From sourdough fails and banana bread bakeoffs to kool-aid dyed hair and at-home “haircuts,” much of 2020 took place in the kitchen and as we round the corner to 2021, stylists and clients everywhere are excited to get back into the salon.
A new report “What’s Trending in Hair Color” released by Wella colorcharm found that since March, 53% of women resorted to dying their hair with both permanent and temporary color at home.* The report found that permanent hair dye was the main contender, especially for Gen X and Baby Boomer women, while temporary glosses, bold colors and even lighteners found their way into the hair of Gen Z and Millennials. While dying your own hair at home can be tricky, and sometimes challenging, this trend report solidifies the tie between self-care and hair color — and it was the top reason women chose to dye their hair at home. Additionally, hair color is seen as more of an accessory than ever before. So, what does this mean for hair color trends?
“The trends right now reflect all that has been happening in our world and our lives. People are looking to lift their spirits, make their lives easier and desire less maintenance.” — Julie Cornejo
With more people spending time at home and the onset of at-home hair color, 2021 is sure to see a slight shift in hair color trends. 1 in 4 women surveyed said they wanted to return to their natural hair color while most women agreed that they would want to try a vivid color (like peach or blue).
What’s Trending in 2021?
The major hair trends that are being forecasted for 2021 include:
Vivid & Primary Colors
These services often require pre-lightening to achieve the desired shade. To get the look, expert stylist Oliver Adams recommend using Wella colorcharm PAINTS to get the look, he loves it for its ease of application, longevity and for the exotic color range.
The Money Piece
A trend that has been around the past few season’s and is growing in popularity for its easy ability to be achieved as well as low-maintenance upkeep. This look instantly adds brightness and can we created in natural colors or with a bright pop of vivid for a new take on the trend. How to get the look? Utilize Wella colorcharm Painting Lightening System.
Chunky Highlights
Clients are looking for bold new ways to express themselves and adding stark contrasts with chunky highlights in either natural or bold primary colors will be everywhere this year. Stylist Luis Rodriguez has been creating this coveted look a few times a week in the salon and says that Wella colorcharm Painting Lightening System and Wella colorcharm Demi-Permanent Hair Color are key to creating the look.
A Return to Natural Hair Color
In an effort to cut down on maintenance and trips to the salon, many women have returned to their natural color. When transitioning, it can be a great idea to pair any grow out with Wella colorcharm Demi-Permanent Hair Color, to add shine and create an effortless low-maintenance option.
Expert Advice
We chatted with stylist Julie Cornejo of The Compound Salon in Culver City to find out more about best tips for communicating the latest trends and at-home care with clients.
Q. What’s the best way to extend the longevity of color between appointments?
A. In between appointments I recommend a client to stick with the lightness and tone of their salon color. If they are a medium natural blonde, they should still use a medium natural blonde. If they were to use Wella colorcharm Demi Permanent Hair Color in 7N (available at the Wella Professional Store), this is a medium natural blonde and should match closely to their salon color.
All hair color fades as it grows out. If they are looking to upkeep ends from fading, I recommend a demi-permanent color such as Wella colorcharm demi in a shade 1 level lighter than their base/root color. Hair on the ends tends to be more porous and therefore can grab the color and make it look darker. I also recommend a color safe shampoo such as Wella Professionals Invigo Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner.
Q. What are your top tips for communicating with clients?
A. The way I communicate with my clients is to discuss these tips when I have them in my chair; we talk about future appointments and color upkeep. This year, however, has lent itself to more text messages and e-mails, especially with shutdowns here in California, where I work. There have been many text messages and e-mail conversations exchanged with clients wanting to maintain their salon color at home.
Q. What’s the best way to hide regrowth with styling?
A. The best styling tips for color when it grows out is to do a zigzag parting where you naturally part your hair. Use a tail comb to easily achieve the zigzag.
*The “What’s Trending in Hair Color” report released by Wella Professionals was both data-driven and expert credentialed. The report surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 U.S. women 18-and-up, through global data and insights firm Dynata, to understand their perceptions on hair dye and the trends they want to try. Addiationally, they interviewed four colorists from Wella colorcharm’s Top Artist team to get the scoop on what’s trending in salons and how to get the look at home.
