4 Hair Color Trends That You’ll See Everywhere in 2018

Not sure if you can handle the it? Take a cue from in-demand L.A. colorist Cherin Choi: She tempers the brightness of the trend with a natural-looking root, which allows for an easier (and more predictable) grow out.
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Shades of GoldBlond shades went dramatically warmer in 2017 — and they’re staying put on the more golden side of the spectrum. “A lot more women are going for the gold!” Mèche colorist Chris Greenreports. “Blonds will still be bright, but will have a soft, golden hue to them and brunettes will have subtle, golden flecks weaved in for dimension and shine.” Celeb hair colorist Kari Hillagrees that warmth will be huge in 2018 and suggests asking for a “’90s, soft gold, almost buttery hue.”Here, Hairstory’s Julia Elena proves that a bleach and tone need not mean cool — this warm shade wins the highest honors. (So, gold.)

Greene’s been warming up his formula with gold-based color that helps the whole look shine. “Having warmth (gold) in your hair is very flattering to almost every skin tone and it is so much shiner than ashy colors,” he adds.

Another of her recent looks, Elena strikes a balance between bold and bright by weaving vibrant gold through her client’s hair.

However, Hill notes that at the end of the day, it’s all about what looks good on your complexion. Her guidelines? “If you’re pale or have pink or blue/green undertones, you can go for the icy look,” she says. “But, if you have golden or yellow undertones it’s best not to clash and go with what is the best look on you: a buttery, warmer blond.”

Caramel RoséWhile the combination might sound as appetizing as sucking on a Werther’s Original during summer happy hour, the result is drop dead gorgeous — and the perfect marriage of cool pink and warm caramel that’s daring, but not too daring. “It’s your hair, but just jazzed up!” Choi explains. “It’s natural looking color that blends in easily and adds texture and dimension.”

The look might be bold, but it’s not hard to achieve. To score the look: Add a gloss over old highlights (the easiest route, if it applies to you) or ask for sombré done with ribbons of caramel and pink.

Even blonds can try the look on for size — just opt for orangey tones to bridge the gap between blond and caramel. (For once, brass is a good thing!)

A deeper take on the look, ask for rich, warm caramel woven into dark hair with a touch of pink. The end result is almost burgundy — but with way more dimension.

Prefer an all-over color? Hamilton gave Tinashe this rad color for her latest cover: A pink-toned caramel we can’t stop staring at.

Fiery Orange, Pink, & Red“I’ve had a lot of clients recently asking for more unnatural shades of red, orange, and pink,” Elena says. She notes that the spicy shades are popular because they’re fresh and marry the top trends, but are also unexpected and push the boundaries a bit more than most. “One of my clients picked it specifically because she wanted to step outside of her comfort zone, one picked red because he wanted something loud because he has a big personality.”

“Red is a loud color and it demands your attention!” Elena says. “The people who are asking for this are asking to be seen and are opting for a color that feels like a big change.”

Celeb colorist Cassondra Kaeding notes that the look does require more upkeep. Not only does all-over red, pink, or orange mean you need to have your roots touched up every 4-6 weeks, it’s also a shade that is prone to fading faster than most. Her tip? Wash in lukewarm, not hot, water and ask your colorist for a color-depositing mask to freshen things up at home.

Sure, the upkeep’s a lot. But the payoff? So worth it.