2024 is moving along fast, and if you’ve made it this far without diving into the latest hair-color trends, there’s still time to shake things up. Here’s the scoop: fresh hair-color ideas have taken over Instagram, and now’s your chance to jump on the bandwagon before the year ends. From smokey balayages to dramatic shadow roots, and at least three unique variations of auburn, this year’s trends are all about bold, personalized style.
Not convinced yet? Trust me, these looks will inspire your next salon visit. Keep scrolling to discover 30 stunning hair color trends of 2024 that are guaranteed to turn heads!
Modern Contrasting Highlights
Contrasting highlights are making a comeback with a fresh and updated twist. Gone are the harsh, streaky highlights of the early 2000s—instead, this trend focuses on strategically placed highlights that begin mid-length and incorporate soft, face-framing pieces. To get this look, share reference photos with your stylist and explain your vision for a cohesive, dimensional effect. This style is perfect for adding depth and brightness without overwhelming your natural hair color.
Frosty White Hair
White-hot hair is trending for good reason—it’s edgy, sophisticated, and perfect for colder months. This frosty white hue makes a bold statement, especially when paired with sleek styling. However, achieving this look requires professional expertise, as it involves significant bleaching and toning. Avoid DIY disasters and consult a trusted colorist for the best results. Pro tip: Maintain this shade with purple shampoo to neutralize brassiness and keep the icy tones vibrant.
Fiery Red
There’s no denying that bold red tones are having a moment. Fiery shades are perfect for fall and beyond, adding warmth and energy to any look. To maintain the vibrancy of this color, limit shampooing and use sulfate-free products to avoid stripping the hue. Incorporating a dry shampoo into your routine can help extend the life of your color while keeping roots fresh. If you’re ready to stand out, vibrant red is a trend worth trying.
Sandy Blonde
Sandy blonde is a versatile shade that flatters a variety of skin tones, making it a popular choice this year. However, bleaching is a must for achieving this light, sunlit color, and it can be particularly drying for textured or curly hair. To combat this, deep-condition weekly and apply nourishing hair oils daily to maintain moisture and prevent breakage. With proper care, sandy blonde can be a stunning and polished look.
Smokey Balayage
For those who love cooler tones, smokey balayage is a dream come true. This trend incorporates ashy hues that blend seamlessly with your natural color, making it ideal for the cooler months. One of the best aspects of balayage is its low-maintenance appeal—since the roots remain natural, you won’t need frequent touch-ups. It’s the perfect way to add depth and elegance to your hair without constant upkeep.
Dimensional Copper Shades
Copper tones are taking over as one of the most versatile and captivating hair trends. Whether you want a full-color transformation or just want to enhance your existing red tones, copper delivers unmatched vibrancy. To achieve a dimensional look, ask your colorist to mix multiple shades—lighter highlights and deeper lowlights—to create a rich, layered effect. This color works beautifully in any season and adds instant warmth to your overall look.
Bubblegum Pink
If you’re ready to turn heads, bubblegum pink is the way to go. This bright and playful hue is especially striking on shorter cuts like pixie styles, where it adds a fun pop of color. Keep in mind, however, that vivid shades like this require consistent maintenance, including touch-up appointments and color-protecting products. Still, if you’re up for the upkeep, bubblegum pink is a total game-changer.
Three-Toned Hair
Three-toned hair is a creative way to add dimension and personality to your style. This trend combines contrasting shades—think dark roots, mid-level tones, and bright ends—for a look that’s both dynamic and unique. While it’s undeniably fun, this color requires commitment, with regular salon visits for gloss treatments and root touch-ups. If you’re ready to embrace a vibrant and standout style, this trend is worth the effort.
Ash-Brown Hair
Ash-brown is the ultimate shade for anyone with cool undertones in their skin—think blue, green, or violet hues. This smokey brunette color complements cool skin tones beautifully with its subtle, muted finish. For those with lighter hair, achieving this shade requires minimal bleaching, while darker-haired individuals may need more extensive lightening. Consulting a professional colorist is key to nailing this chic and understated look.
Red-Wine Balayage
Dubbed “mulled wine” for its deep, berry undertones, this red-wine balayage is a standout choice for fall and beyond. It’s especially flattering for brunettes with cool undertones, blending beautifully into darker hair bases. To keep the color rich and shiny, schedule monthly visits to your stylist for a glaze treatment. This trend is bold, seasonal, and perfect for anyone craving a striking yet sophisticated hair transformation.
Blonde Streaks
For those hesitant to commit to a full-color makeover, blonde streaks offer a simple yet impactful change. A single platinum-blonde section on the side or a pair of face-framing pieces can elevate any haircut, especially layered styles. This low-commitment option adds brightness and contrast to your look without requiring a complete overhaul, making it perfect for first-timers or anyone seeking a touch of edge.
Blue Highlights
Blue highlights are a versatile way to add a playful touch to your look, whether your hair is short, long, or somewhere in between. For maximum impact, style your hair with soft waves using a flat iron to make the blue strands stand out. Finish with a spritz of texturizing spray for a carefree, tousled vibe that showcases the bold hue beautifully.
Pastel Hair
Pastel shades aren’t just for spring—they’re a year-round trend that adds whimsy and creativity to any season. Combining two or three pastel hues, such as soft blue, mint green, and lilac, creates a dreamy, multi-dimensional effect. This style requires significant bleaching, so it’s crucial to visit a professional colorist to achieve these delicate tones while minimizing damage. DIYing isn’t recommended for this intricate, bleach-heavy process.
Split Dye Hair
Split-dye hair lets you embrace two colors at once, offering the best of both worlds. Whether you choose bold, contrasting shades or a mix of soft pastels, this trend is all about individuality and creativity. To keep your colors vibrant and polished, use an at-home hair gloss every few weeks. This not only restores shine but also neutralizes any brassiness, especially on the bleached sections. With the right maintenance, your split-dye look will stay fresh and eye-catching.
Shadow Roots
Shadow roots are the ultimate low-maintenance hair trend, offering a stylish solution to frequent touch-ups. This look can range from bold, high-contrast roots (like dark brown against blonde) to softer, subtler gradients just a couple of shades darker than the rest of your hair. A diffused shadow root creates a seamless, natural finish that grows out beautifully. Talk to your stylist about the level of contrast you prefer, and enjoy this trend’s easy upkeep and chic vibe.
Smoke-Grey Hair
Gray and silver hair continue to evolve, with smokey gray being the standout shade of the moment. This muted, cool-toned hue is chic, edgy, and versatile, working well on various hair lengths and styles. However, maintaining this shade requires some care, as brassiness—a yellowish tint—can creep in after a few weeks. To keep the smokey tones intact, invest in a high-quality purple shampoo and conditioner to neutralize any unwanted warm tones and keep your color fresh and vibrant.
Blue Streaks
Blue hair is taking over in a variety of forms, from ombré fades and deep blue-black hues to bold, electric streaks. If you’re hesitant to commit to a full blue transformation, a few streaks are a great way to experiment. Temporary dyes are a fun and low-commitment option to see if this striking color is the right fit for you. Whether it’s subtle highlights or vivid streaks, blue adds a fun and trendy twist to your look.
Peach Pink
Peach pink hair offers a softer, warmer take on traditional pink shades, making it a beautiful and flattering choice. To achieve this look, ask your colorist to incorporate a shadow root. This not only adds dimension but also helps blend the color as your hair grows, avoiding a harsh grow-out line. For those looking for a subtler take on the warmth of peach pink, consider a strawberry-blonde shade—it’s equally stunning and slightly more understated.
Honey-Blonde
Honey-blonde hair strikes the perfect balance between warm and golden tones, making it an excellent choice for brunettes transitioning to lighter hair without the upkeep of icy or platinum blonde. This versatile color is rich, flattering, and incredibly popular. For that effortlessly tousled look, create loose flat-iron waves to highlight the warm tones and natural shine of this shade. Honey-blonde is ideal for adding brightness and warmth to any hairstyle.
Dark Auburn
Dark auburn is a stunning way to add warmth and richness to your hair while maintaining a natural look. This shade blends deep red and brown tones, making it ideal for brunettes looking to enhance their color. To achieve the perfect balance of red undertones, it’s best to visit a professional colorist who can ensure the color appears vibrant yet natural. Even though the change may seem subtle, the result is a striking, dimensional finish that brings warmth and depth to your hair.
Ginger Blonde
Ginger blonde is the ultimate attention-grabber, combining golden and copper tones for a bright, fiery finish. This color is undeniably stunning but requires dedication, as regular root touch-ups and color maintenance are essential to keep the hue fresh. Whether it’s for a dramatic transformation or simply a way to brighten your style, this bold shade is guaranteed to turn heads and make a splash on your social media feed.
Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights are the perfect way to add warmth and depth to any base color. This shade looks especially gorgeous on curly or textured hair, as the natural texture highlights the lighter tones for a multidimensional effect. But caramel isn’t just for curls—it works beautifully on straight and wavy hair too. Whether paired with chocolate-brown locks or lighter tones, caramel is a versatile option that enhances all hair types, from 1a to 4c.
Melted Hair Colors
The melted hair color trend is all about flawless transitions and blended tones. Whether you choose a mix of strawberry, copper, and blonde or something bolder like pink or chocolate, this look is all about gradual shading that creates a natural yet dynamic finish. Starting with darker roots and flowing into brighter ends, this technique relies on precision rather than specific shades, allowing for complete customization. Work with your stylist to design a look that’s uniquely yours.
Jet Black Hair
Jet black hair is making waves as one of the boldest and most dramatic hair color trends. This rich, deep shade exudes sophistication and mystery, giving off serious emo vibes reminiscent of Cara Delevingne’s striking style. To maintain the intensity and shine of this color, use sulfate-free shampoos and incorporate dry shampoo into your routine to extend the time between washes. This care routine ensures your jet black color stays vibrant and glossy for weeks.
Blue-Black Hair
Blue-black hair is the perfect fusion of midnight hues and subtle blue undertones, creating a striking, multidimensional look. The way this shade shifts under different lighting makes it a standout choice for those seeking an edgy yet elegant color. Whether the blue tones are bold or barely there, this hair trend offers a magical depth that’s both unique and captivating.
Two-Toned Hair
For those who can’t decide on just one color, two-toned hair is the perfect solution. This trend juxtaposes light and dark shades, like creamy blonde roots transitioning into chocolate-brown ends. It’s especially stunning on curly hair, as the natural texture enhances the dimension and contrast. To make the most of this style, define your curls with a skinny curling wand or let your natural texture shine.
Silvery Blonde
Silvery blonde is a beautiful hybrid of silver and blonde, offering a soft, shimmering look that’s equal parts chic and sophisticated. Achieving this color requires significant bleaching, so proper maintenance is key. Invest in a purple shampoo to neutralize any brassiness and keep your silvery tones looking cool and fresh. This shade is ideal for anyone wanting a modern take on classic blonde.
Warm-Brown Balayage
Warm-brown balayage is a soft ombré that blends rich chocolate tones with warm, golden accents for a natural and cozy finish. Perfect for fall and winter, this color adds dimension without being too high-maintenance. The gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends creates a subtle, flattering effect that’s both polished and relaxed.
Chestnut-Brown Balayage
For those who love a mix of highlights and lowlights, chestnut-brown balayage is the ultimate trend. This color combines warm chestnut tones with brighter blonde accents for a beautifully balanced and dynamic look. It’s a versatile option that works for all hair types, adding depth and warmth to any style.
Rooty Blonde
Rooty blonde is the go-to for anyone who wants to enjoy blonde hair without constant salon visits. By blending darker roots into lighter ends, this trend creates a natural, lived-in look that grows out seamlessly. Perfect for busy schedules, this style offers a chic, effortless vibe that’s easy to maintain and looks polished all year long.
FAQs
1. Can shadow roots work for both natural and dyed hair?
Yes! Shadow roots are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit natural tones or blend seamlessly with dyed shades for a bold or subtle effect.
2. Are smokey balayages high-maintenance?
Not at all! Smokey balayages grow out beautifully, requiring fewer touch-ups, making them a fantastic choice for busy schedules.
3. How do I keep auburn hair vibrant?
To maintain the richness of auburn tones, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, minimize heat styling, and incorporate regular hair gloss treatments to refresh the color.
