Salon approved: 5 most wanted hair colours everyone's asking for in 2026

The era of chaotic, high-maintenance hair is finally slowing down, it seems! Yes, after a year of neon brights, icy blondes and ultra-high-contrast shades dominating timelines in 2025, 2026 is shifting into something softer, warmer and way more effortless.

Think less shock factor and more soft glam. Less bleach damage, more glass-hair shine. The vibe? Effortless, expensive and healthy.

According to reports from Vogue India, the most-searched shades for 2026 are all about warm, rich, deep tones that dial down brightness and turn up dimension.

So let's get into the colours that are about to dominate your Pinterest board.

Glossy. Dramatic and quite a luxury.

Celebrity colourist Evanie Frausto predicts that 2026 is all about less bleaching and more glossing. And Inky Black is rich, reflective and always camera-ready.

Also, supermodel Gigi Hadid has already been spotted going darker, helping spark the return of ultra-shiny black hair.

Best for:

• Oval and long face shapes.
• Skin tones: Cool undertones.

This works well because the contrast sharpens your features instantly. It’s giving mysterious. It’s giving grown. It’s giving “I don’t chase; I attract.”



It is copper's older, cooler sister.

Well, instead of bright orange-red, burnt copper leans deeper and moodier. Tiny highlights add movement without overpowering the base. It is refined, polished and every 'editorial off-duty'.

So if you want red but are scared of it, then this is a safe entry point.



Think cherry mocha, but moodier.

Wine brunette keeps a dark base but adds a deeper red or copper tint. It's subtle in indoor lighting and dramatic in the sun. Basically, dual-personality hair.

Pro tip: If you are heat-styling, protect it. Red tones fade fast, and 2026 is all about shiny, healthy hair – not crispy ends.



It is a comfort colour that never leaves the trend. Caramel and chocolate balayage are still thriving. It's that 'just came back from vacation' glow without actually booking a flight.

Actress Zendaya constantly serves warm, multi-dimensional browns, and we’re still not over it.

Best for:

• Round and oval face shapes.
• Skin tones: warm, neutral (even some cool tones)

Want a warm brunette? Then make it spicy. Cherry mocha blends chocolate brown with red or burgundy undertones. It's cold without being costume-y. It's wearable but still scroll-stopping.

Pop star Dua Lipa experimenting with deep reds definitely pushed this brunette-red hybrid into the spotlight.

Best for:

• Heart- and square-shaped faces.
• Skin tones: warm, olive.

This shade adds warmth and shine, and it hits different under golden hour lighting.



Let's zoom out. 2025 was all about high contrast, high effort and high maintenance. But 2026 hair trends reflect something deeper happening with Gen Z and younger millennials: we are moving toward sustainability, self-acceptance and longevity.