6 Hair Color Trends That Will Reign Supreme in 2021, According to a Celebrity Hairstylist

January 05, 2021

By: Genesis Rivas | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

For many people, their hair is symbolic of moments and experiences in their life, and is usually the first thing to undergo a change when starting a new chapter. If, after the long and unexpected year that was 2020, you’re looking to change up your look and start fresh, trying out a new hair color may be on your mind. To gather some inspiration, we tapped celebrity hairstylist and colorist George Papanikolas to share his favorite looks for 2021. From bold, vibrant hues to chunky highlights and subtle balayage, keep reading for six hair color trends he thinks will be everywhere this year.

Copper Ginger

“Copper ginger is one of the most attention-grabbing colors out there,” says Papanikolas. So, if you’re looking for a new statement hue, you can’t go wrong with this versatile color. According to Papanikolas, this tone can be warmed up for golden skin tones or cooled down to a more auburn copper. Just be sure to use a color-protecting shampoo to preserve the vibrant hues and reduce fading. We like the MATRIX Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo.

Glossy Black

Papanikolas explains that there are multiple tones involved in achieving this hair color in order to make it glossy and lush. So, while it may appear like an easy hue to achieve at home, you’re going to want to visit a professional to get the job done.

Bronde Foliage

For a more subtle transition, this blonde-meets-brown hair color is the perfect way to change up your look while still keeping things low maintenance. It creates a gorgeous balance of color with the light blonde highlights and the brunette base. “This look has a universal appeal since it works for most hair colors within the dark black to dark blonde range,” says Papanikolas.

Pastel Balayage

“Pastel balayage is the perfect look for those who want something fun and playful, but don’t want to commit to a full head of bleach,” says Papanikolas. You can ask your stylist to keep the pastel hues vibrant and noticeable or muted and more natural-looking, similar to this photo, here.

Chunky Highlights

The chunky highlight trend may have kicked off in 2020, but this 90s-inspired hair color isn’t going anywhere in 2021. Try placing your chunky highlights in the front of your hair to help frame and highlight your face.

Ice, Baby Blonde

Icy, baby blonde is a light, cool-toned hair color that is almost as pale as white, with subtle touches of beige. “It's an easy color to achieve if you are a natural blonde but requires quite a bit of an investment of time and money if you have darker hair,” says Papanikolas. “The best way to get this look is with multiple sessions of baby lights.” If you decide to choose an ice, baby blonde, be sure to stock up on purple shampoo so you can maintain the look at home. For a drugstore option, you can try the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Anti-Brassiness Purple Shampoo.

Photo: @lindsey.marie.olson