The Pantone Color of the Year 2026 has been revealed! PANTONE 11-4201, otherwise known as Cloud Dancer, is “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection,” the Pantone Color Institute describe on their website. “A billowy white imbued with serenity, Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”
But what does the industry think? Take a look at what these colour experts had to say…
The Hair Industry’s Reaction to Pantone Color of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer
“Cloud Dancer is my kind of shade - calm, classy and confident without shouting for attention. It’s minimalist, but it still stands out. It feels clean, modern and considered, which I love. For colourists, this kind of neutral is gold. It gives you a clean canvas to build anything on and every palette looks better sitting next to it. It quietly elevates bolder tones and keeps softer colours looking refined. When we’re working with blondes, keeping them creamy, soft and polished sits beautifully alongside this sort of white. What I really like is that this tone speaks without trying too hard, it’s calm, professional, and classy. It reflects what so many people want now, less noise, more clarity. Whether it’s in interiors, fashion or hair, Cloud Dancer lets the work shine, and that’s exactly why it lands.”
Michelle Summers Davies, Michelle Davies Hair, Pembrokeshire
“I am already obsessed with this colour! I love it, who doesn’t love a gorgeous clean, neutral white? This colour is perfect for all year, summer through to winter. This colour is so versatile, from global blondes to balayage and highlights, even a few pieces of that Cloud Dancer through a darker base would look stunning, especially in a grey blend.”
Dean Lawton-Taylor, Trinder Hair Studios, St Albans
“I think Cloud Dancer is beautiful, it is very soft and graceful, perfectly balanced and very luxurious. It definitely brings peace and restfulness just by looking at it, the colour is a soothing silence which gives a sense of ease. Bringing this shade into a colourist’s palette offers a soft, neutral tone that many people prefer today. It adds brightness without being harsh, creating a more natural effect. I believe it’s a beautiful, versatile colour that can be easily adapted into the work of any colourist. In my opinion colour isn’t just something we wear, it’s part of how we are and it helps us show who we are, what we’re feeling, and the kind of impact we want to make. I find that using colour makes you feel a little more confident, more expressive, and a lot more empowered.”
Georgina Greenslade, The Hair Movement, Sidcup
"I’m not sure I like a “white” being the Pantone Color of the Year, I think even though we obviously know white is a colour I generally expect a bit more of a punch up from Pantone which helps to set the creative tone of the year. However as colourists, I think if we look at it rather than a specific colour and more of a palette we are looking at everything this year being softer. So in terms of colour work, maybe this is the end of high contrast work and allowing more of the ombré blends to return to the fold and making everything soft on the skin. I think having a 'white' definitely tells the story that we are going to be looking at softer and less punchy palettes throughout the year."
Lloyd Court, seanhanna
