The Best Hair Color for Warm Skin Tone 2026: Sunlit Trends, Caramel Highlights & Effortless Glow

Who else feels like a whole new haircut or hair color could shift their entire mood right now? Same. But if you’ve got warm-toned skin, the stakes are higher — because not every trending hue is made to complement that golden or olive undertone we’re blessed with. So what actually works in 2026? What looks fresh and flattering, without washing you out? Which tones bring out the glow, not the dull?

Let’s go beyond generic Pinterest boards and decode real, wearable beauty for women who want to look as radiant as they feel. I’ve been collecting this season’s most inspiring looks — and if you’re flirting with the idea of change, these might be your sign to finally book that salon appointment. Here’s what’s next.

Chocolate Cinnamon with Soft Center-Parted Waves

This look is deep, dimensional, and just classic enough to stay elegant through every trend wave. The hair color leans into rich chocolate with subtle cinnamon undertones, perfect for enhancing hair color for warm skin tone 2026 without looking too bold or too flat. The long layers, styled in loose waves, fall naturally from a center part — soft, face-framing, and super wearable.

To maintain this kind of tone-on-tone warmth, I’d recommend a sulfate-free shampoo like Pureology Hydrate — it keeps color from fading and adds that salon-fresh gloss. A weekly gloss treatment, like Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss, can bring back depth between appointments too.

Personally, I love this style for early spring — it’s got that cozy-winter-meets-sunny-march kind of balance. Like the hair equivalent of a cashmere cardigan tossed over a silk tank. Low drama, high charm.

I’d also say: this is the look that works when you want to look pulled-together with minimal effort. Like, you could be on your way to an art gallery or brunch — or just answering Zoom calls with the camera on.

Honey Almond Highlights with Lived-In Layers

If there was ever a way to bottle up “healthy glow” energy and wear it on your head, this might be it. This soft bronde with honey almond highlights melts effortlessly into naturally warm brunette roots, giving off sunshine-from-within. Paired with soft, long layers and a side-swept middle part, it creates movement and brightness without screaming for attention. Ideal for those of us who like our glam a little undone.

Color like this requires a little TLC, but nothing wild. A color-safe hydrating mask (like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask) once a week helps keep those honeyed ribbons shiny and soft. Bonus: it smells like a dream.

I had a very similar color last summer, and it instantly made my skin look warmer and more alive — even when I was exhausted, sunburned, or just skipping foundation altogether. It’s that kind of color that lifts everything.

If you’re easing into the world of highlights or want something that blends easily with your roots, this one’s a no-brainer. You’ll look sunkissed even if you haven’t left your apartment in a week.

Caramel-Butter Balayage with Volume Waves

This hair color? It’s giving that expensive softness we’re all craving right now. The caramel-butter balayage is painted to perfection, fading seamlessly into lighter ends. The light-reflective quality of these tones flatters warm skin tones especially — no weird ashiness or brass here, just luminous, golden depth. Styled with big, voluminous waves, this look is unapologetically pretty.

To keep the ends bouncy and not crunchy, I always reach for Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother. It’s magic on color-treated strands and helps keep the curl from collapsing after day one.

Hair stylist Cassondra Kaeding once said in an interview that “caramel tones create the illusion of fuller, healthier hair,” especially on medium-to-long lengths — and this cut absolutely proves it.

It’s the kind of hair that makes you want to book dinner plans just because you feel too good to stay home. Romantic without trying too hard.

Soft Updo with Wispy Curtain Bangs

An elegant nod to undone beauty — this style features softly pinned layers with loose strands and delicate curtain bangs. The color is a warm, glossy brunette, ideal for hair color for warm skin tone 2026, especially when the goal is subtle richness. There’s a lightness to the fringe that opens up the face, while the texture keeps things feeling fresh, not formal.

The best thing about this kind of updo? It actually holds better on day-two hair. A little texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is my ride-or-die for this look — it adds grip without stickiness.

I wore a similar style to a spring wedding last year — it looked fancy, but I could still dance without worrying about flyaways. Plus, the softness of the bangs really balanced my features when I skipped dramatic makeup.

If you’re trying to romanticize your real life a little, this is your style. Candlelit dinner? Gallery opening? Casual Target run with a latte in hand? Check, check, and check.

Golden Sand Blonde with Face-Framing Layers

This one’s a soft bombshell. The golden sand blonde shade reads ultra-natural, blending neutral blonde and warm undertones in a way that looks kissed by sunlight — not colored in a salon. Paired with soft waves and gentle layering around the face, it has that effortless glamour that works from day to night. Think sunkissed sophistication.

To avoid dullness (and keep that blonde from veering brassy), I’d go with Amika’s Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo — once a week is plenty for a warm-based tone like this.

Honestly, I’ve always been a little scared of blonde — too much maintenance, too easy to mess up. But this shade changed my mind. It’s wearable, fresh, and totally vibe-shifting.

It’s also great for spring because it brightens everything without screaming summer blonde. If you’ve been thinking of lightening up just a little — this is the one to start with.

Toffee Cream Strands with Luxe Waves

This look is a stunner for women craving contrast without committing to a dramatic change. The toffee cream highlights are painted with precision to break through the natural deep brunette base, giving a lifted, sunlit effect that feels both effortless and chic. The layered, voluminous waves amplify the glow in a way that feels modern and slightly wild — in the best way.

This kind of high-contrast color does best with some extra moisture in your routine. I’d recommend Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil — it brings out the shine, softens the ends, and protects from frizz (especially when the weather turns humid).

I’ve noticed that toffee tones like this instantly brighten warm skin tones without washing them out. It’s a safe bet if you want depth with a hint of glam — the kind of look that works just as well in a linen blouse at brunch as it does with gold hoops and a smoky eye.

There’s also something unapologetically luxe about this shade — it makes even simple hairstyles look styled. A little mousse, a round brush, and this color will do the rest.

Glossed Brunette with Molten Copper Ends

This color takes the deep chocolate trend and nudges it toward something more radiant. We’re talking about a molten brunette base with the gentlest copper warmth feathered through the ends. There’s something very red carpet about it — like it belongs under a spotlight — but still totally wearable day-to-day. The shine is dialed all the way up, which makes it a perfect candidate for hair color for warm skin tone 2026.

One trick I’ve learned with glossy brunettes: skip the dry shampoo when you can, and opt for a scalp-refresh mist like R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist — it cleanses without powder buildup, keeping that salon shine alive longer.

This shade also wears beautifully with minimalist fashion — black, beige, satin textures — it just pops. I love that it doesn’t scream for attention, but it definitely gets it.

And honestly? This kind of low-effort elegance is exactly what I want more of in 2026. It’s giving “I woke up like this,” but actually booked a color appointment three weeks ago.

Sun-Drenched Auburn with Layered Ends

Auburn is having a quiet renaissance this year — and this version is perfect if you’re trying to bridge the gap between red and brunette. The base is a warm chestnut, deepened slightly at the roots, and diffused into subtle coppery auburn at the ends. It’s soft, romantic, and full of light-catching movement, especially with that delicate face-framing layer cut.

One thing I always advise with auburns: protect that tone! Use Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Copper once every few washes — it refreshes the warmth without damaging the hair.

When I wore a similar shade last fall, strangers asked me what lipstick I was wearing — even when I wasn’t wearing any. That’s the magic of the right hair color: it brings out every other feature without much else.

This is definitely for the woman who wants to soften her look without feeling too sweet. It’s got depth, grace, and just enough playfulness for spring.

Buttered Bronde with Volume and Flow

Buttered bronde is the creamy in-between color I swear by when someone wants a lightened look that doesn’t go fully blonde. It’s rich without being dark, and bright without going platinum. The layers start below the chin and cascade in loose waves — volume-boosting and flattering, no matter your face shape.

Maintenance-wise, this one’s forgiving. A gloss once every few months and a daily leave-in conditioner like Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer will keep it nourished and lit-from-within.

This style is what I think of as the “quiet luxury” of hair — it doesn’t scream trend, but it’s always in. It’s what you’d see on someone effortlessly stylish in line at Erewhon.

And the best part? It’s endlessly versatile. Up, down, styled or air-dried — this cut and color do most of the heavy lifting for you.

California Golden Blonde with Ribbon Highlights

If you’ve been holding off on going full blonde because it felt too cool-toned or too high-maintenance, this version might change your mind. This is a California golden blonde — warm, bright, and laced with ribbon-like highlights that shimmer when styled in loose beachy waves. It’s sunny, but not too loud. Polished, but not overdone.

When going lighter, always factor in hydration. I’d say add a leave-in blonde toner like dpHUE Gloss+ in Golden Blonde — it tones, hydrates, and adds back the brightness between salon visits.

What I love most about this tone is how forgiving it is. It works when you’re dressed up and glowy, but also when you’re just in sweats and sunglasses running errands. It feels like sunshine — bottled and brushed through your strands.

If you’ve been searching for the blonde that doesn’t fight your skin tone — this is her.

Maple Wood Balayage with Boho Texture

This look is everything spring and earthy dreams are made of. The tones move between light maple brown and warm sand, melting through the lengths in wide, sun-catching balayage ribbons. The shape is softly layered and styled with a lived-in texture — not too glossy, not too tousled — like the hair version of sipping espresso in a sun-drenched bookstore corner. The natural root fade gives it that low-maintenance feel, but the depth around the crown keeps it looking intentional.

With this level of soft dimension, I’d reach for Virtue’s Healing Oil. It adds a glow that doesn’t weigh down the texture — essential if you love a brushed-through wave instead of defined curls.

I’ve always felt like this is the “cool girl” version of caramel. It doesn’t need validation — it just is cool. Especially on warm skin tones, it brings out a peachy radiance that plays beautifully with gold jewelry or neutral makeup.

This is also the kind of hair color that transitions effortlessly into fall, which makes it a smart pick if you’re not planning another salon trip for a while.

True Copper Cinnamon with a Silken Finish

Copper is dominating 2026, but this particular shade? It’s for the bold hearts who love being noticed for all the right reasons. This hair color is a true cinnamon copper, rich and warm with the perfect golden undertone. The finish is silky and defined — no messy waves here. It’s smooth, confident, and quietly radiant. For warm skin tones, this is pure gold: it enhances freckles, deepens eye color, and makes your features pop with zero effort.

Coppers can be a little high-maintenance, I won’t lie — but not impossible. I keep Celeb Luxury Viral Conditioner in Copper in my shower to revive vibrancy midweek. It saves you from dull, faded tones creeping in by week three.

Celebrity colorist Matt Rez has talked a lot about the importance of tone control for reds — “it’s not about more color, it’s about the right color.” This shade hits that balance beautifully.

If you’ve never gone red before and you’re thinking “maybe now?”, this is the place to start. It’s vibrant without being theatrical. Cozy and glowing, like cinnamon tea in the sunlight.

Toasted Hazelnut with Buttery Babylights

This is a classic dimensional brunette but taken up a notch with buttery babylights that weave through a toasted hazelnut base. The face-framing pieces are slightly lighter — almost champagne — softening the overall look without losing that rich foundation. There’s a gorgeous medium wave happening here, not too tight or beachy. Think timeless with a modern edit — the kind of hair that’s always “in,” even when trends shift.

If you’re blending in natural grays or want low contrast growth, this combo is a dream. I’d say use DpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse once a week instead of shampoo — it helps maintain tone and keeps the scalp balanced too.

I’m convinced this is one of the most flattering color combos for warm skin tones, no matter the season. It frames the face gently, brings out the warmth in the skin, and never looks too yellow or too dark.

There’s a reason stylists love using food metaphors for hair — because tones like “toasted” and “buttery” evoke comfort, depth, and richness. And this look delivers on all of it.

Bronze Smoke Lob with Glassy Finish

If you’re a short-hair girlie or considering the chop, let me stop you right here. This bronze smoke lob is sharp but soft, with warm-toned espresso at the base and just enough smoked-gold highlights to give it depth. The texture is barely bent — straight with a little flick — which keeps the entire look super modern and clean. It’s a strong contender for the most practical-glam hair color for warm skin tone 2026.

I’d recommend a glossing mist like Color Wow Extra Shine Spray to preserve that reflective finish and ward off dryness. A flat iron run through the ends seals it all together.

My personal take? This is the haircut that makes you look like you’ve got your life together — even if your inbox says otherwise. It’s streamlined, elevated, and pairs beautifully with neutral wardrobe staples.

Also, shorter cuts with color dimension are totally trending in 2026, and this is one of the most wearable takes out there.

Golden Amber Highlights on Coffee Brown Base

This look is proof that brunette doesn’t mean boring. The coffee brown base is laced with fine golden amber highlights, placed strategically from mid-length down. The result? Glowing dimension that looks like soft light filtering through warm espresso. The cut is long and delicately layered, allowing movement without looking too styled. This is the kind of hair that feels both luxe and approachable — a spring-ready staple.

Because this color can lose its brilliance in dry air, I like misting Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray over dry waves — it reactivates shine and tames any static or frizz, especially in transitional seasons.

I had something similar back in early spring last year, and it was my easiest upkeep shade ever. Warm skin tones really thrive under amber tones — it’s like your face is constantly lit by golden hour.

And yes, this one’s a flirt. It’s understated at first glance, but catches the light — and attention — when you move. Just like you should.

Espresso Walnut with a Polished Silhouette

There’s something undeniably elegant about this deep, dark, espresso-toned brunette. With very subtle walnut undertones, it’s the kind of color that elevates warm skin tones without needing any dramatic contrast. The texture here is smooth and slightly tousled, giving just enough wave to frame the jawline and collarbone in that “I take care of my hair but don’t fuss over it” kind of way. It’s sophisticated but not severe — think of it as your power blazer in hair form.

This color thrives on shine, so keeping it hydrated is non-negotiable. I like using Ouai Hair Oil after styling — it smooths flyaways and gives that healthy gleam that darker shades need to pop under sunlight or indoor lighting.

This is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants depth without commitment to a maintenance-heavy style. It works beautifully with every skin undertone that leans golden, olive, or peachy — because the warmth underneath the walnut helps tie everything together, naturally.

Bonus: it grows out beautifully. And in a season where we’re leaning into natural luxury, this might be your most versatile pick yet.

Chestnut Brown with Whisper-Light Copper Strokes

This is such a balanced, approachable style — medium chestnut brown base with feathery strokes of copper layered through the lower half. It’s the visual equivalent of a latte swirl — warm, cozy, and quietly dynamic. There’s a subtle wave through the mid-lengths and ends, giving the hair fullness without volume overload. The slightly off-center part keeps it effortless, letting the color placement take center stage.

For keeping this tone blend alive, a color-safe shampoo like L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo is a solid staple. It keeps copper from slipping into brassy territory and hydrates without heaviness.

This shade reminds me of the way autumn sunlight hits dark leaves — golden, rich, and softly glowing. It’s perfect if you’re not ready for a big shift but want to introduce a fresh feel. Especially flattering with warm skin because it doesn’t fight the complexion — it syncs with it.

It’s also a great pick for anyone just dipping their toes into red or copper tones. No pressure, no major upkeep, just a soft kiss of warmth that moves beautifully in real life.

Burnt Amber with Glossy Root Stretch

Let’s talk about dimension. This long, layered style blends a vibrant burnt amber hue through the lengths with a slightly deeper root stretch to keep things grounded. It’s fiery, but still soft — not quite red, not quite brunette. The finish is glassy, styled with a gentle wave that allows light to dance across every section. It’s bold enough to turn heads but gentle enough to wear every day. The ultimate 2026 cool-girl red.

To maintain vibrancy, I recommend alternating your normal wash days with R+Color Depositing Conditioner in “Copper” — it revives that golden-cinnamon tint while conditioning deeper shades through the roots.

I wore this color on vacation once and was shocked by how every outfit — white linens, warm-toned makeup, gold jewelry — just looked better. It’s flattering in the way a good bronzer is flattering: it lifts, brightens, and softens all at once.

This is also a great option if you’ve been blonde before and want to warm things up without going totally dark.

Sandstone Balayage with Lush, Ribboned Layers

One word: luxury. This sandstone balayage threads soft golden beige tones through a deeper brunette base, creating high-contrast movement without any harsh lines. The highlight placement is deliberate — face-framing ribbons that blend seamlessly with long, lush layers. The result is effortlessly voluminous and made to glow under spring and summer light. If you’ve been craving something luminous without the drama of full blonde, this might be your sweet spot.

Balayage like this benefits from regular toning — I like using dpHUE Cool Blonde Gloss once every two weeks just to soften brass and maintain richness. Follow with a moisture mask like K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair for resilience and bounce.

Honestly? This is a “your hair but richer” moment. It’s giving confidence. It’s giving glow-up. It looks amazing whether it’s curled, waved, or air-dried and tucked into a trench coat.

It’s also a crowd-favorite among stylists for good reason: it’s adaptable, universally flattering, and makes even ponytails look elevated.

Chestnut Mahogany with 70s Volume Layers

Last but far from least — let’s talk about this gorgeous chestnut mahogany tone paired with soft ’70s-inspired volume layers. The color sits between cocoa and red wine, bringing that subtle reddish glow without committing to a full copper or auburn look. Styled with a center part and feathered-out curtain bangs, this is vintage meets modern, and it’s incredibly flattering on warm skin tones. The dimension is warm and refined — never brassy, always sultry.

Keep it from drying out by adding a touch of Mizani 25 Miracle Milk before blow drying — it preps the hair and helps lock in moisture while protecting that shine.

This is the kind of look that makes you want to flip your hair in slow motion. It’s playful and confident, with a polished edge. I love how it gives your features a soft focus — especially flattering with peachy blush and a brown lip gloss.

If you’ve been waiting for a color that feels rich but still spring-ready, this one strikes the perfect balance.

Molten Cocoa with Sculpted Curls

This style is a love letter to classic glamour. The hair color is a deep, molten cocoa brown, glossy and rich from roots to ends. No highlights, no contrast — just a single-tone luxury that reflects light like velvet. Styled in sculpted curls with uniform bounce, it feels like something out of a Parisian salon or a red carpet moment. The shine factor here is no accident — it’s deliberate, refined, and full-bodied, just like a good espresso.

To maintain this kind of high-gloss finish, I swear by Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum overnight. It nourishes the strands while you sleep and leaves zero residue. Perfect for soft curls like these that thrive on hydration and structure.

This tone is a must-have if you’re after low-maintenance upkeep but still want a luxe vibe. It looks stunning on warm skin because it complements the natural undertones instead of overpowering them. It’s soft power in hair form — quiet, but incredibly impactful.

And it’s timeless. This look won’t trend-cycle out in six months — it will keep delivering for seasons to come.

Soft Sienna Waves with Whispered Highlights

This one is dreamy in the subtlest way. The base is a soft sienna brown, gently threaded with thin, diffused highlights in a muted caramel tone. The cut is mid-length with long layers and an airy wave, perfect for movement without looking styled-to-death. The color placement feels organic — like you’ve just come back from a week at the beach without even trying. It’s relaxed, romantic, and quietly confident.

For everyday care, use Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray — it’s lightweight, keeps texture defined, and smells like a salon treatment in a bottle. A weekly scalp massage with oil doesn’t hurt either — it helps with healthy growth and a natural shine boost.

I love this color for that “between-seasons” energy. It’s not too warm, not too cool, not too trendy. It just fits. It makes your skin glow, your eye color sharpen, and your mood lift a little when you catch your reflection in soft light.

Also — can we talk about how low-effort this is for such a pretty result? This one’s a yes from me.

Dark Cherry Velvet with French Bangs

Bold, sultry, and utterly divine — this dark cherry velvet shade is a cool-girl twist on classic red. It mixes mahogany and wine tones with a glossy dark base, making it pop in light while still feeling wearable and rich. Paired with French-inspired bangs and cascading waves, it hits that sweet spot between retro and modern. The shape is full, round, and touchable. If you’re craving something striking yet chic, this is the moment.

Maintenance-wise, this hue can be a little thirsty. I use Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray after every wash — it detangles, adds moisture, and protects against UV fading. A cool rinse at the end of the shower helps seal in color too.

This shade has major runway energy. It’s not for when you want to blend in — it’s for when you want your entrance to say something before you even speak. It works beautifully with deeper-toned makeup — berry lips, smokey lids, warm bronzer — the whole palette shines here.

If you’re on the fence about red but love rich, moody hair colors, this might be your perfect gateway.

Sunlit Hazel with Airy Feather Layers

This look is light, bouncy, and full of warmth — a sunlit hazel blonde that stretches across soft, feathered layers with an ultra-natural root melt. The color moves between golden honey and roasted almond, especially under natural lighting. The haircut is the real star here — long layers with tapered ends that float as you move. It’s clean, youthful, and fresh, without screaming for attention.

I’d suggest alternating between Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo and your favorite moisturizing formula. This keeps the brightness without drying out the ends — a must for layered cuts that rely on healthy texture to shine.

This shade works especially well on warmer skin tones because it brings out golden highlights in your complexion and creates a kind of “built-in glow.” Even better? It’s extremely versatile — dress it up, wear it messy, tuck it into a claw clip — it still looks intentional.

If you’ve been craving a lighter look without the harsh upkeep of platinum or cool blonde, consider this your soft-landing blonde.

Amber Dune Curls with Dimensional Ends

Talk about hair that moves like a breeze. This amber dune tone is a cozy medium brunette base with warm bronze pieces diffused through the ends — almost like sun-faded tips. The curls are weightless, full of life, and styled in that perfect not-too-tight, not-too-loose way. This cut and color combo feels playful but elevated — perfect for spring weekends, weddings, or just feeling extra even when you’re doing nothing special.

To keep those ends bouncy and warm-toned, I recommend Joico Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Oil — yes, even on brunette tones. It hydrates without darkening, and the shimmer boost is unreal in sunlight.

This is what I call a “feel-good hair day” color — it doesn’t try too hard, but it works. Especially when styled with loose texture and paired with light neutrals or creamy beige clothing, the warmth really comes to life.

If you want something that’s flattering and expressive but doesn’t cross into high-drama territory, amber dune is a seriously underrated win.

Espresso Melt with Money Piece Ribbons

This gorgeous color combo is all about intentional contrast. The espresso base is rich and grounding, while the money piece — those lighter, brighter ribbons framing the face — adds just the right amount of lift. The highlights fall into a soft golden beige range, creating that sun-tinged contour effect. The texture is loose, windswept, and effortlessly sexy — it moves like second-day hair on a really good week.

To keep the contrast clean, I use Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo every second or third wash — it keeps the lighter strands fresh without dulling the richness of the brunette base. A dry oil through the ends helps to preserve that tousled softness.

If you’re torn between keeping your dark roots and wanting that spring-summer brightness, this is the dream solution. It lets you play with light and warmth while still feeling grounded.

And let’s be real: the right money piece can do more for your cheekbones than highlighter ever could.

Cocoa Raisin Waves with Undone Texture

This color is like sipping wine under dimmed café lights — deep, cozy, and quietly bold. A cocoa-raisin brunette, it combines warm undertones with slight violet depth. What makes it so flattering is the zero-harshness: it softly defines your features, warms up the skin, and never feels flat or overly glossy. Styled in natural, slightly rumpled waves, this look has just enough bounce and edge to make it feel modern.

The trick with a shade like this is texture support. I always recommend R+Co Sand Castle Dry Texture Cream — just a tiny bit adds grip, fullness, and keeps the waves from falling flat midday.

It reminds me of the kind of hair you see in Parisian street style shots — not overly styled, but impossibly chic. It works perfectly with warm skin tones because it softens and enhances rather than competes.

Pair it with minimal gold jewelry and flushed cheeks, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own indie film.

Golden Roast Balayage with Mid-Length Layers

Warm, beachy, and totally wearable, this golden roast balayage is the kind of hair that looks good on literally everyone — but especially those with golden or olive skin. The highlights sweep from mid-shaft to ends, blending softly into a dark almond base. The cut falls around the collarbone with airy, mid-length layers that feel light and bouncy — basically the sweet spot between long and short.

For styling, a little bit of IGK Beach Club Texture Spray post-blowout adds that effortless undone volume. It’s also amazing for reviving your waves on day two or three.

I’m personally obsessed with this cut and color for spring — it’s soft, approachable, and has that sunny-but-not-bleached vibe that’s perfect for transitional months.

And if you’re worried about grow-out? Don’t. The root melt makes it super forgiving, and those golden tones fade like a dream.

Layered Mocha Latte with Curtain Contour

This color reads like a warm hug in hair form. The mocha latte base is milk-chocolatey and softly dimensional, with wisps of golden cinnamon around the face that act like curtain contour. Styled with cascading layers and a soft center part, the cut balances polish and playfulness beautifully. The tone is rich but approachable — not too dark, not too blonde — just that cozy, sunkissed in-between.

To keep it glowing, I’d use Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème — especially on days you skip heat styling. It enhances the color while helping your layers fall into place naturally.

This style is great if you’re craving something gentle and feminine. It’s perfect for warm-toned complexions because it echoes those peachy undertones, giving you that natural flush even without makeup.

Also — if you’re considering curtain bangs this year, this is your sign. They frame the face beautifully and bring out the warmth in this kind of color.

Champagne Honey Blonde with Cascading Waves

Pure sunshine in hair form — this champagne honey blonde is the lightest of the bunch, yet still soft and flattering for warmer skin tones. It walks the line between golden and neutral, with subtle baby lights creating ribbons of brightness throughout. The cut is long and softly layered, styled in dreamy cascading waves that feel red carpet-worthy yet somehow easygoing.

To avoid brassiness, a once-weekly glossing treatment like dpHUE Gloss+ in Golden Blonde can help keep the tone luminous. Follow with Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil to seal split ends and enhance shine.

This is the kind of blonde that doesn’t feel “too blonde.” It catches the light, flatters warm skin, and brings out the sparkle in your eyes. It’s glam, but not fussy — ideal for spring weddings, brunches, and everything in between.

If you’ve been looking for your lightest look yet but don’t want to wash out your complexion, champagne honey is a flawless match.