Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start with a new hair color. But a dramatic change doesn’t have to mean hours in the salon—sometimes, subtle shifts make the biggest impact.

Experts predict that spring 2026 will feature elevated takes on classic favorites, like buttercream blonde, glossy espresso, and cooler strawberry blonde.

Below, find the 17 shades experts say will trend this season, along with the best tips for maintaining your new color. Read on for inspiration.

Key Takeaways
The season’s biggest hair colors focus on gentle transitions and enhanced dimension. Trending shades include buttercream blonde, glossy espresso, pink pomelo, and bitter chocolate.

Buttercream Blonde
Think of this as a modern update to old Hollywood blonde. It features neutral undertones and a soft root. “Great for anyone who wants bright blonde without a harsh grow-out,” says celebrity colorist Emaly Baum. “It’s bright and sparkly—heavy on the sparkle.”

Celebrity colorist Kadi Lee agrees, noting that the creamy, neutral blondes of winter will evolve into something “buttery” and “vanilla.” She recently created a pale, golden blonde for Gwyneth Paltrow ahead of the SAG awards, adding warmth for the approaching warmer months.

Glossy Espresso
Lee anticipates gentler seasonal shifts in tone rather than drastic changes. For darker shades, expect a glossy, dimensional brunette with depth. “Think espresso, chocolate, and chestnut brightened with lighter caramel or honey dimension,” she says. She recommends a mask like Highbrow Hippie’s Instant Silk Vitality Mask to maintain softness and shine.

Pink Pomelo
Baum describes this as the cooler sister to strawberry blonde—”a little edgier, but still soft and pretty. Instead of orange undertones, it leans slightly pink for a more neutral, icy shimmer.” She suggests using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, like those from Pureology, to lock in moisture and keep color vibrant.

Bitter Chocolate
This is a deep, dark brown with subtle warm undertones. “Soft hints of gold keep it firmly in brunette territory, avoiding a harsh black finish,” Baum explains. “The result feels elevated and quietly sultry, with a high-shine, reflective quality.”

Chantilly Cream
A very pretty pale blonde with bright white tones, Chantilly cream is predicted to be huge for those wanting light, bright hair. Think of Beyoncé’s take on the shade—it offers an ethereal glow for spring.

Red Hot
Vibrant red hair remains alluring and will continue to be big this spring, says celebrity colorist Jacob Schwartz. However, it’s not a low-maintenance choice. Red fades quickly and roots show fast, so frequent salon visits for touch-ups or an all-over gloss every four to six weeks may be necessary. For at-home care, Schwartz recommends products like Schwarzkopf Professional color-protecting solutions.Professional Igora Vibrance offers a range of tones for everyone. “You can expect continuous growth in warm tones and reds,” adds Cunningham. “Many of my clients have gone red over the past year as the trend has taken hold. I colored Emma Stone red, and her shade is quintessential cowboy copper.”

Bronde
The popular blend of blonde and brunette, known as bronde, gets a warmer update this spring—just look to Zendaya. Cunningham notes more clients are requesting that perfect mix of these two shades. Expect richer, deeper bronde tones to take over.

To keep color fresh and repair damage to color-treated hair, she recommends using a good hair mask like the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5 Minute Liquid Mask. It deeply hydrates and helps repair damage in under five minutes.

Vibrant Silver
If you’re embracing your natural gray hair, you’re in luck. Cunningham says spring is prime time for a silver renaissance. “The silver trend gained momentum during the pandemic when people couldn’t color their roots. While bronde and reds are everywhere, silver is also popping up,” she says. “Clients are choosing silver and gray tone services to transform, condition, and neutralize their existing grays.” She recommends the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment to enhance gray tones and add dimension.

Expensive Brunette
Quiet luxury is here to stay. Schwartz and celebrity colorist Jenna Perry both say the rich brunette shade seen everywhere last year will continue this spring. Whether you’re going for ’90s nostalgia like Penelope Cruz’s chocolate blowout or Bieber’s Chocolate Syrup hue, it’s all about deep, dark brown hair. “All the hot girls are doing it,” says Perry.

For upkeep, Perry recommends Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil. For maximum volume or an effortless tousled look, she loves the new Roz Air Thickening Spray.

California Blonde
Effortlessly cool, California blonde is predicted to be huge this spring by colorist and co-owner of IGK Salon Olivia Casanova. She points to icons like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, whose natural-looking golden shades are grounded with blonde roots.

Walnut Brown
If you want something more understated than bold brunette, Casanova suggests walnut brown, as seen on Taylor Hill. It’s a medium shade with subtle golden undertones that’s simply pretty.

Terracotta Red
Red remains a staple this spring. Casanova recommends a more muted, natural look like terracotta red—a natural shade of copper brown. Look to Sadie Sink for inspiration.

To keep hair vibrant, she recommends products like Davines’s Alchemic Line, which includes gentle color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. “They have everything from blondes to reds,” she says.

Sunkissed Bronde
Another 2024 hair color trend experts love, sunkissed bronde will dominate spring. “Bronde is the perfect blend of blonde and brunette that feels effortless but still put together,” Kaeding once told Vogue. “I see it paired with lived-in blonde shades too—soft, natural, and a little sun-kissed.”

Citrus Twist
We’re all about updating classics. Earlier this year, Kristen Stewart returned to bleached blonde hair with a citrus twist. Orange tones at the roots and tips add depth and dimension in a cool, effortless way.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor an email at bea…You can reach Vogue’s editorial team at uity@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Top Spring Hair Colors Recommended by Experts

Beginner General Questions

1 What makes a hair color a spring color
Spring hair colors are typically inspired by the seasonthink fresh warm and bright Experts recommend shades that add lightness warmth and dimension mimicking the soft sunlight and blooming flowers of spring They often involve warm blondes coppery reds rich browns with golden notes and pastel accents

2 What are the most popular expertrecommended colors for spring this year
Experts are highlighting a few key trends Warm Honey Blonde ApriCot Red Buttercream Blonde Golden Chestnut Brown and Pastel Pink or Lavender

3 I want a change but dont want to go too light Whats a good spring option
Opt for a warm dimensional brown Ask for bronde caramel balayage on a brown base or a allover golden chestnut These add spring warmth and brightness without a drastic lightening shift

4 Are these colors suitable for all skin tones
Yes but the undertone is key The recommended spring palette is generally warm Experts suggest
Warmolive skin tones Embrace honey blondes coppery reds and golden browns
Cool skin tones Choose buttercream or beige blonde over golden blonde or opt for a strawberry copper instead of a pure orange copper A consultation with a colorist is best to tailor the shade

5 Whats the difference between honey blonde and buttercream blonde
Both are warm but Honey Blonde has more golden amber or yellowgold undertones Buttercream Blonde is slightly more neutralthink the creamy yellow of butter often with a hint of beige to soften it making it a bit more versatile for different skin tones

Application Maintenance Questions