Blog #16- 22 (plus 3) 2022 Trending Hair Colors Part Deux

Blog #16-

22 (plus 3) 2022 Trending Hair Colors Part Deux

Welcome back guys and gals to part two of our 2022 trending hair colors discussion. Since we’ve already looked at the Cinderellas all the way over to the Pocahantases, today, while we’ll start out in the land of Disney princesses like fierce Merida, eventually, we’ll move on to colors the kids entertainment giant has yet to cover (though the little girl in me who often tries acid green or dark blue money pieces hopes they will soon- a punk princess would be an awesome addition to the ranks). So first up, let’s dive into…

Ginger Mermaids:

Taking up only 1% or 2% of the world’s locks, we have the Ariels of the world, and in the land of ginger, this year will be all about red, red, and more red, whether you were born that way or not, just like 2021 was. So on that note, we have… 

1. Auburn Spice- if you want a change but are too afraid to go all in, try adding pops of auburn throughout your locks. You might even end up loving it so much that you jump fully into the land of ginger like I did. Your stylist can weave these pieces throughout your natural base shade, and it works especially well for warmer-toned brunettes, adding beautiful dimension like Wandavision’s very own Elizabeth Olsen. 

2. Cinnamon- one of the lightest reds, this one is also a great choice if you’re accustomed to being a brunette or blonde. But as reds can quickly go wrong because there are so many subtle differences between them, and while there is a red out there for everyone, not anyone can wear any old red, make sure you bring tons of photos to the salon with you, in addition to asking your stylist’s advice about what would look good on you (and what wouldn’t). And actually listen to the hairdresser in question (haven’t we all ignored one at least once in our lives to disastrous results- I remember my traumatic decision in junior high to chop everything off like Demi Moore in Ghost all too well). So think Jessica Chastain in IT (as opposed to turning out more like Pennywise). Overall, it works well for creamy skin tones with a peachy warmth to them, green eyes, and/or hazel eyes. 

3. Sweet Copper- going a bit brighter now, for this one, if you can, start from a pale, almost blonde base with copper undertones and build from there. It’s a pale strawberry red with pops of gold throughout, very lovely in the light, but make sure you invest in a red-boosting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrant hue in between salon visits and maybe find out what stylist helps Riverdale’s famous Cherry Blossom (Madeleine Petsch) stay so shiny and bright. 

4. Dimensional Copper- a much more “out there” copper choice, this shade works best as or with highlights and/or money pieces, like for example, the shot below. Believe it or not, straight-up copper looks great on every skin tone.

5. Deep Auburn- much darker, a deep, rich shade of red is perfect for the winter months, complementing the fashion looks we tend to stick with every year. It looks gorgeous on women with darker skin tones, it adds warmth to brown eyes, and with green or blue, it sets a perfect contrast. Just be careful that you don’t go too violet when choosing a specific shade. We want you looking like a million bucks like Miss Keke Palmer.

6. Mahogany Glow- perfect for dark natural or dye base colors, you can achieve this one by asking your stylist to add mahogany pigments to your usual brown color. Red-brown accents reflect light on deep brunette locks, adding gloss, shine, and dimension, and it looks particularly flattering on textured hair. Just ask my personal crush, Kristen Stewart, who has tried every color of the rainbow but looks especially spectacular in this hue. 

Vivid Clubhouse:

Surprisingly, even though 2021 and even more so for 2022, it’s all about bigger and badder where ALL of fashion is concerned, many of the most popular vivid colors right now are still considered “naturals” (like Scandinavian blonde or Irish chestnut). However, if even the most vivid of vivid reds isn’t enough for your inner wild child (aka GoGo Tomago of Big Hero 6), then consider trying out a few well-placed highlights or an entire head in one of these hues. 

1. Princess Blue- think Jasmine’s bikini top, Tiana’s dress, or the ocean backdrop of Moana. Just make sure that you get your hair lightened enough before application, have your stylist use a filler to knock out any yellow tones that might distort the blue into green, and be wary of how this shade can bring out any redness in your skin tone. 

2. Anime Pink- now think Taffyta Muttonfudge, the cherry blossoms in Mulan, and fairy Flora’s obsession with this color in Sleeping Beauty. I personally think Gwen Stefani nailed it best, way back in her No Doubt days. 

3. Oddballs- finally, think of all the myriad of hues out there that don’t occupy real estate on your standard color wheel. Electric coral looks great on anyone’s skin. Tangerine will turn everyone’s head. Slime green and twisted lemon yellow are awesome acid and neon tone choices. Just embrace your creativity (or give your stylist free rein to do it for you). 

Embrace Your Inner Not-So-Wicked-Queen:

Grey, silver, and white are no longer synonymous with “old”- one of the few good things to come out of lockdown, thanks in part to celebs like Andie MacDowell. In fact, many celebs (and us regular folks too) found themselves embracing their grey during the peak of Covid, and that trend doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon. It absolutely does NOT make you a wicked stepmother in Cinderella or Ursula the sea witch. Instead, think Kidagakash "Kida" Nedakh in Atlantis, the daughter of the King of Atlantis (not the grandmother of the king). Just map out a plan with your stylist for the grow out (if you’re not willing to go for the big chop), and use glosses to defeat any yellowing. Just look at how awesomely punk Jamie Lee Curtis is below. 

The Magic of Accents:

However, if you’re not satisfied being all silver, let your natural gray shine through as accent pieces, or just add some of the accent choices below to spice up your locks. You can try one of these out alone, or if that’s too plain Jane for you, combine an accent with one of the whole head hues we’ve been discussing so far. For example, 

1. Face Frame- replacing last year’s chunkier highlights, we have this option. Go for a brighter shade here which will accentuate the eyes without creating harsh lines around the face, your stylist can use a base drop and bright endlights which creates an ombre, and all you have to do is ask for this face frame with some color melting but leaving the ends out. 

2. Fine Lines and Lights- also in place of last year’s larger accents, you can go for a finely woven mix of high and lowlights, creating a more natural look. Ask for babylights to keep the pieces from straying too large and standing out as opposed to being blended, and this choice works great on medium length hair in addition to blondes. 

3. Backwards Balayage or Long Ombre- perfect for those who want low-maintenance hair, this is a newer trend. Ask for a root color that’s a shade lighter than the rest in addition to highlights and just let the whole thing grow out naturally to achieve the look. 

4. Added Warmth- no matter what your base color is (blonde, brunette, redhead), and no matter what your dye of choice typically is, ask your hairdresser to add warm tones into your overall silhouette, a midlight in your highlighting technique. It adds warmth without skewing red (unless that’s what you’re going for), connecting your deepest and brightest colors for an excellent multidimensional look, especially if you go for pops of gold throughout. 

5. Peekaboo and Dip Bolds- combine the best of both worlds here- natural base shades with hidden, highlighted, money piece, or ombre dipped vivids. The contrast between the two will be impactful and balanced, creating depth. Just keep in mind that your vivids will stay bright a lot longer if you regularly use a color lamination spray, shampoo, and conditioner. 

Focus on Health.

No matter what trend we’ve covered that you decide to try (or even if you say to heck with what’s in style and go au naturale or with something else entirely), the focus this year will be on healthy hair above all else. So make sure you schedule some self-care time to DIY it at home or book an appointment with your local stylist for repairs and upkeep, just like you would with oil changes and tire rotations for your car. You’ll thank me later. 

Try Individual Customization.

And keep in mind that just because you love a look we featured here or something you’ve seen on your spirit animal celeb, that doesn’t make it a good idea for you. That’s why it’s so important to work with a stylist when making big changes. Ask if the look is right for you, carefully considering your natural color, eye color, and skin tone, in addition to your personality, fashion sense, job, and how much work you’re willing to put in to make a look truly sing on a daily basis. So 2022 is all about INDIVIDUAL customization, not one size fits all. Maybe what you’re asking for is a terrible idea, or perhaps it just needs a few simple tweaks to make it work well for you. After all, I would love to wake up every morning looking like a real-life version of Ariel, but we can’t all be Disney princesses every hour of the day, nor should we be (I for one would make a terrible princess). 

And that’s it, guys. Tune in next time for all the cuts and styles that will be eating up all your screen time this year and your Pinterest board to boot.