These 31 Hair Colors Are Constantly Requested—Stylist Approved
Choosing a new hair color can be overwhelming with endless shades to consider.
I’ve been a professional colorist for over 15 years, and I’ve seen trends come and go.
After consulting with my network of top stylists across the country, I’ve compiled this definitive list of the most requested hair colors that consistently deliver stunning results.
These are the shades clients keep coming back for—and stylists love creating.
1. Honey Blonde
Warm golden tones make honey blonde the ultimate crowd-pleaser at my salon. It adds dimension to lighter complexions while complementing olive skin tones beautifully.
I recommend this shade for clients wanting to brighten their look without the maintenance of platinum. The golden undertones catch light gorgeously, creating movement even in straight hair.
Most of my clients only need touch-ups every 8-10 weeks, making it relatively low-maintenance. Pair with a purple shampoo used once weekly to prevent brassiness, and you’ll maintain that perfect honey glow between appointments.
2. Caramel Balayage
Caramel balayage continues to dominate my appointment book year after year. The hand-painted technique creates the most natural sun-kissed effect, mimicking how hair naturally lightens.
My brunette clients love how the warm caramel pieces frame their face and add movement without looking stripy or unnatural. The grow-out phase is practically non-existent since there’s no harsh line of demarcation.
For the most flattering results, I customize the placement based on face shape and hair texture. Most clients only need refreshing every 3-4 months, making it perfect for busy professionals who want gorgeous color without constant maintenance.
3. Ash Brown
Cool-toned ash brown has become my go-to recommendation for clients wanting a sophisticated, modern brunette shade. The absence of red or orange undertones creates a clean, crisp color that photographs beautifully.
Many of my clients switch to ash brown after years of fighting brassiness in their color. The cooler profile suits most skin tones but looks especially striking on those with pink undertones, creating a beautiful contrast.
Maintaining ash brown requires color-safe products and occasional toning treatments to prevent warmth from creeping in. I suggest using a blue-based shampoo once weekly to keep that perfect ashy tone looking fresh between appointments.
4. Platinum Blonde
Nothing makes a statement quite like platinum blonde. This icy, almost-white shade remains one of my most requested colors despite the significant maintenance it requires.
The key to beautiful platinum is achieving an even lift without compromising hair health. I always conduct a thorough consultation, sometimes recommending multiple sessions to reach the desired level safely.
My platinum clients commit to weekly purple shampoo treatments, monthly toning appointments, and regular Olaplex treatments. The maintenance is substantial, but my clients insist the head-turning results are worth every minute and penny spent on upkeep.
5. Chocolate Brown
Rich chocolate brown delivers that perfect balance of depth and warmth that enhances all complexions. My clients with olive and golden skin tones look especially radiant with this universally flattering shade.
The dimensional quality of true chocolate brown comes from subtle variations in tone throughout the hair. I often incorporate barely-there highlights a shade lighter than the base to create natural movement.
Chocolate brown requires minimal maintenance compared to lighter colors, with most clients booking touch-ups every 8-12 weeks. For home care, I recommend color-depositing conditioners to maintain richness between appointments.
6. Golden Blonde
Golden blonde captures that perfect California sunshine vibe my clients can’t get enough of. Unlike ashier blondes, these warm tones bring out a healthy glow in the skin.
I often recommend golden blonde for clients transitioning from darker shades who want to ease into blonde territory. The warmth makes it more forgiving during the growing-out phase and generally causes less damage than cooler blondes.
Most of my golden blonde clients maintain their color with monthly glosses to refresh the warmth. I always stress using heat protectant, as golden tones can fade faster with excessive heat styling.
7. Espresso Black
Espresso black delivers dramatic impact without the flatness of true black. This nearly-black shade contains subtle brown undertones that add incredible dimension and prevent that artificial “shoe polish” effect.
My clients with fair skin love how this deep shade creates striking contrast, while those with deeper complexions appreciate the natural-looking richness it provides. The glossy finish is unmatched, especially on healthier hair.
Contrary to what many believe, maintaining espresso black requires regular attention to prevent fading to a muddy brown. I recommend sulfate-free shampoos and monthly gloss treatments to keep that coffee-inspired depth looking fresh and vibrant.
8. Copper Red
Copper red makes an unforgettable statement while remaining surprisingly wearable. This vibrant shade sits between true red and orange, creating a fiery effect that turns heads instantly.
Getting the perfect copper requires careful formulation based on your starting color. I mix custom formulas for each client, considering their skin undertones to create the most flattering version of this bold shade.
Red molecules are the largest color molecules, making copper notorious for fading quickly. I always send clients home with color-depositing products and strict instructions to wash with cool water only. The maintenance is worth it—nothing compares to how copper catches the light.
9. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde occupies that perfect space between blonde and redhead. The subtle peachy-pink undertones create a uniquely feminine color that’s both sophisticated and playful.
My clients with fair, rosy complexions look especially stunning with strawberry blonde, as it enhances their natural coloring. The key to a natural-looking result is keeping the red tones delicate rather than overpowering.
Maintaining this delicate shade requires gentle cleansing and limited heat styling. I recommend color-depositing masks twice monthly to refresh the rosy tones that tend to fade first. The effort pays off with a distinctive color that stands out in a sea of traditional blondes.
10. Sandy Beige
Sandy beige blonde offers that perfect neutral territory between warm and cool. My clients love this shade for its sophisticated, understated elegance that never looks brassy or ashy.
Creating the perfect sandy beige requires precision toning to neutralize unwanted undertones without going too flat. I typically recommend this shade for clients with neutral skin tones who want a natural-looking blonde.
The maintenance falls somewhere between high and low, requiring toning treatments every 4-6 weeks to maintain that perfect balance. I always pair this color with bond-building treatments to maintain the integrity of the hair while preserving that beautiful beige tone.
11. Warm Chestnut
Warm chestnut brown delivers rich dimension with its reddish-brown undertones. My clients with fair to medium skin find this shade incredibly flattering, as it brings warmth to the complexion without looking artificially red.
The key to beautiful chestnut is incorporating subtle variations throughout the hair. I often use a combination of permanent color with demi-permanent glazes to create that perfect multidimensional effect.
This shade requires minimal maintenance compared to lighter colors, with most clients needing touch-ups every 8-10 weeks. Color-depositing conditioners help maintain the warmth between appointments, preventing the color from falling flat.
12. Icy Silver
Icy silver has transformed from edgy trend to salon staple. This cool metallic shade works on naturally blonde or gray hair, creating a sophisticated statement look.
Achieving true silver requires preliminary lightening for most clients, followed by specialized toners. I’m always honest about the process—multiple sessions may be needed to reach the desired coolness without compromising hair health.
My silver clients commit to weekly purple and blue shampoo treatments to combat yellowing. I also recommend professional glazes every 3-4 weeks to refresh the metallic tone. When done right, this high-maintenance shade delivers unmatched elegance with a modern edge.
13. Dark Auburn
Dark auburn creates that perfect balance of sophistication and warmth. The deep red-brown base appears almost brown indoors but reveals gorgeous burgundy highlights in natural light.
My clients with olive complexions look especially stunning with dark auburn, as it brings out golden undertones in the skin. The shade feels both classic and modern, never falling victim to trends.
Auburn requires specific maintenance to prevent fading to a brassy brown. I recommend sulfate-free color-preserving products and limited washing (2-3 times weekly maximum). Most clients need refreshing every 6-8 weeks to maintain that perfect balance of depth and red tones.
14. Butterscotch Highlights
Butterscotch highlights add instant warmth and dimension to medium and dark brown bases. The golden-caramel pieces create natural-looking brightness without an overall color commitment.
My brunette clients love butterscotch highlights for their ability to add movement and texture to otherwise one-dimensional hair. The placement is crucial—I focus these warm pieces around the face and crown for the most flattering effect.
The beauty of butterscotch highlights lies in their low-maintenance nature. Most clients only need refreshing every 3-4 months, making them perfect for busy schedules. Regular deep conditioning treatments help maintain the contrast between base and highlights.
15. Mocha Brown
Mocha brown combines the richness of dark chocolate with subtle ashy undertones. This sophisticated neutral works beautifully across all seasons and complements most skin tones.
My clients appreciate how mocha brown photographs—the depth creates definition without looking harsh or flat. For the most natural result, I often incorporate barely-there highlights a shade lighter than the base.
Maintenance is relatively simple, with touch-ups needed every 8-10 weeks. I recommend color-protecting products and occasional gloss treatments to maintain the perfect balance between warm and cool tones. This versatile shade pairs beautifully with both dramatic and natural makeup looks.
16. Rose Gold
Rose gold continues to capture hearts with its perfect blend of warm blonde and soft pink tones. The metallic-inspired shade creates a feminine yet edgy look that’s surprisingly wearable.
Creating beautiful rose gold requires a clean blonde base to showcase the delicate pink tones. I customize the intensity for each client—some prefer a hint of blush while others want a more pronounced pink effect.
My rose gold clients commit to weekly color-depositing masks to maintain the pink tones, which fade relatively quickly. Professional toning every 4-6 weeks keeps the color fresh. Despite the maintenance, clients love how this unique shade brightens their complexion and brings a playful element to their look.
17. Soft Black
Soft black delivers dramatic impact with a wearable edge. Unlike harsher blue-black shades, soft black contains subtle brown undertones that create dimension and prevent that artificial wig-like appearance.
My clients with warm skin tones look especially striking with soft black, as it creates beautiful contrast without washing them out. The rich depth enhances eye color remarkably, making green and blue eyes appear more vivid.
Maintaining soft black requires less frequent root touch-ups than lighter shades, with most clients booking appointments every 8-12 weeks. I recommend sulfate-free shampoos and weekly deep conditioning treatments to maintain the glossy finish that makes this shade so luxurious.
18. Sun-Kissed Brunette
Sun-kissed brunette captures that perfect post-vacation glow year-round. The technique combines a rich brown base with strategically placed lighter pieces that mimic natural sun lightening.
Creating this lived-in look requires careful placement of highlights concentrated where the sun would naturally hit—around the face, crown, and ends. I customize the highlight shade based on skin tone, using caramel for warmer complexions and neutral beige for cooler ones.
My clients love the low-maintenance grow-out, with touch-ups needed only every 3-4 months. Regular glossing treatments keep the base rich and the highlights bright. This versatile color works across all seasons while always looking effortlessly natural.
19. Vanilla Blonde
Vanilla blonde offers a softer alternative to platinum without veering into yellow territory. This creamy, neutral shade brightens the complexion while appearing more natural than icier tones.
Achieving beautiful vanilla blonde requires careful lifting and toning to reach that perfect neutral territory. I often recommend this shade for clients with fair to medium skin with neutral undertones.
Maintaining vanilla blonde requires commitment to keep it from shifting too warm or too ashy. Weekly toning shampoo (alternating purple and blue) helps preserve the perfect balance. Most clients need root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks and occasional bond-building treatments to maintain hair health and color integrity.
20. Bronde Blend
Bronde—the perfect marriage of brown and blonde—remains one of my most requested colors. This dimensional blend creates a natural-looking result that’s neither fully brown nor completely blonde.
The key to beautiful bronde is creating a seamless gradient between the darker base and lighter pieces. I customize the blend based on each client’s starting color and desired maintenance level.
Most of my bronde clients need touch-ups every 8-12 weeks, making it relatively low-maintenance compared to all-over blonde. The grow-out phase is forgiving thanks to the dimensional color placement. This versatile shade flatters virtually all skin tones when properly customized.
21. Cool Beige Blonde
Cool beige blonde delivers sophisticated elegance without the intensity of platinum or the warmth of golden blonde. This neutral-to-cool shade creates a polished look that’s never brassy or harsh.
My clients with fair skin and cool undertones look especially stunning with cool beige blonde, as it enhances their natural coloring. The shade photographs beautifully in all lighting conditions.
Maintaining this precise tone requires regular toning treatments every 4-6 weeks. I recommend purple shampoo used once weekly and a color-safe leave-in conditioner with UV protection. When properly maintained, cool beige blonde offers that perfect balance of brightness and wearability.
22. Cinnamon Brown
Cinnamon brown adds instant warmth and spice to medium and dark brunettes. The reddish-brown shade appears rich and multidimensional without venturing into obvious red territory.
My clients with golden and olive skin tones look especially radiant with cinnamon brown. The warm undertones bring out a healthy glow in the complexion while the depth creates beautiful contrast.
Maintaining this spice-inspired shade requires color-preserving products specifically formulated for red tones. I recommend washing no more than 2-3 times weekly with cool water. Most clients need refreshing every 6-8 weeks to maintain that perfect balance of brown depth and red dimension.
23. Pastel Pink
Pastel pink has evolved from trend to staple in my color repertoire. This soft, dusty rose shade offers a wearable way to experiment with fashion colors.
Creating beautiful pastel pink requires preliminary lightening for most clients, as the shade needs a clean blonde base to showcase its delicate tone. I customize the intensity from barely-there blush to more pronounced pink based on client preference.
My pastel pink clients commit to weekly color-depositing masks to maintain the tone, which fades relatively quickly. Cold water washing and heat-free styling help extend longevity. Despite the maintenance, clients love the unique feminine statement this shade creates.
24. Pearl Blonde
Pearl blonde combines the brightness of platinum with subtle iridescent tones. This dimensional blonde reflects different undertones—sometimes appearing slightly violet, sometimes with a hint of silver—depending on the lighting.
Achieving beautiful pearl blonde requires careful lifting and specialized toning. I create custom formulas for each client to complement their skin tone while delivering that signature pearlescent finish.
Maintaining this complex shade requires weekly purple shampoo treatments and monthly professional toning. I always recommend Olaplex treatments to preserve hair integrity. When properly maintained, pearl blonde offers unmatched dimension that standard blonde shades can’t achieve.
25. Smoky Lilac
Smoky lilac combines ashy brown with subtle purple undertones. This sophisticated shade creates an unexpected twist on traditional brunette without venturing into obviously unnatural territory.
Creating beautiful smoky lilac requires careful formulation to achieve that perfect balance between brown and purple. I typically recommend this shade for clients with fair to medium skin with neutral or cool undertones.
Maintaining this unique color requires specialized purple-depositing products used weekly. Most clients need professional refreshing every 6-8 weeks as the purple tones fade faster than the brown base. The result is worth the effort—a distinctive color that appears subtly different in various lighting conditions.
26. Rich Burgundy
Rich burgundy creates dramatic impact with its deep wine-inspired tones. This multidimensional red appears almost brown indoors but reveals gorgeous purple-red highlights in natural light.
My clients with deeper skin tones look especially stunning with burgundy, as it creates beautiful contrast while enhancing natural warmth. The shade feels both classic and bold, perfect for clients wanting a statement color.
Maintaining vibrant burgundy requires specialized color-preserving products and limited washing (2-3 times weekly maximum). I recommend cold water rinsing and heat-free styling whenever possible. Most clients need refreshing every 6-8 weeks to maintain that perfect wine-inspired richness.
27. Champagne Blonde
Champagne blonde captures that perfect balance between warm and cool. The subtle golden undertones create a soft glow while maintaining enough coolness to prevent brassiness.
My clients with neutral skin tones look especially radiant with champagne blonde. The shade brightens the complexion while appearing more natural than platinum or golden blonde extremes.
Maintaining this perfect balance requires alternating between purple and blue shampoos to control both yellow and orange tones. Most clients need root touch-ups every 6-8 weeks and occasional glossing treatments. This sophisticated shade pairs beautifully with both casual and formal styling.
28. Golden Copper
Golden copper combines the best of blonde and red for a show-stopping effect. This warm, fiery shade creates instant brightness that flatters fair and medium skin tones with warm undertones.
Creating beautiful golden copper requires careful formulation based on the client’s starting color. I often use a combination of permanent color and high-lift techniques to achieve that perfect balance of gold and red.
Copper tones fade quickly, so I recommend specialized color-depositing products used 2-3 times weekly. Limited washing with cool water helps extend longevity. Despite the maintenance, clients love how this unique shade brightens their complexion and brings warmth to their overall look.
29. Milk Chocolate Brown
Milk chocolate brown delivers rich dimension with a softer edge than darker browns. This medium-toned shade creates natural-looking warmth that enhances all complexions.
My clients appreciate how milk chocolate brown photographs—the warmth creates definition without appearing flat or one-dimensional. For the most natural result, I often incorporate subtle highlights just a shade lighter than the base.
Maintenance is relatively simple, with touch-ups needed every 8-10 weeks. I recommend color-protecting products and monthly gloss treatments to maintain the richness. This versatile shade works year-round and pairs beautifully with both warm and cool-toned clothing.
30. Natural Gray Blending
Gray blending has revolutionized how my clients approach their natural silver. Rather than covering gray completely, this technique incorporates natural silver into the overall color for a dimensional, low-maintenance result.
The approach varies based on the percentage of gray and desired effect. For some clients, I add lowlights to existing gray; for others, I create highlights to blend with emerging silver strands.
My clients love the extended time between appointments—most need touch-ups only every 12-16 weeks. Regular purple shampoo prevents yellowing in the silver sections. This modern approach allows clients to embrace their natural changes while maintaining a polished, intentional look.
31. Toffee Brown
Toffee brown creates the perfect balance of warmth and depth. This rich medium-brown shade with golden caramel undertones brightens the complexion while maintaining sophisticated dimension.
My clients with olive and golden skin tones look especially radiant with toffee brown. The warm undertones enhance natural warmth in the skin while the depth creates beautiful contrast.
Maintaining this candy-inspired shade requires color-preserving products and limited heat styling. I recommend monthly gloss treatments to maintain the rich golden undertones. Most clients need refreshing every 8-10 weeks for root touch-ups, making it relatively low-maintenance compared to lighter shades.