Spring 2024's Biggest Hair Color Trends Are Inspired by '90s Icons and Serena van der Woodsen (2024)

'90s Shades

With the internet at our fingertips, color references are literally everywhere. Instead of paging through hair magazines (did you know they used to have those?) you can pull up any color instantaneously and show your stylist.

"Now that you can have anything you want, what do you want? This is the question," says Daniel Moon, who is always happy to "bleach you out," aka make inspiration come alive, at his salon Hair in Los Angeles. Currently, he's loving a rainbow of shades inspired by the '90s coolest leading ladies.

"Scared? Go copper. Feeling French natural? Go Jane Birkin ashy bronde. Want to give your hair a break? Try a golden blonde: Drew Barrymore's Never Been Kissed gold, Great Expectations Gwyneth Paltrow (colored by the great Chris McMillan, he recently told me)."

There's also Winona Ryder's Reality Bites brunette, The Craft's witchiest browns, and Gia, Girl Interrupted, *and* Gone in 60 Seconds Angelina Jolie.

"Can't forget the ever-so-dancing picture of Angelina with pink hair—that screams Spring/Summer 24," adds Moon. "Even Shannon Elizabeth's color from American Pie is having its moment with Dua Lipa."

Wine Country Reds

Reds that live in the blue, purple, and wine families are top of mind for hair artist Gina Rivera, founder ofPhenix Salon Suites. "These reds are deeper and richer in tone to give the hair a more dramatic effect, which is fun and daring even for spring," she says.

While Rivera notes that this shade looks amazing on warmer or darker skin tones, she won't say the fairest among us can't pull it off. "However, I would recommend consulting with your stylist as to what shade of red will best compliment your skin tone," she adds. "They will know which techniques to use to get the results you want. It's not one size fits all."

Tortoiseshell Bronde

"Think of the colors in your favorite tortoiseshell sunnies," says Lauren Paglionico, a master colorist and the founder oflrn beauty. "It’s a combination of dark golden blonde, light golden brown, rich medium brown, and toffee blonde just like Gisele Bündchen." To achieve the low-maintenance, lived-in look, Paglionico recommends making a balayage appointment.

Serena van der Woodsen Blonde

While headbands have had their time in the sun recently, the color world is still all about S—sorry, B.

"I can’t stop thinking aboutSerena van der Woodsen. Not sure if it’s her golden locks or how Dan Humphrey continuously keeps letting the perfect blonde out of his sight," adds Moon, who is currently "rewatching and eating up the OG Gossip Girl. "More of that attitude."

Paglionico is also on Team Serena, noting the prevalence of golden, blended blondes this spring.

"Money piece and Scandi hairlines are out: both are super harsh and overtime may break your hair. They are also super high maintenance! Golden blonde is more low maintenance and universally flattering. The warmth can compliment a wide range of skin tones," she notes. "It also adds a sun-kissed glow, which enhances your features. To achieve this look, let your colorist know you want to warm it up and stay away from cool tones."

Burgundy Brown

While Pop Star Red hair took over this winter, subtle rouge hues are on the way in for anyone not willing to go full showtime. Take Burgundy Brunette, for example.

"Burgundy Brunette oozes richness, shine and gloss while reflecting red tones in the light. Great on all bases from mid to darkest brown, health and vibrancy is a welcome characteristic of this particular shade," shares hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith. "On naturally deeper or dyed brunette hair this is a simple tone shift. In the cases of lighter or previously highlighted hair, the good news is this tone is ideal for long-lasting depth and a healthier look for those wanting to transform their look to something deeper and moodier." Once home from the salon, you'll want to maintain the hue with Evo's Fabuloso Mahogany Color Boosting Treatment ($38).

Crystal Clear Gray

The Tom Smith-coined Crystal Clear hue is not quite gold and not quite silver. Instead, it boasts the clarity of a crystal (I'm thinking quartz) with a neutral, creamy tone.

Smith says the color is great for anyone up for the maintenance of all-over platinum blonde, or for those with naturally white or pale gray hair.

"Paler than most skin tones, [this tone] will provide definition and focus to the facial features and can really define the eyes, brows and lips," he adds, noting that the shade's success is entirely dependent on the lightening stage of your salon visit. Also important: your relationship with purple shampoo afterward. Smith recommends Evo's Fabuloso Platinum Blonde Toning Shampoo ($35).

"Your colorist must lift your hair brightly and cleanly and tone the hair minimally to achieve this creamy crystal-finished result," he says. "While purple shampoo will be required for successful home care, be sure to only use it from time to time, and in the case where there is a risk of toning too much, use it as your first shampoo in a dual shampoo process to ensure any excess is removed with the second wash."

Bowie Blue

Non-blondes, brunettes, and redheads, you're far from forgotten; Moon is also anticipating a lot of blue hues in his chair this spring. Think David Bowie in Velvet Goldmine and shades inspired by "our eternal crush on Kate Winslet" in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

As a bonus, pale blue is a great color to try if you're laying the foundation for blonde. I can see the spring forecast now: dark, then blue, then crystal clear.