The Best Hair-Color Trends of 2018

By Danielle Gray, Allure

We're not even a full month into 2018, and it's already clear that some trends for the year are forming — especially when it comes to hair color. This year, colorists are seeing folks embrace warmer tones, go for unconventional shades, and also make subtle changes to really give their natural features a boost. We talked to a few of the pros to tell us which hues we'll be seeing a lot of this year. But before you hit the salon, hairstylist Gabrielle Corney says to make sure you have a good sulfate-free shampoo in your stash to help keep your color vibrant in between salon visits and to turn the dial down on your hot tools, since intense heat can cause your color to fade faster.

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Honey-Golden Blonde

"This is going to be big because 2017 was the year of platinum ashy blondes," says colorist Cassondra Kaeding. For 2018, give your hair a break and go darker with your blonde hue, like this warm, golden honey color you see on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Don't be afraid of a warm blonde tone. "People think they can’t pull off warm colors or think they are 'brassy,' but just like any color, there are so many variations," colorist Rachel Bodt explains. "Golden beige, honey-golden blonde — it’s all about the right tone for you." If you're looking to go in for the change, make sure you're diligent about upkeep. "Maintenance is key when revamping your color. It’s so important to continuously use a color-safe conditioner that moisturizes hair." Kaeding, who is a colorist with Dove Hair, recommends the brand's Color Care Conditioner.

Violets and Plums

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Ultra Violet was named Pantone's Color of the Year, so it comes a little surprise that shades of purple and violet are really popping off in 2018. “Flirty and fun hues can bring something unexpected to your look,” Gabrielle Corney explains. Take notes from the Purple Unicorn herself, Justine Skye, who has been rocking the hue for a hot minute.
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Honey Rose

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Call this 2018's answer to 2017's ubiquitous rose gold hair. "Warm strawberry coppers and blondes will be huge this season," Bodt tells Allure, but make sure you do a test run before taking the plunge. "If you want to try [this trend], start out with a gloss so you can see how it will look on your skin," she suggests. Kaeding is also loving the hue for 2018. "I would really like to see more strawberry blondes and honey rose tones — it’s time to switch things up," she says. We love the mix of rosy and blonde hues in Deborah Ann Woll's hair.

Caramel Ombré

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This year, it's all about embracing rich, dark hues and complementing them with just a touch of lightness, like you see here on Ashley Graham."A mélange of dark browns and light browns is great for warming the complexion without the commitment of a full color,” Corney spills. And the best thing about it? “You don’t have to retouch it as much as you would a full color."
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Subtle Changes

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Save the drama for your mama. Corney is very into soft, slight changes to your hair color that complement your skin tone. "Going two shades lighter than the skin tone can brighten the complexion and make you look fresher, especially during the winter months.” We love how Issa Rae's lighter brown highlights play up her glowing skin.
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Orange

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Call it the Donald Trump effect, but colorist Julia Elena says she's been getting a ton of requests from clients to go full-on orange. "When you think about it, orange and yellow aren't exactly what people usually like when it comes to hair color, especially next to their skin. When somebody wants to go blonde, the first thing they say 'I want to be blonde, but I don't want brassy hair,' and brassy hair is orange and yellow." But all that's gone to the wind for 2018, and people are beginning to embrace the unconventional hue, like model Slick Woods.

If you want to try the color, be sure to talk to your colorist about what would complement your skin tone. "I had a girl who did an orangey, tangerine color. I had to put in some pinks, some pink-orange, even hints of brown to kind of balance the color overall in order for it to work." But the number one tip for pulling this color off? Confidence. "Orange is such a loud color, so you can't be afraid of it," says Elena. "You have to go all in."

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