The Biggest Hair Color Trends Around the World Will Give You a Case of Wanderlust

"Ash shades — think ash grey with subtle, dusty highlights or ash brown with pastel tips — will come with more variations this year," said colorist at the Bangkok-based salon Beauty Library, Toyah. "The reason why ash tones remain top choices for Asian girls is because they brighten their complexions without making their skin tones look too warm. Out of all the ash tones, brown and gray have long been the most popular because they work in all occasions and settings. They also require fewer bleach sessions to get the desired results from a dark brown/black base. Having a bit of variation added in will allow them to express a bit more of their personality — projecting a fun, lively look."

She adds that, while these ashy colors work best for fair, cool skin tones, "a good colorist can always help find the right shade of ash for you. There are three shades of undertones for ash brown: purple, green, and blue, for instance, so there's bound to be something for everyone."

Not only has it seen a 30 percent increase in pins on Pinterest, but copper hair is also making an appearance everywhere in France. "Right now in the salon, we are really seeing clients wanting rich, warmer, and deeper colors," said Sonia Akkari, colorist at the Paris-based David Mallett salon. "After a little bit of a difficult December in Paris, with the sky being gray and the weather colder, I think they want to have a little bit of sunshine in their lives and their hair color, so we are introducing warm copper tones for brunettes and golden tones for blondes. We are really moving away from cooler ashy colors this winter."

"South Africans love flexibility, like the low-maintenance and cool tones of a mushroom blond or dirty brunette but also love a bit of rebel color pops without committing to permanent," said Kim Hickman, master colorist at the Carlton Hair salon in Johannesburg. "Once the mushroom blond or dirty brunette base is achieved, a pastel color wash, like dusty pink (for blondes) or coral (for brunettes) is applied. This gives them the flexibility and temporary color change but washes out back to the cool blond or brown."

Hickman says, so long as you keep the contrast of cool and warm tones, these colors can be done via various color techniques, like balayage, foilayage, babylights, highlights, or on a fully bleached, creamy blond base. Not to mention on straight to wavy textures: "We have one of the biggest varieties of hair texture in South Africa — many different cultures and hair types," she said. "It's important to understand that we have a lot of underlying warm tones on all levels; therefore, it is essential to prelighten the hair before adding your cool tones and make sure the correct tone is used, whether blue, green, or violet."

"This Winter, I have already seen an influx of my clients in the UAE wanting an ultrarich chestnut balayage or ombré," said Shannon Lewis, colorist at Jo Hansford Salon. "Using these warm autumnal tones is a great way to illuminate the curves of the hair, while still looking somewhat natural in the Winter when it tends to get darker. This then transitions well into the warm months later in the year and will add to an overall multitonal look. This is something that can work for anyone of any base, any hair length, and any texture, but particularly for clients with dark, rich hair."

Where ashy tones in hair color are out in some parts of the world, it's just what people are ordering in Australia. "Because of our natural surroundings, the earthy, dual tones of mushroom brown work well with the current trends," said Jacky Chan, master stylist at Oscar Oscar Salon in Chadstone. "Despite it being 'brown,' it's also part of the blond family, making it extremely versatile. It's easy to apply over existing balayage to create a whole new look."

Better still, it also looks great on just about everyone: "This color trend has the flexibility to suit all skin tones and hair colors because it's created using a combination of cool and warm colors," he said. "It can also be adjusted by your colorist to suit the depth of your hair."

"2019 is a year where we will see light highlights as a major trend, accompanied by more deconstructed hairstyles and looks full of personality," said João Bosco, a Rio-based celebrity hairstylist and Pantene brand ambassador. "In Brazil, for example, It girls love to show their beauty with beachy hair and cuts at or above the shoulder. It's also very flattering, and the placement of the color can complement your skin tone or shape of the face. For example, if the hairstylist concentrates strands on the underside of the hair, you may be able to smooth the rounded shape of the face. If the shape of the face is more square, diffuse strands on the face by using the color to contour and balance the strokes to disguise the jaw."

His biggest inspirations: Scarlett Rose Leithold, Jennifer Aniston, and, of course, Gisele Bündchen.

"Negative space is either your natural hair color against prelightened pieces, or we create that negative space with hair color," said Jack Howard, colorist at UK's Paul Edmonds Salon and Schwarzkopf global Blondme ambassador. "This is the look on all the hottest models and influencers filling your Instagram feed. It's lighter around the face and has a balance that's pleasing to the eye. You need that contrast to stop the color from looking solid, which can look like an ombré or a single process."

Plus, it doesn't matter your base color — the negative space technique works on all tones. "It suits anyone who wants something modern and fresh and works on hair that's bob-length and longer," he said.