The 2026 Hair Trend Predictions: Trending colours, techniques, and insights

What are your biggest hair colour trend predictions for 2026?

 “I think we’ll see more lived-in, blended colour. Dimensional and glossy finishes that give an expensive feel, but with low-maintenance upkeep.”

 “Natural-looking colour will dominate. Soft neutrals, glossy finishes, and dimensional brunettes, coppers, and blondes that feel expensive but low-maintenance.”

 “2026 is all about embracing natural texture. We’re going to see more people choosing styles that work with their hair rather than against it. The dramatic bob will continue to be a major trend, now paired with effortless layers and soft, wispy bangs for that lived-in movement. In terms of colour, blondes are shifting to a more natural, low-maintenance look, so less reaching for the lightener and more enhancing what you’ve already got. Colour melting will be huge, creating soft dimension by using tones from the same family at different levels.”

 “I predict a shift towards soft colour that aligns with the Pantone Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. Colour that feels effortless yet elevated. Think airy, milky blondes, creamy neutrals, and pearlescent hues that reflect light beautifully without harsh brightness. For brunettes, I see mochas becoming increasingly popular. I can see us reaching for rich red and violet tones supported by soft gold for depth and multi-tonal dimension at every level.”

What colour & techniques would you like to see more of in 2026?

 “Seamless blends, dimensional colour, face-framing, and gloss finishes that enhance shine and elevate the overall look.”

 “More face-framing contouring, micro-foiling, and seamless blending, paired with glossy toners that enhance shine without overprocessing.”

 “I’d love to see more cool and warm together, a cool neutral root tap with a warm creamy mid to end that creates seamless, low-maintenance brightness. Techniques that prioritise hair health, like gloss services that leave a soft tone that adds high condition and shine. I would like to see more muted pastels, they are soft, low maintenance, but really pretty on the hair.”

What colour trends would you like to see make a comeback?

 “ Definitely beige and warm blondes, chocolate browns, and peach and rose gold tones.”

 “Cool beige blondes, rich chocolate browns, and modern, refined takes on 90s colour blocking.”

 “2026 is set for a metallic revival. I think we’ll see cool metallic silvers and muted chrome tones.”

 “I would like to see more multi-dimensional colour in 2026, combine cool and warmth with subtle money pieces, soft face-framing highlights complemented by soft undertones that play with depth and light, cool and warmth. Not flat, ashy cool, more milky, pearly hues in cool hair. Also, brunettes, playing with warmer and cooler mochas, enhancing the violet to create more of a mushroom vibe.”

And what don’t you want to see return?

 “Ashy blondes on compromised hair and chunky highlights or lowlights.”

 “Chunky streaks with no blend, over-ashy toners, and over-bleached platinum that sacrifices condition.”

 “Over-processed white hair. Go shorter, keep it healthy, and choose softer, brighter blondes instead.”

 “Block flat colouring, I am heading towards more multi-dimensional, soft luminous tones that enhance and work beautifully with texture in hair. I would like to see less ultra-ashy, overly matte tones that can make hair look lifeless. Instead, add a small amount of soft gold or copper to give more reflection and create a more elevated, expensive result. More luminous, soft, wearable colour that enhances natural tones that looks luxurious!”

Let’s recap what’s coming to salons in 2026…

• Soft, elevated colour inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year

• Low maintenance, but keeping it luxurious

• Multi-dimensional everything!

• Gloss & shine

• It’s time to move away from the extreme!