Rebrand yourself in 2026
There’s no better way to start the New Year than to have a rebrand, and if you’re looking for hair-colour ideas for 2026, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after some subtle highlights or a whole new look, there’s a trending cut and color that’s made for you.
If you’re ready for a change but not quite sure which direction to take your new look then why not try the glossy brunettes and warm blondes, paired with low-maintenance techniques like balayage, shadow roots and colour melting.
Which other trendy techniques are taking the lead this year? At Avalon Crouch End, we're leaning more into softness with colour-melting, it's a low-maintenance, high-payoff hybrid between highlights and balayage like the Suede Blonde.
Suede Blonde
The Suede Blonde is a muted, dimensional blend of warm and cool blonde tones, creating a soft, velvety, neutral base with hints of beige, gold, and ash.
Or you could go down the Hailey Bieber route and try the Bambi Brunette. The warm, sun-kissed caramel and beige tones are woven into a rich brunette base, creates a soft, multi-dimensional look that was inspired by Disney's Bambi.
Bambi Brunette
Also huge on the scene is reds and coppers.
Burnt Sienna
From the "cowboy copper" of 2025 into richer, earthy, and more sophisticated shades like Burnt Sienna.
Amber Glow
This warm amber base infused with soft, coppery highlights. Think sun-kissed without actually having to go on holiday to acquire the look.
Honey Copper
Honey copper hair color is a warm, dimensional blend of golden honey blonde and reddish-copper tones, creating a rich, sun-kissed look that sits between blonde and brunette with a rosy or amber glow, offering warmth without being overly brassy.
Fiery Cinnabar
The "Fiery Cinnabar" hair color is a vibrant, warm red-orange hue that balances the intensity of a bold red with the earthiness of an orange undertone.
With all colours leading down the low maintenance root. Colour melting is the key words to use when talking to you colourist. Colour melting is a technique that creates a seamless, gradual blend between different shades, eliminating harsh lines for a soft, natural, multi-tonal look, often transitioning from darker roots to lighter ends.
Colour Melting
Carmel Ribbons
If you're a natural brunette and you're stuck for ideas for your rebranding then why not try Caramel ribbon hair colour. This is dimensional coloring technique that weaves soft, warm, golden-brown or honey-toned highlights (the "ribbons") through a darker base, as a brunette you can create a natural, sun-kissed look with depth and movement. These "ribbons" are usually wider than traditional highlights, blended seamlessly using the balayage technique.
"What about hairstyles?" I hear you say. Well you're never going to believe it but the bob is still going strong!! As I always say, the bob is timeless and classic but this year I'm loving it even more! Remember though to do your homework before you go for the big chop. Here's what you should know about faceshapes.
So which bob would you choose for your rebanding? How about the Sleek Bob? The Spring/Summer runway is going to be dominated by sleek styles. Whether it's a smooth, ultra-glossy finish, or a more daring 'wet' look, this style will be all the rage this year.
Sleek Bob
Or why not the Box Bob? This is a more modern take on the most classic bob shape. The box bob is a box-shaped chop with blunt ends, clean lines, and little to no layers.
Box Bob
My personal favorite is the French Bob. Effortless Chic are the words that come to mind when I think about the French Bob. It is however a statement cut that requires a certain confidence to wear. The short, bold change can feel transformative, making you feel instantly more sophisticated and polished.
What about the curly girls out there? Well you haven't been forgotten. It's all about embracing the natural texture with definition. Sculpted looks, with round shaggy layers and air-dried bobs are huge for 2026. Having the correct cut and curl-defining products is what makes this look unique. Think healthy bounce, rather than fluffiness, alongside a general resolution to love one's unique curls.
Round Shaggy Layers
The Davines LOVE Curl range is a hair care products designed to enhance, moisturize, and define natural waves and curls using Noto Almond extract, focusing on elasticity, volume, and shine without weighing hair down.
Butterfly Haircut
As you maybe know, long hair is a commitment. The time and effort that needs to go into long hair can be draining but the right haircut will be a game changer with the amount of effort required.
The butterfly cut is the 2026 trend for long hair. Think short, wispy layers on top blending into long, flowing ends—like butterfly wings. It’s perfect for volume, especially on straight hair. Blow-dry with a big barrel brush for that fluttery effect or book in a weekly blowdry with one of our stylists at Avalon.
Book a free consultation with one of our stylists at Avalon North London for advice on whether any of these cut and colour would suit you.
Written by Debbie Newman, Avalon Hair Studios Ltd, N8 9PR