SEASONAL SHADES

From mocha-inspired brunettes to sun-kissed blondes, the experts tell us what hair shades we can expect to see trending this coming season

With spring well underway and summer in the not-so-distant future, this time of year sees lots of new hair colour trends emerge, giving clients many seasonal options.

“For spring/summer 2025, warm and rich tones are set to dominate,” says Georgia Haverty, Peter Mark for L’Oreal Professionnel. “Brunettes are embracing toffee tones for a dimensional, yet more natural look. They are coming away from one shade root to tip, opting instead to play around with different depths and multi-tonal shades.”

“Classic colours are making a massive comeback in 2025 – I think we are going to see lots of tint applications, perhaps slightly enhanced with babylights as we move into the summer months,” says Amy O’Sullivan, Schwarzkopf Professional educator and owner of Hair by Amy O’Sullivan in Drogheda, Co Louth.

“This year is about luxurious simplicity; classic shapes and colours, which are enhanced with glossy finishes and soft face-framing.”

“Cherry cola is a shade that is really taking off – I’m seeing it more and more now on TikTok,” notes Coia Styles, Alfaparf Milano ambassador and hair educator.

“I think we are going to see some rich vibrant coppers and reds, as well as rich chocolate and cherry brown,” adds Jane Walsh, owner of Red Velvet, a Revlon Professional salon in Ballyboughal in Dublin.

Very versatile

Traditionally, clients tended to opt for lighter tones in the summer, however, this is not always the case these days, according to our experts. “Clients are no longer going either brown or blonde,” says Styles. “Some may add depth or change toners. I think with colours being so multi-tonal and blended now, we don’t see as many dramatic hair changes with the different seasons.”

“Lighter hair for summer and darker dark for winter is a thing of the past,” says Walsh. “Clients want to feel comfortable with their hair all year round now, and if that means bright blonde in winter, so be it.”

“Many clients are opting for colours that work all year round – often in natural tones, with layers of depth to give versatility,” agrees Mark Byrne, New Hair Order, Dublin for L’Oreal Professionnel. “That said, lighter shades can still bring a refreshing, sun-kissed feel during the warmer months. Clients who naturally have darker hair may opt for subtle highlights or balayage to brighten up their look, without going too light. It’s about choosing shades that complement individual skin tones and lifestyles, with the flexibility to adapt to seasonal changes.”

“Many clients still prefer going lighter for spring/summer, but I think the routine of lighter in summer and darker in winter is becoming less rigid,” notes O’Sullivan. “Clients are now seeking shades that suit their personal style, complexion and lifestyle throughout the year. Subtle techniques like face-framing babylights or a soft ombré are great options for a lighter summer look, without the commitment.”

The Pantone effect

The Pantone Colour of the Year always helps to influence hair colour trends, and this year is no different as Mocha Mousse has been making its presence felt. “Mocha Mousse is already inspiring hair colour trends,” says Haverty. “Brunettes are leaning into deeper, velvety chocolate shades with multi-dimensional highlights to create more depth in their colour. Mushroom brown balayage, which is a cooler spin on mocha, is also emerging for those who prefer a more muted take. Mocha Mousse aligns well with fashion and make-up trends, which are all featuring more neutral, earthy tones.”

“Mocha Mousse is having a massive influence,” says O’Sullivan. “It inspires a coffee menu for hair colour, with options such as caramel-inspired balayage with soft transitions from darker mocha roots to lighter ‘café au lait’ ends. I’d expect to see both brunettes and blondes embracing this earthy, versatile shade that can vary from warm to cool, depending on a client’s preference.”

“Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is a dream for hair,” says Adele Clarke, Osmo ambassador and owner of Spectrum Hair in St Helens in the UK. “This soft, chic mid-brown shade sits perfectly between cool and warm tones, making it flattering for all skin tones. Whether you’re toning blondes or enhancing brunettes, this luxe colour creates a decadent, polished finish.”

“It’s a soft, lived-in colour that clients will love because it is a low-maintenance option, but still a fresh colour choice,” adds Walsh.

Blonde ambition

Blondes are shifting towards buttery and peachy undertones this season, notes Haverty. “I think we will be seeing a lot of honey blondes, caramel browns and golden champagne shades, which are perfect for enhancing a natural glow in the warmer months. Cooler platinum blondes are being replaced by warmer, creamier versions to create a more sun-kissed look.”

“Some clients are scared of going a little bit warmer if all they have known is ash, but I’ve started introducing them to honey tones and they are loving it,” says Jake Nugent, Osmo ambassador and colourist at Headkandy Hair in Middlesbrough in the UK.

“It can change their whole look by just warming up the hair colour, and a lot of the time it is better suited to their skin tone. Even adding a couple of slightly warmer lowlights on a full blonde can introduce your client to the warmer side.”

“Blonde shades will be leaning towards softer, creamier tones with a nod to sun-kissed hues, such as warm, sandy blondes and butterscotch,” says Byrne. “The trend towards warm, golden bases continues to thrive, giving a natural, healthy glow. However, icy and platinum tones will still be popular for those who love a more edgy look.”

“I think we are seeing a return of more uniform blondes – still blended, but with more soft, universal colours, as opposed to high contrast blondes with heavy face frames,” says Styles.

Here to stay

Meanwhile, grey hair continues to be a popular choice. “Like last year, grey hair looks set to be a huge hit in 2025,” says Walsh. “Clients who are are embracing their grey hair are getting braver and adding pastel tones, with some even opting for more vibrant shades.”

“Grey blending, which is a mix of highlights and lowlights, is very popular with clients who are transitioning from coloured hair to natural greys,” says Haverty

“Some are requesting a ‘salt and pepper’ look to mimic their natural regrowth. For those seeking bolder looks, metallic silvers, ash greys and charcoal tones are trending. With grey hair, you need to make sure the placement looks intentional and the hair is super nourished so it looks and feels its best.”

Balayage isn’t going anywhere either. “I think we will see softer blends this year,” says Styles. “High contrast was trending for a while, but this year we will be experimenting with placement and ‘contouring’ the hair with colour instead of big pops of brightness.”

“Clients love the length of time they get out of balayage,” says Walsh. “And they want that soft blonde shade that looks like it got a natural lift from the sun, rather than being overdone in the salon.”

“I’m predicting we will see lots of reverse balayage – so darker tones/ natural roots being blended into lighter hair, creating an effortless, lowmaintenance colour,” says O’Sullivan. “Micro-highlights or babylights are great for clients seeking a natural look that mimics the lightening effect of the sun.”