It’s a few months into the new year — a time when you might be taking stock of some of the trends you loved from last year (and will thus continue sporting) and those that you wouldn’t mind parting ways with. If you’re all for bringing back skinny jeans and ditching baggy pants (or vice versa) but are so over your current hair color that you’d give anything to feel inspired, you’ve come to the right place.
Lauren Udoh, the hair creative director of WigReports.com and an experienced hairstylist, says these flattering hair colors are about to be everywhere in 2023. Think: delicious buttery blondes, rich cherry colas, smoky silvers, and more. Here’s what you need to know about the trendiest hair colors of the season — what to ask for and how to care for your hair.
READ MORE: 10 Winter Hair Colors To Consider For Your Next Glow-Up
6 Trendy, Celeb-Fave Hair Colors For Spring 2023:
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1. Dusty Rose
If more traditional blondes and reds aren’t your style, kick things up a notch with 2023’s dusty rose shade, which everyone from Kaia Gerber to Megan Fox has sampled. “Dusty rose is a soft pink shade that adds warmth and dimension to any hairstyle,” Udoh says.
“It is a subtle color that can be used to add just a hint of color to any look. ‘Dusty rose; gives off an effortless coolness that helps to brighten up duller styles while adding subtle intensity at the same time. [It] suits light to medium skin tones and can be used to add some subtle color without overwhelming the look of the hair.”
READ MORE: Is This Color Right For Me? A Stylist Tells Us How To Pick The Most Flattering Shade
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2. Spiced Toffee
Can’t decide between a blonde or brunette look? You really don’t have to! As seen on Jennifer Lopez, a trendy ‘spiced toffee’ look refers to caramel-colored tresses. As Karissa Shaudt, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, told Glamour, “This is a two-dimensional color with lots of tiny woven highlights. The deeper tone is a warm brunette, while the lighter highlights are closer to a medium toffee tone. Ask your colorist for a tint and full-lite.”
She then advised, “make sure to ask for fine highlights to achieve this look, stay away from anything chunky. This works best on dark blondes or brunettes who have straight to wavy hair.”
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3. Bronde
Another shade that isn’t too blonde or brunette would be ‘bronde,’ as Julyne Derrick and Amy Lawrenson write for Byrdie. They note that bronde is “nearly the most universal shade out there—for brunettes who want to go brighter, blondes who want to look less summery, and first-timers who are a little skeptical about jumping in with both feet, it’s a perfectly low-commitment color for anyone looking to switch things up.” They add of the color that Drew Barrymore often rocks, “it’s like bronzing the hair.”
4. Buttery Blonde
Next on the list for 2023 trendy hair colors is the softest buttery blonde you’ve ever seen — a shade that celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Molly Simms love. “Buttery blonde creates a sun-kissed look that will be popular in 2023,” Udoh says. “This shade of blonde provides the perfect warmth while still looking natural and effortless. Buttery blonde is popular because it provides a natural-looking, sun-kissed hue that looks great on all skin tones.” With that said, Udoh cautions that this color will look best on lighter skin tones.
If buttery blonde is a little too light for you, Udoh says sun-kissed highlights will also be all the rage in 2023. “This multi-dimensional look can be customized to flatter any hair type or face shape, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants an updated style,” she says.
5. Cherry Cola
The shade with the best name of all is a popular choice for celebs like Rihanna because it incorporates a few different hair colors and is very versatile — you can customize it to be a bit darker, a bit lighter, a bit more red, etc. “Cherry cola is a deep burgundy color perfect for anyone looking to make a bold statement with their look,” Udoh says.
“The color has hints of both brown and red, providing plenty of depth and dimension. Cherry cola offers a sophisticated, vivid look that adds depth to any hairstyle.” According to Udoh, this shade most suits those with medium to dark skin tones.
6. Smoky Silver
Love metallic shades? Why not extend that love to your strands? “Smoky silver is an edgy hue that will be sought after in the next year,” Udoh says.
“The color is a mix of cool tones, creating a slightly metallic finish that can add depth to any look. Smoky silver is perfect for creating an elegant and timeless feel with just the right sparkle. [It] suits those with grey or silver hair who want a more low-maintenance look.”
Things To Know Before Trying These Shades
It’s always a great idea to cut out photos of celebs and models killing it in the shade of your dreams. And a great stylist and colorist can chat with you about maintenance expectations and how much of a pleasure (or hassle) that specific shade will be for your natural hair color. But there are also a few more things to consider when weighing the pros and cons of these flattering trend hair colors.
“Before changing your hair to one of the upcoming trendy colors, it is important to consider your natural skin tone and eye color,” Udoh says. “You should keep in mind what kind of maintenance would be required for that specific hue.
For instance, darker shades, such as cherry cola, tend to fade faster than lighter shades, requiring more frequent touch-ups. Regarding buttery blonde and sun-kissed highlights, both may require regular toning sessions at the salon to maintain their vibrancy and prevent any brassiness from occurring.
Smoky silver or dusty rose hues tend to become dry and brittle due to the lack of moisture in their formula; thus, nourishing treatments such as deep conditioning masks at least once a week.”
