I Own A Salon—These 30 Hair Colors Are Always In Demand
After running my salon for over a decade, I’ve seen countless hair color trends come and go. Some last a season while others fade faster than a semi-permanent dye job.
But certain shades have serious staying power—they’re the ones my appointment book is constantly filled with.
From natural-looking hues to statement-making tones, these 30 hair colors keep my colorists mixing bowls busy year after year.
1. Honey Blonde
Warm, golden, and universally flattering—honey blonde remains my salon’s bread and butter. The magic of this shade lies in its ability to brighten nearly any complexion without looking fake.
My clients who choose honey blonde love how it mimics what happens naturally to hair in the summer sun. I always recommend subtle dimension with slightly lighter pieces around the face for the most natural effect.
Maintenance is relatively forgiving too, which explains why it’s stayed popular forever. Those subtle roots actually enhance the lived-in vibe that modern clients crave.
2. Caramel Balayage
Nothing beats caramel balayage for brunettes wanting change without commitment. The hand-painted technique creates those sun-kissed highlights that grow out naturally, meaning fewer touch-up appointments.
My brunette clients go crazy for this option because it adds warmth and dimension without dramatically changing their base color. The rich caramel tones complement olive and warm skin tones especially well.
What makes this color truly special is its chameleon-like quality—it looks different in various lighting, sometimes appearing more golden, sometimes more brown. This multi-dimensional aspect keeps clients coming back season after season.
3. Rich Chocolate Brown
Rich chocolate brown never goes out of style in my salon. This deep, dimensional shade offers the perfect balance—dark enough to create impact but soft enough to flatter most skin tones.
Many clients request this color after going too light or too ashy. There’s something incredibly luxurious about a well-done chocolate brown that reflects light beautifully. I often add barely-there highlights in a slightly warmer tone for added depth.
The best part? Maintenance is minimal compared to lighter shades. My chocolate brown clients typically visit every 8-10 weeks rather than the 4-6 weeks lighter shades demand, making it perfect for busy professionals.
4. Platinum Blonde
Despite being one of the most high-maintenance colors on my menu, platinum blonde bookings never slow down. There’s something about this ice-queen shade that keeps clients coming back despite the upkeep.
Getting platinum right requires serious skill.
The line between perfectly cool blonde and yellow disaster is razor-thin. My team specializes in achieving that silvery-white tone without frying the hair, which has earned us a loyal platinum following. Most platinum clients become salon regulars—they’re in every 3-4 weeks for root touch-ups and toning. The commitment is serious, but so is their love for standing out in any crowd with this head-turning shade.
5. Espresso Black
True black hair color has made a major comeback in my salon. Not flat, one-dimensional box-dye black, but rich, multi-faceted espresso black that looks natural even when it isn’t.
The secret is adding subtle dark brown undertones that prevent the color from looking too harsh or wig-like. This approach softens the overall effect while maintaining that dramatic impact my clients want.
Espresso black works beautifully on both cool and warm skin tones when done right. My clients who choose this shade love how it makes their features pop and how their hair seems to catch light differently than natural black hair would.
6. Copper Red
Copper red has staying power like no other statement shade. While many bold colors cycle in and out of fashion, this fiery hue maintains a devoted following in my salon year after year.
The key to a great copper is balancing the orange-red tones so they complement rather than overwhelm. My approach involves customizing the exact copper formula based on skin undertones—warmer for olive skin, slightly cooler for fair complexions.
Many first-time copper clients become lifers. There’s something addictive about the way this color makes you feel—confident, noticeable, and distinctive. Even with the 4-week touch-up schedule, my copper clients rarely stray to other colors.
7. Ash Brown
Ash brown has become my salon’s go-to for clients seeking a cooler, more sophisticated take on brunette. This shade works magic for neutralizing unwanted warmth without venturing into unnatural territory.
The beauty of ash brown lies in its versatility. It can be light, medium, or dark while maintaining those signature cool undertones. My clients with pink-toned skin find this shade especially flattering as it creates beautiful contrast.
What surprises many clients is how ash brown brings out eye color—especially blues and greens. The cool tones create a striking backdrop that makes eye color pop in a way warmer browns simply can’t match.
8. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde occupies that perfect middle ground between blonde and redhead. This soft, peachy-golden shade brings warmth to the face without the commitment of full-on red.
Getting the balance right is crucial—too much red and it becomes copper, too little and it’s just warm blonde. My colorists blend custom formulas with copper, gold, and beige tones to create that perfect strawberry shade unique to each client.
Most people don’t realize natural strawberry blondes are incredibly rare—less than 1% of the population. That’s why a good salon version turns heads in the best way. My strawberry blonde clients often tell me strangers stop them to ask about their hair color.
9. Sandy Beige
Sandy beige blonde has become my salon’s answer for clients wanting to go lighter without the upkeep of platinum. This neutral blonde has just enough warmth to look natural without veering brassy.
I find this shade works beautifully across age groups. It softens features on mature clients while giving younger ones that sought-after beach-girl vibe. The key is customizing the exact beige tone to complement skin undertones.
What makes sandy beige particularly popular is its forgiveness as it grows out. The neutral base blends with roots more naturally than ashier blondes, extending time between appointments by 2-3 weeks compared to cooler blondes.
10. Warm Chestnut
Warm chestnut brown delivers that perfect sweet spot between rich chocolate and lighter caramel tones. My clients who choose this shade love how it brings natural warmth to their complexion without being overly red.
The multi-dimensional quality of a well-done chestnut is what makes it special. I always incorporate slightly lighter pieces throughout to mimic what happens naturally in brunette hair exposed to sunlight. This creates movement and prevents the color from looking flat or one-note.
Maintenance is refreshingly manageable—typically 8-10 weeks between appointments. The grow-out process is forgiving since the color is close to many natural base shades, making it ideal for busy clients who can’t commit to frequent salon visits.
11. Icy Silver
Silver hair isn’t just for covering grays anymore. My younger clients specifically request this cool metallic shade as a fashion statement, while my more mature clients embrace enhanced silver as a power move.
Creating true silver requires precision. We first lift the hair to an almost-white blonde, then tone with blue-violet formulas to achieve that genuine silver look. The process is intensive but the results are stunning and unique.
Clients committed to silver become regulars in my chair every 3-4 weeks. The upkeep is demanding—purple shampoos, bond-building treatments, and regular toning sessions—but the head-turning results make it worthwhile for dedicated silver enthusiasts.
12. Dark Auburn
Dark auburn delivers that perfect balance of rich brown with just enough red to make an impact without screaming “I dyed my hair red!” My brunette clients who want something different without going drastically lighter gravitate toward this sophisticated shade.
The beauty lies in its subtlety—in some lighting, it reads as a dimensional brown, while direct sunlight reveals those gorgeous burgundy-red undertones. I customize each formula based on skin tone, adding more copper for warmer complexions or more violet-red for cooler ones.
Auburn tends to fade faster than traditional browns, but that evolution is part of its charm. Many clients enjoy how the color softens over time, creating natural dimension before their next appointment.
13. Butterscotch Highlights
Butterscotch highlights bring golden warmth to both blonde and brunette bases. Unlike traditional highlights that can sometimes look stripy, these warmer tones blend seamlessly for a sun-kissed effect that appears naturally occurring.
My clients with olive or golden skin tones particularly love this option. The warm gold tones in butterscotch complement their natural coloring in a way that cooler highlights simply can’t match. I typically place these highlights strategically around the face and crown where the sun would naturally lighten hair.
The grow-out phase is remarkably forgiving. Since butterscotch mimics natural lightening, the regrowth appears gradual rather than stark, allowing 8-10 weeks between touch-ups for most clients.
14. Mocha Brown
Mocha brown combines the richness of dark chocolate with subtle ashy undertones, creating that perfect neutral brunette that flatters almost everyone. My clients who want sophisticated, low-maintenance color frequently request this shade.
The secret to a great mocha lies in the balance. Too cool and it looks flat; too warm and it becomes ordinary brown. My colorists blend cool and warm brown tones to create that perfect coffee-inspired shade that has dimension without obvious highlights.
Mocha brown has incredible staying power between appointments. Most clients can go 10-12 weeks before touch-ups, making it ideal for those with busy schedules who still want polished, dimensional color.
15. Rose Gold
Rose gold remains one of my salon’s most requested fashion colors year after year. This soft blend of pale blonde with pink and peach tones creates a romantic, feminine look that’s bold yet surprisingly wearable.
The versatility of rose gold keeps clients coming back. We can make it subtle with just hints of pink for conservative workplaces, or pump up the vibrancy for clients wanting more impact. Either way, it adds warmth to the face that pure blonde sometimes lacks.
Maintenance involves regular toning sessions since the pink molecules are larger and wash out faster than traditional colors. Most clients return every 3-4 weeks, but many feel the upkeep is worth it for this signature look.
16. Soft Black
Soft black offers the impact of dark hair without the harshness of true black. This nearly-black shade has subtle undertones—usually dark brown or blue—that prevent it from looking flat or artificial.
My clients with naturally dark hair love this option for enhancing what they already have. The slight undertones add richness and dimension that might be lacking in their natural color. For those going darker, soft black provides drama without the stark contrast of true black.
Another advantage is the grow-out phase. Because soft black isn’t as intense as blue-black or true black, the regrowth appears more gradual. Most clients maintain this color with appointments every 8-10 weeks, making it relatively low-maintenance.
17. Sun-Kissed Brunette
Sun-kissed brunette perfectly captures that “just back from vacation” look my clients crave year-round. This technique keeps the base color a rich brown while adding strategic, face-framing highlights that mimic natural sun exposure.
The placement is everything with this look. I focus lightened pieces around the face and crown—exactly where the sun would naturally hit—while leaving the underneath sections darker. This creates natural-looking dimension that enhances facial features.
My clients love this option because it brightens their look without requiring a dramatic color change or high-maintenance upkeep. The grow-out is remarkably forgiving, with appointments typically needed only every 12-16 weeks for refreshing.
18. Vanilla Blonde
Vanilla blonde offers that perfect middle ground between warm golden blonde and cool platinum. This creamy, neutral shade has just enough warmth to look natural without appearing yellow or brassy.
The universally flattering quality of vanilla blonde explains its consistent popularity in my salon. It suits a wide range of skin tones because it’s neither too cool nor too warm. For clients transitioning from darker shades, vanilla blonde provides a sophisticated blonde option that doesn’t wash out their complexion.
Maintenance requires commitment but less than platinum—typically appointments every 5-6 weeks. My vanilla blonde clients become regulars, often bringing photos of their own hair as inspiration for future appointments because they love how this shade photographs.
19. Bronde Blend
Bronde—that perfect fusion of brown and blonde—remains one of my salon’s most requested colors. This customizable shade lives in the sweet spot between brunette and blonde, offering dimension without dramatic contrast.
What makes bronde so popular is its chameleon-like quality. My colorists can tailor the exact balance of brown and blonde to complement each client’s skin tone and maintenance preferences. Warmer skin tones get more golden pieces, while cooler complexions receive more neutral highlights.
The grow-out phase is remarkably forgiving since the color already incorporates natural-looking dimension. Most clients maintain their bronde with appointments every 8-12 weeks, making it ideal for busy professionals who want polished color without frequent visits.
20. Cool Beige Blonde
Cool beige blonde offers that perfect neutral territory for clients who find platinum too harsh but golden blonde too warm. This sophisticated shade has subtle cool undertones that keep it from appearing yellow while remaining soft enough for everyday wear.
My clients with naturally cool skin tones particularly gravitate toward this option. The color enhances their natural coloring without creating that jarring contrast sometimes seen with warmer blondes. I often customize with face-framing pieces that are slightly lighter to brighten the complexion.
Maintenance falls somewhere between high and low—typically requiring appointments every 6-8 weeks. The neutral base helps camouflage roots better than ashier blondes, giving a bit more flexibility between salon visits.
21. Cinnamon Brown
Cinnamon brown brings warmth and richness to brunettes without venturing into obvious red territory. This spice-inspired shade incorporates subtle auburn undertones that catch the light beautifully.
My clients with olive or golden skin tones find this shade particularly flattering. The warm undertones enhance their natural coloring while the rich brown base keeps the look grounded and sophisticated. I often recommend this color to clients who feel their natural brown looks flat or one-dimensional.
The color evolution between appointments is part of its charm. Cinnamon brown softens beautifully over time, developing more dimension as the subtle red tones fade slightly. Most clients maintain with appointments every 8 weeks.
22. Soft Pastel Pink
Soft pastel pink has solidified its place as a classic fashion color in my salon. Far from being just a temporary trend, this delicate shade has proven its staying power year after year.
The secret to wearable pink lies in the application. My colorists create a perfectly bleached base first, then apply diluted pink formulas that can be customized from barely-there blush to more saturated rose. The most requested version is an ultra-light, almost-blonde pink that looks sophisticated rather than costume-like.
Clients committed to pink become regulars every 3-4 weeks for toning sessions. The color fades gradually to a beautiful soft blonde, which many clients enjoy as part of the evolution between appointments.
23. Pearl Blonde
Pearl blonde captures that elusive luminescent quality that photographs beautifully and turns heads in real life. This dimensional shade incorporates subtle violet and silver tones into a pale blonde base.
Getting this color right requires serious skill. My colorists carefully balance cool tones to create that pearlescent effect without making the hair look gray or dull. The result is a multi-faceted blonde that changes subtly in different lighting.
My clients who choose pearl blonde are looking for something distinctive yet sophisticated. The shade works beautifully on both fair and medium skin tones, adding brightness without the harshness sometimes associated with platinum. Maintenance is similar to other pale blondes—appointments every 4-5 weeks.
24. Smoky Lilac
Smoky lilac has emerged as the sophisticated sister to bolder purple shades. This muted, gray-based purple offers just enough color to be interesting without crossing into overly vivid territory.
My clients who request this shade typically want something unique but still office-appropriate.
The smoky quality tones down the purple, creating a wearable shade that reads as an interesting neutral in many environments. I often customize the exact formula to complement skin undertones—cooler lilac for fair skin, warmer lavender for deeper complexions.
Maintenance involves regular toning sessions to keep the color from fading to drab gray. Most clients return every 4-5 weeks, with many incorporating purple-depositing products into their home care routine.
25. Rich Burgundy
Rich burgundy delivers that perfect wine-inspired red that works across seasons. Unlike brighter reds that sometimes feel too seasonal, this deeper shade maintains its sophisticated appeal year-round.
My clients with deeper skin tones particularly love this option. The color creates beautiful contrast while still looking natural enough for everyday wear. I customize each burgundy formula—adding more violet for cooler results or more red for warmer ones.
The evolution of burgundy between appointments is part of its appeal. The color softens beautifully over time, developing interesting dimension as the different pigments fade at varying rates. Most clients maintain with appointments every 6-7 weeks to preserve the richness.
26. Champagne Blonde
Champagne blonde offers that perfect balance of cool and warm tones that mimics the color of the celebratory drink. This multi-dimensional shade incorporates pale gold, beige, and the slightest hint of rose for a truly unique blonde.
My clients who find platinum too harsh but golden blonde too yellow gravitate toward this sophisticated option. The subtle warmth brightens the complexion without overwhelming it. I often recommend this shade to clients transitioning from darker colors who want something light but not stark.
Maintenance requires regular toning to preserve that perfect balance of warm and cool. Most clients return every 6 weeks, with many using color-depositing conditioners at home to maintain the champagne tones between visits.
27. Golden Copper
Golden copper combines the best of blonde and red for a show-stopping shade that flatters warm skin tones beautifully. This vibrant, multi-dimensional color incorporates rich copper with golden highlights for incredible depth.
My clients who want to make a statement without going too dark or too light love this option. The warm, sunny quality brightens the complexion and makes eye color—especially green and hazel—appear more vivid. I customize each formula based on desired intensity and maintenance preferences.
While copper tones do require commitment to maintain vibrancy, the fading process is actually quite beautiful. Most clients return every 5-6 weeks, with many incorporating copper-depositing products into their routine between visits.
28. Milk Chocolate Brown
Milk chocolate brown delivers that perfect medium brunette shade that’s rich without being heavy. This versatile color works across age groups and skin tones, explaining its consistent popularity in my salon.
My clients who want natural-looking color enhancement without dramatic change gravitate toward this option. The warm undertones brighten the complexion subtly while the medium depth creates nice contrast that makes features pop. I often add barely-there highlights in a similar tone for added dimension.
Maintenance is refreshingly manageable—typically 8-10 weeks between appointments. The grow-out phase is particularly forgiving for natural brunettes, making this an ideal choice for busy clients who want polished color without frequent salon visits.
29. Natural Gray Blending
Gray blending has revolutionized how my clients approach silver hair. Rather than covering grays completely, this technique incorporates them into the overall color for a natural, dimensional result.
My clients transitioning to their natural gray particularly appreciate this approach. Instead of the harsh line of demarcation that comes with traditional color, blending creates a gradual, intentional look.
I customize each formula—some clients want more gray showing, others prefer just hints peeking through.
The maintenance is remarkably manageable compared to full coverage color. Most clients return every 8-12 weeks, with appointments becoming less frequent as more natural gray is incorporated. The freedom from constant root touch-ups is what keeps clients committed to this approach.
30. Golden Blonde
Golden blonde captures that sun-kissed California look that never goes out of style. This warm, rich shade has yellow-gold undertones that bring natural warmth to the face.
My clients with warm or neutral skin tones find this shade particularly flattering. The golden tones enhance their natural coloring while creating that coveted beach-girl vibe. I customize the exact level of warmth based on skin tone—more gold for olive complexions, slightly more neutral for fair skin.
Maintenance involves regular toning to prevent brassiness, but the warm nature of this blonde makes regrowth less obvious than with cooler shades. Most clients maintain with appointments every 6-8 weeks, making it more manageable than icier blonde options.