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When it comes to hair color, are you a fan of bold, adventurous looks or do you tend to veer toward more simplistic shades? We’re fans of both options, of course, but if the latest hair-color trend making waves is any indication, out-of-the-box styles are back in the number-one spot. The latest color trend set to take center stage? “Calico” hair.

If upon hearing the word “calico,” you immediately picture a cat, you’re on the right track. The new trend features a form of color-blocking that takes inspiration from the multi-colored feline with hues of brown, blond, and copper. Now, if you’re thinking it sounds a little too wonky for your taste, don’t give up on us just yet — we initially had the same reaction before becoming team Calico Hair all the way.

To learn more about the trending shade, we tapped a handful of hair experts to break it down for us. Keep scrolling to learn more about what calico hair is, who it works best on, and how you can get the look for yourself.

Experts Featured in This Article

Jessica Powers is an Olaplex Pro-Collective member and one of the creators of the calico hair trend.

Min Kim is a L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador and colorist. She is based in New York.

Adina Pignatare is a L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador and colorist based in Massachusetts.

Shvonne Perkins is a Madison Reed master colorist and education director.

Ryan Dickie is a colorist at Salon IGK in Miami.

What Is Calico Hair Trend?

“Calico hair is a bold and vibrant color trend that combines high-contrast shades, often using dark and light colors like black, brown, blond, or even pastels in irregular patches, reminiscent of a calico cat’s fur,” colorist Min Kim tells PS.

The trend works well on a variety of hair type, skin tones, and lengths, but Kim says it’s especially flattering on those with naturally dark hair or those who enjoy bolder color contrasts. “It tends to flatter medium to dark skin tones because of the deeper base color and highlights that play off the skin’s warmth. However, lighter skin tones can pull off this look beautifully if done with softer pastel shades or cooler tones.”

How to Get Calico Hair

If you want to get the look for yourself, colorist Ryan Dickie says nothing beats bringing a photo with you to the salon for reference. There are a couple of key elements to the look: “First, the presence of the three colors, red, brown and blond. Next, in a departure from the ultra-naturally blended look we’ve learned to perfect in recent years, the calico trend is reliant on boldness; little to no depth at the root, minimal blending, maximum boldness.”

Kim suggests asking for chunky, multi-tone color application with high contrast. “Be clear about the colors you want. For example, rich dark brown with warm honey tones or black with platinum blond.” She recommends using L’Oréal Professionnel INOA or DiaColor for depth and tone variety, as these products allow your stylist to achieve ammonia-free, long-lasting, vibrant color.

How to Maintain Calico Hair

One thing to note is that this hair color isn’t low-maintenance. To start, as with any color-treated hair, you’ll want to make sure you’re using color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Colorist Adina Pignatare suggests using the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color & Care Shampoo ($40) and the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color & Care Conditioner ($40).

“To preserve the vibrancy of your calico hair, reduce the frequency of hair washing to two to three times per week, as over-washing can cause color to fade more quickly,” Kim says. Additionally, she suggests always opting for sulfate-free products, air-drying your hair whenever possible and avoiding excessive sun exposure, which can dull the vibrancy of your color.

If you’re maintaining your own color at home and not visiting a salon, Perkins says you’ll want to use a product like the Madison Reed Colorwonder Demipermanent. “These shades are great for offering up to 25 washes of wear, allowing it to truly be a trend without permanently altering your hair.” She suggests opting for the shades That’s So Fire ($30) paired with That Mocha Mojo ($30).

Additionally, since these different shades are situated right next to one another, Perkins notes that you’ll want to use products that will prevent them from bleeding into one another. She recommends using the Madison Reed ProBoost Seal ($7) to lock everything in place.