10 Hair Dye Trends You Need To Know For 2021

Try this trend because: No matter what your skin tone or hair color, it’s likely this is one of the hair dye trends for 2021 that will work for you.

2. Shiny Golden Highlights

When we say ‘shiny’, we don’t mean, like, glossy shiny. We mean metallic shiny! This golden hue will warm up your skin tone, if you’ve got curls, it will really make them pop! Rose gold? Yellow gold? Or more brassy/gold? Talk to your stylist about the best shade that works with your skin tone.

Tip: Be sure your hair stays healthy with a good color protecting shampoo that’s free of nasty chemicals, like this one.

Try this trend because: This is one of the hair dye trends for 2021 that’s actually pretty classic, and is unlikely to go out of style soon.

Image credit: elianahair_stylist via Instagram

3. Cotton Candy Pink

Love the colour pink but a bit worried about having an entirely cotton candy coloured mane? Bleach the tips then dye them just a little bit for an ultra-trendy look!

It works on any hair color, and no matter what your skin tone, the tips won’t make a difference to your look – your main hair color will still dominate. Regard the colored tips as a kind of ‘accessory’, not the ‘main outfit’.

Tip: Not keen on cotton candy pink? Any bright rainbow hue can be subbed in for this dip dye look! Violet is one of our favourite options.

Try this trend because: Frankly, it seems pink is the new blonde. This color was hot last year, and it’s not going anywhere for awhile!

Image credit: Guy Tang via Instagram

4. All Kinds of Balayage

It may look ultra-modern, but guess what? Balayage has been around since way back in the 60s! The original technique involved painting hair strands in wide sections, with cotton strips. It resulted in a sun-kissed look that became a favourite with the likes of Brigitte Bardot.

Today, balayage is distinguished from your typical hair streaking techniques because strands on the outer surface of your hair are dyed without the use of foils or mesh, by using a 1-point, 2-point (V) or 3 point (W) method, whereas hair painting is heavier, thicker and more uniform – more like the traditional foil technique.

Tip: To get this look right, strands should be dyed close to your natural hair color, and the dyeing process shouldn’t start at the root; it looks more natural further from the crown, and the tips can be dyed slightly lighter than where the dye begins.

Try this trend because: It’s super easy to maintain. Since your natural roots will show through, there’s no need for frequent touch ups.

Image: Instagram @CRIS_COBUCCI and @adcallison

5. Chunky Color Blocks

Can’t decide between pink, red or blue? Heck, go for them all!

Block coloring is hot coloring. It basically places blocks of different colors strategically around your face to frame it.

Tip: This looks amazing with a pixie cut, but it’s just as easy to achieve with long hair. Dye the strands surrounding your face in one, two or more contrasting shades. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner in between visits to keep your strands strong.

Try this trend because: This is the most expressive of all the hair dye trends. It screams that you’re outgoing, daring, and willing to try new things.

Images: Pinterest, and modernsalon.com

6. Auburn

Let’s call this the Queen’s Gambit effect!

Auburn hair colors suit most people and can easily be achieved multiple ways. Some organic henna brands provide a copper colored tint to the hair, and are possibly the most natural way to get this look. Alternatively, you can use a commercial hair dye, but we’d recommend a brand that’s as natural as can be, since many are, in fact, full of nasty toxins.

Some of the best shades we’ve found for auburn hair are:

1. Rose Brown Henna Based Dye by Saachs Organics
2. Dark Caramel Blonde by Madison Reed 
3. Logona Herbal Hair Color in Sahara

Note that these are all different shades of auburn red; it’s important to consider your skin’s undertones when selecting the right tone for your hair. For example, if your skin has fair or warm tones, try to stick to warmer copper colors and highlights, while those with darker and cooler skin tones are advised to try deeper auburn hair colors with touches of ruby to them.

Tip: Stay out of the sun if you dye your hair this color, as the sun will quickly fade it and make it look brassy.

Try this trend because: Auburn hair is a happy medium; it’s not quite as punky radical hair colors like cotton candy, but not as boring as your average natural hair color.

Image credit: StyleCraze

7. Temporary Fantasy Colors

A look that was seen on many catwalks last season was fantasy hair colors. But given that models have to keep their personal looks as neutral and flexible as possible, you can rest assured that the teal, pink, lavender and green hair on display was 100% temporary – or extensions.

The great news is that this is one of the hair dye trends you can do yourself easily! Just purchase a semi-permanent or temporary dye, and see what happens! Try a vegan friendly semi-permanent dye at home. Two brands we love are Arctic Fox and Manic Panic – they both have a wide variety of paintbox-inspired hues.

Tip: These dyes don’t require bleaching before application, but note that the resulting color may vary, depending on your natural hair color.

Try this trend because: There’s no major commitment required, it’s just temporary fun, so why not?

Images: Tumblr

8. Platinum Blonde

As with the jet black trend, below, beware that this ‘extreme’ hue isn’t for everyone. Depending on your skin tone, this could really wash you out. To avoid that, try opting for more of a neutral tone lowlights with this hair color trend.

This icy shade is achieved by using foilayage or balayage, and it’s one of the hair dye trends you should go to the salon for if you want it done right.

Tip: You will definitely need a hair toner to maintain the purity of this color. Try one of these. You will also need to maintain the roots really often – unless you’re going for the ‘obvious roots’ trend, too!

Try this trend because: This is one of the hair dye trends for 2021 that looks absolutely stunning with silver shadow and a bright red lip!

Image: @kali.ledger

9. Jet Black

Whenever I think of jet black hair, I think of witches, Veronica Lake (from the Archie comics), and

This is a great look to experiment with in winter, so you don’t need to worry about potential fading from the sun exposure. And if your hair is fairly dark naturally, you don’t need to worry much about roots, either, and you can do this pretty easily at home. Natural blondes may want to go to the salon to be sure they don’t miss a bit. The trend here is jet black – not black with lighter patches!

Tip: You will definitely need a hair toner to maintain the purity of this color. Try one of these. You will also need to maintain the roots really often – unless you’re going for the ‘obvious roots’ trend, too!

Try this trend because: This is one of the hair dye trends for this year that’s easy to do for brunettes and blondes alike – this color will dominate over any other! It basically suits anyone with ‘winter’ skin tones. As with platinum blonde, it also looks absolutely stunning with silver shadow and a bright red lip!

10. Blatantly Dark Roots

From Madonna to Hailey Bieber, everyone seems to want them. Yep, we’re talking about dark roots. Whether you’re dyed your hair a cotton candy pink or a golden blonde, you’ll want to show off your color with contrasting dark roots. This is a low-maintenance look that doesn’t have to be touched up as often, so you can go longer in between salon visits. Ask your stylist for “shadow roots”.

Tip: Any contrasting color – be it a neutral blonde or fantasy blue – is great for this look. But note: blonde roots are not the idea here! They should be dark!

Try this trend because: Well, it’s one of the super easiest hair dye trends! Walk out of the salon with it, or just let your roots grow out a few inches.

Image: HairAdvisor.com

Main image: Wella hair color