The other day I was standing in the hair color aisle of my local beauty store, basket full of pastel nail polish and chocolate bunnies, when it hits me — why am I putting all this energy into Easter eggs when my hair looks like February?
Flat, faded, and definitely not the main character energy I’m craving for spring. Cue the spiral: Should I go pink? Warm blonde? Something edgy but not “I made a mistake” edgy?
Sound familiar?
If your strands are feeling more leftover-winter than fresh-for-spring, it’s officially time for a hair color refresh.
But not just any refresh — we’re talking retro vibes with a modern twist. Think vintage soda pop shades, nostalgic pastels, and candy-coated blondes that give major Easter egg energy… but make it high-glam.
This guide is your cheat sheet to the trending, tried-and-true retro colors stylists are raving about for spring/summer 2025.
We’ve got expert tips, celeb inspo, and real talk on how to pull off each hue — from what to ask your stylist, to how to keep your color from ghosting you two weeks in. If your strands need a little seasonal serotonin, keep reading.
#1 Cherry Cola Red: The Sultry Throwback with Bite
The ‘90s called — and we’re happily answering, because this deep, glossy red is back and somehow sexier than ever.
Mila Kunis recently went full cherry cola, and the internet couldn’t stop drooling.
Expert Insights
“Cherry Cola is perfect for clients who want depth with a hint of drama,” says Tracey Cunningham, the color queen behind J.Lo’s iconic hues. “It’s dimensional, moody, and surprisingly wearable.”
Not-So-Obvious Tip: Add gloss treatments every 3–4 weeks. This shade fades fast, and glossing keeps that lacquered finish popping.
Would this suit me? If you’ve got medium to dark hair and warm or olive undertones, this shade was made for you. It also adds instant depth to fine hair.
#2 Butterscotch Blonde: The Golden Hour Glow-Up
Addison Rae’s new butterscotch blonde is basically the hair color version of golden hour.
It’s warm, soft, and makes every skin tone look a bit more glowy — like you just got back from vacation, even if you’ve barely left the couch.
Expert Insights
“It’s perfect for brunettes going lighter without bleaching the life out of their hair,” says Daniel Mora, celebrity stylist. “The tone is rich and luxe, not brassy.”
Ask Your Stylist For: A golden blonde with honey and caramel undertones, plus face-framing highlights for extra radiance.
Vibe Check: Great on warm skin tones and brunettes ready to flirt with blonde without committing to icy shades.
#3 Babydoll Brunette: Chic, Soft, and So Low-Key Cool
If you’re not into flashy color but still want a glow-up, Babydoll Brunette is the perfect middle ground.
It’s subtle, sun-kissed, and gives total ‘model off-duty’ energy — think Daisy Edgar-Jones or Hailey Bieber on a coffee run.
Expert Insights
“It’s about enhancing your natural base with soft, tonal highlights,” says stylist to the stars Jacob Schwartz.
Pro Tip: Ask for micro-highlights or balayage painted two shades lighter than your base. This creates that dreamy, no-effort shimmer in sunlight.
Good For: Anyone with medium brown to dark hair who wants dimension without drama.
#4 Cotton Candy Pink: Pastel Hair, Don’t Care
Gigi Hadid’s pink bob made headlines — and made a case for pastel pink being the it color for spring 2025.
This isn’t a bold neon; it’s soft, creamy, and honestly kind of romantic.
Expert Insights
“It’s a fun, flirty look that’s super customizable,” says celeb colorist Dimitris Giannetos. “You can tone it cooler or warmer based on your skin tone.”
Your Pink Survival Guide: This shade fades fast. Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo, and try a pink color-depositing conditioner once a week to keep the hue poppin’.
Who Pulls It Off: Light-haired babes and cool undertones — but it can be tweaked to work for anyone brave enough to try it.
#5 Sombré: The Chill Girl’s Color Trend
Ombré’s more subtle cousin, Sombré is perfect for those of us who want a seasonal refresh without booking a touch-up every 3 weeks.
It’s low-key, lived-in, and gives that beachy, effortless energy — like you were just born with perfect sunlit hair.
Stylist’s Secret: “It’s all about feathering lighter tones through the mid-lengths and ends,” says Tylor Johnson. “It grows out beautifully, which makes it super client-friendly.”
Your Ask: Bring inspo pics. A sombré is all about subtlety, and your idea of “natural” might be different from your stylist’s. Communication = key.
Parting Words
Retro hair color is having a full-on revival, and spring is the perfect excuse to jump in.
Whether you’re channeling your inner ’90s girl with Cherry Cola or giving Coquette-core with Cotton Candy pink, these shades offer all the throwback feels — minus the awkward middle school memories.
The real win? These colors aren’t just pretty. They’re strategic. Each one is paired with stylist-approved tips and long-game advice so you can actually enjoy your new color for more than just a week.
Now spill — which Easter egg energy are you taking to your colorist this season?
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.
