BTC Trend Report: This Year’s Most Popular Hair Shades
If you’re like us, you’ve been feening for the drop of 2024’s trending hair colors. Although we’re saying goodbye to the micro trend era, the surge of creativity from beguiling hair color run through every stylists’ veins.
Ready to satisfy your craving? Scroll through our list of six hair color predictions that every client will be asking for. Beat them to the request by saving these formulas, inspo photos and advanced color tips with techniques from the industry’s biggest names.
What you’ll find in this trend report:
- Variations of six of this year’s hottest hair color trends
- Popular color formulas to try in the salon
- Step-by-step techniques and advice from pro colorists
- Inspo photos to suit every client
- Hair color techniques for every hair texture
- Placement, application and formulation tips to use every day
#1. Pure Gold
Last year, we successfully warmed up SO many heads in our chairs andturned clients’ go-to request away from ashing-out their blonde. While you keep riding the golden toner wave, we’ll teach you about it’s elegant older sister—pure gold.
Levels and root smudges will range (obviously), the premise of this color is depositing the purest gold possible—without yellow reflect. If your client can achieve this look through a (healthy) raw lift, seal the color with clear toner. If you need to formulate, focus away from neutralizers or copper undertones.
Pro Tip: Be cautious of hidden shades hiding in warm toners and aim for a bright, buttercup shade—like a natural blonde glow in the summertime.
Photo credit: Instagram via @brunohfnunes
Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit
Photo credit: Instagram via @carinapranz
Scroll Pause: Quickie Toner Formula
Depending on starting Level, simplicity may be key for your client’s pure gold. Balayage expert Sara Botsford (@sarabotsfordhair)recommends, “Lightening with Redken Flash Lift Power 9 and glossing with Shades EQ™ 010N + 010wg.”
Photo credit: Instagram via @sarabotsfordhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor
Foiling Techniques For Radiant Blondes: @hairbychrissydanielle Class Available NOW on BTC-U!
Photo credit: Instagram via @nadine_berneis
Photo credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
These 3 Details Will Make A HUGE Difference
It’s not just another blonde, the purpose of these trending breakdowns is to teach you the importance of building upon your key techniques and education to put huge deposits in your pocket this year.
Diana Vivilecchia (@dvcolour), balayage educator shares her three detail points that make the biggest difference:
- Wet Balayage: DO NOT touch the root tone. This will create blotchiness and require you to add more lightener later on, eliminating a lived-in look.
- Hairline Attention: Put cotton around your client’s hairline. This avoids transfer, overlap on ends when moving hair around and ensures your client’s comfort.
- Cut Before Color: “Especially if you’re doing butterfly layers before the balayage,” Diana says. “You should finish your blondes with a blow-out, not a cut.”
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Photo credit: Instagram via @evoni
Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @byjustinrevenge
Photo credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo
Photo credit: Instagram via @lo_wheelerdavis
High Density, Gray Coverage Tips For Pure Golds
“I love working on thick hair, but pairing light colors on coarse strands that need gray coverage can be challenging,” says color specialist and Philly-based salon ownerKara Williams (@haircolorkilla).
“Using a combination of techniques and products—we got it done!” Kara shares her formula and go-to product list here:
- Roots: Matrix SoColor Pre-Bonded Permanent Color506n + 6a + 20-volume developer (1:1:1)
- Mids: SoColor Pre-Bonded Permanent 506n + 8na + 30-volume developer (1:1:1)
- Highlights: Matrix Light Master Pre-Bonded Lightener + 30-volume developer
- Root Shadow: Matrix SoColor Sync Demi-Permanent Color 7na
- All-over Toner: SoColor Sync 10pv + SoColor Pre-Bonded Permanent 8aa
Watch Kara’s full demo on IG—click here!
Photo credit: Instagram via @sodaonmylips
Photo credit: Instagram via @megumicolor
Photo credit: Instagram via @colorbymattrez
Your client’s dream pure goldcould be just a few tape-ins away—have you started offering extensions yet? Here’s your sign to make that GOOD money this year.
Watch Hotheads® Hair Extensions Master Educator Natalie Ruzgis (@natalieruzgis) transform her everyday client into a paying extension wearer:
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#2. Baby Pink
Is it the balletcore trend Gen-Z made up on TikTok? Or is ’24 everyone’s carefree year? Celebrity colorist Dimitris Giannetos (@dimitrishair)grabbed every corner of Hollywood transformingMegan Fox, Ciara and even Shania Twaininto baby pink trendsetters and now we’re seeing it in chairs across the globe.
Bold color trends that aren’t typically stocked in the backbar are almost always from the influence of celebrity or Instagram culture. No one has a grip on influence like Kylie Jenner, who is quite possibly the culprit of the pink surge as she entered back into her “King Kylie” era with a baby pink midlength look.
Formulas to get you started:
- Custom Peachy Pink by @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon
- Smoky Magenta Melt by Guy Tang
- Megan Rapinoe’s Pink Pixie
Photo credit: Instagram via @jesushair
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @jaeldorotan
Scroll Pause: Let’s Talk Pink Formulas
“Customizing a pink tone by adding small amounts of a complementary tone like lavender or grey will definitely individualize each new pink that heads out the door,” says Moroccanoil® Global Color Ambassador Greg Gilmore (@greg_gilmore).
Greg’s current favorite pink formula:
“This formula Is what I coined as Smokey Pink Chai Latte,”he says.
- Moroccanoil® Color Calypso Demi Permanent Gloss 10VC + 8V + a splash of Grey Color Infusion
- The breakdown: Greg says while the 10VC builds a solid (but soft) pink base, the grey infusion smokes out the color while the 8V balances the icy tone
“If you add Moroccanoil® Violet Color Infusion, now you create something no other person will have and no other stylist will create—well, they will now because I revealed the secret,” Greg shares.
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Photo credit: Instagram via @belpipsqueekinsaigon
Photo credit: Instagram via @danielmbeauty
Photo credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist
Photo credit: Instagram via @josievilay
Photo credit: Instagram via @jackmartincolorist
Touch Of Pink Alterations
A baby pink root melt,embellishments for locs or length for braids is an easy offering to bring clients into experimenting with trends on their signature looks:
Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair
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Photo credit: Instagram via @rollies2thesky
Photo credit: Instagram via @braidsbyadel
#3. Crystal Platinum
Our color theory snobs, grab your notebook and nerd out with us for a moment. Think of a crystal, the transparent glass-like mirror has a high refractive index, allowing the stone to reflect off tones, textures and colors.
When you think of platinum hair color, “white” or “bleach blonde” are common descriptors. However, leaning into the crystal reflection mindset will take a textbook platinum and turn it into a tonal-specific hue for your client’s skin tone, shade preferences and undertones.
Below you will see slight shade variations from grey, yellow, blue and beige. When studying the tonal range of each platinum photo, take a step back to assess the client’s skin tone. Look at their natural root, their eye color, the under tones on their chest—you’ll immediately see a different in the color you initially glanced at transform into a reflective shade.
Photo credit: Instagram via jaeldorotan
Photo credit: Instagram via @seolahair
Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbyadir
Color by: @colorbymattrez
Photo credit: Instagram via @geribleach
Photo credit: Instagram via @geribleach
Quick Tip: How To Not Overcomplicate Platinum Retouches
Lifting past a Level 9 feels like a big deal, but can be simplified down to a few acute steps. “Not every service has to be so difficult,” says Schwarzkopf Professional® Team Member Josie Vilay (@josievilay).
Tips for a 6-week global retouch application & formula:
- “I use Schwarzkopf ProfessionalBLONDME® Precision Lightener when I lift past a Level 9,” Josie says.
- This lightener is white, so Josie recommends mixing BLONDME Ash Neutralizing Lightener Additive to the formula for a blue tonal direction to achieve a bright, neutralized blonde
- “I keep the toner super simple too,” she says. Grabbing for BLONDME Bond Enforcing Toner inIce
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A post shared by Josie Vilay | HAIRSTYLIST | SUPER MOM (@josievilay)
Photo credit: Instagram via @nunzio_nyc1
Photo credit: Instagram @styled_by_maren
Photo credit: Instagram vua @glambylexx
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Big Redken Shades EQ™ Lover? Here’s 3 Uncommon Tricks When Toning Blondes…
Nashville salon owner and Redken Educator Philip Foresto (@philipforesto) shares his viral (maybe controversial) blonde toning hack:
- 010vv + 10G = custom neutral tones (without the over-ashy results) “If you want less yellow use slightly more 010VV, if you want more warmth use slightly more 010G,” says Redken EducatorPhilip Foresto (@philipforesto).
- “This is scary but trust me, add a cap full of 09AA to your blondes,” Philip says. “This is the secret to the richest, most vibrant blondes that have the slightest bit of warmth to them.”
- “I find that Shades EQ Level 10s adhere to a clean Level 9—while that shouldn’t work in theory, I find that it works great,” he explains. “The benefit is you can save your work! Retain brightness in your blonde by NOT over-depositing with a Level 9.”
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Photo credit: Instagram via @nealfarinah
SPOTTED: Beyonce’s platinum isn’t the only thing we’re discussing this season. Meet her longtime stylist, Rita Hazan here.
Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @thehairbros
Caring For Platinum Locs: Detox Without Altering Hair Color
“It’s been a few weeks since my client had her locs installed by @ronnieslocs, so it’s time for scalp care and a detox,” says curly hair specialist and educatorChristin Brown (@curlfactor).
Use Christin’s go-to products and watch her demo below:
- To clarify the scalp and hair, use Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo.
- “I follow up with a DEEP dive using Olaplex Broad Spectrum Chelating Treatment,” she says.
- Christin recommends this detox for all hair types, including locs.
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A post shared by Christin Brown | C U R L F A C T O R (@curlfactor)
Photo credit: Instagram via @martafeschuk
Photo credit: Instagram via @edgybgirl
Photo credit: Instagram via @ameliajanehair
Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbybec
#4. Backlit Golden Brown
Clients want natural—this is not news anymore, but natural means MORE than a gloss every six weeks. To create this“glow from within” backlit look, you’ll need to think about building color—because the goal is to not have any signs of blonde.
Sometimes, simple looks require more artistry that is hidden inside internal highlights, contoured lowlights and undertone. Before you jump in, color specialist and IG-loved hairstylist Diana Vivilecchia (@dvcolour) has a Level hack you need to consider.
“The most common mistake for dimensional brunette without blondeis processing to an intense orange and then neutralizing,” she says. “Hair lifts in Levels, think about each Level in stages of 1. Intense 2. Medium and 3. Pale. Think about the undertone, if you rinse at an Intense Level 7, you’re left with bright orange which will make the hair appear darker and more dull. Wait until that Pale Level 7 instead.”
Click below for Diana’s tutorial:
Photo credit: Instagram via @dvcolour
Photo credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo credit: Instagram via @byjustinrevenge
Photo credit: Instagram via @chrissyteigen
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Hair color: @hair_by_samn
Haircut and video credit: @styled_by_carolynn
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @dvcolour
Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbyreema
Photo credit: Instagram via @keziassimoes
Photo credit: Instagram via @keziassimoes
Schwarzkopf Professional® Digital Artistic Team Member Carlos Rojas (@colorbycarlos) demos his brunette gray coverage technique he uses when client’s backlit brunette needs a glow-up:
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Photo credit: Instagram via @mertishere0
Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit
Photo credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe
Photo credit: Instagram via @owengould
Photo credit: Instagram via @romeufelipe
Find the perfect haircut to accentuate this backlit golden brown and more in this year’s biggest haircut trend breakdown!
#5. All-Over Level 3 to 4 & Level 4 to 5
If you’re thinking this just looks like everyones natural color, it’s because it probably is. Bringing your client back to their natural low-to-mid Level hair color will take maintenance—so make sure your client is aware this is not a one-size-fixes-all solution.
Filling the hair, eliminating previous bands (from sunlight, post-color grow out, products, etc.) and revitalizing natural wear and tear are all going to be part of taking your client back to their roots—literally. A common conversation to anticipate:“Chocolate brown“ means Level 4 to 5—whether your client understand this or not, this talk-through is going to be an important time to grab the swatch book and explain lighting nuances and overall shade ranges!
Level 3 to 4: Deepest Brunette
It’s classic, stunning and euro-chic. Scroll through these inspo photos and screenshot the following tips and formulas to get you going on the dark side.
Celebrity Colorist-Approved Formula To Try
If you’ve saved any celeb color formula lately, it’s likely a creation of Moroccanoil® Global Celebrity Colorist Matt Rez (@colorbymattrez). Clients like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Adele, Penelope Cruz and more flock to Matt’s chair—and now he’s giving you a custom formula to use.
Simple deep brunette formula:
- Moroccanoil® Color Calypso Demi Liquid Gloss 4.3 + 5N (2:1) + a cap full of 8.4, allow to process for 20 minutes.
Photo credit: Instagram via @colorbymattrez
Photo credit: Instagram via @andreahenty
Photo credit: Instagram via @curtinhobr
Photo credit: Instagram via @curtinhosdopoderr
“Even with the natural sunlight hitting the hair, it reflects a violet warmth instead of that obnoxious red/orange tone,” says Schwarzkopf Professional® Artistic Team member Ashlee Norman (@ashleenormanhair).
Catch Ashlee’s demo below AND more on BTC-U: Click here to check your subscription status!
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
Photo credit: Instagram via @franckhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo credit: Instagram via @mecawirht
Brunette Classes Are Trending Now: Your Favorite Educators Teach YOU, Only On BTC-U.
Photo credit: Instagram via @themaneartistry
Photo credit: Instagram via @nunzio_nyc1
Photo credit: Instagram via @nunzio_nyc1
Photo credit: Instagram via @stebunovhair
Level 4 to 5 Chocolate Brunette
Ready to jump in? This cult-classic color will never rotate out of trend, but while it’s really hot we want to be sure you have the formulas to hit the ground running.
Most-requested brunette formulas:
- Rich Beige Brunette
- Warm, Cinnamon Brunette
- Lady Gaga’s Brunette From House of Gucci
- Grown Out Blonde To Spiced Brunette
Photo credit: Instagram via @mustafaserdarbekeci_
Lana Del Rey’s brunette formula by celebrity colorist Jacob Schwartz (@jacobschwartzhair)debuted on the Grammys carpet. Tap below for the step-by-step formula and advice on choosing demi or permanent color:
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jacobschwartzhair
Photo credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo
How To Kick The Warmth Out Of Mid-Level Brunettes
We can’t always be frustrated with the “I feel like it’s still red,” remarks when our clients go brunette. “EVERYONE will pull orange and red when lifting past a Level 3 to 6,” says @dvcolour. “It’s all about lifting past that intense Level 6.”
Repeat after us: Lift to the right Level, then pick a tone to match:
- “If I lifted to a Level 7 and toned on top with a Level 7, my formula would appear darker than the Level,” she explains.
- “This brunette has an ash that reflects a translucent because it’s been lifted to a Level 8. If it were a 7, it would look more opaque with a deep warmth.”
Watch the zone process and technique here:
Photo credit: Instagram via @mustafaserdarbekeci_
Photo credit: Instagram via @curtinhosdopoderr
Photo credit: Instagram via @nanaquality
Scroll Pause: 8 Brunette Formulas Using Moroccanoil® Color To Screenshot Now!
Photo credit: Instagram via @bunaldemir
Photo credit: Instagram via @mm.hairlondon
Screenshot This: Simple 2-Shade Brunette Toner
“For the richest, shiniest brunette I gave this beauty a deep root with Alfaparf Milano Color Wear Toner 5.0 + 5.1 (3:1),” says 2023 #ONESHOT Hair Awards Balayage Winner Mick Lewis (@hairbymickk).
Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk
Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit
Photo credit: Instagram via @lydiafowler
Photo credit: Instagram via @sophia_vanbragt
#6. Jet Black
It screams runway, high fashion, chic and vintage—what more could your Pinterest board ask for? This luxury hair color is timeless—but don’t let your clients be fooled, this all-over look requires care and maintenance on the regular.
Things to be conscious of:
- Routine root maintenance to a faded, dull base
- Consider creating an add-on list to offer your clients at their frequent retouch appointments
- Hard water at your client’s home—detox treatments will be necessary
- It’s not just for blondes, here’s a guide to teach your clients
- Soft hairlines
- Avoid the “helmet” look by delicatelyfeathering color onto your client’s hairline to avoid a stark line
- Undertones—the deeper you go, the more change your client will “see blue”
- Be aware of your color line’s undertones and adjust with demi-permanent or diluted color swaps when necessary
- Requests to go jet black to “restart”
- Dark hair does not automatically mean healthy hair! Beware of clients looking for an “easy way out” color
Photo credit: Instagram via @curtinhosdopoderr
Photo credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo credit: Instagram via @unclejessiiee
Match Your Swatch Chart To Your Client’s Natural Base
If your client has a natural black base tone, use it.It’s not always necessary to apply a full head of color—in fact, when working with jet black shades, it’s preferred to build on natural to avoid a “blob of hair” look. Match the natural tone to your swatch book to avoid your clients having a band of grow out or faded roots that can create an ashy dullness.
“On this day we just enhanced her color,” says curly hair color and cut specialistJohn George (@johnwgeorge).
Watch John’s full process below:
Photo credit: Instagram via @byjustinrevenge
Photo credit: Instagram via @curtinhosdopoderr
Photo credit: Instagram via @hairbyreema
Yes, Black Extensions Can Look Soft & Dimensional
LA-based extension specialist Isabelle Bomane (@isabelle_bomane) works on viral heads of hair like Madison Beer and Nailea Devoraso when she recommends a natural-looking color, we listen.
“One of my most used extensions shades is Line One Hair 1A,” says Isabelle. “This custom color is a true off-black and I love to mix 1A with 1B and 1B2 for dark dimension that catches the light.”
Photo credit: Instagram via @isabelle_bomane
Photo credit: Instagram via @weezydidit
Photo credit: Instagram via @victoria.hairart
Photo credit: Instagram via @paox33
Stain Remover Hack: All You Need Is Water & Shampoo
There is no need to use stripping alcohol-based products on your client’s skin. Use this hairline stain remover hack from Atlanta-based extension expert Emily (@sleekhair101).
Try this product-free stain remover hack:
- Using only water, rinse the hairline and use the hair strands to scrub the line of demarcation
- Do not apply shampoo until the line is completely gone
- Once the hairline is free from a stark line of color, shampoo as normal
- That’s it! Your client’s hair should be used as a natural exfoliant before reaching for product
Watch Emily’s IG demo here:
Photo credit: Instagram via @sleekhair101
