The Pros Have Spoken: 8 Hair Color Trends That Will Define 2026

With 2026 in full swing, odds are you’re looking to make a few changes in the new year. For some, it looks like starting fresh with a new haircut, but anyone who dyes their hair frequently knows that a color change can be just as effective. Of course, hair trends come and go throughout the years, so it’s only natural to be curious about what’s to be expected in the coming months.

To get the inside scoop, I chatted with three professional hairstylists including Philip Downing, Creative Director at Bed Head, Elisha Smith, and Nick Stenson to find out exactly what’s popping off. Spoiler: you’ve already seen a few inspo looks on recent red carpets worn by A-listers like Bella Hadid, Zendaya, and Hailey Bieber. Read on for all the details.

No surprises here! Espresso has been a powerhouse color for a few months, and you can expect to see more of it this year. “For Darker hair, this will be a luxe update across brunette and black tones,” says Downing. “Mocha Mousse was Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2025, and this ‘coffee/espresso’ tone will be an extension.” Downing likes this color especially on waves and curly hair since movement in the hair allows tones like this one to pop and diffuse at the same time. They also provide a gloss.

This specific warm tone reflects that of (you guessed it) teakwood. “Similar to the espresso trend, this is a low maintenance color as it grows out effortlessly, particularly if blended beautifully into natural tones already within the hair,” says Downing. “Think of a blend of caramel and honey tones which sits perfectly next to natural warmer tones in the hair.” This color, worn on celebs like Bella Hadid, and most recently, Jennifer Lawrence, has a truly luxurious look to it.

When it comes to blondes, sustainability and hair health should always be a top priority. “[Buttery tones] endorse a slight warmth and dimension to the overall color, but can be blended or balayaged in to diffuse and prompt a low maintenance grow out,” says Downing. He adds that they key is keeping hair health to “banish unwanted brassy tones and keep the cuticle smooth to promote shine.

Virgin hair, also known as untreated hair, is becoming more popular in the sense that the natural color isn’t fully changed, just slightly accentuated. “This could be an overall gloss added to the hair for condition and shine, or the gentlest of highlights or low-lights to add dimension to beautiful natural hair tones,” says Downing. This look on Daisy Edgar Jones is the perfect example.