If 2025 was all about bold colours, the hair colour trends of 2026 are taking a more relaxed vibe. No matter which shade you opt for, experts agree that many of the colours that we’ll see everywhere will be about adding warm and deep tones to bring down some of the brightness in vibrant shades for something more natural-looking.
We’ve got all shades of red (amber, copper, cherry) trending next year with a darker base for some balance. Even blonde shades will look warmer and more lived-in. 2026 is really more about healthy, shiny hair and that’s something we are totally down for.
Below are the nine hair colour trends experts predict will be huge next year. Save this for the next time you see your colourist.
Inky Black
Celebrity colourist Evanie Frausto says that less bleaching is the way to go for 2026 and that we’re going to be seeing more glossing with hair so that it looks healthy on camera. Rich in colour and shine, an inky black is one of the shades Frausto says to look out for next year.
Cherry Mocha
Kaeding describes a cherry mocha as a shade that has a deep red or copper tint, but with a brunette base. “Warmth is layered with the brunette base, so it isn’t loud and doesn’t vibrate,” she explains. "This shade will be deeply polished and sultry.”
Bronde Blends
If blonde and brunette had a low-maintenance love child, this would be it. Brondes are a seamless blend of soft blonde ribbons melted into a brunette base, designed to grow out beautifully. You skew towards honey, biscuit or caramel tones for that expensive-looking colour. Perfect for anyone who wants great dimension.
Red Velvet
Perry says to think of red velvet as “colour melted” and calls it a soft brunette with warm rouge-toned reflection. To keep that shade vibrant, she says that great hair always starts with scalp care; it keeps a balanced and healthy scalp while also making sure hair isn’t full of debris and other pollutants, she says.
Burnt Copper
Frausto also sees a burnt copper shade being huge in 2026. If you want to add highlights for added definition, he says you’ll want tiny ones to move with the cut. And again, it’s all about hair looking healthy and polished.
Tuscan Leather
Celebrity hairstylist and colourist Dimitris Giannetos describes this shade as “a warm, golden brunette.” Giannetos says you’ll find hints of gold undertones (a blonde espresso or subtle caramel) to get that finish. “[It] feels timeless but modern,” he says. “Perfect for someone who wants to incorporate more colour into their hair without going too dark.”
Wine Brunette
Similar to cherry mocha, Kaeding says a wine brunette will have that dark base that is slightly brightened by a deeper red or copper tint. To keep that shade looking vibrant and hair healthy when you use styling tools, you’ll want to use a heat protectant.
Amber Glow
The general consensus is that red shades will have a moment in 2026. Giannetos says amber glow has that amber base that’s infused with soft copper highlights for that sun-kissed look. “It feels rich and luminous,” he says. “Instantly elevating the hair with bold warmth.”
Champagne Brunette
Celebrity colourist Jenna Perry describes champagne brunette as a toned-down blonde with your natural roots fading into highlighted ends. Darker and more toned-down will be a major theme for all hair colours we see next year, especially for blondes. “De-blonding was huge in 2025 and we’re going to continue to see a huge surge of low-maintenance blondes and brondes,” says Perry.
Ice Beige Blonde
Celebrity colourist Cass Kaeding describes ice beige blonde as having a “buttery, cool champagne undertone.”
“It’s a mix of warm and cool tones, but warmth without brassiness,” Kaeding tells Vogue. “The pinch of gold helps the blonde to look brighter, healthier and more flattering across many skin tones.”
For the best care of this colour (and any colour you choose), she says it’s important to keep up with your gloss treatments between colour appointments. “A gloss can work wonders,” she says. “It will keep your hair looking shiny, refreshed and healthy. I recommend glossing three to four weeks after your last appointment.”
This article first appeared on Vogue.com
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