Style · 17 APR 2026 · 4 MIN LEESTIJD

Spring 2026 colour trends, by 12 colourists

Emma Reyes

Editor at KnipCloud

Mushroom blonde, smoked copper, and the return of soft contrast — what's in salons this season.

We asked twelve of the most-booked colourists in Amsterdam and Rotterdam what walked into their chair this spring. Three patterns emerged.

Mushroom blonde

A soft, low-contrast cool blonde with hints of grey-beige. Forgiving on regrowth — perfect for clients who don't want to come in every six weeks. Specialists are seeing it most often on Type 2 and Type 3 hair.

Smoked copper

Warmer than rust, cooler than fire. A soft-saturated copper with a grey undertone. Reads expensive without being loud. The colour formula is technical though — book a colourist who has it on their portfolio.

Soft contrast

The pendulum is swinging back from money-piece chunks toward subtle face-framing. Think 5–8 strands per cheekbone, hand-painted. Less commit, more flatter.

What to book

If you've been wearing the same shade for two years, this is the season to try. Most colourists offer a 30-minute strand consultation before the first appointment — book that first, then book the colour with the same person two weeks later.

Frequently asked questions

What's the dominant hair trend for Spring 2026?+

Soft, lived-in colour and longer, textured cuts. The 2024-2025 razor-precision look is fading; 2026 is grown-out, conditioned, and effortless — partly a reaction to the years of stark fades and bleach trauma.

Is balayage still trending in 2026?+

Yes, but the technique is shifting. Smaller, more frequent paintings ('baby balayage') replace the chunky 2018-era versions. The look is softer, requires less maintenance, and is kinder to the hair shaft.

What about for men this season?+

The 'modern shag' for medium-length hair, the textured crop with a fringe for short, and a return of the proper Dutch beard (groomed but not over-shaped). The mullet has finally retreated.

How often should I update my style?+

Twice a year is generous. The point of a haircut is to suit your face, your hair, and your routine — none of which change with the season. Refresh the colour or texture if you want; the cut itself can survive multiple trend cycles.

What's a low-maintenance Spring update I can ask for?+

Face-framing layers around the cheekbones. They give the cut new movement without changing length, work on every texture, and grow out gracefully. Ask your stylist for 'soft layers, no bangs'.

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Written by Emma Reyes, Editor at KnipCloud