From almond butter swirl to ‘bropper’, these are the 7 hair colours that are set to dominate 2026

Thinking of following in the footsteps of Sabrina Carpenter or Jennifer Lawrence? This is the year that blonde shades will resemble your morning latte “Expect a rise in soft, buttery blondes and warm beiges,” says Jo O’Neill, international technical educational director for Toni&Guy. “Blondes will be multidimensional, natural-looking blends with subtle lowlights and less harsh contrast, more depth and softness,” she adds. Sorry, icy blondes, but we’re leaving you in 2025.

There’s an added bonus. “Golden tones and auburn lights are ultra-healthy looking,” says Siobhan Haug, colourist at Haug London Haus .“They fill the hair shaft with pigment, making strands fuller, healthier and brighter,” she adds.

You guessed it: this hybrid colour is a mix of brunette and copper – ideal for those who want a bit of warmth without committing to being a redhead. “When the light hits it, it illuminates the darker tones with warmth, creating a rich, glowing finish that feels modern, dimensional and incredibly luxurious,” says Joe Hill, Aveda International technical hair colour manager.

This shade is more versatile than you might think. “Soft copper-brown (light auburn) is a gentle copper that suits so many skin tones. It adds warmth and glow without committing to a full copper transformation,” according to Cyd Deathridge, colourist at Nicola Clarke.

We’re a world obsessed with food (for good reason). From gourmand fragrance trends to lipsticks inspired by our go-to snacks (hello, toasted make-up), it’s something that’s now coming for our hair. “Rich, molten expensive brunettes such as deep chocolate, mocha and espresso tones, which offer a luminous, glossy dimension,” says O’Neill.

Essentially, look to a chocolate box for your next inspiration, according to Jay Blitsas, colourist at Larry King South Kensington, “Brandy buttercream, rich chocolate swirl, smooth hazelnut praline; the biggest link we’re seeing at the moment is hair colour related to food. These tones all create a mood which is integral to the way you feel. Rich, cosy and expressive.”

If you don’t want to go quite as rich, there’s a lighter option available. Almond butter swirl is another foodie shade that Blitsas predicts will be all the rage. “Caramel brunette or warm brown with soft highlights will also be popular, giving a subtle glow and natural movement rather than stark, flat brown. If you have brunette hair and want to enhance its richness without it looking flat or dull,” says O’Neill. She recommends a tint for this type of colour, as radiant shine is key to this trend. 

If you’re looking to go even darker, this is a shade to have on your radar. “Onyx brunette is the perfect 2026 dark shade, full of rich depth with a light movement,” says Haug⁠. “Think charcoal tones, soft plummy undertones, and that ultra-reflective gloss finish - it’s a dark shade that feels expensive, not dull.⁠ ⁠A perfect balance of intensity and refinement,” she says. This is as luxe as hair colours get.

“We have seen a lot of deeper shades softened with subtle highlights. Forget that, it’s time to commit and go fully dark,” says James Samuel, colourist at Hershesons. The key to nailing this look is aiming for healthy-looking hair that has a satin effect, according to Deathridge: “A rich brown with cool, velvety undertones and lots of depth. It gives that mirror effect ‘expensive hair’ look without feeling too heavy or dark.”

‘Hair contouring’ might have been a buzzword for 2025, but it’s getting an upgrade for next year. “Money piece highlights are something I’m ready to say goodbye to,” says Samuel. However, there is a solution. “Aspect lights are a controlled modern update on what was essentially a focus on face framing,” says Haug. “Aspect lights don’t just frame the face, but illuminate the areas that light just doesn’t catch, causing darker areas and pockets of negative space that can make hair look dull,” she says. Hair colour just got smart. 

Balyage and highlights may have their time in the sun, but there’s a new colour technique we’ll all be craving. “Seamless blends from root to tip give hair a soft gradient rather than high contrast stripes,” says O’Neill. “We will see creative colour re-emerging with subtle metallics, soft pastel undertones, providing a statement without going too bold,” she adds.

Similar to aspect lights, this trend allows you to subtly play with light to create shadows and even face-framing highlights. “I appreciate hair colours that look ‘real’ but polished. Kind of like skin that’s been beautifully bronzed or dewy, not obviously ‘done’,” says Blitsas.