For 2026, we’re not ghosting—we’re “ghost rooting.”
We usually think of dyeing our hair—especially touching up roots—as a routine fix to cover grays. But a dual shift has been happening in hair color: we’re both embracing natural gray and experimenting with shades beyond traditional blonde, brunette, black, and auburn. So, what’s the edgiest trend to know for 2026? Ghost roots.
While monthly salon visits to cover regrowth can feel repetitive, the ghost roots trend breaks from that, turning roots into a form of playful self-expression. Alternative “It girls” have been embracing ghost roots for a while—just look at Billie Eilish at the 2024 Golden Globes and Grammys, where she rocked bold red and neon green roots against her dark hair. Others have tried acid pink, pastel blue, and platinum blonde. A more recent example? Rosalía and her bleached halo hair.
Embracing the Ghost Roots Trend
Ghost roots aren’t new—they recall the enduringly popular “angel ring” style in Japan, and you might remember them from early-2000s emo kids and anime characters. But now, the look is getting a high-fashion, chic update. In fact, hairstylist Sam McKnight first brought colorful roots to the runway in 2020 for Dries Van Noten.
McKnight bleached the roots at the crown and around the hairline to create a striking contrast that frames and brightens the face. The look perfectly complemented the colorful collection, inspired by ’80s nocturnal glamour. Instead of dye, McKnight applied neon-colored synthetic feathers to the roots with gel, brushing them in with a comb. A few years later, Billie Eilish made sharp green ghost roots her own.
What the Experts Say
A key spot driving the ghost roots trend is OOO-ing Studio in Taiwan, known for vibrant color and cutting-edge styles. Their clients look like characters straight out of Tekken or Final Fantasy, but beyond the gaming aesthetic, the studio’s philosophy is all about celebrating alternative style and self-expression.
In Milan, Halle Milano—run by Davide Omizzolo—experiments wildly with color, cuts, and transformative styles. Ghost roots have become a signature look for their team.
The It Girls Wearing Ghost Roots
Billie Eilish first tried the style in 2020, proving she was ahead of the trend. Since then, more celebrities have put their own spin on ghost roots. Take Rosalía and her celestial bleached blonde halo—created by hairstylist Evanie Frausto—which she’s worn throughout her “Lux” era. While not exactly classic ghost roots, it’s in the same spirit. Makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench, a pioneer in experimental beauty, wears warm-toned ghost roots against her dark hair. Avant-pop singer Caroline Polachek has also played with chunky blonde sections in her mid-lengths—like super-sized ghost roots.
So why should you try ghost roots when you’re back in the salon chair in 2026? It’s an easy, low-commitment way to experiment without a full hair transformation, offering endless possibilities for color, shape, and personal expression. Happy ghosting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Ghost Roots the hottest hair trend of 2026 designed to sound like real questions from curious people
The Basics What Is It
Q What exactly are Ghost Roots
A Its a subtle livedin hair coloring technique where your natural root color is allowed to grow out or is intentionally colored to blend seamlessly with a lighter shade underneath The goal is a soft shadowy transition not a harsh line
Q Why is it called Ghost Roots
A Because the root area isnt dark or bold its a faint shadowy or ghosted version of your natural color that softly merges with the rest of your hair making regrowth look intentional and cool
Q Is this just grownout roots Im too lazy to touch up
A Not exactly While it embraces natural regrowth Ghost Roots are often carefully crafted by a colorist to create that perfect blended soft effect from day one Its artfully undone not actually neglected
Getting Maintaining Ghost Roots
Q Can I get Ghost Roots on any hair color
A Yes Its most popular with blondes balayage and fashion colors but it also works beautifully on brunettes who have lighter caramel or honey tones underneath
Q How do I ask my hairstylist for this look
A Say Id like a soft blended root meltthink Ghost Roots I want my natural color to fade gently into the lighter ends without any harsh lines
Q Is it lower maintenance than traditional highlights
A Yes thats a huge benefit You can go much longer between salon visits because the look is designed to grow out gracefully The line between your roots and colored hair is meant to be blurry
Q How do I maintain the color at home
A Use a colorsafe sulfatefree shampoo and a good conditioner For blondes a purple shampoo once a week can keep the lighter ends bright and prevent brassiness which makes the ghost root contrast more noticeable
Common Concerns Problems