53 Hottest Hair Color Trends of 2021 (and Beyond)
Discover the standout hair color trends of 2021—from bold contrasts to soft pastels—for every style and texture.
There has never been a better time to refresh your look. Whether you’re seeking subtle dimension, bold color, or an approach that can grow out gracefully, 2021 was defined by a rich palette of hair color trends that made their mark across Instagram, salons, and at-home transformations. From smokey balayages and contrasting highlights to the resurgence of copper and pastels, here are the essential looks dominating the year—and ones that will continue influencing style into 2022.
Contents
- Bold & Contrasting Highlights
- The Year of Blonde: Sandy, Ash, and Balayage
- All About Brunettes & Dimensional Browns
- Auburn, Red, and Copper Hues
- Pinks, Pastels, and Multicolored Statements
- Low-Maintenance Roots & Shadow Techniques
- Glossy Finishes and Ultra-Shiny Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Bold & Contrasting Highlights
Contrasting highlights—think modern takes on 2000s streaks—made a striking comeback in 2021. These bold, face-framing streaks and chunky highlights start halfway down the hair and frame the face for maximum impact. The key is color placement:
- Mid-shaft highlights with lighter pieces near the face add a pop but remain wearable.
- This look pairs particularly well with wavy and straight hair textures.
- Ask your stylist to avoid heavy, root-to-tip stripes for a modern effect.
Not only are these highlights Instagram-friendly, but they also offer dimension without overwhelming your natural color.
The Year of Blonde: Sandy, Ash, and Balayage
Sandy Blonde
Sandy blonde offers a neutral, sun-kissed effect—especially flattering for curls and textured hair. If you are bleaching textured hair, expect dryness:
- Deep conditioning weekly keeps hair healthy post-salon.
- Apply nourishing oils daily for softness and shine.
Ash-Brown Blonde
For those with cool undertones (blue, green, or violet in skin), ash-brown is a dream. This smoky, cool-leaning shade requires little to moderate lightening, depending on your base color. Key points:
- Works best with lighter hair, but brunettes can achieve it with careful bleaching.
- Consult with a colorist to ensure a smooth, even transition.
Rooty Blonde
This trend pairs naturally darker roots with bright, blended blonde lengths for a seamless and low-maintenance blonde look. Key benefits:
- Lowers the frequency of salon visits—roots blend as hair grows out.
- Best achieved with balayage or hand-painted lightening techniques.
Blonde Balayage on Curls
Golden blonde balayage—especially with a shadow root—looks natural and sophisticated on textured hair. The highlights start lower on the strand to prevent stripy results, and the color grows out smoothly.
Bright Blonde
All-over, high-lift blonde is for those willing to commit to regular touch-ups:
- Use a purple shampoo between appointments to counteract brassiness.
- This shade is about unapologetic vibrancy and light.
Honey Blonde
This warm, sunlit blonde remains a favorite for its natural vibe. Adding a shadow root ensures that the transition from growth appears soft and effortless. Pros advise:
- Choosing honey or golden tones to avoid harsh lines or stark grow-out lines.
All About Brunettes & Dimensional Browns
Glossy, Shiny Bronde and Brown Shades
Brunettes embraced dimension with chestnut, toffee, and bronzey tones achieved via balayage or subtle highlights. The focus:
- Versatile for all hair textures and lengths.
- Browns with golden or caramel highlights add depth and luminosity.
Chestnut Brown Balayage
Chestnut brown lends warmth and dimension without harsh contrasts. It combines bright, natural-looking highlights with deep, rich bases—perfect for those who love both brightness and depth.
What others are reading
Warm Brown and Toffee Tones
Warm, almost bronze shades provide a sun-kissed look with less maintenance than traditional highlights. Unlike blonde, these browns fade softly and stay vibrant longer.
Cinnamon Brown
For a subtle red tint, cinnamon brown is the answer—a gentle shift away from brunette without fully committing to red. Maintenance tips:
- Incorporate deep conditioners and hot oil treatments to keep strands healthy and vibrant.
Auburn, Red, and Copper Hues
Dimensional Copper Tones
Copper hair dominated this year, especially with multi-tone applications that mix lighter and darker copper for added depth. For those seeking transformation:
- Ask your colorist for varying tones—no flat, single-layer coppers!
Auburn and Rusty Red
Auburn shades—fiery red with brown undertones—offered warmth and boldness. Fans of brunette with a creative streak gravitated to rusty reds for a balanced, wearable result.
Bright Auburn and Cinnamon Accents
An even bolder choice, bright auburn hues light up all complexions. Cinnamon-inspired takes provide a softer alternative—think warm, spicy undercurrents with red-copper glows.
Copper Red
This shimmering shade, featuring subtle highlights for multi-dimensional shine, is especially flattering on fair skin with pink undertones.
Red-Wine Balayage / Mulled Wine
This deep, berry-inflected take on balayage finds its inspiration in a glass of mulled wine. With cool undercurrents, it’s ideal for maintaining shine and richness in brunette bases.
- Maintain with monthly glazes at the salon to lock in sheen and hue.
Pinks, Pastels, and Multicolored Statements
Pastel Hair
Spring 2021 ushered in a playful surge of pastels such as blue, mint, and lilac. Achieving these cotton-candy shades requires bleach and professional care (to protect hair health). Tips:
- Choose 2–3 pastel tones for a layered, dimensional result.
- Use gentle, color-safe shampoos to prolong vibrancy.
Bubblegum Pink
Vivid pinks—especially on pixie and short crops—captured attention. Note that brighter shades require frequent touch-ups to sustain their punchy effect.
Split Dye
Split-dye, the ultimate in two-tone creativity, lets you wear two (or more) statement colors at once. For best results:
- Use a hair gloss between appointments to keep both colors shiny and reduce brassiness, especially on lighter halves.
Multicolored Hair
Why settle for one color? 2021’s maximalists experimented with multiple shades throughout the hair, often requiring professional help (especially post-bleaching) to achieve even, vibrant tones.
Low-Maintenance Roots & Shadow Techniques
Shadow Roots
Intentionally darker roots—shadow roots—transition seamlessly into lighter or pastel lengths. Benefits for the color-shy and low-maintenance:
- Longer intervals between touch-ups.
- Natural grow-out effect that reduces harsh lines.
Glossy Root Blends
Pairing gloss treatments with rooty color not only maintains vibrancy but keeps hair looking ultra-sleek. The right gloss can add shine, reduce brass, and create subtle tonal changes near the scalp.
Glossy Finishes and Ultra-Shiny Hair
For those happy with their base shade (or not quite ready for a full change), glosses are the go-to salon and at-home treatment. Options include:
- Clear glosses to boost shine.
- Tinted glosses to enhance or subtly shift tone.
Periodic glossing helps even faded color, boosts vibrancy, and leaves hair mirror-smooth.
Highlights on Every Texture
The most exciting aspect of 2021 trends: Hair color is for all textures and curl patterns. Whether you want hand-painted balayage, chunky highlights, or a full platinum refresh, consult a specialist familiar with your hair type. Top pointers:
- For curls: Selective highlights enhance shape and bounce, but require a pro to avoid losing curl pattern integrity.
- For coily and textured types: Stick to off-root highlights and always maintain a hydrating regimen post-color.
Smokey Grey and Metallics
Grey and silver returned in cool, smokey finishes rather than stark silver. Since brassiness is a challenge for these shades, regular use of toning shampoos or salon treatments keeps color pure and luminous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which hair color trend was the easiest to maintain in 2021?
A: Shadow roots and balayage with blended highlights were the lowest maintenance—allowing for natural grow-out and space between appointments.
Q: Are bold, bright colors like pink or pastel safe to try at home?
A: Semi-permanent dyes can be fun at home, but any dramatic bleaching or vivid hues are best left to professionals—especially to avoid uneven color or unwanted damage.
Q: How can I keep color-treated hair healthy and shiny?
A: Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo, deep condition weekly, and consider glossing treatments or glazes to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
Q: What if I have naturally curly or coily hair?
A: Work with a stylist who specializes in textured hair and opt for hand-painted highlights or balayage, which preserves curl pattern and offers a softer grow-out.
Q: Did natural hair colors trend in 2021?
A: Absolutely—many trends focused on soft, natural shades with subtle dimension, glosses, and blends that grow out gracefully.
Quick Comparison Table: Trend, Key Feature, and Maintenance Level
| Trend | Key Feature | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contrasting Highlights | Chunky, face-framing streaks | Moderate |
| Rooty Blonde | Dark roots, blended blonde | Low |
| Pastel Hair | Muted candy colors | High |
| Chestnut Balayage | Soft brown highlights | Low–moderate |
| Auburn/Copper | Bright, red undertones | Moderate–high |
| Gloss Treatments | Shiny, subtle tints | Low |
Whether your hair journey calls for a dramatic change or a subtle refresh, let these 53 hair color trends inspire your 2021 look—and beyond. For best results and healthiest outcomes, always consult a professional, use quality care products, and embrace the color story that suits your unique style and texture.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/best-hair-color-trends-of-2021-youll-be-wearing-all-year
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g34828921/2021-hair-color-trends/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.in/beauty/features/story/hair-colour-trends-2021-you-need-copy-asap-662562-2021-02-26
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/tags/hair-trends-2021
- https://behindthechair.com/news/cosmo-prof-hosts-third-annual-color-the-world-with-special-guest-chris-appleton/
- https://www.modernsalon.com/1088834/why-should-you-tune-into-cosmo-profs-color-the-world
- https://www.happi.com/breaking-news/cosmo-prof-hosts-third-annual-color-the-world-with/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
