Ombré was the biggest hair color trend of 2012, but it's getting an update for 2013. "We saw more of the severe-looking ombré trend in 2012," says Dumas. "There was a distinct line separating the dark and light hair." But for 2013, Dumas says the new version of the ombré look will be subtle and less in-your-face. "If the old ombré was a scream, then the new ombré is a whisper," says Dumas. "The new ombré is all about bringing the lighter color strands closer to the roots, creating a blended, softer look."
If you have brown hair, Dumas recommends going for a contrasting shade in caramel; if you have red hair she says to think strawberry; and if you're blonde she says to go for platinum or champagne-colored tips. "What makes the blended ombré style so great is that it's one of those rare looks that is truly available to everybody," says Dumas.
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No. 2: The new (orange-y) redhead
Red was the hair color to try in 2012, and Dumas predicts that it will continue to be a big hair color trend this year. "We've seen a lot of burgundy and shades of true red, but orangey-red will be the new shade for 2013. The redhead trend will evolve, and the look will be bolder and stronger," says Dumas.
But if you're picturing Carrot Top -- and cringing -- think again. "This is actually an accessible look, especially if you have light eyes and a light complexion," says Dumas. "It's a particularly perfect shade if you're a natural blonde and want to transition into a different hair color."
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No. 3: Buttery blonde
Icy and champagne blonde will never go completely out of style, but expect to see warmer shades of blonde for 2013. "Buttery blonde will continue to be popular," says Dumas. "This shade isn't an extreme yellow; it's more of a hint of gold."
Dumas says this shade looks best on darker, olive, or beige complexions and it's especially great for people with natural reddish undertones in their hair. "Buttery blonde doesn't work as well on pinkish skin, extremely pale skin, or skin with yellow undertones," Dumas says.
Another reason to go buttery blonde: less damage for your hair. "An advantage of this color versus platinum blonde is that the chemicals used are less aggressive," says Dumas, "so your hair will stay in better condition longer."
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No. 4: Bold streaks
Pastel shades were huge in 2012, and even a few celebrities tried the trend, turning their hair baby blue and bubblegum pink. But we've got to admit, we're pretty glad this My Little Pony hair trend is coming to an end. "Pastels are done for 2013," says Dumas. "We'll still see streaks of color, but instead they'll be in bright, vibrant shades, like primary colors."
Even if you were wary of the pastel color trend, it's still worth considering a bold streak of royal blue or bright orange in 2013. "Streaks of vibrant color are actually much easier to maintain, and so they're more practical," Dumas says. "The washed out, pastel shades really only work on icy or baby blondes, but bold color is a great option for a brunette who wants to try something fun." And you can always try clip-in extensions or wash out color if you're not ready to fully commit.
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No. 5: Darker accent strands
OK, not every trend from 2012 is going by the wayside. Dumas expects braid and bun hairstyles to gain even more momentum in 2013, and along with that, dyeing darker accent pieces on the lower layers of hair. "Darker accent pieces underneath your top layer of hair will be a big trend, mainly because it adds an extra dimension when your hair is pulled up in a high bun or twisted into braids," she says.
This is a perfect look when you want something a bit on the edgy side but still want to be able to show your face/hair at work. "This is a great option if you have a corporate job, because it's a fun and sneaky way to do something a little different," says Dumas. "You can wear your hair down for a more conservative look, but then as soon as you pull your hair up, the darker accent pieces make it look trendy."
Taking the plunge on a new hair trend can be risky. You worry about whether or not it'll work with your skin tone. You worry about coming off like you're trying too hard. You worry about the colorist doing a total botch job..
But after you've sifted through countless hair color ideas and finally decide to try a new hair trend, you also have to wonder if it's going to fall out of style as quickly as it came in (feather hair extensions come to mind!).
Granted, there's no real guarantee that a trend will stay in style for a while, but there is a way to make your gamble a bit safer. How? By following the advice of a hair trend guru, like celebrity hair colorist and all-around color expert Debi Dumas. We recently met up with her at her salon to talk about the hot new hair color ideas you'll want to consider trying.
How can Dumas help you prevent a hair color disaster? "I take more into consideration than just hair color," she says. "I look at what hairstyles are gaining popularity, but even beyond hair, I look at fashion. They all work together." Based on what she's seen, Dumas gave us her top five predictions for 2013's hottest hair colors. Keep clicking to see the hair color ideas that are guaranteed to inspire you to make an appointment at your favorite salon.
