As the spring season approaches, many of us find ourselves wanting to refresh our hair color and take inspo from stylish celebs. If you’re looking for a fresh hue that reflects the sunnier days, blossoming flowers, and pastel color palettes of the season, we’re here to help. Professional hairstylists and experts have identified eleven trending hair colors that are predicted to reign supreme in spring 2024, based on their popularity on BeautyTok and other social media channels.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Pierre Michel Salon‘s director and professional stylist, Jerome Lordet and color specialist Adriana Tapia, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Greg Decker, pro hair stylist and colorist, Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Jamie Mazzei, hair expert and creative director at NuBest Salon & Spa, Lauren Udoh, pro hair stylist and Hair Creative Director at WigReports, and Michelle Jacoby, pro hairstylist and owner of Sundance Salon & Spa.
11 Trendy, Flattering Hair Colors You're Likely To See This Spring
1. Mushroom Bronde
If you’ve taken a scroll on Pinterest or BeautyTok lately, you might have seen hair inspo pics of ‘bronde’ tresses, (or a stunning mix of brunette and blonde tones) and the trendy, ashy ‘mushroom’ color. This spring, as stylists tell us, a combination of these popular looks is emerging as the latest to-die-for color at salons all over: ‘mushroom bronde.’
As seen here on Hailey Bieber, the color was also trendy throughout 2023. When it comes to a 'mushroom' hair color, Decker explains that this TikTok-trendy look "mimics the many ashy tones of mushrooms as well as the deeper hues on their undersides to create that subtle and cool color." He adds that it is ultimately a "blonde hair color but a bit on the darker side with gray and purple undertones."
When combining these two elements—mushroom and bronde— Udoh says that this creates the "perfect balance between dark and light tones, and is the ideal choice for those wanting to lighten their complexion subtly without going too bright."
2. Buttery Blonde
Also expected to be a popular hair color trend for 2024 is a buttery blonde hue that boasts a softness unparalleled. "Buttery blonde creates a sun-kissed look that will be popular [this spring]," Udoh says, as seen above on Kate Hudson. "This shade of blonde provides the perfect warmth while still looking natural and effortless. Buttery blonde is popular because it provides a natural-looking, sun-kissed hue that looks great on all skin tones," she adds.
According to Udoh, if the shade of buttery blonde is not your cup of tea, then opting for sun-kissed highlights is the way to go for the upcoming season. This alternative trend is expected to be just as popular. "This multi-dimensional look can be customized to flatter any hair type or face shape, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants an updated style," she notes.
3. Cherry Coke Red
According to Jacoby, this particular shade of red strikes a perfect equilibrium by serving as an excellent complement to both darker and fairer skin tones. Additionally, those seeking an edgy touch to their style can benefit from incorporating this hue into their look. “Varying the blend of red to complement that individual,” she says. “Some a bit more fire, others a bit more raspberry jam, and some a splash of grape.”
“With the last few years dominated by achieving cool tones, pale blondes, and shades of mushroom, the re-emergence of warm tones is finally making a comeback,” she adds. “Thank Goodness! Cherry Coke Red is fun to add to shades of brown. A beautiful mix of complimenting shades of rich brown and a blend of cool and fiery red for the guest in my chair.”
Jacoby predicts that this spring, the deep shade of red (as seen above on Rihanna) will be prevalent, typically not overly vibrant, but potentially with some brown undertones.
4. Shiny Jet-Black
Sleek, fierce and bold black tresses always make a statement, and Demi Lovato's are no exception! If you have naturally cooler or wintery skin tones and undertones, a dark, gothic and classic color like jet-black may be perfect for you. If you're thinking of going for this hue, Rivera says "it’s important to consult with a salon professional" to ensure that the correct shade is selected to match your main skin tones and undertones and to avoid the look of being "washed out."
Rivera notes that it's important to keep in mind that some darker shades can "sharpen features and can also generate shadows which can distract from the features that mature women may want to accentuate," so choosing a shade that matches your features is essential if you want to go for a jet-black look!
5. Brownie Batter Brown
On TikTok, BeautyTok and other realms of social media where hair colors are trending, you may have heard the term 'brownie batter brown' to describe this rich, warm brunette hue, as seen above on Katie Holmes.
When it comes to brown hair this time of year, Lordet says that "instead of cool tones, more and more are opting for golden honey tones and caramel blonde, specifically for those with chocolate brown hair."
6. Warm Strawberry Blonde
Another color you might spot quite a bit this spring is strawberry blonde, as seen on Viola Davis above. The spring and summer often inspire a lighter strawberry blonde look, with more golden and rich auburn tones in this season. If you're naturally blonde and want to try going red or if you have darker red tresses and want to go lighter, this look can help you forget cold and dreary winter days instantly.
This honeyed red-esque hair color is often "described as having a warm, golden glow," Abdullah says. She explains that strawberry blonde as a hair color can "range in shade from light blonde with hints of pink to dark blonde with a coppery tint." She also notes that it is "flattering on a variety of skin tones."
7. Dark Auburn
Reddish hues are always in style year-round, but a darker auburn color like Julia Roberts has above is especially trendy in the transitional seasons. Lordet points out that a rich reddish-brown color like this "helps to make your complexion warmer, giving you a cozy feel" right as the cold winter season ends.
Last winter, Lordet said we saw a "warm winter trend," and this will carry on into the spring, when the changing weather can reflect the warmth in your hair. Mazzei also says that "every skin tone" can wear red, and coppery hues like this are great to experiment with if you have dark hair and want to try red, or if you have red hair and want to test out darker brown notes. Abdullah also says that "auburn hair with cinnamon highlights is trending."
8. Golden Honey Blonde
One of the most prominent hair trends in early 2024 so far is the honey blonde color, or a golden look with subtle caramel undertones. Bella Hadid memorably rocked this last year in an Instagram post for her 60.8 milllion Instagram followers, and the hue suited her complexion effortlessly.
Regarding the color, Maccaro says that it is popular since it is “flattering” for many skin tones, and that it is “multi-dimensional.” With Hadid, it worked so well because it “highlights her best features.” “Honey blonde isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ shade, meaning it can be adjusted to complement any skin tone and haircut shape,” she says.
Application wise, she adds, “colorists can play with balayage, foilayage, chunky highlights, and root melts.” A warmer tone is easier to achieve when it comes to hair colors, Maccaro notes, and it often has “more longevity” than cooler ones.
9. Iced Mocha Bronde
Think of your favorite iced mocha drink and the many swirling, gorgeous hues within it. Now, imagine combining these colors together for a new ‘do that meets in the middle between dirty blonde and light brunette.
As seen on Olivia Wilde, this iced mocha hue is a great change for spring and can still provide much-needed warmth to your look just after surviving the coldest time of the year. “Adding front pieces of gold tone can make the color look more defined rather than just a plain brown,” Tapia says.
10. Smoky Silver
Love metallic shades? Why not extend that love to your strands? “Smoky silver is an edgy hue that will be sought after in the next season,” Udoh says.
“The color is a mix of cool tones, creating a slightly metallic finish that can add depth to any look. Smoky silver is perfect for creating an elegant and timeless feel with just the right sparkle. [It] suits those with grey or silver hair who want a more low-maintenance look.”
11. Rich Dark Espresso
If you want to go dark this spring but not as dark as a jet-black shade, a rich, dark espresso could be a great choice, especially with warm highlights like Kendall Jenner's tresses above. “Think of this as the illuminated version of the expensive brunette trend we saw a lot of all over social media last year,” Maccaro says. “This look is still rich, shiny, and chocolatey brown but has a pop of lightness to give a radiant face-framing glow. The highlights really amplify the hue by adding soft dimensional pops that can be customized to suit your skin tone.”
To achieve this look, a colorist will start with an all-over color or work with your own natural brunette base. “Then add subtle balayage throughout the bottom and face frame of the shape of the haircut to create seamless movement,” she says. “To keep the color looking shiny and rich, schedule gloss appointments approximately every four weeks to maintain ashier tones or if your lengths tend to fade quickly or every 6-8 weeks for warmer tones and natural brunettes.”
The Bottom Line
Overall, if you’re looking to change your hair for the spring and want to emphasize your best features all season long, Rivera recommends giving a new color a try.
These eleven options are a great place to start, and can serve as celeb-fave inspo to take into the salon. "Color is a terrific option for adding depth and dimension to fine hair," she adds. Rivera also notes that a new hue can always "add texture to your hair, making it look fuller as well."
