The Biggest Haircolor Trends Of Summer 2021
Trend Radar: The Haircolor Trends Every Colorist Needs To Know
2021 is not a regular year, it’s a ~cool~ year for hair color trends. We’re used to seeing our summer books slammed with back-to-back foil services—’tis the season for bright, beachy blondes—but now, clients are *adding a little spice* to their color requests. The trend radar looks like this: Dip dyes, chunky lights and a skincare approach to bronzing and contouring highlights.
Keep scrollin’ for the biggest hair color trends your clients will definitely be requesting from summer into fall!
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1. Dip Dye
Is it 2021 or 2001? If you scrolled the TikTok FYP, you’d probably guess the latter. With a major Y2K revival, it’s no surprise that the experimental dip dye trend, pioneered by Bleach London’s Alex Brownsell, is everywhere this season. Pro Tip: Dipped ends and fringe look ultra-cool when paired with a raw lifted blonde or more neutral hair colors.
Instagram via @bescene
Instagram via @haircolorkilla
Instagram via @bleachlondon x @natashadallura
Instagram via @catcoiffeur
Instagram via @maggiemh
2. Bronze Balayage
We’ve seen a huge shift in color, especially with highlight placement, to more of a skincare approach. Whether it’s adding a glow to brondes with a bronzer effect or contouring the face frame, we love to see it—like this shimmery bronze color trend!
Instagram via @carissaroberthair
Instagram via @beeblondor
Tap here to get these bronze brunette foilayage formulas!
3. ’70s Vintage Blonde
Sandy, golden and light mocha tones create the perfect blend for a retro blonde. Just add a soft, subtle root and pair with some shaggy layers for a Goldie Hawn-approved look.
Instagram via @riawna
Instagram via @mathildadjerf
Instagram via @leonidromanov_
Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
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4. Bleach & Tone
For awhile, all we heard was BALAYAGE, but you’ll be happy to know that bleach and tones are back on the request list—for the guys in your chair, too! Thanks to our fave pop punk boys Machine Gun Kelly and Jaden Hossler, we’re all dipping our hair in bleach this year.
Instagram via @ckaedingcolor
Instagram via @seolahair
Instagram via @baberuth__ x @fauxlocsbyshuna
Instagram via @aaashleee
5. Two-Toned Color
It was about two years ago that London-based celeb colorist Nicola Clarke (@nicolaclarkecolour) gave Dua Lipa a two-toned black and blonde look for her Future Nostalgia era. Flash forward and the two-toned trend is a regular request among Gen Z. Colorists are getting creative with placement with bold money pieces and flashes of contrast underneath.
View this post on Instagram
Instagram via @shmeggsandbaconn
Instagram via @elizahis x @sabletoothtigre
Instagram via @mayssas_beauty_mark
6. Softly Rooted Golden Blonde
Hailey Bieber is the moment. She’s on basically every client’s mood board (honestly, on ours too!) and so is her golden blonde glow. The KEY to this trend is allowing a natural root with a subtle shadow that transitions into a bright warm blend.
Instagram via @ckaedingcolor
Instagram via @ckaedingcolor
Tap here to get these naturally golden curl formulas!
7. Feelin’ Peachy
While we’re talking Biebers, let’s give “Peaches” the moment it deserves. A soft peach is bright, warm and wearable—but it fades quickly, so make sure to talk maintenance with clients, and use this as an opportunity to retail conditioners that will give their color longevity.
Instagram via @bel_pisqueekinsaigon
Instagram via @_litvinova_julia
Instagram via @jhair_stylist
8. Brunette Soft Lights
Brighten up brunettes this season with subtle brightness that gives their color shimmer and dimension. Whether you hair paint or stack some foils, soft highlights will break up their naturally dark tones and glow in the sun!
View this post on Instagram
Instagram via @cabacurls
Instagram via @yogacolourist
9. Bright Contour
A little contouring makes a big difference, and gives you the creative opportunity to customize blonding services for any client. But remember, brightness needs darkness to pop against, so focus on maximum impact around the hairline and nape area.
Instagram via @kainandecanine
Instagram via @danielmbeauty
Instagram via @daniloherbert
Instagram via @hairerik
10. Chunky Lights
Kelly Clarkson highlights used to flood our feeds as memes of what NOT to do during foil services. Now, they’re inspo—also known as chunky lights or headband highlights—for a bold face-frame that makes a major statement.
Instagram via @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon
Instagram via @doubleqnyc x @sun_li_hair
11. Colored Streaks
Similar to chunky lights, colorful streaks a lá Xtina in her iconic Dirrty video are trending again. Whether you’re using bleach or extensions, this is a fast way to let your clients play with (punk) pops of color.
Instagram via @bykileyfitz
Instagram via @oliviaobrien
Instagram via @hairbyiggy
