In case the root-free looks on Michelle Williams (created by Ott), Anya Taylor-Joy, and Solange Knowles didn’t give it away, it’s important to note that Hitchcock blonde is not among the lower-maintenance trends on this list. “Achieved through a bleach-and-tone process, the lift stops just shy of platinum, leaving behind a velvety gold,” explains Ott. “The result is a universally flattering shade that works for all skin tones and hair textures.”
Smoky bronze
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The hair color equivalent of stepping through the side door into a dimly lit speakeasy, smoky bronze is described by Joseph as a “rich, layered shade for those seeking something sophisticated with a hint of intrigue.” It’s a hazy, romantic look that complements most skin tones and somehow manages to channel classic film noirs of the 1940s and the dreaminess of 1980s VHS tapes at the same time.
“This handcrafted technique involves using balayage to add layers of smoky, cool-tone shades of brown on top of warm, wet painted ends,” says Joseph. “The result is a high-gloss color with depth that shimmers like shadow and light playing together.” Even better: This trend doesn’t ask much of you in the way of maintenance. “With twice-yearly highlights and a gloss every three months, you’ll find yourself in the chair just four times a year,” says Joseph, adding that for curly hair textures she recommends “bolder strokes throughout to maintain the smoky dimension.”
Mushroom brown
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If you’re a down-to-earth type (at least as far as your hair is concerned), Meri Kate O’Connor, a hair colorist at Benjamin Salon in Los Angeles, predicts a subtle shade offering a “more muted, natural color” will climb to the top of the hair-trend charts. “Mushroom brown is a cool-toned brown color that can have taupe and gray in it,” says O’Connor. “You can do this with a single color or highlights, just by getting them in ashier tones rather than warmer ones.”
The upkeep is higher than some others on this list, O’Connor says, because “keeping the cool color may require monthly gloss appointments, especially if you have hard water [in your home] or are in the sun a lot,” as both can rinse out the tone and cause it to fade more quickly. If you’re up for the challenge, though, the finished look is worth it. This calming shade looks gorgeous on a range of ages, skin tones, and hair lengths and textures.
Warm marigold
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Getty Images
Warm marigold, a trend spotted by Joseph, is a radiant blend of gold, copper, and cozy brown shades. “Think of a natural redhead with the dial turned up just a bit,” explains Joseph, adding that the shade caught her eye on the Rokh spring/summer 2025 runway.
