Fantasy hues make a bold statement, and are also easier to maintain than other options. Hilary Duff famously adopted cotton candy pink hair; Dua Lipa opts for bright and lively red as her signature shade. Fantasy colors stand out while remaining stylishly under control – something every fashionista knows all too well!
This year, balayage is seeing a subtle update: salon colorists are painting delicate baby highlights onto mid-lengths and ends for an immersive, multidimensional effect that captivates.
1. Atomic Blonde
As you transition into spring, opt for a bright blonde with subtle multi-tonal dimensions – colorist Matt Schulman describes this style as being “fresher, less formal version of platinum that appears more natural”.
Strawberry blonde is another lighter blonde shade worth considering for spring and summertime styling, offering a flirtier and warmer take on red hues we have seen more of this winter. It makes an excellent pick!
If you want to go even lighter, why not give butter blonde a try? According to Schulman, butter blonde is a cool-toned shade which blends warm and golden hues seamlessly together to form a natural-looking blend of hues. Plus it can easily be refreshed with toning gloss every month or so for easy maintenance and refreshment – an excellent solution for brunettes looking to lighten without experiencing grow-out pain! Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish have popularized this look among others.
2. Mocha Brown
If you want to upgrade your brunette look, try switching up with a rich chocolate shade filled with caramel and honey hues. Have your stylist apply this eye-catching trend using balayage or babylights for a naturally dimensional and mesmerizing effect.
An alternative trend to the ombre fade, this subtle wash of color around the roots, nape and behind the ears will enhance their natural radiance and help bring out their best features.
Make an impressionful change by having your colorist create the beachy brunette effect. This trendy hue features medium brown lengths with sun-kissed highlights for an airy finish and cool, rosy undertones that work with most skin tones and can easily be adjusted as the season changes.
3. Copper Blonde
Strawberry blonde’s earthier cousin with subtle copper and rose tones, caramel blonde is an extremely flattering shade that suits almost every skin tone. Ideal if you aren’t quite ready to take the leap into full red yet or just looking to switch up your blonde look for summer, caramel blonde is ideal – don’t hesitate to give this hue a try!
Influencers like Hayley Williams have taken to rocking this fiery copper penny shade, and it looks fantastic both on her voluminous curls and straight models. Brunettes should give this color a try too; especially those who wish for a faded burgundy balayage with lots of texture at their roots.
This 2024 trend of balayage highlights is getting an upgrade with soft, sandy hues that bring dimension lightness to both face and neckline. Plus, this style won’t age brassily or yellow over time!
4. Rose Gold
Rosy metallic shades have made waves this year – from runway shows and runway models, to celebrity manes and our social media feeds. Dip dyeing tresses or playing with subtle highlights – adding this chic hue adds an unexpected and stylish flair.
Teddy bear blonde is an effective way for brunettes to explore rose gold territory without going full Nicki Minaj in Pink Friday mode. “Teddy Bear Blonde” by New York City colorist Mariah Joseph “is a sophisticated trend that requires single processes with partial highlights or lowlights to achieve its unique effect.” Try stylist Simona Tabasco’s rich hazelnut brown hue or lighter champagne blonde from Constance Wu for this look.
If classic rose gold doesn’t quite suit your aesthetic, consider trying something more muted like Hanna Galicia’s dusty mauve lob with its subtle mauve hue – just remember to use balayage techniques for an authentic finish!
5. Off-Black
If you’re feeling adventurous and in the mood to experiment with darker hues, off-black can be the answer. According to celebrity stylist Lisa Satorn, this cool ashy shade serves as “an alternative to jet black,” as seen on celebrities like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa – giving brunettes an extravagant and sophisticated appearance.
If a dark hue seems too intense for your tastes, try opting for chocolate brown highlights and lowlights instead – an elegant style which won’t show your roots while it grows out seamlessly over time. Sandra Bullock rocked this color on her dark bob while Constance Wu chose it for her long, straight style.
If you want to ensure your colors remain vibrant, ask your stylist about dpHue’s color-boosting treatment available at Sephora. We love its results!
