As the new year unfolds, the prospect of change beckons, offering endless opportunities to explore the unexpected — beginning with a hair transformation. Whether you’ve already embraced the boldness of a bob or flirted with the allure of the “butterfly cut,” if January finds you yearning for inspiration, a color refresh might be just the thing.
While 2023’s trending shades like “jet brunette” and “bambi blonde” kept us satiated, London’s foremost colorists suggest a fresh spectrum of hues poised to dominate salons in 2024. From low-maintenance “mushroom brown” to the ethereal charm of “opalizing,” the forecast promises something for everyone. Here’s a glimpse of the upcoming trends to fuel your hair color aspirations.
1. Mushroom Brown:
For those hesitant about frequent salon visits, “mushroom brown” emerges as a low-maintenance, cool-toned, earthy brunette. Stéphane Ferraira, senior colorist at Live True London, champions this natural shade, emphasizing minimal upkeep with a touch of balayage or highlights.
2. Baby Balayage:
Cyd Charisse, hair colorist and Hairstory contributor, foresees a revival of traditional balayage with a delicate twist in 2024. Dubbed “baby balayage,” it entails finely hand-painted highlights at the tips, creating a chic, effortless, and naturally dimensional look.
3. Copper Apricot:
Described as a “tangy” shade merging apricot, strawberry, and peach tones, “copper apricot” is set to make waves. This versatile hue can be worn as balayage or all-over color, offering a vibrant yet low-maintenance option.
4. Expensive Brunette:
The reign of “expensive brunette” continues into 2024, defined by rich, opulent brunette shades exuding a glossy finish. Characterized by “quiet luxury,” this trend emphasizes the importance of maintaining hair in top condition.
5. Caramelized Peach:
Occupying a space between blonde, brunette, and copper, “caramelized peach” offers a unique and balanced option. Darijo, artistic director at Gielly Green, recommends this shade for its suitability across various personalities and haircut styles.
6. Opalizing:
According to Zoë Irwin, editorial, color, and trend ambassador for Matrix Haircare, “opalizing” redefines platinum blonde by incorporating subtle blue, violet, and pink tones. This technique creates a multidimensional effect resembling an opal stone, demanding regular maintenance for optimal brightness.
7. Atomic Blonde:
Embracing “deep teasing,” “atomic blonde” involves using natural color at the root, seamlessly melting into mid-lengths and ends at different levels. This approach accommodates individuals with dark hair, brows, and eyes, as showcased by Reggie Graham.
8. Grey Contouring:
Grey takes center stage in 2024, with “grey contouring” making a bold statement. This trend involves dyeing specific sections of hair to stand out, offering a contemporary and intentional use of gray tones.
9. Root Melting:
Jennifer Covington-Bowers notes the rise of “root melting,” a graduated, dark-to-light look starting at the roots and flowing seamlessly into the mid-lengths. This technique reduces the appearance of regrowth, making it a low-maintenance option.
10. Champagne Blonde:
Francesca Spirito from Neil Moodie Studio predicts a shift towards warmer, golden hues with “champagne blonde.” This rich and honey-caramel vibe offers a slightly less noticeable regrowth compared to cooler blonde tones.
11. Smoked Lavender:
Lilac-grey tones take center stage with “smoked lavender,” a head-turning and flattering shade according to Zoë Irwin. The growing expertise in working with gray shades is anticipated to elevate gray specialists to the prominence of balayage specialists.
12. Sonic Silver:
Inspired by the Paco Rabanne and H&M collaboration, “sonic silver” emerges as a designer-driven tone. Described as “beige, silver ash,” this trend, brought to life by hairdresser Miki, blends nostalgia with modernity.
13. Midnight Navy:
Incorporating blue within a gray palette, “midnight navy” is predicted to be a standout tone in 2024. Ideal for textured hair and curls, this shade imparts an intense shine, as exemplified by Grace Francis in a post by Michelle Thompson on Instagram.
The canvas of 2024 promises a kaleidoscope of hair color trends, offering a diverse range of options for those seeking a vibrant and transformative journey through their locks. Get ready to make a statement with your hair this year!
