From buttercream blonde to expensive brunette, these are the hair colour trends dominating salons in 2026 so far — according to the hairdressers, colourists and salons we work with every day.
At Hairco & Beauty, we’re lucky enough to speak to independent salons across the UK daily. Between the looks we’ve been tagged in, what we’re seeing dominate social media, and conversations with professional colourists, one thing is clear:
2026 hair colour is all about expensive-looking, glossy, lower-maintenance colour.
Gone are the days of ultra-stripy highlights, icy over-toned blondes and high-maintenance regrowth. This year, clients are asking for healthy-looking shine, soft dimension and colour that grows out beautifully.
Here are the 10 biggest hair colour trends dominating salons in 2026 so far.
1. Buttercream Blonde Is Replacing Icy Blonde
2026’s biggest blonde trend? Buttercream blonde.
We’re seeing salons move away from cool platinum and instead lean into softer, creamier tones with warmth and shine.
Think:
- soft gold
- beige blonde
- creamy ribbons
- expensive-looking dimension
Clients still want brightness — but they want it to look healthier, softer and easier to maintain.
Hairdressers are also increasingly using root melts and glosses to avoid harsh regrowth and create a more seamless finish.
Best for: Existing blondes wanting a softer, luxury finish.
Buttercream blonde formulas:
Formula:
- Blond Studio 8 multi technique powder
- Glossed with Dia Color 8.31 + 6vol
Credit: @lorealpro_education_uki
Formula:
- Lift: BlondorPlex + 10vol
- Tone: Color Touch 10/81 + 10/3 + 1.9%
Credit: @wellaeducation
2. Teddy Bear Blonde Is Everywhere
One trend we keep seeing tagged on social media? Teddy bear blonde.
This cosy, warm blonde sits between honey and beige, creating a soft, expensive feel without looking brassy.
Why salons love it:
- lower maintenance than icy blonde
- suits more skin tones
- photographs beautifully
- looks healthy between appointments
For many clients, this is the perfect “blonde but not too blonde” colour.
Teddy bear blonde formulas:
Formula:
- Lift: Schwarzkopf BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+ + 20vol/30vol
- Root Shadow: L'Oréal Dia Color 7.13 + 7.0 (1:1)
- Lengths: L'Oréal Dia Light 10.12 + 9.13 (1:1)
Credit: @byalvahair
Formula:
- Glossed with Color Touch 8/71 + 8/0 + 8/3 + 1.9% vol.
Credit: @wellastoreusa
3. Expensive Brunette Is Still Dominating
Brunettes are having a major moment in 2026.
And no — we don’t mean flat dark brown.
Expensive brunette is rich, reflective and glossy, often featuring subtle ribbons of caramel, mocha or espresso tones.
We’ve spoken to colourists who are seeing more clients move away from over-lightening and instead embrace:
- rich espresso brunette
- dark chocolate tones
- glossy mocha finishes
- softer dimensional brunettes
The overall look? Healthy, expensive and premium.
Expensive brunette formulas:
Formula:
- Root: Color Touch 5/0, Color Touch Emulsion 1.9% (6 vol.)
- Gloss: Color Touch 7/19 + 6/7, Color Touch Emulsion 1.9% (6 vol.)
Credit: @wellastoreusa
Formula:
- Base Color: Dia Color 6 + 6.23
- Low Light: Dia Color 4 + 5.18
Credit: @loreal_education_uki
4. Golden-Hour Brunette Is the New Balayage
Balayage hasn’t disappeared — but it’s definitely evolved.
Rather than obvious painted pieces, salons are creating golden-hour brunette looks with soft, subtle warmth through the mids and ends.
Think sunlight hitting brunette hair naturally.
This trend works brilliantly for clients who want movement and brightness without obvious maintenance.
Golden hour formulas:
Formula:
- Lift: BLONDME pre lightener 20vol
- Tone: Dia Light 10.13/9.02/8.13 & CLEAR with 6vol 1.8% (for your ends)
Credit: @hairbyjodiesanders
Formula:
- Base: IGORA ROYAL 6-0 + 6-4 (2:1) with 6% Oil Developer
- Balayage: BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ with 20 Vol Developer
- Gloss: IGORA VIBRANCE 8-4 + 9-0 (1:1) with Activator Lotion 1.9%
Credit: @sofiastylesnv
Formula:
- Roots: Wella Color Touch 6/43 + 7/43 + touch of 5/3 for depth
- Mids & Ends: Wella 7/43 to refresh + enhance vibrancy
Credit: @jessieglasgowhair
5. Burnt Copper Has Replaced Bright Copper
Copper isn’t going anywhere.
But in 2026, it’s become richer, softer and more wearable.
Instead of bright orange coppers, colourists are moving towards:
- burnt copper
- cinnamon copper
- terracotta tones
- red velvet brunette
- burnt sienna reds
We’ve especially noticed this trend performing well on social media because it feels bold without being “too much.”
Burnt copper formulas:
Formula:
- Lift: BLONDME pre lightener 4%
- Root: 6/07 Shinefinity
- Base: Shinefinity 8/34 20ml, 10ml 6/43 & 5ml 7/3
Credit: @calumtierney
6. Cherry Mocha Brunette Is Trending Fast
One trend colourists keep mentioning? Cherry mocha brunette.
This glossy brunette features hidden red or burgundy undertones that catch beautifully in the light.
Indoors, it looks rich brunette.
In sunlight? The cherry tones come through.
It’s ideal for brunettes wanting something different without committing to full red hair.
Cherry mocha formulas:
Formula:
- Color: Color Touch 6/77 + 5/5
- Emulsion: Color Touch Emulsion 4% (13 vol.)
Credit: @wellastoreusa
7. Milk Tea Bronde Is the Perfect In-Between Shade
Not blonde. Not brunette.
Bronde is still huge in 2026.
But the version we’re seeing most? Milk tea bronde.
This softer, neutral mix blends blonde and brunette tones for a luxury, lived-in finish.
Perfect for:
- blondes wanting darker
- brunettes wanting lighter
- lower-maintenance colour clients
It’s one of the easiest salon colours to maintain — which is exactly why clients love it.
Milk tea bronde formulas:
Formulas:
- Koleston Perfect 8/97 + 8/96
- Color Touch 9/96 + 7/73 (1:3)
- Ilumina Color 7/75 + 9/60
- Shinefinity 07/97 + 07/0
Credit: @konstantinos_skorilas_
8. Champagne Blonde Feels More Luxe Than Platinum
For clients who still want brightness, champagne blonde is replacing ultra-cool platinum.
Think:
- soft pearl tones
- champagne beige
- glossy reflective blonde
- luminous shine
The result feels polished and premium rather than overly toned or icy.
Champagne blonde formulas:
Formula:
- Roots: Wella Color Touch 7/3 & 8/05
- Gloss: Wella Color Touch 8/03 & 10/05
- Tips: Wella Blondor
Credit: @taylorhartmann_hair
9. Seamless Colour Melts Are Taking Over
If there’s one technical trend dominating salons in 2026, it’s colour melting.
We’re seeing fewer harsh transitions and more:
- root melts
- shadow roots
- blurred dimension
- seamless blending
Clients increasingly want colour that looks good for longer between appointments.
The goal?
No obvious lines. No stripey highlights. Just expensive-looking hair.
Colour melt formulas:
Formula:
- Roots: Dia Color 6 + 8.1 + 9 Volume
- Color: Dia Color 1 Part 9N + 4 Parts Clear + 9 Volume
Credit: @sabrinathehairwitch
10. Grey Blending Is Bigger Than Ever
One of the fastest-growing salon requests we’re hearing about? Grey blending.
Instead of solid grey coverage, clients are increasingly asking for:
- softer grow-out
- dimensional colour
- blended greys
- lower maintenance appointments
For salons, this has become a huge premium service opportunity.
Grey blending formulas:
Formula:
- Lightening: Blond studio purple lightening balm 8 + 30 vol.
- Lowlights: Dia Color 6 + 9 vol.
- Tone: Dia Light 9.13 + 9 vol.
Credit: @loreal_education_uki
What Hair Colour Trends Are Hairdressers Seeing Most in 2026?
If we had to sum up 2026 hair colour trends in one sentence, it would be this:
Glossy, healthy, expensive-looking colour that’s easier to maintain.
The biggest shift we’ve noticed at Hairco?
Clients are moving away from overly obvious colour and instead asking for:
✅ softer blends
✅ shine and condition
✅ richer brunettes
✅ warm luxury blondes
✅ colour that grows out beautifully
And honestly? We’re here for it.
FAQs: Hair Colour Trends 2026
What is the biggest hair colour trend in 2026?
Buttercream blonde and expensive brunette are two of the biggest salon hair colour trends of 2026 so far.
Are cool blondes out in 2026?
Not completely, but warmer, creamier blondes are dominating salon requests.
Is balayage still trendy in 2026?
Yes — but softer. Seamless colour melts and blended balayage are replacing high-contrast looks.
What brunette colours are trending in 2026?
Glossy espresso brunette, mocha brunette, golden-hour brunette and cherry mocha are all trending.
Are copper hair colours still in style?
Absolutely — but softer, earthier coppers are replacing brighter orange tones.
