From soft, lived-in blondes to playful pastels, SS26 is all about wearable colour with impact. Here are the shades set to define the season, according to leading colour experts…
Buttercream Blonde is the Latest Luxe Trend
“Buttercream blonde combines a light, creamy blonde hue but retains dimension with warmer tones strategically placed throughout the hair and a more lived-in root,” says award-winning hairdresser and Artistic Director at Coloraqua, Tracey Ann Smith.
“To create this aspirational, lived-in colour, I used a foilyage technique in a halo section with some deeper pockets. I then tapped out the roots, pulling the colour down a full 1.5 inches to give it a more effortless, lived-in feel. I then toned the hair afterwards for a more seamless finish, to add shine and ensure that the creamy tone was clean and free of warmth.”
If you're looking for more warm-blonde inspiration, why not check out sunflower blonde?
Costal Copper
“I love all things copper, but even more so as we come into this season,” shares Lauren Hackett, Senior Stylist and Manager at Debonair in Cumbria, and member of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Project Colour. “The tones change from deeper red tones to lighter gold and apricot hues. These soft sun-kissed coppers are flattering and help give your clients a ‘spring’ in their step.”
Candy Floss Pink Makes a Comeback
“Pastel tones are always a winner in the spring/summer months, and in previous years we have seen more rose-like pinks and metallics being on trend,” notes Tracey.
“However, for SS26, candy floss pink will be one of the more favoured shades. A highly customisable trend, this colour can be as bright or as muted as the client likes,” she adds. “It’s a great shade for blondes in particular to take advantage of and give their hair a fresh feel for the new season without a big commitment. When used subtly, this tone can give hair a really opulent finish.”
Sharing her approach to candy floss pink, Tracey says: “On blondes, I love to use an underneath panel technique and star placement to create segments of the shade throughout the hair. To keep some areas clean blonde, I use an anti-brass toner, giving that iridescent finish.”
Calico Colour is One to Watch
Alt-hair specialist and member of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Project Colour, Emma Fraser believes calico-inspired placements of bold block colours are set to dominate this spring. “A younger generation is leading the way, embracing fearless colour combinations and expressing themselves with confidence and creativity.”
Trending Hair Colour for Spring/Summer 2026 - FAQs
What are the top hair colour trends for spring/summer 2026?
The biggest SS26 hair colour trends include buttercream blonde, candy floss pink, coastal copper and calico colour blocking.
What is buttercream blonde?
Buttercream blonde is a soft, creamy blonde with subtle warmth and a natural, lived-in root, offering a more dimensional and low-maintenance finish.
Is copper hair still trending in 2026?
Yes – copper remains a key trend, evolving into softer tones like coastal copper.
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