5 Neutral Hair Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere This Winter 2019
Welcome to winter 2019, where beanies, glossy makeup, and statement lips look that much better when paired with a pretty new hair color. Instead of keeping it classic with a monochromatic blonde, brunette, or red shade, why not shake things up with one of the most requested shades of the season? Whether you want to flaunt a deep brunette hue, a rich reddish brown, or a sweets-inspired blonde, ahead the industry’s top stylists walk you through the picks for the season.
Espresso Brown
Winter is a popular time to go a shade or two darker with your hair color, but Brooklyn-based colorist Chelsey Pickthorn urges you to not stop there. According to her, when it comes to being a brunette this winter, there’s no such thing as going too dark. That’s where espresso brown hair like Mandy Moore’s comes into play. (Photo via Valerie Macon/Getty)
To get the look, Pickthorn recommends asking your colorist for a black-coffee base mixed with a touch of warmth to add mahogany-like movement and depth. “This color [pairs well] with deeper complexions but can absolutely be pulled off with lighter skin tones,” Pickthorn says. The trick is to either go the tiniest bit lighter with your espresso mane or blend a tinted moisturizer into your skin to help balance the contrast so that it’s not too stark.
Rooted Balayage and foilayage
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you need to adopt a cool-toned hair color. “We‘re still in love with balayage and foilayage techniques to create warm movement and depth within a hair color,” says Linda De Zeeuw, a master stylist at Rob Peetoom in NYC. As with any soft hair color application, balayage and foilayage suit all skin tones since you’re keeping your natural base color. “You can also modify the highlights to work best for you,” says Stephanie Brown, a master colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon in NYC. “If you have cooler skin tones, go with neutral-to-warm highlights. For brunettes like Jessica Biel above, we’ll see more golden and coppery highlights.” (Photo via John Shearer/ Getty)
To achieve the low-maintenance look, Brown recommends pairing foilayage or balayage brush strokes with a faux root to help extend the life of your winter color. “The hair is always brighter at the hairline, but when you shadow the roots to make it slightly darker than the ends, you get a longer wear out of your highlights,” Brown says. If you’re a brunette, she also recommends adding a few piecey highlights around the hairline, as too many all over can make for a brassy mane.
Inky Black
If dark brown simply won’t cut it for your hair goals, it’s time to consider an inky black mane à la Lana Condor. “Inky black is rich and deep with a hint of blue,” Brown says. “This shade goes very well with the glass hair trend because the black will give the shine you want for the style.” (Photo via Sarah Morris/ Getty)
The bluish-black hair color is easiest to achieve on those who have slightly lighter hair colors. If you have dark brown or black hair, you’ll need to lighten your strands before adding the dark, cool-tinted dye to score the exact inky allure. When it comes to skin tone, fair, cool undertones rock the look best, especially if light blue, green, or gray eyes are part of the equation.
Titian Tones
Choosing between hair colors can be a tough business, especially if it’s between going brunette or red. If you’re on the fence, consider a titian hair color, like Bryce Dallas Howard’s above. “It’s a light [brownish] copper that has golden undertones that radiate like the strong heat of the sun,” says celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in NYC, Philadelphia, and Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/VMN18/ Getty)
To get the reddish-brown hair color, ask your colorist for a single process titian that suits your undertones. The warm hair color flatters fairer skin tones and can be tailored to both cool and warm undertones.
Sugar-Cookie Blonde
Immortalize your favorite holiday cookie with this caramelized beige-blonde hair color. As worn by Kirsten Dunst above, it’s the ultimate winter blonde since it maintains the light appeal while bringing a muted warmth to the coolest season of the year. (Photo via Steve Granitz/ Getty)
To recreate the look at the salon, KEVIN.MURPHY global design director Kate Reid says to ask your stylist for a warm caramel tone with soft shades of beige and gold. To maintain the baked hue, be sure to stock up on anti-brass haircare products, as well as an at-home glossing treatment. Using these once or twice a week will keep unwanted tones out of your hair while amping up the shine and deeply conditioning ends.
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