Of all the hair trends to try, colour is arguably the most fun to experiment with. And 2023 looks set to be no exception. From two-toned “Gemini hair” to Jenner-approved copper red, there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking to change up your hair colour in the year ahead. Expect to see new takes on classic blonde and the return of the grey, and if nostalgia is your thing, there’s something for you too, with Barbie-inspired blonde back in the spotlight.
Whether you’re a fan of a statement colour or prefer a subtler balayage, we’ve run through the eight biggest hair colour trends for 2023 with a little help from Milk + Blush hair expert Nicole Petty. Scroll down to meet your match.
“All shades of red will be popular in 2023, ranging from fiery reds and deep burgundy to warm auburn, “ says Petty. “In particular, copper will be the standout colour. It can act as a midpoint for blondes and brunettes who are not ready to go fully dark or light, and it’s a great colour to brighten up your locks.”
If you’re after a subtler hair transformation, Petty says that every hair colour and texture can easily embrace this trend. “Candlelit hair uses low-contrast and mid-tone highlights to give the hair a warm and reflective feel as if it were glistening in firelight or candlelight,” she explains. “It’s also a perfect way to add dimension and brightness to flat and one-toned hair.”
With Greta Gerwig’s Barbie set to hit screens in July, Barbie-inspired blonde will no doubt be a huge hair colour trend for summer 2023. This particular shade of blonde isn’t actually as icy as most people think it is, so be wary of blonde dye that leans a little too cool-toned or platinum. Instead, a warmer, golden blonde will be perfect for nailing this trend.
Petty predicts that we’ll see more of people mixing their natural hair colours with bright shades. “Gemini hair is a fun two-tone style,” she says. “Inspired by its astrological namesake, this will make you stand out from the crowd and allow you to express your personality.” For dark hair, Petty recommends using pinks, purples, greens, and blues, and for light hair she suggests blues, greens, reds, yellows, and black. “If you are concerned about your hair coping with a colour treatment, opt for more natural colour choices that will cause less damage and are easier to maintain,” she advises. “To maintain the colour, try to wash your hair less frequently, use a heat protectant when styling, and use plenty of hair masks to moisturise and nourish your hair.”
Proving that brown hair doesn’t have to be boring, this particular colour trend is all about finish. For a glossy, shiny effect, you’ll need to focus on hydrating your hair via masks, serums, and oils. And if you’re not a natural brunette, consider using a cool-toned brown dye, which will lend hair the desired bright, glassy finish.
“Whilst ash and platinum blonde hair have been more popular in recent years, 2023 will see the rise of peachy rose blonde,” predicts Petty. “This is a perfect shade for those looking to make a fun and colourful change and is a great way to transition from winter to brighter spring and summer. While this trend is best for blonde hair, as pink takes more easily to light hair, it is still possible to achieve this look in darker hair colours. “To maintain the colour, dye your hair slightly brighter than the goal colour, as the hue will inevitably fade and tone down after a few washes,” says Petty. “Additionally, aim to use shampoo and conditioner targeted towards damaged hair to nourish it as much as possible.”
Expensive blonde is all about soft contrast and golden tones, and while the overall effect is incredibly natural, it can require a time-consuming and costly process involving both highlights and lowlights to really nail this trend. Essentially, you’ll need to ask for more than one shade of blonde—and expect to spend several hours in the salon chair.
Unlike the icy grey of the 2010s, this return to grey hair has a slight natural yet slightly futuristic vibe. In order to lean into your very best pro-ageing hue, you’ll need to opt for a more complex grey that works with your natural root colour. Note that a multi-dimensional colour requires upkeep (unless you’ve been blessed with natural silvery locks), so try to alternate between a high gloss and tonal shampoo with root touchups that follow the natural growth gradient of your ‘grey’.
If you are opting for a coloured grey hue, a gloss-forward shampoo is perfect for adding extra shine and dimensions to the colour.
Keep your coloured coils, curls and kinks nourished and glossy with this hybrid styling serum.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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