From gem-inspired hues and sombre to everlasting dark brown and honey shades, here’s a round up of About Her’s favourite hair colour trends this season.
A fresh season calls for a fresh breeze in the hair colour department and spring/summer is always a particularly exciting time for that. Guru colourists have decided to mix things up, so whether you feel like making a subtle or bold move, you’re sure to find something suitable for the coming sunny months.
Balayage
The hair colouring technique where the hair formula is applied straight onto the hair rather than the classic foil route is growing from strength to strength. That’s because different varieties of the French trend are emerging. A-listers like Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba go for the bronde version and an additional take on the “free-form” technique that can focus on specific patterns and target areas is the tiger eye balayage. The gorgeous mix of caramel and deep brown highlights, think J.Lo and Sofia Vergara, complements warm brunette tones. So If you want a soft or strong, natural sun-kissed look, balayage is perfect. What’s more, it looks great on most hair lengths, can be warm, neutral or cool and is easy to maintain.
Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba and Sofia Vergara
Colour Me Wonderful
Pastel ice cream hair has been a summer hit for a while, as it’s a great way to spruce up your locks without any commitments. Pink is always au courant and thanks to the denim hair trend, which includes colours ranging from stonewash, grey, and indigo to deep-sea blue, pastel blues are also big. Blorange, a mix of blonde and orange, is also a major colour contender in the colour competition. The mix of pink, golden and peachy shades adds a touch of fun and even brunettes can get some dip dyed streaks.
As we’ve seen on social media, celebrities and bloggers haven’t been afraid to try a mix of rainbow colours. Whether it’s Bella Thorne opting for pink, green and blue or Pink’s blue and pink dip dye, My Little Pony coloured hair is refreshingly different. Most recently, toddler-approved rainbow roots have been taking over Instagram.
So has geode hair, the style that imitates the colours and depth of the crystal. It’s all about applying soft purple and blue tones in an ombré -like fashion, although some are going for a brighter take with colours like pink and green.
Rose Gold
We love rose gold jewellery and iPhones, but it’s time to crush on rosy-tinted tresses. The pinky metallic hue is taking Instagram by storm, and stars like Gigi Hadid, Emma Roberts and Ella Fanning have been seen rocking it. What’s more, the beautiful coppery red tone with hints of gold and rose is one of the most wearable trends that allows you to make a statement in a subtle way. It’s perfect for blondes, and brunettes look great with rose gold highlights, with a focus on the tips. While it generally looks better on dark eyed women as well as those with a yellow based skin tone, an experienced colourist can adjust the hues to make it appealing on just about anyone. Whether you die all your hair, add some streaks, try two tones or coat the ends, you’re sure to find a way for this trend, which is here to stay, to suit you.
Emma Roberts
Sombre
We’ve all heard of ombré hair, but this summer it’s the softer version called sombre that’s on everyone’s lips. Dark roots appear less harsh as the hue found at the roots is subtly interlaced throughout the hair, so there’s less of a contrast. Plus, natural roots give it low-maintenance appeal. Several shades and tones are used to add dimension and texture and opting for a few shades lighter and darker than your natural colour will complement your skin tone. Sombre is perfect for blondes, but can also be flattering on brunettes, especially with warm tones like honey and caramel.
Red
Thanks to so many redheads being nominated during the awards season, it’s a dominant spring colour. There are a lot of variations, but copper undertones seem to be stealing the limelight. If you have a fair complexion, the warmer, more intense copper shades will suit you perfectly, notice the way Amy Adams’s warm copper highlights keep her skin from looking washed out? Those with warm skin tones are better off going for an auburn tint. For blonde women who would like to test out red, a strawberry golden blonde, which adds a warm glow, is the way to go. If you’re a natural redhead it’s your season to shine au natural, but if you want to have a bit of a change, adding some babylights is one of the best ways. When it comes down to it, red hair should be vibrant, voluminous and natural looking.
Emma Stone, Amy Adams and Jessica Chastain
Dark Brown|
Warmer temperatures usually propel us to lighten up, but darker colours like chocolate, mocha, cocoa or espresso don’t clash with all the bright colours and bold prints we love wearing. Plus, they exude Old Hollywood glam, will never die and suit everyone. If you have a light to golden complexion, try a milk chocolate hue, but if you have olive skin, opt for a deeper one, like Kendall Jenner.
If you’re a natural brown and need a change, a cut with bangs and a bob give off a fresh, retro look. Subtle highlights are another big trend this season and look great with dark hair. Jourdan Dunn, Emily Ratajkowski and Joan Smalls’s fine highlights show their multi-dimensional effects and how they add a warm pop up colour.
Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and Kerry Washington
Honey
A warm honey colour, which is somewhere between brown and blonde, is a wonderful summer option. The classic neutral, which can come in many variations, suits everyone. A soft one tone honey or light, golden toffee blonde seems to be heading this trend. If you prefer something a littler deeper, but just as sweet, think along the lines of burnt caramel. Here again, delicate highlights can add dimension and warmth to liven up olive tones, even if it’s a minimal addition.
Jennifer Lopez
Ash Blonde
This neutral ash colour is probably the easiest way to go blonde. Additionally, an earthy/sandy tone is edgy yet stylish. The paler and cooler version of the blonde spectrum has warm and cool tones, making it flattering for many, especially those with neutral and golden complexions and naturally blonde hair. If you have a cool skin tone, be careful not to make it let you look drab or washed out. One way of perfecting it is to create a monochromatic look for your skin and hair.