Articles > BTC Hair Trend Report > 2023’s Biggest Hair Color Trends
Last updated: February 23, 2024

2023’s Biggest Hair Color Trends

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Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

Stylists’ #1 Source For 2023’s Official Hair Color Trends

From mink tones to diffused color blocking, 2023 is redefining hair color trends. The overall theme? Natural-looking hair color with a subtle edge (queue the chic sex appeal clients love)! We saw a surge of the “model-on-the-go” aesthetic last year and hair color trends are mixing up the sought-after looks with a chic upgrade. 

 

You’ll want to bookmark these ten color trends to send to your client and show your coworkers. OH—and stock up on the must-have shades before your backbar is bare. EVERY client will be requesting these looks, so be prepared to nail their appointment and be THE answer when someone asks, “Who did your hair?!” 

 

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1. Warm Honey Blonde

2006 called—warm blondes are back on EVERYONE’S Pinterest boards. Say goodbye to the ashed-out balayage that held your books captive the past several years and give a WARM welcome to this year’s honey blonde.

 

Pro Tip: Your loyal blonde clients will only “see yellow” (just at first!) when they transition to honey. Adding a deep, natural-looking root can lessen the shock of a new warm shade by keeping dimension around areas that they see the most! 

 

Honey formulas to get you started:

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @colorbymattrez

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @haircolorkilla

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @pirania_ya

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @lulu_kutznyc

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @andreahenty

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @kelleytang

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

Try Mick’s formula HERE!

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

Learn Honey Blonde lightening strategies, foiling tips and toner formulation secrets on BTC University! Subscribe now to get unlimited access to this trending blonde look!

 

2. Natural-Toned Color Blocking

2023 is turning color-blocking from what we know as bold statements with fashion colors to chic, wearable looks.

 

The surge of neutral tones being paired together for a subtle color block around the head is pulling HARD on our heartstrings. The tone-on-tone combinations of brunette, blonde and copper shades have us wondering—is this the ’23 rendition of a money piece?! 

 

Check out these color-blocking galleries FILLED with inspo for every client:

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @sabrinathehairwitch

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair

 

curly copper color block formula fall haircolor oneshot winner nubia rezo rezocut
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  • Formula A (lightener):

    Schwarzkopf Professional® BLONDME® Bond Enforcing Premium 9+ Lightener + 20-volume developer (1:2)

  • Formula B (copper toner):

    L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse Demi-Permanent Creme Color 1.5 oz Fireglow 7CCC + 0.1 oz 6RC Garnet

  • Formula C (color-block toner):

    Redken Shades EQ 9P + 9V (1:1) + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Photo Credit: Instagram via @sahrita23 @nubiarezo

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @cicelydoesmyhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @shmeggsandbaconn

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ashleenormanhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon

 

red velvet brunette chocolate cherry blonde split dye color block formula
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close formula
  • Formula A (color remover):

    Schwarzkopf Professional® Bond Enforcing Color Remover Part A + Part B + OLAPLEX No.1 Bond Multiplier

  • Formula B (lightener):

    Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Extra Blonde High Performance Ionic Lightener + 20-volume developer

  • Formula C (red color):

    Equal parts Schwarzkopf Professional® IGORA Vibrance® 6-68 + 6-77 + 0-77 + 13-volume developer

  • Formula D (blonde toner):

    Redken Shades EQ™ 10GI + Redken Shades EQ™ Processing Solution

Photo Credit: Instagram via @isthatpat

 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin

 

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  • Formula A (new growth)

    15g Kevin Murphy COLOR.ME 7.46 + 10g 6.4 + 5g 7.43 + 10-volume LIQUID.ACTIVATOR

  • Formula B (mids and ends)

    15g COLOR.ME 7.47 + 15g 8.4 + 6g 6.4 + 30-volume CREAM.ACTIVATOR

  • Formula C (copper toner)

    Redken Shades EQ™ Bonder Inside 8C + 8CR + Orange Kicker + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution

  • Formula D (warm blonde dimensional pieces)

    Shades EQ™ Bonder Inside 10G + 9AA + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution.

    Note from Sarah: If you're wanting a slight warmer tone, add Shades EQ™ 10WG. 

  • Formula E (bright blonde front strip)

    Shades EQ™ Bonder Inside 10VG + 10NB + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution. 

Photo credit: Instagram via @sarahmgdoeshair

 

3. Mink Tones

Mink shades can range from warm to cool with two underlying colors: gray and lavender. Whether your formula veers to a warm grey or an ashed-out hue, this color is beautifully suited for all ages. 

 

Mink formula from Ashlee Norman (@ashleenormanhair):

 

  • Base color— 1:1:1 Schwarzkopf Professional® true beautiful honest Permanent Color Creme 6-04 + 7-16 + 6-volume developer + tbh Tone Softener
  • Lowlights—1:1:1 tbh Permanent Color Creme 7-16 + 8-64 + 6-volume developer + tbh Tone Softener
  • Toner—1:1:1 tbh Permanent Color Creme 10-56 + 6-volume developer + tbh Tone Softener

 

“Mink tones have less high-contrasted, subtle blends with lavender and mushroom undertones,” explains Ashlee.

 

Creating a lot of dimension without any visible blonde is key to creating this luxe color. That being said, don’t be afraid to use lightener! You will definitely need to brighten up areas of your client’s hair to achieve the mink tones, but ensuring your toning formula fills any beachy blonde is the goal. 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @enesy1lmazz

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbyreema

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Beverly Famous (@beverlyfamous)

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @lilycollins

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @haircofayetteville

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @yogacolourist

 

Blondies can try mink, too! Check out this stunning spin on mink hues for blonde clients from @chrisweberhair

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chris Weber Mirlach (@chrisweberhair)

 

4. ’90s-Inspired Lowlights

The focus here is not the tone of blonde, but the DEPTH added to each rendition! This trend is undeniably a spin-off of the late ’90s and early 2000s ultra-highlighted looks, we have just (thankfully) shifted into smoother weaving techniques. 

 

Why your clients want this look:

  • It’s EXTREMELY wearable. 
  • Deep blondes enhance every shade of eye and skin color. 
  • The warmth suits every age and length of hair (unlike some platinum and ultra-blonde tones).
  • Natural-looking color is back! This is the perfect change-up for longtime blonde clients looking for a refresh. 

 

Instead of focusing on heavy foiled looks, reviving your client’s lived-in blonde with lowlights will be your biggest service this year. Enhancing blondes with lowlights (yes, you can add a few foils here and there) will not only save time but can drastically improve the integrity of your client’s hair. Talk about a stylist win-win. 

 

Here are some key tips to get you back into lowlighting:

 

Smart Blonding Foil & Placement Strategies for every blonde client:

 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbylorenzomartin

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @iamdavontae

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @shay.sullivan by @cfhairdesign

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @jstayready_

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @gregoryrussellhair

 

Trending NOW: TikTok’s it-girl Alix Earle’s deep blonde by IGK Miami colorist @julianneparis

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Julianne Paris Empey⚡️ (@julianneparis)

 

Receive HOURS of blonding education…from home! WATCH any blonding course on-demand, pause or playback your favorite artist’s class on BTC University.

 

5. Bronze Hues 

Pulling warm is finally cool, BUT—nailing the tonal range for this bronze trend can be tricky. We’ll make one thing clear: bronze is NOT to be mistaken for copper.

 

When you think about bronze, think about the hue of the actual metal. A true bronze perfectly balances a warm sheen without reflecting orange or gold. We’ve done our research and tapped the best in the business to give us their go-to formulas and techniques to create bronze shades that match your client’s inspo pics.

 

Bronze color and technique guide:

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @daniellepriano

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @kimdollxo

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @dvcolour

 

6. Tone-On-Tone “Espresso” Brunettes

Safe to say most clients were on the expensive brunette train at some point last year—and this year is looking just as rich. You’ll see a lot of clients swapping out dimensional, chocolatey brunette inspo pics for all-over dark transformations. 

 

Emulating the naturally chic French look that nearly all trends are following this year, classic colors and natural-looking tones without lightener placements will be highly requested. Think deep, espresso-rich shades that are eye-catching and reflect light to reveal a little sparkle. 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ashleygraham

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @loriharvey

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @franckhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @realericvaughn

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ryanaustinhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @neoitgirl

 

7. Peekaboo Dip-Dyes 

Bursts of color through the roots and ends of hair is going to be a major request for your edgy clients this year. Custom dip-dye washes of color around the roots, nape and behind the ears have quickly become an everyday look on our IG feed.

 

The color choice is completely up to you and your client, but the placement is where you can elevate this trend. The key? Keep the line of color moving. This trend is eye-catching not because of unique color choices, but because of the spurts of color that seem to have no beginning or end around the head. 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @doubleqnyc

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @haircolorkilla

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @isshiki_kenta

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @josievilay 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @shinnosuke_920

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbymujin

 

“Sprinkling a little pink in the root and around the nape of a bob can make magic happen,” says Moroccanoil® Global Color Ambassador Greg Gilmore (@greg_gilmore). 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Greg Gilmore (@greg_gilmore)

 

8. Teddy Bear Blonde

A sister to the warm honey blonde trend, teddy bear blonde veers into a much more golden tonal range. Think of your sweet childhood teddy’s caramel color—now go mix that in the backbar! 🧸

 

The key to this trend is to take your client’s skin tone into account first, then use lightening techniques to create dimension before applying the deeper shades. Here’s why: the golden hues can mimic a lot of clients’ natural undertone, so formulating a shade that nearly matches their complexion is the goal. 

 

Trending now: Actress Madelyn Cline’s golden teddy blonde by celeb colorist Matt Rez (@colorbymattrez)

 

teddy-bear-blonde
open color formula
close formula
  • Formula A (lightener)

    Redken Flash Lift Lightening Powder + 9-volume developer

  • Formula B (root toner)

    Redken Shades EQ 8N + 9NB + 9WG + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula C (ends toner)

    Redken Shades EQ 9NB + 9WG + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Photo Credit: Instagram via @jesstheebesttcolor

 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @laurapolko

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @daniellepriano

 

teddy-bear-blonde-hair-formula
open color formula
close formula
  • Formula A (lightener)

    Redken Flashlift Power 9 Bonder Insider Lightening Powder + 25-volume developer + 1/16 oz OLAPLEX No.1 Bond Multiplier

  • Formula B (root toner)

    Redken Shades EQ 3/4 7n + 1/4 9nw + Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula C (midlengths toner)

    Equal parts Shades EQ 7nw + 9g + Shades EQ Processing Solution

  • Formula D (ends toner)

    Equal parts Shades EQ 9g + 9nw + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Photo Credit: Instagram via @biancacolour

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @philipforesto

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @watchmyhairbounce

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @skipdoeshair

 

9. Soft Copper

The copper hair color phenomenon of fall ’22 is sliding into 2023 with a “shy” attitude. This year we’ll be seeing light, warm hues on predominantly high-lift clients. Muted coppers ranging from a strawberry blonde to a more vibrant peach have been seen EVERYWHERE. Luckily for stylists, this trend will give your clients a bit more leeway when their color begins to fade—as it will just add to the look! 

 

Things to remember:

  • Gloss and glaze services will be this trend’s BFF—book appointments accordingly.
  • A LOT of blonde clients will request to go soft copper. Balance your formulas with gold-based toners to avoid red hues grabbing onto prelightened hair too intensely.
  • 5 tips for every copper client—fading hacks, formulation secrets and more. 
  • It’s a trend—opt for demi to semi-permanent hair color to start. Although we can’t get enough copper, clients easily get tired of reds. Save yourself down the road and ease into the red tones with a less permanent option for easy(ish) recon later. 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon

 

open color formula
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  • Formula A (base color)

    Equal parts Redken Chromatics™ Prismatic Permanent Color 8Gr + 7Gc + Chromatics™ 10-volume developer. 

  • Formula B (babylights)

    Wella Professional Blondor Hair Lightener Powder + 10-volume developer. 

  • Formula C (gloss)

    Equal parts Redken Shades EQ™ Bonder Inside 10N + 09Rb + 09AA + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution. 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist

 

euphoria sydney sweeney new red color formulas strawberry blonde 901 nikki lee how to
open color formula
close formula
  • Formula A (gloss)

    Joico LumiShine Demi-Permanent Liquid ¾ oz. 8NC + ½ oz/ 10NG + ¼ oz. 6CCR + 1 ½ oz. 5-volume LumiShine Developer

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @florido & @nikkilee901

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @yukistylist

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Frankie Calire (@frankiecalire)

 

10. Auburn & Wine-Toned Reds

Although we’ve seen a ton of copper looks this year, we are predicting the redhead trend to move into chic auburn and wine-based red tones. 

 

These red shades can range from red-violet to a neutral auburn with one thing in common: pure red pigment. Take a scroll through these inspo pics of various red tones and catch up on some need-to-know tips to keep your red clients coming back.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair | Color by: @beverlyfamous

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @lacyredway

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @jesstheebesttcolor

 

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Photo credit: Instagram via @mayssas_beauty_mark

 

Stunning lightener-free red transformation from color specialist Jeannette Walker-Rodgers (@watchmyhairbounce):

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers (@watchmyhairbounce)

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @hirohair

 

 

Photo credit: Instagram via @milk.honey.hair

 

UP NEXT—2023’s BIGGEST HAIRCUT TRENDS REVEALED! CUTTING TIPS, INSPO AND MORE:

2023 biggest haircut trends winter spring summer predictions jenna ortega wednesday addams new haircut lob bangs
Photo Credit: Instagram via @davestanwell