When millions of people are staring at their reflections through a matrix of pixels on Google Hangouts every day, it’s only a matter of time before those square boxes begin to inform the next big trends – even when it comes to the hair colours. It is 2021, after all, a year where the key to survival is expecting the unexpected.
“Obviously, there will always be your basic colours – your reds, your browns, and your blondes – but what we’re seeing now is more of those ‘trend’ colours,” said master stylist Edward Tricomi of Warren Tricomi salons in NYC. (Translation: those bold, bright hues you might have otherwise been too hesitant to try in seasons past.) “The reason behind this is that people are thinking, I’m at home; nobody’s really seeing me; I’m on Zoom calls all day; what better time to experiment and put some pink streaks in my hair? We’re seeing more of those types of experimental hair colours right now because it’s fun and you can get away with it. Why not?”
I see clients taking advantage of this time to experiment with their look due to the pandemic.
Chassidy Mickale Woods, hairstylist and ORS Haircare consultant, echoed that sentiment. “Bold colours aren’t getting the side-eye like they used to and self-expression is much more acceptable,” she added. “People want to make sure their profile is being noticed, especially now when most work is done virtually, or to have more playful hair while they are out wearing their mask. I see clients taking advantage of this time to experiment with their look.”
What might that look like in the coming months, exactly? According to Tricomi and Woods, this includes more saturated shades like blue and pink (and more), in varying depth and boldness. Both recommend trying a temporary colour before going in for the real deal to reference it against your skin tone; Woods likes the ORS Color Blast Temporary Hair Waxes for that reason. When you’re going the permanent route, though, seek the help of a pro: “You will always get a better colour job at a salon – first because you have a professional doing it, and second, they know how to work with the products in a more meaningful way,” said Tricomi.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration (or could just use a break before your 6 p.m. work call) we’re breaking down the four hair trends worth bringing to the salon this winter. Just remember: “Have fun with your colour,” said Woods. “It’s just hair.”
Getty / Jeremy Moeller
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Bombshell Gold
If you’re not a bold type, that’s not a problem – just ask your colourist to weave in golden tones throughout the hair instead. “I’ve noticed the request for more highlights and ‘something to give my look a pop’ from clients,” said Woods. “This colour is great for my more reserved clients but can also be bold enough for the client who is more free-spirited.”
Getty / Daniel Zuchnik
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Bombshell Gold
Getty / Claudio Lavenia
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Red Clay
“I have been working a lot with earth tones,” colourist Jeremy Tardo told POPSUGAR, adding that Tardo the “red clay” colour was an earthy “copper with depth.” Not only does this shade look stunning the second you walk out of the salon but it also looks more natural as it fades.
“This look works well for you if you have dark or light hair that you want to change up and brighten,” he said. Those with a lighter skin tone should go for strawberry and light copper hues; darker skin tones should opt for auburn and rich copper shades.
Getty / Melodie Jeng
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Red Clay
Getty / Edward Berthelot
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Red Clay
Getty / Kirstin Sinclair
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Blue Wave
When it comes to the most-requested hair colour of late, Woods says this cool hue wins by a landslide. “Blue is a color that complements most skin tones and can be blended in easily with [a client’s] natural hair colour,” she said. “During this pandemic, consumers are becoming more in-tune with themselves and the colour blue symbolises confidence and wisdom. This is going to be a continuous trend in self-growth, and hair colour can be an expression of that.”
Getty / Kirstin Sinclair
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Blue Wave
Getty / Edward Berthelot
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Pops of Pink
Like Tricomi and Woods predicted, this colour will continue to trend well into the new year. “This colour is always so fun when you are feeling playful,” said Woods.
Even better? You can adjust the tone of pink depending on your personal preference – whether it’s a subtle ballerina pink or vibrant fuchsia, it’s guaranteed to look great at every stage of washing out regardless of what you choose.
Getty / Edward Berthelot
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Pops of Pink
Getty / Kirstin Sinclair
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Pops of Pink
Getty / Edward Berthelot
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Honey Accents
“Brunette hair is getting a glow up,” said Tardo. The key to the “honey accents” hair colour is adding organic, natural-looking light hues throughout dark hair.
“It’s perfect for you if you have dark hair that you want to lighten without too much damage,” he said. “Ask for a golden brown base color with fine lighter accents.”
Getty / Jeremy Moeller
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Honey Accents
Getty / Christian Vierig
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Amethyst Purple
That’s right: it’s not just faded pink and blue that’ll be bold and big during the winter season. Purple hues will also be very on trend (and easy to maintain) these next few months. Oh, wait, don’t go!
“Purple to me is the colour of mystery, creativity, and can be very seductive,” said Woods. “It evokes romance, fantasy, and also sophistication. I love this colour.”
Getty / Kirstin Sinclair
Winter Hair Colour Trend: Amethyst Purple
