Spring/Summer 2026 is set to bring wearable yet impactful hair colours, with buttercream blonde, coastal copper, and candy floss pink leading the charge. Award-winning hairdresser Tracey Ann Smith of Coloraqua describes buttercream blonde as a creamy shade with strategically placed warmer tones and a lived-in root, achieved through techniques like foilyage and root tapping. This offers clients a dimensional, low-maintenance blonde.
Coastal copper, a softer evolution of previous copper trends, features lighter gold and apricot hues. Senior Stylist Lauren Hackett from Debonair highlights its flattering, sun-kissed effect, perfect for the warmer months. This trend shifts away from deeper red tones towards more apricot and golden shades.
Candy floss pink marks a comeback for pastel shades. Tracey Ann Smith notes its customisability, allowing for bright or muted versions. It offers a fresh, low-commitment option for blondes seeking a seasonal change. Subtle applications can create an opulent finish, with techniques like under-paneling and star placement adding depth without overpowering clean blonde sections.
Bold block colours in calico-inspired placements are also emerging, driven by a younger generation seeking confident self-expression. Alt-hair specialist Emma Fraser points to this trend's growing influence. These emerging trends suggest a client demand for personalised colour that offers both visual interest and ease of maintenance, moving beyond single-process applications.
