With the pandemic stressing everyone out, a hair color switch-up is exactly the change you need. 2022 is all about the low maintenance and undone look — get those roots ready now, so that when everything goes back to normal, you can wow your friends and family with your new, fabulous looks. Here are the hottest hair color trends for 2022.
1. Face Framing Streaks or “Money Piece”
This is a great look if you don’t want to commit to a full-headed dye job, or want to experiment with a bright and daring color. It’s essentially a pop of highlights that start at the part line in the front. Consider a two-toned streak like Bella Hadid tried out with her reddish-orange streaks. 90s colors are making a comeback with this look! It’s trendy and low maintenance, and allows you to integrate a new look more seamlessly.
2. Brown Balayage
Are you a brunette but feel like your color is falling a little flat recently? Consider brown balayage, which adds plenty of sun-kissed dimension but isn’t too drastic of a decision. Ask your colorist (or do your research) about varying shades of brown strategically placed throughout your strands.
3. Winterizing
What exactly is winterizing? It’s not a single color. Instead, it’s a subtle tweak to your current shades with an extra sense of va-va-voom. We’re talking a richer, warmer and more dimensional version of your 2020 look. This might mean ribbons of deeper blond or brain shades, or adding a gloss to make color look richer. For both blondes and brunettes, gold and amber tones are perfect to play with.
4. Almond edges
Perfect for ushering in warm weather, soft nut tones with a warm essence are going to be all over the place in spring and summer this year. From cashews to walnuts and almonds, these mild tones can be integrated into brown and blond hair, turning intense and deep shades into lighter, more gentle tones.
5. Black diamond
This take on jet black is flattering for a wide range of skin tones. It’s a power move that’s glamorous and represents a charismatic sense of authority. It makes strands look shiny and healthy — on dark skin it enhances rich tones, while on pale skin, it provides an elegant Snow White vibe. The key is getting your shade of black as inky and shiny as possible.
6. All shades of red
Every shade of red is trending right now, so whatever your hair texture or complexion is, there’s a gorgeous shade waiting for you. From opaque, deep crimsons and vibrant coppers to strawberry blond reds, it’s just important that you maintain brightness. For a moodier shade, consider a deep burgundy or violet-tinged wine shade.
7. Blond balayage
This look is particularly striking on curls and don’t give that intense striped effect. Even when they’re off the root, a blond balayage provides natural looking color and grows out with ease, if for some reason you can’t make that trip to the salon. This is a good decision if you’re dying to go blond but don’t want to fully dive in.
8. Shadow Roots
This is the ultimate look if you’re trying to stretch out your salon visit. Keep roots dark and blend them into lighter ends — it’s 2022’s post-pandemic version of an ombré, and is both cheaper and more low maintenance than a true ombré. Instead, a shadowed root seamlessly blends your hair’s brightest ends with its darkest bases.
9. Smoky Ice
This look is a step above ash blond, and you can interpret this icy gray color in whatever shade you want. It’s a fantastic way to hide existing grays without the maintenance of darker colors, and it looks surprisingly chic on all hair tones. Search for your inner ice queen with smoky and icy silver tones that are timelessly hip. Although it’s versatile for anyone, cooler skin tones do best with this dye job. For warmer tones, try an icier beige take on the look.
10. Cinnamon spice
If you’re not ready to dive fully into red hair but are sick of your one-dimensional brown strands, cinnamon is a great way to spice up those locks — pun intended. Ideal for those intrigued by red undertones, but who don’t want to overcommit. Cinnamon balayage can provide a light and subtle red accent that warms up any look. This color is especially stunning on natural, textured hair.
