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Thinking about updating your hair for the new year? 2026 is bringing a fresh wave of sophisticated, cozy, and high-shine hair color trends that are perfect for a fresh start.
From the viral "Old Money" blondes to glass-hair brunettes and spicy red tones, this year's shades are designed to add warmth and dimension to the colder months and beyond.
What Are the Hair Color Trends for 2026?
Check out these 20 hair color trends for 2026 that are bound to inspire your next salon visit. Not sure which one fits your vibe? Try on hair colors virtually with a hair color changer app before making the commitment!
- Deep Burgundy 💖
- Sahara Blonde
- Winter Walnut Brunette
- Glossy Espresso 💖
- Cinnamon Toast
- Copper Rose
- Toasted Blonde
- Chocolate Brown
- Butter Blonde 💖
- Ink Black
- Pecan Pie
- Bambi Brunette 💖
- Almond Butter Swirl
- Truffle Brown
- Sombré Brunette
- New England Gold
- Dark Suede Blonde
- Cinnamon Brown Highlights
- Caramel Highlights 💖
- Icy/Frosty Blue Accents
👉 Read more: 26 Top Haircuts Defining the Winter 2025 Hair Trends
Rich Reds & Coppers: Warm, Natural-Looking Hues
1. Deep Burgundy
Deep Burgundy is the ultimate power color. Deep, warm, and slightly vampy, this wine-red hue creates a stunning contrast against pale skin, instantly making your complexion look brighter. It’s sophisticated, sultry, and perfect for the party season.
2. Cinnamon Toast
Bridging the gap between brunette and redhead, Cinnamon Toast is a spicy, medium-brown shade with strong reddish-orange undertones. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. Sweet, spicy, and full of dimension.
3. Copper Rose
Move over traditional red—Copper Rose is here. This shade blends metallic copper with soft, romantic pink hues. It’s ethereal and soft, offering a whimsical twist on the "Cowboy Copper" trend that dominated earlier this year.
4. Cinnamon Brown Highlights
If you aren't ready for a full red transformation, Cinnamon Brown Highlights are the answer. By weaving spicy copper ribbons into a dark brown base, you add depth and movement without the high maintenance of an all-over red.
Blonde Ambition: Soft, Luxe & Dimensional
5. Sahara Blonde
Think soft sand dunes at sunset. Sahara Blonde is a neutral, beige-leaning blonde that is understated yet incredibly brightening. It’s the definition of "quiet luxury" hair. Expensive-looking without trying too hard.
6. Butter Blonde
Say goodbye to harsh platinum and hello to Butter Blonde. This creamy, pale yellow shade is soft, fresh, and youthful. It gives a natural "born with it" vibe that pairs beautifully with any skin tone and outfit.
7. Toasted Blonde
Toasted Blonde features darker, rooted dimensions with warm golden ends. It’s a "lived-in" blonde that doesn't feel blindingly bright, making it much easier on the eyes (and your maintenance schedule) during the colder months.
8. New England Gold
Channeling the "Coastal Grandma" and East Coast prep aesthetic, New England Gold is a rich, sunny gold that feels warm and classic. It’s the hair color equivalent of a cashmere sweater.
9. Dark Suede Blonde
Blurring the line between dark blonde and light brown, Dark Suede Blonde combines warm and cool tones for a matte, velvety finish. It’s a moody, textured blonde perfect for the winter transition.
Expensive Brunettes: Glossy & Deep
10. Glossy Espresso
Inspired by the "glass hair" trend, Glossy Espresso is all about health and shine. It’s a near-black coffee tone that reflects light beautifully, giving off an ultra-polished, high-end vibe.
11. Bambi Brunette
Bambi Brunette is trending everywhere around the world right now. It captures the soft, fawn-like colors of a deer—think warm beige and light brown woven together for a look that is soft, layered, and incredibly youthful.
12. Winter Walnut Brunette
Classic, earthy, and universally flattering, Winter Walnut Brunette is a neutral medium brown. It doesn't lean too red or too ash, making it the perfect "safe" choice that still looks incredibly chic.
13. Chocolate Brown
You can't go wrong with a classic. Chocolate Brown is rich, steady, and comforting. It provides a solid, healthy-looking base color that works for every skin tone and hair texture.
14. Ink Black
Source: Instagram @hairbyvalerien
Lean into the gothic-chic aesthetic with Ink Black. Unlike a natural soft black, this is deep, saturated, and reflective. It emphasizes hair health and creates a striking frame for your features.
15. Truffle Brown
Source: Pinterest
For those who prefer cooler tones, Truffle Brown is a sophisticated mix of deep brown with cool, greyish taupe undertones. It’s a modern, edgy take on brunette that looks amazing under sunlight.
Dimensional Delights: Balayage & Accents
16. Pecan Pie
The delicious Pecan Pie shade blends a warm brown base with toasted caramel ribbons. It’s a gourmand hair color that looks as good as the holiday dessert tastes. Rich, nutty, and golden.
17. Almond Butter Swirl
Dreamy and creamy, Almond Butter Swirl features a gradient of soft beige and almond tones. It uses balayage to create a seamless melt that looks effortless and polished.
Read More: Virtual Hair Color Try-On: Blonde Balayage Filter
18. Caramel Highlights
Caramel Highlights are a year-round staple for a reason. Placing warm, glowing streaks against a dark base mimics the effect of candlelight, adding instant warmth to your face.
19. Sombré Brunette
If high contrast isn't your thing, go for Sombré Brunette. This "soft ombré" offers a subtle, smoky gradation from dark roots to slightly lighter ends, providing depth without a harsh line of demarcation.
20. Icy/Frosty Blue Accents
Want a pop of color? Icy/Frosty Blue Accents are trending for the bold trendsetters. Whether it's peekaboo highlights or frost-tipped ends, this cool-toned blue adds a Y2K futuristic edge to any look.
Try 2026 Hair Color Trends with Hair Color Try-On App
Thinking about changing your look this year? Try trending hair colors like Deep Burgundy, Cinnamon Toast, Toasted Blonde, Mushroom Blonde, and Glossy Espresso with YouCam Makeup’s AI hair color changer. See how each shade looks on you instantly with no commitment.
Follow these simple steps below to try on hair colors with your photo:
- Step 1: Download the YouCam Makeup app.
- Step 2: Tap Photo Edit to upload a photo to try on hair color virtually.
- Step 3: Tap Hair Color to try over 150+ hair color filters.
- Step 4: Save your photo.
Find Your Perfect Hair Color with YouCam Makeup
Ready to glow up for the new year? The 2026 hair color trends are all about rich, multi-dimensional color with depth and shine.
Not sure which shade suits you best? Use YouCam Makeup to try them all virtually and find your perfect winter hair color before heading to the salon.
Hair Color Trends 2026 FAQs
What hair color is in style for 2026?
In 2026, hair colors with warmth and dimension are in style. Popular shades include golden blonde, caramel brown, chestnut, copper red, and soft black with shine. If you want to explore what suits you best, YouCam Makeup allows you to try multiple trending hair colors virtually and compare them side by side.
Can I try hair colors before committing to a salon visit?
Absolutely! You can use the YouCam Makeup app to virtually try on the latest winter hair color trends for free. Experiment with shades like auburn, caramel, and copper, and find your perfect match without any commitment!
How can I try on hair colors virtually?
With YouCam Makeup, you can easily try on the trending hair colors using its free virtual hair color changer. Just upload a photo or use the live try-on feature to see how shades like caramel or auburn would look on you before you make a real change!
What is the popular color for 2026?
The popular color for 2026 is expected to lean toward warm neutrals mixed with expressive tones. Soft browns, creamy beiges, muted pastels, and rich earthy shades are trending alongside bold accent colors like deep cherry and warm copper. With YouCam Makeup, you can preview these 2026 color trends on your own photos using AI hair color and makeup try on tools before committing.
What shade of blonde is in for 2026?
In 2026, the top blonde hair color trend is all about cool, icy shades with ashy undertones, adding a modern edge to your look. For a warmer twist, honey blonde with golden highlights is making waves, offering a way to color and style hair that gives a naturally sun-kissed glow. These blonde shades are versatile and can be tailored to complement different skin tones, making them perfect for a chic update this year.
What color hair makes you look younger?
Hair colors with warm undertones tend to make you look younger because they add brightness to your face. Shades like caramel highlights, honey blonde, and soft chocolate brown create a healthy, youthful glow compared to very dark or overly cool colors.
Is blonde in for 2026?
Yes. Blonde is very much in for 2026, especially warm blondes like honey, buttery blonde, and golden beige. Platinum blonde is still popular but with a softer, creamier tone instead of icy white.
Are highlights out of style for 2026?
No, highlights are not out. In fact, soft, blended highlights are trending more than ever in 2026. The difference is that chunky streaks are being replaced with subtle balayage and face-framing pieces that look sun-kissed and effortless.
What is the hair color for 2026?
Hair color trends for 2026 focus on natural depth with a polished finish. Expect to see warm brunettes, soft espresso, honey blonde, copper tones, and subtle dimensional highlights. YouCam Makeup’s hair color try on feature lets you instantly see how these 2026 hair colors look on your face, helping you choose the most flattering shade.
Is long or short hair in for 2026?
Both long and short hair are in style for 2026, with an emphasis on versatility and personal expression. Short haircuts like bobs and layered crops remain popular, while long hair with soft layers and natural movement is also trending. With YouCam Makeup’s hairstyle try on, you can test short, medium, and long hairstyles to see which length matches your face shape and vibe.
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