. After lightening, the intensity of the peach color you desire can be adjusted.

17. Ash brown

Ash Brown hair color is a sophisticated choice if you’re looking for a cool, smoky shade with a rich, deep brunette base.

Unlike warmer brunettes that feature hints of red or gold, ash brown hair is much cooler, toning things down with an almost silvery finish.

This color is versatile enough to be adapted to different skin tones, enhancing your natural beauty by balancing and neutralizing any pink or red areas of the skin.

For those with cooler skin tones, which typically feature pinkish undertones, an ash brown hair color will work wonders to balance and complement your complexion.

But don’t worry if you have a warmer complexion; starting with a classic brunette base, you can smoke out your shade with an ash brown balayage or ombre for a more subtle yet trendy take.

If you’re warming up to the idea of a cooler color, consider how you can take a classic, sun-kissed balayage to the next level.

Start with a cool brunette base and add a scattering of soft, ashy strands from mid-lengths to ends.

For an even smokier effect, you might consider toning lighter sections of your hair with a Silver Mauve tone, which can amplify the cool, smoky hues of your ash brown hair.

18. Mulled wine

Mulled Wine hair color is a stunning choice for those looking to embrace the cozy, rich tones of autumn and winter.

This deep, glossy red shade is inspired by the beloved seasonal beverage and is perfect for adding warmth and vibrancy to your look during the colder months.

When you choose Mulled Wine, you’re opting for a hair color that combines deep red with hints of purple and brown, creating a complex, inviting hue that resembles the drink it’s named after.

This color is particularly flattering for a wide range of skin tones, offering a dramatic yet sophisticated aesthetic that can enhance your natural beauty.

Achieving the perfect Mulled Wine look often involves a blend of color techniques. Balayage or highlights can be added to create dimension and depth, making the color pop and giving your hair a vibrant, textured look.

Final Thoughts

From shadow roots to mulled wine, the exploration of hair color trends presented in this post showcases a stunning array of options for anyone looking to refresh or completely transform their look.

Each color trend, beautifully unique, ensures there’s something for every style, personality, and skin tone. Emphasizing the versatility and vibrance of hair color can drastically enhance an individual’s appearance and confidence.

The significance of choosing the right color trend cannot be understated, as it opens the door to personal expression and stylistic creativity, which are paramount in the constantly evolving realm of beauty and fashion.

As trends continue to evolve, the constant innovation in hair color showcases the endless possibilities for personal reinvention and stylistic expression, making each chosen hue a reflection of one’s spirit and vision.