Okay friends, let me tell you something absolutely wild that’s happening in salons right now. The holiday hair rush is real, and the colors clients are requesting? They’re giving main character energy in the best possible way.
I’ve been chatting with top colorists across the country, and they’re all saying the same thing: this season is all about rich, dimensional shades that photograph like a dream and don’t require you to camp out at the salon every three weeks. Translation? Gorgeous hair that actually fits into your real life.
Whether you’re prepping for office parties, family photos, or just want to feel a little more you when you catch your reflection, these trending shades are absolute gold. Let’s dive in!
1. Expensive Brunette 2.0
If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve seen this one. Rich chocolate melting into glossy mocha, with espresso depths that make your hair look ridiculously healthy. It’s basically the cashmere sweater of hair colors.
What the experts say: “Expensive brunette is all about dimension and shine,” explains celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham, who works with A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Emma Stone. “We’re creating depth with multi-tonal browns that catch the light beautifully. It’s sophisticated without trying too hard, which is exactly what clients want right now.”
Why it’s having a moment: This shade screams intentional, high-end, and effortlessly polished. Plus, it doesn’t scream for attention every 4 weeks with visible roots.
Perfect for: Warm and neutral skin undertones, anyone wanting that “old money” aesthetic, or if you’re ready to go darker for winter but still want movement in your hair.
The maintenance reality: A gloss treatment every 6-8 weeks keeps it looking salon-fresh. Your colorist can also add a few strategic highlights around your face to brighten things up.
Pro tip: Ask your stylist about “brown-lighting” — it’s like balayage but with richer tones that add dimension without going lighter.
2. Cinnamon Copper & Soft Ginger
Gone are the screaming bright coppers of summers past. This season’s copper vibes are all about soft cinnamon spice, gentle ginger warmth, and that cozy, lit-from-within glow.
Expert insight: “Red hair, especially those gorgeous shades like cowgirl copper and cinnamon cookie butter, are all about warmth, drama, and versatility,” says celebrity colorist Guy Tang, founder of #mydentity hair color. “Red can be tailored to anyone’s style, whether you want to go bold and fiery or keep it subtle and chic. It’s all about expressing your unique flair.”
Why everyone’s obsessed: These shades are absolutely stunning in indoor holiday lighting. Your hair will photograph like absolute fire at every party, and the warmth makes your complexion glow.
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones with warm or neutral undertones. If you have green or hazel eyes, prepare for compliments.
The honest truth about maintenance: Copper fades faster than other colors because red molecules are larger and escape more easily. Invest in a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and ask for gloss treatments every 4-6 weeks to keep the vibrancy.
Styling secret: Copper looks incredible with loose, textured waves. The dimension really shows when there’s movement in your hair.
3. Icy Blonde With Dimension
The platinum blonde isn’t going anywhere, but this season’s version is softer and way more forgiving. Think cool beige, pearly champagne tones, and strategic lowlights that add depth so your hair doesn’t look one-dimensional.
Colorist wisdom: “The key to modern icy blonde is dimension,” says Anh Co Tran, Global Creative Director for Milbon USA and creator of the “Lived-In Hair” technique. “We’re adding lowlights and babylights to create texture. It’s cooler-toned but not harsh, which is perfect for winter.”
Why it’s blowing up: It gives you that fresh, bright look without the stark contrast. Plus, it’s incredibly photogenic and looks amazing against winter sweaters and holiday outfits.
Ideal candidates: Cool or neutral undertones, especially if you have naturally lighter hair. If you’re starting with darker hair, be prepared for multiple sessions.
Keeping it gorgeous: Purple shampoo is your best friend (use it 1-2 times per week). Toner appointments every 3-4 weeks prevent brassiness. A shadow root or money piece placement can make grow-out way more manageable.
Bonus: This shade works beautifully on both pixie cuts and long lengths!
4. Mulled Wine & Cranberry Reds
If you’re ready to make a statement without going full-on crimson, these deep, wine-inspired reds are calling your name. Burgundy, cranberry, and mulled wine tones feel festive, luxurious, and completely on-trend.
Expert take: NYC celebrity colorist Rita Hazan, who’s created iconic looks for Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, shares, “These deeper reds are having a major moment because they’re bold enough to feel exciting but refined enough to wear to the office. They add warmth to the complexion, which is especially flattering in winter.”
The appeal: It’s dramatic in the best way. These shades complement winter’s cooler temperatures and look absolutely incredible with jewel-tone clothing.
Who should try it: Cool and neutral undertones look stunning, though your colorist can customize the shade to work with your specific coloring. This is also perfect if you’ve always wanted red hair but worried it would be too intense.
Maintenance must-knows: Red fades notoriously fast. Use color-depositing shampoo or conditioner to extend your salon visits, and always rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle.
Styling bonus: These colors look phenomenal with sleek, straight styles and polished updos.
5. Mocha Latte Balayage
This has to be one of my favorite trends right now. It’s soft beige highlights melted seamlessly into mocha brown bases, creating this gorgeous, creamy swirl effect. Very “I woke up like this” but elevated.
Colorist perspective: “Mocha balayage is the ultimate low-maintenance color,” explains Tracey Cunningham, Redken’s Creative Consultant for Color. “The blend is so soft that grow-out is actually beautiful. Clients love that they can go 3-4 months between appointments if needed.”
Why it’s genius: It gives you that “I just spent two weeks at a fancy resort” glow without the commitment or constant upkeep. The dimension adds movement and life to your hair.
Perfect for: Literally everyone, but especially brunettes wanting to brighten up without going full blonde, or anyone with a hectic schedule.
The maintenance win: This is probably the lowest-maintenance color on this list. A gloss every few months keeps it fresh, but the intentionally soft blend means roots aren’t an issue.
Insider tip: Ask for face-framing pieces to be slightly lighter — it brightens your complexion and photographs beautifully.
6. Velvet Black With Subtle Tones
Black hair is always elegant, but “velvet black” takes it up a notch. It’s richer, glossier, and more reflective than standard black. Some colorists are even adding whisper-soft blue or violet tones for depth that catches the light without looking unnatural.
Expert advice: “Velvet black is about creating the richest, most reflective black possible,” says Guy Tang, who’s known for his vibrant color transformations. “The subtle tones add dimension and prevent the hair from looking flat or dull. It’s incredibly striking for winter.”
Why it works: It’s dramatic, chic, and pairs beautifully with literally every winter outfit. The shine factor makes it stand out from regular black dye.
Best suited for: Those with cool undertones, darker complexions, or anyone who loves a bold, sophisticated look.
Keep it stunning: Color-depositing conditioners help maintain richness between appointments. Because dark colors can look dull when damaged, deep conditioning treatments are essential.
The glow-up factor: Velvet black makes features really pop, so it’s perfect if you love bold makeup looks.
How to Actually Choose Your Perfect Holiday Shade
Let’s be real — choosing a hair color can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:
Consider Your Skin’s Undertone
Not sure what yours is? Check your veins: greenish = warm, bluish = cool, can’t tell = neutral.
- Warm undertones: You’ll love cinnamon copper, golden-toned expensive brunette, or mocha latte with warmer highlights
- Cool undertones: Icy blonde, mulled wine reds, espresso brunettes, or velvet black are your friends
- Neutral undertones: Lucky you! Most shades will work beautifully. Focus on what speaks to your personality
Think About Your Lifestyle Honestly
High-maintenance is your jam: Icy blonde and copper are stunning but need more frequent salon visits and specific products.
You want easy-breezy: Mocha balayage, expensive brunette, and velvet black are lower commitment options.
You’re somewhere in between: Mulled wine and soft ginger can work with moderate upkeep.
Factor in Holiday Lighting
Here’s something most people don’t think about: indoor holiday lighting (those warm, cozy golden lights) makes warm-toned colors look absolutely incredible. If you’re doing a lot of indoor events, warmer shades photograph like a dream.
Come Prepared to Your Appointment
Bring inspiration photos! Your colorist can’t read your mind, but they can see what you’re drawn to and make it work for your hair type and lifestyle.
Keeping Your Color Fresh Into the New Year
The color is just the beginning — here’s how to keep it looking salon-fresh:
The Product Lineup:
- Sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo: Non-negotiable. Sulfates strip color faster than anything.
- Deep conditioning mask: Once weekly keeps your hair healthy and color vibrant.
- Heat protectant: Always, always, always. Heat damage makes color look dull.
- Purple/blue shampoo: For blondes and cool-toned brunettes to prevent brassiness.
- Color-depositing products: Great for reds and coppers to maintain vibrancy.
The Habits That Matter:
- Wash your hair less frequently (dry shampoo is your friend!)
- Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in color
- Get gloss treatments every 4-8 weeks depending on your shade
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent friction damage
- Limit heat styling when possible, or use lower temperatures
Pro secret: Book your next gloss appointment before you leave the salon. Future you will be so grateful.
Parting Words: Your Hair, Your Holiday Glow-Up
Here’s what I love about this season’s trends: they’re all about making you feel like the most confident, put-together version of yourself without forcing you to live at the salon. Whether you’re going bold with a cranberry red or keeping things elegant with expensive brunette, the right shade can completely transform how you feel walking into every holiday event.
The best part? These aren’t just “holiday” colors — they’re designed to look stunning well into 2026. You’re not just getting party hair; you’re investing in a look that’ll carry you through winter looking absolutely fabulous.
So grab those inspiration screenshots, book that consultation, and get ready to turn heads at every ugly sweater party, family dinner, and New Year’s Eve celebration. Your dream holiday hair is waiting!
Ready to take the plunge? Talk to your colorist about these trends and which shade would work best with your natural color, hair texture, and lifestyle. And remember: the best hair color is always the one that makes you feel amazing.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!