It’s been a year. One of struggle, but also one of strength and as we round the corner into a new year, Pantone is aiming to bring us all a message of “positivity supported by fortitude” with their choice of Pantone Color of the Year 2021 — Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating.
Pantone Ultimate Gray is a subtle gray tone while Illuminating is a hopeful yellow shade. Although both independently beautiful, paired together they show off just how juxtaposition can work in life and in design. Of the colors, Pantone says that the goal of these colors Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman says, “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”
As this color shapes our vision for the next year, we are sure to see these colors play out beautifully within beauty trends. Silver and gray tones have already gained much popularity in the past few seasons either with clients rocking their natural color or dying their hair to create Ultimate Gray shades. Additionally, the return of blonde and fashion colors will play into the use of yellow and as spring rolls around we are sure to see a return to Illuminating shades everywhere.
From adding touches of gray and yellow to full hair transformations, there are a million and one ways to include these shades in hairstyles. For the ultimate inspiration, take a peek at some of our favorite color inspiration of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating from our beautiful Bangstyle artists!
Pantone 13-0647 ILLUMINATING
Vanessa Whitmarsh
Lisa Polini
Helen Heinroos
DVThandcraftedhair
Joan Novak
Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray
Hermiz
Amy Gaudie
Luigi Martini
EmmaFitzPatrick_TS
TheMysteryBarbers
Mark Williamson 45
Feeling inspired? Be sure to upload your Pantone Color of the Year Ultimate Gray and Illuminating creations to Bangstyle or tag us on social media @Bangstyle to be featured!
