New year, new hair is a sentiment that just rings true every time January starts to roll around. So if the beginning of the calendar year has you yearning for a change-up in the hair department, then the biggest hair colour trends for 2024 are guaranteed to spark some major inspiration.
While 2023 was all about bringing warmth to various shades, 2024 is all about the subtle upgrade to the trending colours already on our radar. We’re still very much in our nostalgic feels and looking for ways to wear those early aughts beauty trends in a more modern way. We’ll also continue to see new variations of what seemed to be the “it” colour of year: red hair. Whether you want to go bold or subtle with lowlights, there’s a shade of red that can work on anyone.
As with any hair colour changes, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to Moroccanoil global celebrity colour ambassador Matt Rez, who has worked with the likes of Lili Reinhart and White Lotus star Meghann Fahy, you should always consult with your colourist first before committing, so that you actually get your desired shade. “I suggest taking a photo to your colourist and really going over the details,” Rez says. “[Then] decide what would work best for you and the actual care of your hair.”
Aftercare is extremely important and he recommends getting touch-ups with a gloss every five to eight weeks to keep colour looking fresh, as well as using the right at-home products in between appointments (but more on that later). Rez, along with celebrity colourist Jenna Perry, break down the shades they think everyone will be wearing next year – here they are.
Ribbon lights
A modern twist on those piecey early Noughties highlights, “ribbon lights” are Rez’s top colour prediction for 2024. “It’s not the chunky raw stripes of [that] time, but a more refined and elevated take on the look,” he says. “[There’s] a lot of dimension, especially in the back and underneath to really pop the lighter ribbons.”
We especially love Joan Smalls’s face-framing balayage take on these refined chunky highlights that bring warmth to her dark brown strands.
Red hot
Emily Ratajkowski, Dua Lipa, Megan Fox and so many of our faves — red hair was huge in 2023, and both Perry and Rez say that we’re bound to see more of it in the new year. “Depending on skin tone and eye colour, red hair can be super fun to try,” Rez explains.
Go for a deep crimson like Lipa or go for a more natural subtle auburn, as seen on Fahy. Regardless of what red shade speaks to you, aftercare is important. To keep colour from fading, use a shampoo and conditioner like the Morocconoil Colour Care. It uses argan oil’s antioxidant properties to protect hair from environmental stressors and has a colour defence shield to protect against sun damage.
Iridescent blonde
Perry says that a blend of golden or violet tones can add dimension to blonde. Think Jennifer Lopez’s golden ombré, which weaves bright highlights through her long blonde hair.
Golden copper
To give your red shade more natural depth, Perry says to opt for golden copper highlights with a red base. As seen here, when Perry helped turn Ratajkowski’s signature brunette hair into a fiery red. The model’s new shade features burgundy and ginger undertones for more dimension. Proper upkeep is key to keeping all tones looking fresh. Perry recommends using a product like the Davines Alchemic Conditioner to keep colour vibrant, especially with copper hair. We also like the Kérastase Chroma Absolu Strengthening Mask for Colour-Treated Hair that uses a blend of amino, lactic and tartaric acids to treat damage and keep hair dye from being stripped away.
Tonal brunette
Perry calls this look “tone-on-tone brunette” which features subtle highlights that naturally complement a dark base and impart warm tones in your brunette. She recommends using a product like R+Co’s Gemstone Colour Shampoo and Conditioner, which not only has a colour protection complex in the formulation so that hair doesn’t get brassy, but it also contains nourishing ingredients such as rice and hibiscus extract to add moisture and soften strands.
Natural gloss
If you’re happy with the colour you already have, but want a more low-maintenance look, then you’re in luck: Perry says many will opt for glosses over a colour change for a subtle boost in shine and shade. “[This is] for versatility rather than commitment,” she says. “[It’s] non-committal colour.”