1. Introduction
Hair color trends are constantly evolving, influenced by celebrities, fashion, and social media. In 2024, the focus is on warm, rich tones and effortless, low-maintenance color techniques. This year’s trends celebrate natural beauty while offering dimension and depth without the need for frequent touch-ups. Whether you prefer subtle highlights or bold, statement hues, there’s a perfect shade for everyone.
One of the biggest trends this year is the shift toward warmer shades. Golden blondes, rich brunettes, and fiery coppers are taking over, replacing cooler, ashier tones that were popular in previous years. These colors add a healthy glow to the hair and complement a variety of skin tones. Dimensional brunettes with caramel and honey tones are especially popular, offering a sun-kissed effect with minimal upkeep.
On the other hand, platinum blonde and overly cool-toned shades are starting to fade out. These high-maintenance colors require frequent salon visits and can be damaging to the hair. Instead, more people are opting for soft beige blondes and creamy honey hues that blend effortlessly with natural roots.
To keep trendy hair colors looking fresh, proper maintenance is key. Using a sulfate-free shampoo, incorporating color-enhancing treatments, and limiting heat styling will help preserve vibrancy. Whether you’re looking for a natural enhancement or a dramatic change, the 2024 hair color trends offer a variety of stylish options that suit different preferences and lifestyles.
2. What’s In: The Hottest Hair Colors for 2024
Hair color trends in 2024 embrace warmth, depth, and natural-looking dimension. This year, people are moving away from high-maintenance, overly cool-toned shades and opting for soft, blended, and sunlit hues. Whether you prefer a dramatic transformation or a subtle color refresh, these trending shades offer something for everyone.
1. Copper Craze
Copper tones have made a huge comeback, offering a fiery, sunlit warmth that complements a wide range of skin tones. These shades are bold yet sophisticated, making them perfect for those who want to stand out while still keeping their hair natural-looking. From soft ginger to burnt copper, these shades add richness and vibrancy without looking artificial. Celebrities like Zendaya, Megan Thee Stallion, and Keke Palmer have all embraced this trend, proving that copper is the ultimate statement color of the year.
2. Caramel & Honey Blonde
For those who want to lighten their hair without committing to a high-maintenance blonde, caramel and honey tones are the perfect choice. This color creates a sun-kissed, dimensional effect, making it a great option for brunettes looking to gradually transition to blonde. Golden honey, caramel balayage, and beige blonde shades offer a seamless blend that requires minimal upkeep. The warm undertones also help to add a natural glow to the complexion, making it an effortlessly flattering choice.
3. Cherry Cola Reds
Deep, rich cherry cola red is one of the most striking yet sophisticated hair colors of 2024. Unlike bright, high-maintenance reds, this shade is more muted and multidimensional, making it perfect for those with cool or olive skin tones. It works particularly well on dark hair bases, allowing for depth and richness without looking overly artificial. To maintain the vibrancy of cherry cola hues, sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos are essential, as red tones tend to fade quickly without proper care.
4. Nude Blonde
For those transitioning away from high-maintenance platinum, nude blonde is the perfect alternative. This soft, balanced blonde blends both warm and cool tones, making it adaptable for different skin undertones. It provides a natural, lived-in look that requires fewer touch-ups while maintaining brightness. Nude blonde is ideal for those who want a sophisticated yet low-maintenance blonde shade that looks effortlessly chic.
5. Chocolate Brown with Dimension
Rich, glossy brunette shades never go out of style, but in 2024, they’re getting an upgrade with subtle highlights and added dimension. Shades like espresso brown, cinnamon brown, and milk chocolate add depth and movement to the hair, preventing it from looking flat. This color trend is perfect for those who love natural, timeless elegance with a modern twist. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie, and Jenna Ortega have embraced dimensional brunettes, proving that brown hair can be just as eye-catching as blonde.
6. Face-Framing Highlights (Money Pieces)
Face-framing highlights, also known as money pieces, are a quick and stylish way to brighten up the face without committing to a full-head color change. This technique involves placing a lighter shade around the hairline, enhancing facial features and adding instant contrast. Whether you’re a brunette, blonde, or someone with a fashion color, money pieces work for everyone and require very little upkeep compared to all-over highlights.
7. Blushing Pastels
For those who love a soft, playful color, blushing pastels are the way to go. These muted, romantic hues offer a subtle twist on traditional fashion colors, making them more wearable and lower maintenance. Shades like peach blonde, soft lavender, and rose gold provide a dreamy, ethereal effect that’s perfect for those who want to experiment with color without going too bold. Unlike neon shades, pastels fade beautifully, allowing for a more effortless grow-out process.
In 2024, hair color trends are all about enhancing natural beauty with warm, dimensional tones. Whether you’re drawn to copper hues, rich brunettes, or soft blondes, there’s a trending shade that will suit your style while being easy to maintain.
3. What’s Out: Hair Colors That Are Fading Away
As 2024 hair trends embrace warm, low-maintenance tones, several once-popular hair colors are losing their appeal. High-maintenance shades, overly cool-toned colors, and extreme contrasts are being swapped for softer, more natural alternatives that enhance the hair’s health and allow for easier upkeep. Here’s a look at the hair colors that are falling out of favor and what’s replacing them.
1. High-Maintenance Platinum Blonde
For years, icy platinum blonde has been a statement color, but it comes with intense upkeep. Achieving and maintaining platinum requires frequent bleaching, toning, and deep conditioning, all of which can weaken the hair over time. The constant need for root touch-ups every few weeks makes this one of the most difficult shades to maintain, often leading to dryness, breakage, and increased salon visits.
In 2024, many are moving away from the harsh upkeep of platinum in favor of softer blonde tones. Nude blonde, honey blonde, and beige blonde are becoming more popular, offering a warmer, more natural look that blends effortlessly with different skin tones. These alternatives provide dimension and richness while requiring less bleaching and toning, making them a healthier and more practical option.
2. Cool-Toned Ash Colors
Ashy blondes and silvery grays have been a favorite in recent years, but their cool undertones can often wash out certain skin tones or make hair appear dull. These shades require regular toning treatments to maintain their cool, smoky finish, as natural hair color tends to pull warmer tones over time.
In contrast, warmer, golden, and caramel hues are taking over. Instead of flat, ashy colors, people are opting for soft golds, beige blondes, and honey hues, which add warmth and brightness to the complexion. These shades also allow for a more natural grow-out, reducing the need for frequent salon visits.
3. Overly Vibrant Fashion Colors
Neon pinks, electric blues, and deep purples had their moment, especially during the rise of bold, creative self-expression in hair color. However, these colors are notoriously difficult to maintain, as they tend to fade quickly and can turn patchy or uneven within a few washes. Maintaining vibrant colors also means frequent re-dyeing and color-refreshing treatments, which can dry out and weaken the hair over time.
Instead of bold, high-maintenance hues, 2024 is shifting toward softer, more wearable pastels. Blushing pinks, soft lilacs, and muted coppers are becoming the go-to choices, offering a trendy yet subtle pop of color that blends more seamlessly with natural tones. These shades fade more gracefully, allowing for a smoother transition without looking uneven or overly processed.
4. Harsh Ombré & Contrasting Roots
The dramatic high-contrast ombré trend, which features a stark transition from dark roots to light ends, is becoming outdated. While ombré was once a go-to style for those who wanted low-maintenance highlights, the sharp, unblended lines can sometimes make regrowth look unnatural and uneven. The high contrast between dark roots and bright blonde ends can also make hair appear dry or disconnected if not blended properly.
Instead, softer balayage and root drag techniques are taking over. These methods provide a seamless transition between the root and lighter ends, making regrowth look more natural. A root drag, for example, blends the natural root color into lighter strands using a gradient technique, allowing for a more effortless grow-out phase while maintaining depth and dimension. These softer alternatives create a lived-in, sun-kissed effect that looks fresh for months without the need for constant touch-ups.
The Shift Toward Effortless, Natural-Looking Hair
As hair color trends move toward warmer, dimensional, and lower-maintenance shades, the days of high-maintenance platinum, harsh ombré, and overly vibrant colors are fading. People are now prioritizing hair health and easy upkeep, opting for shades that enhance their natural tones while requiring fewer trips to the salon. Whether it’s rich, warm brunettes, golden blondes, or subtle pastel hues, 2024 is all about achieving effortless, blended, and naturally radiant hair colors.
4. Choosing the Right Hair Color for Your Skin Tone
Finding the perfect hair color isn’t just about following trends—it’s about selecting a shade that enhances your natural beauty. The right color will brighten your complexion, making your features stand out, while the wrong shade can make your skin appear dull or washed out. The key to choosing the best hair color is understanding your skin tone and undertones. Skin tones generally fall into three categories: warm, cool, and neutral. Each undertone complements specific hair colors, creating a harmonious balance between your skin and hair.
Warm Skin Tones
If your skin has golden, peachy, or yellow undertones, you likely have a warm skin tone. Warm-toned hair colors work best because they enhance the natural glow of your complexion and add depth and richness. Shades like golden blonde, caramel, and honey brown create a beautiful, sun-kissed effect that blends seamlessly with warm skin tones. These colors reflect light in a way that enhances warmth, making the skin look radiant and healthy.
For those who love red hues, copper and auburn shades are perfect choices. These rich, fiery tones intensify golden undertones and make warm complexions appear even more vibrant. If you prefer darker hair, warm espresso brown is a flattering choice that adds dimension without looking too harsh. However, it’s best to avoid cool-toned colors like ash blonde, platinum, or blue-black, as these can make warm skin appear washed out or sallow.
Cool Skin Tones
If your skin has pink, blue, or red undertones, you fall into the cool-toned category. The best hair colors for cool skin tones are those that counteract redness and bring balance to the complexion. Shades with cool or neutral undertones, like nude blonde and chocolate brown, work well to complement fair, cool-toned skin without overwhelming it.
For a bold, sophisticated look, cherry cola red is a great option. This deep, cool-toned red enhances fair and olive skin tones, adding a rich, multidimensional effect without making the skin look too flushed. Another striking choice is cool black or blue-black, which creates a high-contrast, elegant appearance. These deep, inky shades provide a sleek and polished look while complementing cool undertones.
To avoid clashing with cool skin tones, it’s best to stay away from warm, golden, or brassy hair colors. Shades with excessive warmth can exaggerate redness in the skin, making it look uneven or overly flushed. Sticking to cooler, more neutral hues ensures a balanced and flattering appearance.
Neutral Skin Tones
If your skin has a balance of both warm and cool undertones, you have a neutral skin tone, which means you have more flexibility when it comes to hair color choices. Neutral skin tones can wear both warm and cool shades without looking washed out, making it easier to experiment with different looks.
One of the best options for neutral skin tones is beige blonde, a shade that blends both warm and cool undertones for a soft, effortless effect. For those who prefer brunette hues, chestnut brown is an excellent choice, as it offers a balance of warmth and coolness, creating a rich and sophisticated look. If you’re drawn to red tones, mahogany red is a fantastic option because it combines warm and cool red hues, making it adaptable to neutral skin.
For an even more dynamic look, soft balayage can be a great way to incorporate different tones while maintaining a natural, blended effect. The key for neutral skin tones is to avoid extremes—colors that are too ashy or overly warm can overpower the skin’s natural balance. Instead, opting for shades with a mix of warm and cool undertones creates the most flattering and versatile result.
Final Tip: The Jewelry Test
If you’re unsure about your skin tone, one easy way to determine it is by using the jewelry test. If gold jewelry looks best on you, you likely have a warm undertone. If silver jewelry flatters your skin more, you probably have a cool undertone. If both gold and silver look equally good, you likely have a neutral undertone.
By choosing a hair color that aligns with your skin’s undertones, you can achieve a naturally flattering look that enhances your features and complements your complexion. Whether you prefer warm, cool, or neutral shades, the right hair color can make a significant difference in your overall appearance, helping you feel more confident and radiant.
5. How to Maintain Trendy Hair Colors
Keeping your hair color vibrant requires the right care routine. Whether you’ve gone for copper, honey blonde, cherry red, or pastels, following these tips will help extend the life of your trendy hair color while keeping your hair healthy.
1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Regular shampoos with sulfates strip away natural oils and fade color quickly. Instead, choose a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo that gently cleanses without dulling your shade.
Pro tip: If you have red or pastel tones, use a color-depositing shampoo once a week to refresh your hue.
2. Refresh Color with Tinted Conditioners & Glosses
Color-depositing conditioners and gloss treatments help maintain your shade between salon visits. These products revive vibrancy, prevent brassiness, and add shine without requiring a full recoloring session.
· For blondes: Use a purple or blue conditioner to neutralize yellow or brassy tones.
· For reds & coppers: A red-enhancing gloss keeps shades rich and fiery.
· For pastels & vibrant hues: Mix a bit of semi-permanent dye with conditioner for a DIY refresh.
3. Protect Hair from Heat Damage
Excessive heat styling can break down color molecules, leading to faster fading. Always use a heat protectant spray before using flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers.
Better alternatives:
1. Let your hair air dry when possible.
2. Use low-heat settings when styling.
4. Limit Washing to 2-3 Times Per Week
Frequent washing strips hair color faster, especially with fashion shades like red, pastel, or platinum. To extend your color:
· Wash your hair only 2-3 times a week.
· Use dry shampoo between washes to keep hair fresh.
· Rinse with cool or lukewarm water—hot water opens the cuticle and washes color out faster.
5. Deep Condition Weekly
Color-treated hair needs extra moisture and nourishment to stay soft and healthy. Use a deep conditioning mask or hair oil once a week to:
· Prevent dryness and breakage.
· Restore shine and hydration.
· Protect color-treated strands from damage.
Final Tip: If your hair color starts to look dull or faded, book a gloss treatment at the salon or do an at-home color refresh with a tinted conditioner.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your trendy hair color looking fresh, bold, and beautiful for weeks!
6. Celebrity Hair Color Inspirations for 2024
Looking for hair color inspiration? Celebrities are setting the tone for 2024 with rich, dimensional, and effortlessly chic shades. Here are the top celebrity-inspired hair colors to try this year.
Hailey Bieber: Warm Chocolate Brown with Caramel Highlights
Why it’s trending: This rich brunette shade with subtle caramel highlights adds warmth and depth without high maintenance.
Best for: Medium to dark hair looking for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
How to maintain: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and occasional gloss treatments to keep the color vibrant.
Zendaya: Rich Auburn and Copper Tones
Why it’s trending: Warm red tones like auburn and copper are making a comeback for their bold yet natural feel.
Best for: Those who want to add warmth and intensity to their look.
How to maintain: Red shades fade fast, so use a color-depositing conditioner and wash with cold water.
Beyoncé: Golden Honey Blonde
Why it’s trending: This sun-kissed blonde is perfect for brightening up any complexion while staying soft and dimensional.
Best for: Those transitioning from cool blondes to warmer, low-maintenance tones.
How to maintain: Use purple shampoo sparingly to tone brassiness while keeping golden warmth intact.
Gigi Hadid: Nude Blonde with Soft Dimension
Why it’s trending: This natural blonde blend mixes cool and warm tones for a low-maintenance, effortless look.
Best for: Blonde lovers who want something softer and more versatile.
How to maintain: Use hydrating glosses and a toning shampoo to keep the balance between cool and warm hues.
Megan Fox: Cherry Cola Red
Why it’s trending: Deep burgundy-red shades are bold, sultry, and flattering on cool and olive skin tones.
Best for: Brunettes looking to experiment with red hues.
How to maintain: Use color-safe shampoos, avoid heat styling, and refresh with red-tinted masks.
From warm brunette and blonde shades to bold red hues, 2024’s celebrity hair trends focus on natural warmth and depth. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and follow proper maintenance routines to keep your color looking fresh and vibrant!
7. FAQs – Your Hair Color Questions Answered
Got questions about hair color? Here are the top FAQs to help you maintain vibrant, long-lasting color.
How often should I refresh my balayage?
For a low-maintenance look, touch up your balayage every 3-4 months. This technique is designed to grow out seamlessly, reducing the need for frequent salon visits.
What’s the best way to prevent color fade?
Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo, limit washing to 2-3 times per week, and avoid excessive heat styling. Always use a heat protectant before using hot tools.
Can I dye my hair at home?
Yes, but techniques like balayage and root drag require skill and precision for a natural blend. If you're inexperienced, it’s best to see a professional colorist to avoid patchy results.
Are pastel colors hard to maintain?
Yes, pastel shades like pink, lavender, and peach fade quickly. To keep the color fresh, use tinted conditioners or color-depositing masks and wash with cold water.
What’s the best hair color for low maintenance?
Balayage, root smudge, and soft brunettes grow out naturally with minimal touch-ups, making them ideal for low-maintenance color.
Can I go blonde without damaging my hair?
Blonde hair requires bleach, which can weaken strands. To minimize damage, deep condition weekly, use bond-repairing treatments, and choose a professional colorist for the lightening process.
How do I keep red hair from fading too fast?
Red hair fades faster than most colors. Use red-tinted shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive washing, and protect your hair from sun exposure.
What’s the difference between balayage and ombré?
Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a soft, natural blend. Ombré has a more defined color transition from dark to light.
Can I cover gray hair with balayage?
Yes! Balayage blends grays naturally instead of completely covering them, creating a soft, dimensional effect.
From maintenance tips to color longevity, these FAQs will help you keep your hair color looking fresh, vibrant, and healthy!
8. Conclusion
The 2024 hair color trends are all about warm, natural hues and effortless beauty. From rich chocolate brown to fiery copper red and sun-kissed honey blonde, there’s a shade to suit every skin tone and style preference.
Unlike previous years of high-maintenance platinum and cool-toned ash, this year’s trends embrace dimensional, low-maintenance colors that grow out beautifully. Techniques like balayage, root drag, and face-framing highlights make it easier than ever to keep your hair looking fresh without constant salon visits.
To maintain your trendy shade, follow a color-friendly routine:
✔️ Use sulfate-free shampoo to prevent fading.
✔️ Limit washing to 2-3 times per week to keep color vibrant.
✔️ Deep condition weekly to maintain shine and health.
✔️ Protect your hair from heat & UV exposure to prevent dullness.
✔️ Use tinted conditioners or glosses for color refreshes between appointments.
Whether you’re drawn to bold reds, golden blondes, or rich brunettes, there’s a trendy hair color waiting for you in 2024. By choosing the right shade and using proper care techniques, you can enjoy a salon-fresh look all year long—without the extra upkeep!