2026's Trendiest Hair Colors
Just like fashion trends cycle in and out with the dawn of the new year, so do hair colors. 2025 hair was all about quiet luxury, whether it be old money blonde or cowboy copper. If preliminary Google searches are anything to go off of, 2026 is set to go a bit louder and edgier.
1. Soft Black
This isn't your drugstore vantablack dye from your 2006 emo phase. Set to be one of 2026's hottest hair colors, soft black opts for warm undertones rather than cool blue ones. Soft black will brighten up your complexion and will especially pop against freshly-fallen snow.
2. Mocha Mousse
Mocha Mousse was dubbed Pantone's Color of the Year for 2025 and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Colors predict that gourmand, melt-in-your-mouth shades of brown will be all the rage in the coming months. Mocha Mousse is dreamy and decadent, low-maintenance while appearing sophisticated and intellectual.
3. Wine Red
2026 is set to be the year of the red wine supernova. This deep, plummy red takes cues from mulled wines and enticing berries for a shade that shifts depending on the lighting. Like all reds, wine red is a commitment color, requiring touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Teak
Teak strikes a perfect balance between two trends: various shades of copper, and browns that are good enough to eat. Starting from dark roots, this medium brown shade is set to take the world by storm. Teak especially pops with warm-toned skin and dark eyes.
5. Golden Hour
2025 was a big year for high-maintenance ashy blondes and other cool-toned blondes. In 2026, we're taking a step back with warmer and less artificial shades. Blonde shot through with shades of strawberry and copper, golden hour is an homage to the most beautiful part of the day.
6. Cyber Copper
Cowboy copper, one of 2025's hottest shades of red, isn't going anywhere, but it may have some competition. Cyber copper has a cyberpunk metallic sheen to it that makes this shade perfect if you want to pull of a daring Y3K look. Ask your colorist for an extra gloss to make your futuristic hair pop.
7. Mushroom Blonde
Don't let the name of this color put you off of one of the coming year's biggest trends! Mushroom blonde is an earthy and ashy color mixing shades of blonde and brunette for a look that you can comfortably grow into. Mushrooms were all the rage in home decor and art a few years ago, so why not hair color?
8. Onyx Brunette
True jet black can be harsh on many complexions. As a compromise between the sexy and mysterious allure of raven hair and a more realistic mindset, one of the years' hottest colors has emerged: onyx brunette. Toeing the line between brown and black, this
9. Transformative Teal
While hair shades are set to stay (mainly) au natural this year, there is one major exception: teal. This oceanic, deep blue-green color made waves on runways and is poised to make a big splash in salons. Teal and other unnatural colors go especially well with another trend further down this list.
10. Pearl Blonde
One of the most popular hues of 2025, pearl blonde isn't giving up its spot in 2026. This polished, chromatic shade is typically cool-toned for an ethereal, ice princess look. Pearl blonde is a match made in heaven with the glass hair trend.
11. Calico
Inspired by the striking fur of calico cats, this trend is both experimental and approachable. With a high-contrast blend of copper, blonde, and brunette shades, calico hair is sure to turn heads. Think a less gauche version of the chunky highlights we loved in the 2000s.
12. Dark Roots
Visible roots have transformed from tacky to trendy. Imperfect roots are just one of several '70s inspired trends currently on the rise, along with shaggy curls and baby Birkin bangs. By waiting a little between salon visits, you'll save money and look good while doing it.
13. Almond Butter Blonde
One of the hottest summer hues a few years back, almond butter blonde is back and better than ever. This creamy shade is perfect for long layers. Incorporate caramel ribbons, another one of this year's big trends, for an absolutely scrumptious look.
Caspar Camille Rubin on Unsplash
14. Hitchcock Blonde
While cool-toned blondes are slated to be less popular this year, they're not completely out. Rather, a Hitchcockian neutral shade of blonde is just the thing for women who want to look like they have secrets. Modern Hitchcock blonde moves away from shiny platinum in favor of an icy beige look.
15. Ginger Brunette
While red hair is enticing, it unfortunately isn't flattering for everyone. Instead of going for artificial red, a warm ginger brown is one of 2026's hottest hues. This henna-inspired color is especially beautifully on warm complexions with medium or olive undertones.
16. Color Melting
If there's one 2026 trend you should try out, it's color melting. Think of color melting as a more sophisticated form of your classic balayage. This low-maintenance, high-payoff style smudges shades within the same tonal family for a subtle gradient.
17. Auburn
Auburn is another reliable trend that colorists don't predict will go anywhere. If auburn is going anywhere, it's definitely going darker for a vampy, Titian-inspired hue. Uses glosses and deep conditioners between salon visits to keep your mane looking fresh.
18. Caramel Ribbons
If you couldn't tell from the rest of this list, hair color is still leaning towards shades that sound like desserts. Caramel ribbons is a more grown-up take on 2020's money piece trend. Ask you stylist for a warm brown shade with diffused caramel midlights around your face.
19. Cloud Dancer
2026's color of the year has been called everything from rage-bait to a recession indicator. While the optics of Pantone's first-ever white Color of the Year can seem....troubling to say the least, Cloud Dancer is solid hair inspo. This "color of luxury" is a shimmering white with a subtle violet undertone.
Vladimir Yelizarov on Unsplash
20. Teddy Bear Blonde
We've saved the best for last with what colorists predict will be the defining hue of 2026: teddy bear blonde. This comforting blend of caramel and toffee is lived-in and cozy. Teddy bear blonde is especially flattering on textured hair, as it adds depths and dimension to every curl pattern.
