The year 2021 was a dynamic one for hair color, with trends ranging from embracing natural tones to experimenting with bold, statement-making shades. After a year of lockdowns and at-home styling, people were eager to express themselves and refresh their looks. But which hair colors truly reigned supreme? Let’s delve into the most popular hues of 2021 and explore the factors that drove these trends.
The Rise of Natural-Looking Shades
In 2021, there was a significant shift towards embracing and enhancing natural hair color. After spending much of 2020 with limited access to salons, many people realized the beauty of their natural tones and sought ways to accentuate them.
Bronde: The Perfect Blend
Bronde, a combination of blonde and brown, emerged as a top choice for those seeking a natural yet radiant look. This versatile shade works well on a variety of skin tones and hair textures. It’s a low-maintenance option that provides dimension and depth, creating a sun-kissed effect without the commitment of full-on blonde. The strategic placement of highlights and lowlights allows for a customized bronde that complements individual features. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Blake Lively consistently sported bronde looks, further solidifying its popularity. Bronde offered a gentle transition for those wanting to lighten their hair without going too drastic.
Expensive Brunette: Rich and Luxurious
The “expensive brunette” trend was all about creating a rich, glossy, and multi-dimensional brunette shade. This wasn’t just any brown; it was about achieving a depth of color and shine that exuded luxury. Hair stylists focused on adding subtle highlights and lowlights to create movement and dimension within the brunette base. The key to achieving the expensive brunette look was healthy, hydrated hair, ensuring maximum shine and color vibrancy. The goal was to create a brunette that looked naturally expensive and effortlessly chic. This trend was fueled by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez, who showcased their stunning brunette locks.
Warm Tones: Adding Depth and Dimension
Warm tones, such as caramel, honey, and auburn, were incredibly popular for adding depth and dimension to both blonde and brunette hair. These tones brought warmth to the face and created a youthful, radiant glow. Caramel highlights were particularly popular for brunettes, adding a touch of sweetness and lightness. Honey blonde was a go-to for blondes looking to add warmth and richness to their existing color. Auburn hues provided a beautiful warmth and vibrancy for those with darker hair. The versatility of warm tones made them a desirable option for a wide range of hair colors and skin tones.
Bold and Playful Colors Making a Statement
While natural-looking shades were dominant, 2021 also saw a resurgence of bold and playful colors. After a year of restrictions, many individuals were eager to express their individuality through vibrant hair.
Pastel Hues: Soft and Dreamy
Pastel hair colors, such as lavender, baby pink, and mint green, continued to be a popular choice for those seeking a whimsical and ethereal look. These soft, dreamy shades added a touch of fantasy and playfulness to any hairstyle. Pastel colors required pre-lightening the hair, making them best suited for those with lighter hair or those willing to undergo the lightening process. Maintaining pastel hair required special shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading and keep the color vibrant. Pastel hues offered a temporary and creative way to experiment with color without a long-term commitment.
Vibrant Reds: Fiery and Bold
Red hair experienced a major comeback in 2021, with shades ranging from fiery copper to deep burgundy. Red is a bold and statement-making color that exudes confidence and passion. Copper hair was particularly popular, offering a warm and radiant glow. Burgundy was a sophisticated and elegant choice for those seeking a deeper, richer red. Red hair required special care to prevent fading, as red pigments tend to fade quickly. Color-safe shampoos and conditioners were essential for maintaining vibrancy. Red hair was a bold and confident choice that made a lasting impression.
Money Piece Highlights: Face-Framing Brightness
While not a hair color itself, the “money piece” highlighting technique was incredibly popular for adding brightness and dimension around the face. This involved lightening the strands closest to the face, creating a halo effect that brightened the complexion. The money piece could be incorporated into any hair color, from blonde to brunette to red. It was a versatile technique that could be customized to suit individual features and preferences. The money piece highlighted the face and drew attention to the eyes, making it a flattering and popular choice.
Factors Driving Hair Color Trends in 2021
Several factors contributed to the hair color trends of 2021. The ongoing pandemic, social media influence, and a desire for self-expression all played a significant role.
The Pandemic’s Influence
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact hair color trends in 2021. With many people working from home and spending more time online, there was a greater emphasis on low-maintenance styles and natural-looking colors. The uncertainty of the pandemic also led some to embrace bold and playful colors as a form of self-expression and escapism. The pandemic influenced a desire for both practicality and creativity in hair color choices.
Social Media’s Impact
Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, continued to be major drivers of hair color trends. Hair stylists and influencers showcased their latest creations, inspiring others to experiment with new colors and techniques. Social media provided a platform for sharing inspiration and connecting with hair professionals. Viral trends often gained popularity rapidly through social media channels. Social media amplified hair color trends and made them more accessible to a wider audience.
A Desire for Self-Expression
After a year of lockdowns and restrictions, many people felt a strong desire to express their individuality and creativity. Hair color became a way to showcase personality and style. Bold and playful colors provided a temporary and expressive outlet. Even natural-looking shades were customized to reflect individual preferences and features. Hair color became a powerful tool for self-expression and personal empowerment.
Maintaining Your Hair Color: Tips and Tricks
Regardless of the hair color you choose, proper maintenance is essential for keeping your hair looking vibrant and healthy. Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining your hair color:
- Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip away color.
- Use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
- Consider using a hair mask or deep conditioner to hydrate your hair.
- Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray.
By following these tips, you can keep your hair color looking its best for longer.
Conclusion: A Year of Diverse Hair Color Choices
2021 was a year of diverse hair color choices, ranging from natural-looking shades to bold and playful hues. The pandemic, social media, and a desire for self-expression all contributed to these trends. Whether you opted for a subtle bronde or a vibrant red, hair color became a powerful tool for personal expression and style. By understanding the top trends of 2021, you can gain inspiration for your own hair color journey and find the perfect shade to complement your individual features and personality. The key to any successful hair color is to work with a skilled stylist who can help you choose the right shade and technique for your hair type and skin tone. Remember to prioritize hair health and maintenance to keep your color looking its best. As we look back on the hair color trends of 2021, it’s clear that personal expression and individuality were at the forefront of the year’s most popular looks. 2021 showcased a blend of natural beauty and bold experimentation, defining a unique chapter in hair color history.
What was the overall dominant hair color trend in 2021?
In 2021, the dominant hair color trend revolved around embracing natural-looking hues and low-maintenance styles. This was largely driven by the continued impact of the pandemic, with people seeking to simplify their routines and minimize salon visits. The “lived-in” color trend, which emphasizes seamless blends and subtle transitions, became incredibly popular, allowing for longer periods between touch-ups and a more effortless appearance.
This translated into a surge in demand for shades like warm blondes, rich brunettes, and subtle reds that complemented natural skin tones. The goal was to enhance existing color rather than drastically alter it, resulting in a sophisticated and effortless aesthetic. This trend also encouraged healthier hair practices, as people focused on nourishing and protecting their natural color rather than subjecting it to harsh chemical treatments.
Which blonde shades were trending in 2021?
Warm blonde tones reigned supreme in 2021. Think honey blonde, butter blonde, and golden blonde shades that added warmth and radiance to the complexion. These hues were a departure from the icy, platinum blondes of previous years, offering a softer and more flattering look for a wider range of skin tones. The emphasis was on creating a sun-kissed effect that looked natural and healthy.
Techniques like balayage and highlights were used to strategically place these warm blonde tones, creating dimension and movement within the hair. This approach allowed for a more customized color result that enhanced individual features and complemented the natural hair texture. The result was a luminous and effortless blonde that was both stylish and easy to maintain.
What brunette shades were popular in 2021?
Rich and chocolatey brunette shades were highly sought after in 2021, offering a sense of sophistication and depth. From deep mocha to warm chestnut, these hues provided a luxurious and healthy-looking finish. Many individuals opted for single-process colors to achieve a uniform, glossy brunette that was both striking and easy to manage. The focus was on enhancing the natural depth and richness of brunette hair.
For those seeking more dimension, subtle highlights or lowlights in caramel or honey tones were added to create movement and shine. These additions helped to break up the solid color and add visual interest without compromising the overall richness of the brunette base. The aim was to achieve a healthy and vibrant brunette that exuded confidence and style.
Were red hair colors trending in 2021? If so, which shades?
Yes, red hair colors experienced a resurgence in popularity during 2021, though often in more subtle and natural-looking variations. Instead of vibrant, fire-engine red, the focus shifted towards softer, more wearable shades like strawberry blonde, copper, and auburn. These tones offered a warm and flattering glow to the complexion, making them a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of vibrancy to their hair.
The key to the popularity of these red shades was their versatility and ability to complement a range of skin tones. Balayage and ombre techniques were frequently used to create a gradual transition between the natural hair color and the red tones, resulting in a soft and blended look. This approach allowed for a more low-maintenance style that still offered a touch of boldness and personality.
What coloring techniques were frequently used in 2021 to achieve these popular hair colors?
Balayage and ombre techniques continued their reign in 2021 as the go-to methods for achieving natural-looking and low-maintenance hair color. Balayage, which involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, allowed for a customized and blended color result that mimicked the effects of sun-kissed hair. Ombre, with its gradual transition from dark roots to lighter ends, provided a more dramatic yet still wearable look.
In addition to balayage and ombre, foil highlights were also used, but often in a more strategic and subtle manner. Rather than creating bold stripes, stylists focused on adding delicate highlights to frame the face and create dimension throughout the hair. The goal was to enhance the overall color rather than drastically alter it, resulting in a more natural and effortless appearance that was characteristic of the 2021 trends.
How did the pandemic influence hair color trends in 2021?
The pandemic significantly impacted hair color trends in 2021 by driving the demand for low-maintenance styles and natural-looking colors. With lockdowns and limited access to salons, people sought options that required less frequent touch-ups and were easier to manage at home. This led to a decline in high-maintenance styles and a rise in popularity of techniques like balayage and ombre, which allowed for longer periods between salon visits.
Furthermore, the increased focus on self-care during the pandemic encouraged people to prioritize the health of their hair. This translated into a preference for gentler coloring products and techniques that minimized damage. Many individuals opted to embrace their natural hair color or enhance it with subtle highlights or lowlights, rather than undergoing drastic color transformations. The emphasis shifted towards celebrating natural beauty and prioritizing hair health.
What’s the difference between balayage and ombre hair coloring techniques?
Balayage is a hand-painting technique where highlights are applied directly to the hair, creating a soft, blended, and natural-looking effect. The stylist strategically places the color to mimic the way the sun naturally lightens the hair, resulting in a customized and multidimensional look. Balayage often starts higher up the hair shaft than ombre, allowing for a more seamless transition.
Ombre, on the other hand, is a more defined gradient where the hair gradually transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends. The transition is typically more abrupt and noticeable than with balayage, creating a more dramatic effect. While both techniques can be customized, ombre generally involves a more distinct separation between the two colors, whereas balayage aims for a more blended and natural appearance.