We're only a few weeks into 2017 and the year's biggest hair color trends are already clear — and not at all what we expected. Blame America's latest obsession with the Danish concept of hygge, because this year is all about warmth and comfort, with soft coppers, rich browns, buttery blonds, and creamy oranges poised to take the hair world by storm.
Even Riawna Capri — the colorist who keeps Jennifer Lawrence and Julianne Hough in icy platinum shades — told us that the future is far from cool. "Out with the ice and in with the warmth!" she says, "2017 is going to bring back the sun, with golds, bronzes, and buttery tones!" Her partner in L.A.'s Nine Zero One salon, Nikki Lee added this: "The big one this year is going to be red!"
Cherin Choi, DTLA's resident cool-girl colorist agrees, calling out a "light, golden toffee blond" as one of her top predictions for the year. Meanwhile, NYC's "in-the-know" salon/studio hybrid Hairstory is cranking out sunset-peach hair like we've never seen before — proving that 2017's rainbow color du jour has already arrived with gusto.
So cozy up and click ahead for plenty of inspiration — and the details your colorist needs to get you the exact looks.
This story was originally published on January 20, 2017.
"Aubrown"
A mix between auburn and brown, this hue is rich, luxe, and unapologetic glossy. Think of it as a deep and inky take on bronze — with a kiss from auburn. Okay, that was cheesy, but this color isn't. This beauty was done by Chris Greene, a colorist at Meche in L.A.
A touch richer, with more red tones, this enviable hue was done by Christine Silverman. She calls it a "cinnamon fade" and created it in one step by warming up old highlights with an earthy red gloss.
Lee is responsible for this take, a slightly cooler — but still neutral in tone — version of aubrown. It's perfect for those with dark hair that can't be bothered with touch-ups.
Photo: Courtesy of Nine Zero One.
Buttery Blond
'It' blond colorist Kari Hill crafted this golden, buttery hue — a perfect upgrade for anyone looking to warm up their blond while maintaining natural-looking color.
Meanwhile, Tracey Cunningham went even more golden with this rendition — a deliberately brassy color that is as soft as it is striking.
Photo: Courtesy of Aaron King.
At Meche Salon in L.A., colorist Sarah Conner created this gorgeous warm blond, complete with a smudge of brown at the roots to make the grow-out process even easier.
Photo: mechesalonla/Instagram.
Toffee
Get comfortable, because bronde is here to stay — but the newest versions are richer, with caramel tones and a warm, almost auburn base. Here, Florido (yes, that's Justin Beiber's mane man) crafted this enviable look.
Choi calls this one "light, golden-toffee blond ends over natural auburn hair" — the perfect example of an on-trend take on bronde.
Photo: Courtesy of Cherin Choi.
L.A. colorist and stylist Shai Amiel turned a color correction into the perfect example of toffee — warm and rich, with buttery notes placed just at the ends. The result is a sweet take on a trend that grows out with ease.
Photo: Courtesy of Capella Salon.
Blorange
You already know about blorange — the cheeky mix of orange and blond that's been sweeping Instagram. Is it really that different from rosé hair? Depends on who you ask, we suppose. But we especially love this sombré take from Spoke & Weal colorist Glen Coco Oropeza.
Hairstory has been the leader in churning out the cool orange hue. We love this version shown, but there are tons more options here (for the edgier set) and here (for those with a corporate day job).
Photo: Courtesy of Hairstory.
Organic Reds
Sit back and wait for the reds to roll out — because everyone's talking about them this season. This iteration is everything we want: vibrant but natural looking, and super shiny with tons of dimension. Let's hope they all look as good as this version, created by Abby Andree.
Nine Zero One colorist Tabitha Dueñas calls this look "bronzed copper" — and we call it downright gorgeous. Into red that still works for every part of your life, including an office job? Bring this picture to your stylist.
Photo: Courtesy of Nine Zero One.
This beautiful red fades from natural-toned roots to a warm, fiery orange. They call it blorange, but we think of it as more of a subtle red.
Photo: Via malapeluqueria/Instagram.
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