Calico hair is one of the the hottest hair color trends making waves on social media. Inspired by the striking tri-colored fur of calico cats, this hair trend blends black, blonde, and fiery copper or red tones for a look that is bold, creative, and completely unique.
Discover the top calico hair ideas for 2025 and show off your personality and experiment with color in a fresh, modern way!
What Is Calico Hair?
Calico hair is a gorgeous, multi-tonal hair color that takes inspiration from the signature fur pattern of calico cats. Typically, this trend incorporates shades of black or brown, blonde, and various tones of orange or red. The result is a head-turning, multifaceted look that's as unique as the feline inspiration behind it.
What makes calico hair color so exciting is how customizable it is. You can choose bold, chunky sections for a statement look, go for delicate highlights that peek through your natural shade, or even add a striking money piece in a contrasting color.
💡 Pro Tip: You can preview all of these looks with YouCam Makeup’s hair color try-on feature in just a few taps. It lets you see how calico hair color combinations look on you before visiting the salon. Perfect for experimenting risk-free!
11 Bold Calico Hair Trends Everyone Is Talking About
Ready to try the calico hair trend but not sure where to start? Here are 11 creative calico hair ideas that are blowing up on TikTok and Instagram.
- Chunky Calico Highlights
- Calico Money Piece
- Calico Bob
- Platinum and Red Calico Highlights
- Calico Wolf Cut
- Subtle Calico Hair
- Small Highlight Details
- Curly Calico Bob
- Red Statement Strand
- Split Money Piece
- Statement Strands
Chunky Calico Highlights
Source: TikTok @treasurelapadura
Big, bold sections of red, black, and blonde create a high-contrast look that’s impossible to miss. This is perfect if you want your calico hair to make a dramatic statement.
Calico Money Piece
Source: TikTok @scenesweetheart
Add instant brightness with a bold blonde or copper money piece that frames your face. This subtle but striking twist is a favorite on social media.
Calico Bob
Source: TikTok @jubacolorida
This short and chic calico bob layers red and blonde highlights over a black base for a playful, sophisticated vibe.
Platinum and Red Calico Highlights
Source: TikTok @blockedbybre
If you love contrast, try mixing platinum blonde with deep red and black for a modern, edgy take on the calico hair color trend.
Calico Wolf Cut
Source: Instagram @zoedoesyourhair
The trendy wolf cut meets the calico look with layers of copper red, blonde, and black for a fierce, textured style that turns heads.
Subtle Calico Hair
Source: Instagram @styledartistry_byabbeyrose
For a softer take, weave fine blonde and black highlights through copper-toned hair for just a hint of calico-inspired dimension.
Small Highlight Details
Source: Instagram @hairxwiches
Tiny blonde highlights scattered throughout a red base add dimension without overpowering your natural color, perfect if you’re testing the waters.
Curly Calico Bob
Source: Instagram @huesbychy
Calico hair isn’t just for straight styles. A curly bob with black, red, and blonde streaks adds depth and makes your curls pop.
Red Statement Strand
Source: Instagram @meganmade_
Not ready for a full head of calico? Add a single bold red strand to give your hairstyle an instant focal point.
Split Money Piece
Source: Instagram @georgeeblancoo
For those who love symmetry, try a split money piece with one side blonde and the other black. It’s bold, edgy, and very TikTok-approved.
Statement Strands
Source: Instagram @lorettamarie_hair
Two blonde-and-black face-framing strands can instantly transform your look and give you a playful nod to the calico trend without going all in.
Best Hair Color App to Try On Calico Hair
Not ready to book a salon appointment just yet? You can see how calico hair color looks on you in seconds with the YouCam Makeup's hair color try-on tool.
The hair color changer let you try on dozens of hairstyles and over 150 hair colors; including black, blonde, copper, and red, so you can mix and match to create your perfect calico-inspired look. It’s the easiest way to experiment with bold color combinations before making the leap.
Calico Hair Color FAQs
What is calico hair color?
Calico hair color is a bold, multi-tonal style inspired by the tri-colored fur of calico cats. It usually combines black or deep brown, blonde, and warm tones like copper or red to create a unique, patchwork effect that feels both edgy and artistic.
Is calico hair high maintenance?
Yes, calico hair can be high maintenance due to the blend of multiple vibrant colors. It requires regular touch-ups to keep the colors vivid and prevent fading. Proper care, such as using sulfate-free shampoos and applying color-protecting products, helps maintain the look longer. Visiting a professional stylist for maintenance is often recommended.
What colors do you need for calico hair?
To get a true calico look, you’ll need three main shades: a dark base like black or brown, a light blonde, and a warm tone such as copper, auburn, or vibrant red. These colors can be placed in chunky sections, subtle highlights, or a mix of both depending on how dramatic you want your look.
Is calico hair in style in 2025?
Yes! The calico hair trend is still going strong in 2025. It’s popular on TikTok and Instagram because it allows for so much creativity and self-expression. Hairstylists are giving it a modern twist with money pieces, peekaboo color, and bold chunky sections.
What is the hair color trend for 2025?
2025 is all about bold, expressive color. Multi-tonal styles like calico hair, copper reds, and dimensional brunettes are trending, along with soft pastel shades for those who prefer a more whimsical look.
What is the hottest hair color right now?
Copper red remains one of the hottest shades of 2025, but calico hair color is definitely having a major moment thanks to its playful, statement-making style. Blondes with warm undertones and high-contrast highlights are also dominating social media this year.