Hair Colour Ideas in the UK in 2024

Posted on Jun 13, 2023

Hair Colour Ideas

On this page you will find the most popular Hair Colouring ideas for 2024. Either way, we're here to help.

What You Will Learn

From the basics of how to choose the ideal hair colour to hair dye colouring ideas for shades and skin tones. We also answer some frequently asked questions.

Jump to the Section You Like

  1. What Is Hair Colour?
  2. How Do I Choose a Hair Colour?
  3. Dark Hair Colour Ideas
  4. Blonde Hair Colour Ideas
  5. Brown Hair Colour Ideas
  6. Red Hair Colour Ideas
  7. Colour Ideas For Short Hair
  8. Conclusion

What Is Hair Colour?

People have coloured their hair for thousands of years. However, modern women have many options and can colour their hair in a variety of shades, not just natural shades. Let's take a closer look at what to ask for at your next hair appointment.

How Do I Choose a Hair Colour?

Firstly, there is no 'right' rule for hair colour. If you want to try different dyeing techniques or experiment with new colour trends, go ahead and have fun. But if you want to find the right hair colour for you, we can help.

Skin colour: Depending on whether your skin colour is deep, olive, medium or fair, different colours will suit you. Also look out for undertones (warm, cold, medium and neutral colours). A tip is that people with warm skin tones will notice a yellowing of the skin when wearing white.

Warm-skinned people look good in complementary 'warm' colours such as copper, strawberry blonde, champagne blonde, chocolate brown or purple hair. You can decide whether this matches your skin colour or whether you want lighter or darker shades for contrast.

If your skin tone is cooler, try bolder colours such as platinum blonde, ash or cool blonde, bright blue or jet black.

Pro tip: If you have olive skin, opt for a cinnamon or chestnut brunette hair colour, which will suit any skin colour.

Natural hair colour: The ease of dyeing depends on the colour of your natural hair. Dark hair requires bleaching or pre-treatment, while grey hair is often stubborn and difficult to dye. You may also need to dye your eyebrows if you want to look like a redhead.

Dirty blonde looks good with black roots, but red roots do not look good on jet-black hair and need to be regularly reworked.

Hair texture: Hair texture dictates the colouring technique used by your stylist, so if you are unsure, be sure to ask at your next hairdresser. For straight hair, a subtle bublite will look good, while a dip-dye or balayage will look good for curls.

Maintenance: also consider the work needed to maintain coloured hair. While some hair colours are easy to maintain, such as balayage, many blonde colours require special shampoos and conditioners to keep hair bright and shiny.

Dirty blonde looks good with dark roots, but red roots do not look good on jet-black hair and require regular maintenance.

Dark Hair Colour Ideas

Black hair is always classic and trendy. If you want to enhance your naturally dark hair or go from light brown, red or ot blonde to a darker hair colour, here are some of the best hair colour ideas we've found.

Dramatic Purple

Dramatic purple
Dramatic Purple

This is one of our favourite hair colouring ideas for black hair. It is a great example of a smooth transition from deep purple on the ends of the hair to natural dark roots. The dramatic colour looks great with natural make-up.

Blue Highlights

Blue highlights
Blue Highlights

Cool blue highlights look great on darker hair colours, such as black or dark brunette hair. Ask your stylist to adjust the blue to lighten or darken your complexion.

Glossy Black

Glossy black
Glossy Black

This is one of the best black hair colouring ideas for long hair as it looks dramatic and classy (and looks good on both dark and light skin tones). Be sure to use a deep conditioner and hair serum to maintain shine.

Not sure if dark hair is right for you? Read our article on blonde hair colour.

Blonde Hair Colour Ideas

The internet is full of blonde hair colour ideas and new hair colour trends, including brighter hair. In fact, there are so many that it can be difficult to choose the right look for you. That's why we've gathered together the best hair colouring ideas for blondes that we've found for you.

Rose Gold

Rose gold
Rose Gold

Unlike cool-toned ash blonde, rose gold hair is a very warm shade of blonde. Simply adding rose gold highlights is one of the most dramatic yet easy hair colouring ideas for people with naturally blonde hair.

Beige Blonde

Beige blonde
Beige Blonde

If you're looking for fun hair colouring ideas for grey hair, why not try this sandy blonde trend? This beige blonde hair with lots of highlights and lowlights is perfect for hiding grey hair.

Ash Blonde Balayage

Ash blonde balayage
Ash Blonde Balayage

Balayage is a hand-painted highlighting technique on the hair that avoids the harsh lines of traditional highlighting techniques. By keeping the base colour a cool ash blonde, the silver highlights can be brought to attention.

You can also find hair colour ideas for brunettes.

Brown Hair Colour Ideas

If you have brunette hair, lucky you - you have plenty of options. Contrary to popular belief, brown hair is basic and not boring. Here are some hairstyling and colouring ideas and tips.

Dip Ends

Dip ends
Dip Ends

Hair colouring ideas for brown hair. Dip ends are easy to achieve and fun to try, and the bright contrast looks great when combined with brown hair.

Brown Balayage Hair Colour

Brown balayage hair color
Brown Balayage Hair Colour

If you're looking for curly hair colouring ideas, why not try this? Balayage highlights are a great way to add natural depth to curly or wavy brown hair. It also works well on straight hair.

Warm Brown

Warm brown
Warm Brown

Speaking of brown hair, dark brown autumn hair colouring ideas are also essential. Isn't this warm chestnut colour a great colour, coupled with auburn highlights? It's the perfect autumn colour.

If you're still undecided whether brown hair is for you, why not consider this great red hair colour idea?

Red Hair Colour Ideas

Red hair is dramatic, sexy and eye-catching. They are always in vogue and can make a bold change to your look. Here are some of the latest trends in red hair.

Red-on-Red Balayage

Red on red balayage
Red on Red Balayage

If your hair is naturally red, you should consider adding another shade of balayage hair colour to deepen or lighten the natural shade of your hair. The effect is truly gorgeous.

Caramel Highlights

Caramel highlights
Caramel Highlights

Deep blonde or caramel highlights on bright red hair will give you bright, beachy, sun-kissed hair. Why not give it a try this summer? We think you'll love it.

Deep Burgundy

Deep burgundy
Deep Burgundy

Whether your hair is naturally red or you're looking for a change, dying your locks burgundy is a fun and unique way to embrace redheads. It's a great choice for professional women looking for a dramatic colour.

If you like these ideas, be sure to take a look at our suggestions for short hair.

Colour Ideas For Short Hair

Anyone with short hair knows how much fun it can be to change the colour of your hair. It often takes less time and requires less dye than long hair, so you don't have to spend much money. Here are some ideas for colouring short hair.

Just the Bangs

Just the bangs
Just the Bangs

Look at these purple highlighted fringes. It's cute, playful and looks great on round or oval face shapes. If you have a short bob or pixie cut, try dying your fringes for a fun change.

Platinum Pixie

Platinum pixie
Platinum Pixie

This is one of the best grey hair dye ideas as it embraces the silvery tones of grey hair and is easy to maintain. This platinum colour and cut looks fresh and trendy at any age.

Rainbow Ombre

Rainbow ombré
Rainbow Ombré

Rainbow hair has been popular for years now and doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. These ombre rainbow highlights are perfectly blended and look amazing, don't you think?

If you're not convinced by the idea of cutting off long hair with hair colour ideas for short hair, why not check out our other colour ideas for inspiration?

Conclusion

Changing your hair colour is a great way to update your look. It is also a good opportunity to try out new hair styles and change your hairstyle.

We hope you found our hair colouring ideas helpful. Dyeing your hair can seem like a daunting task, but it is important not to stress about the decision and to enjoy it. Remember, the best thing about hair dyeing is that it is permanent.

Citations

Hair coloring
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/

Changes in hair color
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article

Hair care products: waving, straightening, conditioning, and coloring
https://www.cidjournal.com/article

FAQ

What hair colours make me look younger?

Warm hair colouring ideas make you look younger because they make your complexion appear brighter. Depending on your base colour, you can add warmth by adding rose, honey, caramel or chestnut highlights.

What is the best colour for grey hair?

Depending on your complexion, cool blondes, bright reds and warm browns all work well with grey hair. However, grey is harder to dye than other hair colours, so you may have to rework it more often.

Which hair colours make the face look thinner?

Generally, darker shades create a contrast with the skin and can make the face appear thinner. For those with particularly fine hair, fringes and layers can be used to create volume.