Buzz
After extensive research and discussions with numerous hairstylists, here's what we discovered: Hair color trends are evolving at an unprecedented pace. While last season favored cooler, icier tones, this spring brings a resurgence of warm shades, rich colors, and copper accents. "The reason so many of us are embracing warmer gold hues is because, for a long time, blonde just couldn't get cold enough, and now it's making a bold shift to the opposite end of the spectrum," explains Briana Cisneros, hairstylist and Wella Professionals brand ambassador. "Ultimately, your skin tone and personal style should guide your choice. Wearing what makes you feel your best is what will make you shine."
In summary, whether you're looking for a dramatic change or a subtle adjustment, there are plenty of gorgeous color options to explore this spring. If you're in need of some inspiration, consider drawing from these seven shades that experts predict will be the most popular this season.
1. Violet Brunette
For brunettes, deeper, cooler shades with brown undertones mixed with touches of eggplant and cherry are on the rise (think: blackberry hair). "We’re seeing brunettes gravitating towards darker, cooler mahogany-based tones with brown shades, accented by eggplant and cherry cola hints," explains Shvonne Perkins, Master Colorist at Madison Reed. "This hue provides a perfect seasonal change, adding depth and dimension to brunette hair without the need for lighter highlights. The eggplant/violet tones being infused into brown hair offer a fresh take without turning hair into a true red."
2. Sombre
A variation on the classic ombre, sombre (subtle ombre) involves more solid color at the roots, with the natural color gradually blending through the mid-lengths to the ends. "This trend is becoming popular due to its compatibility with current haircut trends, which are often more textured, choppy, and layered," says Perkins. "Sombre is all about embracing a naturally grown-out look, while accentuating areas of your hair that highlight the texture and separation."
3. Louis Vuitton Brown
As seen on Karlie Kloss and Selena Gomez, Louis Vuitton brown is the next evolution of 'expensive brunette,' says Tom Smith, celebrity hairstylist and international colour creative director for evo hair. "Imagine the color of the aged leather of a Louis Vuitton handbag—a stunning, rich tan—not too light, but not too dark either. This versatile shade works well with various skin tones thanks to its medium depth, and it shines best on healthy, flowing hair." To achieve this look, ask your stylist for a medium-light brown with warm golden toffee undertones.
4. Mahogany Blonde
Mahogany blonde, a deeper, earthier version of strawberry blonde, blends copper and gold tones with a hint of rose, making it both beautiful and unique. While it belongs to the copper/red family, the shade is very close to blonde. This color flatters nearly every skin tone due to its balance of warm and cool tones, making it an ideal choice for those who aren't ready to dive into a full red but still want to explore copper hues.
5. Ash Blonde
Not a fan of warm shades? Prepare your purple shampoo—'this super-light blonde ale gold glistens and shines,' says Aloxxi colorist Jessica Wall Innella. It pairs beautifully with neutral dark roots, so ask your stylist for a root smudge or shadow root if you'd prefer to avoid a harsh demarcation line.
6. Off Black
This color is a deep brown with cool, ashy undertones, so dark it almost appears black. It has become a celebrity favorite, recently seen on stars like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, and Megan Fox. "Off-black prevents the shade from being too harsh or dull, while still maintaining that dramatic, inky look," says Smith.
7. Vanilla Bean Blonde
You can still have a blonde moment in 2022 with vanilla bean blonde, a flexible and dimensional color. This style combines warm, buttery blonde highlights with a darker blonde base to create both lightness and depth. "Blonde is timeless. It’s always on trend," says Matt Rez, celebrity hairstylist and Redken brand ambassador. "By incorporating subtle dimensions in lighter shades, clients can extend time between salon visits, as the new growth blends and softens the line of demarcation." He adds that even the slightest contrast will create beautiful depth, regardless of your base shade.
8. Playboy Blonde
A nod to the '90s, this bright blonde is achieved with lots of highlights and left "untoned" for a raw, sun-kissed look. Modern haircare makes it possible to maintain healthy hair while achieving this look, which Smith emphasizes is key to making it feel like a deliberate, fashionable choice. To get the shade, ask your stylist for a full head of blonde highlights, lifted to perfection, and either left bright or toned with a diluted, clear toner. To keep your hair healthy, use a nourishing hair mask like K18 or Evo Mane Attention Protein Mask.
9. Fantasy Colors
Fantasy colors are here to stay, whether you're drawn to pinks or reds, and rainbow hues have only gained popularity in recent months. "People are eager to express themselves and make bold statements," says Lisa Satorn, senior stylist at Nine Zero One salon in Hollywood. "I love how rainbow colors bring out the inner child—they encourage us to take risks." Try a cotton candy blue like Hilary Duff, a powdery purple inspired by Megan Rapinoe, or bubblegum pink like Ciara. These colors are easy to achieve and maintain with color-depositing conditioners from brands like oVertone and Moroccanoil.
10. Ravishing Red
If you're not quite ready for bold blue, purple, or green, but still want a daring change, consider red tones. Richer reds are particularly fresh for spring and can be tailored to complement your current hair color and undertones. "A simple yet impactful change is to ask your colorist to apply a demi-permanent glaze over existing highlights in a red tone," says Kali Ferrara, NYC hairstylist. "Whether it's copper, mauve, or fiery red, a demi-permanent glaze delivers big change with less commitment."
