Color Your World: The 5 Hottest Hair Trends For 2023

I admit to being easily influenced, as evidenced by the purchase of a cool-brown hair gloss after seeing screenshots of 2023 hair color trends. Creamy tones and high shine are noted as one of the biggest hair trends for the year, and readers are encouraged to try out a new shade or add highlights to brighten up their hair. Celebrity hair colorist Matt Rez and hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein handpicked the biggest hair color trends for 2023, promising readers a full IG saves folder of inspiration. 

1. Sandy blonde for 2023

A prevalent hair trend for 2023 is the use of light-to-medium brown shades, as hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein notes that people will be opting for deeper colors this year. This can include a darker, blended shade of blonde or a creamy mushroom brown. The dark, sandy blonde shade is particularly appealing as it has a neutral undertone that complements various skin tones and eye colors. For those who are hesitant to give up their bright-blonde highlights, Margot Robbie's approach can be adopted by trying a balayage technique around the face to add dimension, and then toning it with a cool-toned gloss to match the overall beige-toned aesthetic.

2. Gemini hair-color trend for 2023

Call your air-sign bestie because indecision is in, bb. Two-tone dye jobs are the latest trend to blow up on Pinterest, where it’s been dubbed “Gemini hair.” The trend is all about mixing hues, whether it’s two contrasting shades (like Kehlani’s blonde and brunette shades above), or mixing complementary colors, or playing around with multi-tonal hues. Sound intimidating? No worries-you can always take the trend for a spin with some wigs, colorful braiding hair, or DIY extensions.

3. Onyx hair for 2023

Ah, the infamous Wednesday effect. If you've been keeping up with Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams, you may have noticed a surge in grunge and goth fashion trends, including a rise in jet-black hair colors. This is a clear example of the trickle-down effect in action. While I personally believe that everyone should experiment with an inky shade at least once, it's important to be aware of the potential consequences. According to Rubenstein, dry hair can cause color to fade quickly and unevenly due to oxidation. Therefore, it's crucial to moisturize your hair regularly with deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners before and after coloring. Make sure to stock up on these products before your appointment!

4. Saddle-brown hair trend

The coolest thing about this sandy-brown hair color is that it can really work on every undertone because it’s fairly neutral. It’s similar to the mushroom-brown hair trend of 2022, but with a sandier vibe (some might call it “mousy,” which like, cute). Before committing to this color, try it with a hair gloss if your hair is on the lighter side, says hair colorist Matt Rez. “You can have your colorist deepen your current color by a level or two with an in-salon gloss, which lasts about four to six weeks and will be easier to reverse if you want to go back to a lighter color later,” he says.

5. Champagne-blonde hair

Rez describes this shade as “a light, vibrant, golden-toned blonde with super-subtle rose reflects,” noting it’ll be seriously popular come spring/summer 2023. Rez is the stylist behind Madelyne Cline’s take on the trend above, using a mix of highlights, a golden-beige hair gloss (per the IG caption), and lowlights (to “add some depth to really showcase and define the champagne-blonde highlights,” he says). If you swipe through, you’ll notice he kept the highlights an inch or two from Cline’s roots for a natural, smudge-y look, which you can totally ask your stylist to do too.

In summary, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of exciting hair trends. From vivid, high-contrast colors to subtle, multidimensional highlights, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to switch up your look or simply want to stay on top of the latest trends, these five hair color trends are worth considering. Remember to always consult with a professional stylist before making any drastic changes to your hair, and don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your style.