I’ve spent years trying to find my ideal hair color. I had a balayage phase where I was basically fully blonde, then swung to the other extreme and went super dark brunette. I’ve done subtle glazes, dramatic two-hour dye appointments, and everything in between in pursuit of that ever-elusive, expensive-looking shade.
So, if you’re looking to amp up your natural color or you’re tired of your go-to highlights, I found the chicest hair color trends and hues that instantly elevate your look and make your strands appear glossier and healthier. From strawberry blonde to ash brown, there’s a luxe option for anyone ready to switch things up. The goal is bold hair that looks like you just stepped out of the chicest salon (even if you’re stretching the time between appointments a little longer than you should).
Ahead, the best expensive-looking hair colors for fresh, bold, and intentional shades that never look flat or brassy.
Golden Blonde
Bella Hadid has rocked a bunch of different versions of blonde over the last year, but perhaps the most iconic is her golden blonde blowout from the latest Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With pops of bright blonde blended with caramel, it creates dimension and a light-reflecting, gold finish.
Strawberry Blonde
If you're tired of brassiness and the upkeep that bleach blonde hair requires, strawberry blonde is a more elevated hue that requires much less maintenance. Addison Rae's rosy undertones create a warm, sunlit take on basic blonde.
Ash Brown
A creamy brown with cool undertones is one of the biggest hair trends for spring, blending softness with a subtle smoky edge. The result is a shade that feels natural and attainable while still looking glossy and undeniably expensive.
Rich Brown
A warm brown brings depth and luminosity to the head, giving the hair a vibrant and healthy finish. The blend of gold and chocolatey tones makes any hair length or texture look effortlessly luxurious.
Honey Brown
Honey brown is the color I strive for—soft, buttery, and glowing with beige tones that sit perfectly between blonde and brunette. It’s a shade that looks like each strand has its own natural radiance, the kind of hair people spend hours in the salon trying to imitate (myself included).
Midnight Brown
Midnight brown is a deep chocolate shade that feels timeless and looks like a fresh coat of gloss just graced your head. If you're a natural brunette but want to refresh your virgin or warmer hair, this dark tone is the ideal brown to turn to.
Toasted Orange
Emma Stone’s fiery hair is nothing short of iconic, and with red shades trending, this burnt red hue captures a warm, rich depth without the need for dramatic highlights. It gives hair a natural-looking vibrancy that won't wash you out.
Bright Copper
When I saw this specific photo of Leighton Meester, I fell in love with this coppery hair color. This orange shade leans slightly warmer and has lighter layers and pieces to create brightness around the face.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
