The Most Exciting Spring Hair Color Trends to Try in 2022

Is it biased to say spring is the best time of the year? We have the flowers, the weather and the chic fashion picks. But our favorite part is the chance to refresh, renew and restart. While it can mean sprucing up the house for some, others are looking to update their physical appearance. If you were hesitant in the winter to book your hair appointment, let this be a sign for the new season ahead. Is the expensive brunette, icy blonde or ‘60s copper shade up your alley? We asked eight experts for their take on the best spring hair colors of 2022 so you can start the new season with a bang—sometimes literally.

“Spring is the best time to get colorful,” says Jane Adler, head stylist at Hally. “If you’ve been wanting to test out a fun, bright shade, such as this pinky red, now is the best time.” Adler adds a toning glaze is just what you’ll need to keep the vibrant red shiny, soft and hydrated in between color appointments.

Expert Recommendation: Hally Fluffy G Hair Gloss ($18); Hally Color Cloud in Code Red ($25)

Let’s face it, pastel shades will never go out of style in spring. However, this year we’re focusing only on highlighting the bright hues on our ends. “​​Statement color has been on trend for the past year,” explains Cassie Siskovic, national artistic director for Alfaparf Milano. “Transitioning to spring, we’ll see similar placements creating bold pops of color, but with pastel shades rather than vibrant ones.”

Expert Recommendation: Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Mask ($26); Alfaparf Milano’s Pigments Color Additive in Rose Cooper ($36)

In 2021, we saw a surge in every shade of red, and this spring is no different. Celebs like Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone and Zendaya have been embracing the copper tone and proving once again every natural hair color can rock the look. “We need to warm up our tones,” says Lisa Vann, Eufora guest artist. “Spring brings fun, bright colors and sun, so we are seeing ultra-feminine and neon colors on the runway.” To keep the shade vibrant, Vann recommends a moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner combo dedicated to enriching the color and improving the shine.

Expert Recommendation: Eufora Beautifying Elixirs Moisture Intense Shampoo ($17); Eufora Revive Copper Conditioner ($36)

Staying on the copper train, this color aims for a slightly brighter look. “Pretty Penny is a hot color for spring 2022 because the copper reds of the tone go perfectly hand in hand with the sunshine and warmth of the season,” Matt Swinney, RUSK global creative director, points out. He recommends a wash routine (i.e. a shampoo, a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner) that’s all about hydrating strands, preventing color from fading and promoting overall healthy locks.

Expert Recommendation: RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Shampoo ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Conditioner ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Native Fig Replenishing Leave In Conditioner ($18)

Four words: lime green buzz cut. “Green has been one of the more popular colors we are seeing this spring,” says Brian O’Connor, hairstylist and co-founder of Good Dye Young. “​​I also think buzz cuts became more popular during quarantine when people were all over TikTok shaving their heads and talking about how liberating it felt for them. It's also interesting because green was usually at the bottom of the totem pole as far as vibrant colors go. I think people are ready to make more of a statement when it comes to this vivid hair color.”

Expert Recommendation: Good Dye Young Steal My Sunshine ($18); Good Dye Young Kowabunga ($18; Good Dye Young Hair Lightening Kit ($18)

Who said cool hues were only dedicated to the winter? “Icy tones are super popular for spring,” says Chaz Dean, celebrity hairstylist and WEN founder. “You can make it as soft and subtle as you would like or go bolder and more vibrant without being overpowering. Also, it looks good on most skin tones, so win-win.” As seen on Blake Lively, the color frames your face while enhancing your facial features for the season.

Expert Recommendation: Got2B Color Metallic Permanent Hair Color in Silver ($10)

In 2021, money pieces and “skunk hair” were popular for meshing two bold colors together. Now, we’re taking it a step further with this checkered style. “Color blocking and ‘half-and-half’ hair have been trending for a while now,” says Linh Phan, hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional USA Digital Artist. “The checkered look is a new combination of the two that makes it very unique and edgy.” If you’re brave enough to attempt at home, Phan recommends dividing hair into four sections and carefully coloring them to your desired look. In order to maintain the hue, a hair mask is a great way to strengthen strands, boost color and improve dullness.

Expert Recommendation: Schwarzkopf Color Ultime in Raven Black ($11), Schwarzkopf Color Ultime in Medium Blonde ($13); K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75)

We predicted baby highlights were going to be a rising star this year, so it’s no surprise to see them moving slowly up the ranks. “It’s perfect and livable for those who want to feel brighter and lighter but want to keep a darker base,” says Bianca Hillier, celebrity hair colorist and Olaplex ambassador. Hillier recommends asking for a balayage that leans towards the neutral ash tone. To make the highlights last longer, add a hair oil to your styling collection that will prevent the color from fading.

Expert Recommendation: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($28)

OK, maybe a big hair change isn’t your style. This trendy color is subtle yet chic for all the brunettes out there. “It’s popular because it is very natural and subtle,” Phan tells us. “Currently, Hailey Bieber’s expensive brunette is making waves, so pretty much everyone is showing their stylist her picture.” The style features minimal highlights that boost the rich brown shade and keep it looking fresh for spring.

Expert Recommendation: Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Anti-Age in Berry Brown ($6)

“Warmth is a consistent trend for spring,” says Siskovic. “A copper tone is soft. It has a champagne reflection that is a refined, modern take and can completely change how your complexion and eye color appears.” Siskovic points out it’s all about using cooper as the base and adding another pigment depending on your skin tone. For example, if you have a cooler skin tone, consider a bronze pigment versus a lighter tone for warmer skin tones.

Expert Recommendation: Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Mask ($26); Alfaparf Milano’s Pigments Color Additive in Bronze ($36)

Blondes are definitely having a moment. From Miley Cyrus to Anya Taylor-Joy, this specific color is upgrading the traditional look with a softer, warmer tone. “I think it's been time for a new blonde trend for a while,” Vann notes. “This version of blonde is a little more natural-leaning with a slight gold [tone] that works on almost everyone.”

Expert Recommendation: Eufora Beautifying Elixirs Moisture Intense Shampoo ($17); Eufora Beautifying Elixirs Moisture Intense Conditioner ($21)

This neutral blonde shade hits right in the middle. It’s not too cool and not too warm to rock this season. “For spring 2022, lux blonde will be a hot hair color due to its depth of tone and neutral placement on the color wheel—meaning it will go with everything,” says Swinney.

Expert Recommendation: RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Shampoo ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Conditioner ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Native Fig Replenishing Leave In Conditioner ($18)

“Another trend that we are seeing is The Cheshire, and yes, I am talking about the Alice in Wonderland's cat,” says O’Connor. “This striped look is making a comeback and it’s a precious memory for used-to-be scene kids everywhere. It was really popular across the emo scene in the early 2000s and Gen Z is really bringing emo back.” The technique is simple: It’s horizontal stripes that are one- to two-inches thick with some of the boldest colors (similar to Rihanna’s red and black combo). If you do try this look, O’Connor advises finding a shampoo and conditioner that nourishes and protects your color-treated design.

Expert Recommendation: Good Dye Young Color Kind Shampoo ($26); Good Dye Young Color Kind Conditioner ($26)

There are icy face frames and then there’s this entirely icy blonde style. “If you are feeling bolder, request an all-over blonde with a shadow root and a cool violet-blue icy tone but not platinum,” says Dean. This look neutralizes unwanted warm undertones and is overall a great boost for blonde hair—all thanks to a toning treatment.

Expert Recommendation: Wen Bella Spirit Indigo Toning Cleansing Conditioner ($90)

Who knew a snazzy photo trend could turn into a hair color? “The picture-perfect time at sunset that makes your skin, hair and features literally glow can be translated to your hair,” says Siskovic. “I love seeing this with platinum blondes. Rather than something super icy this spring, create the golden hour effect with some soft warmth.”

Expert Recommendation: Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Moisture Nutritive Mask ($26); Alfaparf Milano’s Pigments Color Additive in Bronze ($36)

Yup, the Y2K beauty trends rage on in these pop of color highlights. “The sneak peek highlights technique will be hot this spring due to the resurfacing of Y2K influences,” Swinney points out. “This technique is an evolution of the peekaboo highlights from that era.”

Expert Recommendation: RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Shampoo ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Fresh Pomegranate Color Protecting Conditioner ($18); RUSK PUREMIX Native Fig Replenishing Leave In Conditioner ($18)

As mentioned before, color blocking is a huge trend in 2022. Why settle for one color when you can do two instead? Plus, nostalgia and beauty are always just a match made in heaven. “It's always cool to see people recreating the looks I've done on Hayley [Williams, of Paramore] in the past, and we have noticed that the ‘Misery Business’ hair is making a huge comeback,” says O’Connor. “Color blocking with different yellow and orange tones is really in right now and it’s an ode to the emo style that is coming back.”

Expert Recommendation: Good Dye Young Riot ($13); Good Dye Young Hair Lightening Kit ($18); Good Dye Young Steal My Sunshine ($18); Good Dye Young Rock Lobster ($20)

“This color easily complements any natural blonde base and gives that sun kissed look for spring,” says Hillier. A quick glance at the ‘do above shows how much golden blonde can soften your features. Hillier also recommends a hydrating shampoo (like Olaplex’s) to neutralize the brassiness, brighten the color and strengthen strands.

Expert Recommendation: Olaplex 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo ($28)

The past few years have taught us that low-maintenance looks are a must. This color style is great for natural brunettes that want to bring their color to life without putting in too much effort. “Watercolor brunette is a dimensional brunette that has some subtle highlights,” Siskovic explains. “What makes this different from traditional highlights is you almost can’t tell where they begin and end in the hair, making this one of my favorite understated brunette color trends for 2022.”

Expert Recommendation: Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Brunette Anti-Orange Low Shampoo ($24); Alfaparf Milano Semi di Lino Brunette Anti-Orange Conditioner ($24)