Natural hairstyles have become a timeless trend in the beauty world, so it's no surprise that the biggest hair colour trends for 2026 are following suit. “The colour trends of 2026 leave behind excessive contrasts and artificial tones. The focus is on working the colour in a more natural way, respecting the base of the hair and looking for elegant results that age well over time,” says Jorge Garay, colourist and founder of Jorge Garay Salon. As Jorge points out, three words will define hair colour trends over the coming months: “naturalness, elegance and consistency”.
Below, we compile the hair colours that, according to Garay, will reign in 2026, so you can get inspired before your next visit to the salon.
Cashmere blonde
One of the big bets for blondes this season are the most minimalist tones and natural tones. “It is light blonde, creamy and slightly matte, which adapts to the skin undertone and never feels artificial. It illuminates the face without hardening it and maintains a sense of naturalness that is key right now,” notes Jorge.
Scandi blonde
Nordic girls have always been envied for their ultra-light, almost white, natural-looking blonde colour, and although it’s a shade that’s usually always present in the trends, this season it's been revamped. “The extra light blonde is still present, but with a more technical execution. It is worked from the roots but with depth, looking for a clean colour with shine, not an artificial effect,” explains the colourist.
Spicy auburn
We have already seen red hair triumph in different versions, and this hair colour is here to stay in any of its many shades. But in 2026, it will be the warmer, more natural version that reigns supreme, according to Jorge. “Coppers are evolving toward deeper, spicier tones. Spicy auburn combines golden and cinnamon nuances, bringing personality without being excessive,” he says.
Rich brunette
Not only do brown shades inspire on-trend makeup looks, they are also part of the most prominent colours. These shades are a perfect base as a single hair colour or to combine with different techniques. “Browns are consolidating their position as a symbol of elegance. Dark, shiny shades with dimension, such as espresso martini, add shine to the hair without the need for extreme lightening,” explains the stylist.
Colour melting
“More than a colour, colour melting is a technique that is not visible to the naked eye, which is precisely what makes it so desirable,” says Jorge. “The base tone is respected and from there on the reflections blend progressively, without obvious cuts, creating depth and without contrasts. It is ideal for those who want a natural, long-lasting, low-maintenance colour.”
As with other beauty trends, there are also hair colours that, according to Jorge, we will leave behind in 2026. Cherry tones, which have been very present and red-hot in previous seasons, are starting to take a back seat now. Instead of saturated colours that are more difficult to naturally integrate into your look, more sophisticated and harmonious copper tones are emerging. Ash blondes are also losing momentum. For years they have been a leading trend, but now they are being perceived as flatter and duller, making way for blondes that bring more depth and warmth to the look. Similarly, when it comes to brunettes, we're swapping cooler, ashier tones, such as mushroom or taupe brunette, for richer, deeper and warmer tones.
A version of this article was originally published on Glamour Spain.
