2019 Hair Color Trends: The Hottest Styles & Shades You Need

2019 marked a pivotal shift in how we approach hair color, moving away from the cool, ashy tones of the early noughties toward richer, more dimensional hues. The year celebrated depth over flatness, with a focus on multi-tonal results that caught the light naturally. Think less harsh line of demarcation and more seamless, lived-in movement that framed the face with intention.

The Rise of Multi-Dimensional Highlights

The dominant technique of 2019 was the rejection of single-dimensional coloring. Instead of blunt one-shade hair, the focus was on creating depth through multiple tones within a single hue. A base color would be complemented by strands that were a shade or two lighter or darker, often with subtle golden or red undertones peeking through. This method, frequently called 'tonal highlighting,' provided a softer, more natural-looking texture that moved beautifully with the wind.

Balayage and Baby Lights Take Center Stage

Though balayage had been gaining traction, 2019 solidified its status as the industry gold standard for seamless, artistic growth. The freehand painting technique allowed colorists to create a soft graduation from root to tip, eliminating the need for harsh lines. Complementing this, 'baby lights'—tiny, subtle slices of color woven throughout the mid-lengths—added a youthful shimmer without the stark contrast of traditional highlights. The goal was always effortlessness, making the regrowth line a thing of the past.

Deep, Rich Color Palettes

While the sun-kissed balayage of previous years was popular, 2019 saw a significant embrace of deeper, cooler tones. For brunettes, this meant moving into complex territory: espresso browns, mocha blends, and blue-based black shades that appeared almost neutral in indoor lighting. Redheads explored deeper burgundies and brick-toned auburns, moving away from the bright copper tones. These colors were formulated to last longer and feel less damaging, thanks to advancements in pigment technology.

The "Root Smudge" Effect

A subtle yet impactful trend was the intentional 'root smudge.' Instead of aggressively regrowing dark roots on a lighter base, colorists would blend the new growth slightly into the mid-lengths during the coloring process. This created a soft, diffused line that prevented the stark contrast between new and old hair, maintaining the overall cohesiveness of the color from day one.

Lowlight Revival

After a decade of high-contrast balayage, 2019 brought lowlights back into the mainstream conversation. By coloring strands darker than the base color, lowlights create incredible depth and movement. When paired with a few strategic balayage highlights, this technique sculpted the hair, giving it a three-dimensional, glossy appearance that looked expensive and healthy.

The year also emphasized the importance of hair health as the canvas for color. Gloss treatments and bond-building in-salon services were non-negotiable for anyone looking to achieve these complex, multi-tonal results. The focus was on shine and softness, proving that the most beautiful hair color is always built on a foundation of exceptional hair health.