As the seasons change and the new year approaches, many clients are eager to switch up their look with a fresh new hair color. Whether they’re drawn to soft, natural-looking hues or bold, vibrant shades, there’s a perfect winter hair color to transform any client's look this season.
Read on to discover the top five hair color trends that are predicted to dominate salons this winter and beyond—from dimensional brunette to vivid ruby red and “Old Money Blonde.” Plus, learn how to recreate these gorgeous, trending hair colors by Matrix Artists Tana Johnson (@tanarosehair), Pati Rodriguez (@pati.rodrig), Constance Robbins (@constancerobbins), and Andrew Walder (@andrewryanwalder).
Artist: Tana Johnson (@tanarosehair) #MatrixArtist
Old Money Blonde
Old Money Blonde is inspired by the high-end, "quiet luxury" aesthetic that’s been all over social media lately. Timeless and effortlessly chic, this natural-looking blonde shade exudes elegance reminiscent of a bygone era. It’s been spotted on everyone from Margot Robbie to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Nicole Richie, and is likely to continue trending throughout 2025. Old Money Blonde features soft ribbons of contrasting cool and warm blonde hues, creating a dimensional, sun-kissed hair color that’s polished yet low-maintenance.
Get the Look:
- Technique: Highlights + Heavy Money Piece
- Lightening: Matrix High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener + 20-Volume Developer (Process for 40 minutes)
- Toning: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner 9NW + 10-Volume Developer (Process for 20 minutes)
- Styling: Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment Spray, Matrix Setter Mousse, and Matrix Food for Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum
Artist: Pati Rodriguez (@pati.rodrig) #MatrixArtist
Smoky Brunette Balayage
Nothing says winter warmth like a smoky brunette balayage. This cool-toned brunette blends deep chocolate hues with ashy undertones, creating a stunning, dimensional effect that’s as cozy as it is captivating. Some stylists have described it as a darker version of the dishwater blonde trend with cooler gray undertones. The smoky brunette balayage has been spotted on celebs like Kendall Jenner and Billie Eilish, and continues to gain momentum into 2025 as a versatile, universally-flattering color that works on all skin tones and hair types.
Get the Look:
- Technique: Air Touch Balayage Technique
- Lightening: Matrix High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener + 20-Volume Developer
- Base: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner 5NW
- Mids: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner 7GM
- Ends: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner 7NA
Artist: Constance Robbins (@constancerobbins) #MatrixAmbassador
Deep Ruby Red
Clients who want hair that makes a statement in 2025 will love this vivid, jewel-toned ruby red. The cool red shade exudes confidence and luxury, making it a go-to hair color for anyone seeking a dramatic transformation that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Ruby red hair combines deep, rich red hues with hints of cherry and burgundy for a bold red that’s the epitome of winter glamour. Rihanna, Karol G, and Rosalía are just a few of the celebs who have shown off this striking shade.
Get the Look:
- Roots: Matrix SoColor Pre-Bonded HDRR + Matrix SoColor Pre-Bonded HDRV + 30-Volume Developer
- Ends: Matrix SoColor Pre-Bonded HDRR + Matrix SoColor Pre-Bonded HDRV + 40-Volume Developer
- Glaze: Matrix SoColor Cult Semi-Permanent Color Red Hot
- Rinse: Matrix Food For Soft Hydrating Shampoo and Matrix Food for Soft Detangling Hydrating Conditioner
- Styling: Matrix Vavoom Triple Freeze Extra Dry Hairspray
Artist: Tana Johnson (@tanarosehair) #MatrixArtist
Pastel Pink Hair
Pink hair is always in season, and soft, pastel shades are the perfect way to give your clients’ hair an ethereal, romantic refresh. This dreamy shade continues to be the “it” fantasy color of the season, with celebs like Kylie Jenner, Ciara, and Megan Fox rocking pastel pink hair over the past year. The soft, candy-inspired hue can be customized to suit a variety of skin tones and client preferences, with endless options to create the ultimate pink shade for clients seeking something unique.
Get the Look:
- Pre-Lighten the Hairline: Matrix High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener + 20-Volume Developer
- Base: Matrix SoColor 5VR + 5BR 1:1 With 10-Volume Developer
- Mids: Matrix SoColor 8VR + 10-Volume Developer
- Ends: Matrix SoColor 10PR + 9RG With 10-Volume Developer
- Styling: Matrix Setter Mousse, Matrix Food for Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum , and Matrix Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray
Artist: Andrew Walder (@andrewryanwalder) #MatrixArtist
Butter Blonde
Butter blonde, one of 2024’s most beloved shades, isn’t going anywhere in the new year. This butter-inspired hue appeals to a wide range of clientele due to its soft, sunny appearance and beautiful, soft-focus finish. The color can range in intensity from light pale to deep, honey-toned blonde, based on your client's preferences. Butter blonde delivers a bright yet natural-looking result that’s perfect for warming up any client’s look during the cooler months. Grace Van Patten and Sofia Richie Grainge are among the celebs that have pulled off this stunning blonde hue.
Get the Look:
- Lightening: Matrix High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener + 20-Volume Developer (1:1)
- Base: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner .05 oz. 6A + 1 oz. 7GM + .05 oz. 8P + 2 oz. 10-Volume Developer
- Lowlight: Matrix Tonal Control Pre-Bonded Acidic Gel-Cream Toner 1 oz. 8GB + 1 oz. 8P + 2 oz. 10-Volume Developer
- Highlight: Matrix SoColor 1.5 oz. 9GV + .05 oz. Clear + 2 oz. 10-Volume Developer
- Styling: Matrix Food for Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum, Matrix Setter Mousse, Matrix Builder Wax Spray, and Matrix Vavoom Freezing Spray Extra Full
To discover more color trends, techniques, and product recommendations, check out Matrix’s Formula Factory, which has everything you need to create the latest looks and styles for your clients.
Header image credit (left to right): Tana Johnson (@tanarosehair), Constance Robbins (@constancerobbins), Tana Johnson (@tanarosehair), and Pati Rodriguez (@pati.rodrig)
