I'm Calling It Now: Calico Hair Is the Purr-fect Hair Color to Try This Season

Over the last few years, animal-inspired haircuts have been dominating my TikTok and Instagram feeds. And considering the popularity of the kitty cut , I suppose it’s not at all surprising that hair colors are starting to borrow inspiration from the animal kingdom, too. The latest trend to catch my eye? Calico Hair. Named after the adorable feline, I predict this bold, highlighted look is going to be everywhere this summer. Ahead, two hair colorists take us through the trend.

Meet the Experts

What Is Calico Hair?

In the early ‘00s, when Calico Hair first came onto the scene, the look was more or less the same for everyone: chunky highlights in red, brunette and blonde tones to mimic the look of a Calico cat’s distinct fur. In 2024, the highlights are a bit more varied in their thickness and placement an

Why Is Calico Hair So Popular Right Now?

According to Pinterest's Summer 2024 Trend Report , the search for ‘calico hair’ has surged over 6,500 percent this year. As I previously reported, chunky highlights are back, along with striking shades of reds and blondes popping up as the summer hair colors to try out.

We’re also still in the thick of Y2K nostalgia. As Dara shares, “The trend of Calico Hair really goes hand in hand with the resurgence of early 2000’s fashion and beauty. We [already] saw the return of the big ‘90s blowout and chunky highlights, and now we’re moving into the more emo era of 2002 to 2006. We’ll start to see more variations of the Calico Hair trend making a huge statement in the hair world, comparable to the money piece highlights that were so strongly requested last year.”

How to Achieve Calico Hair

While TikTok is trying to convince you to go the DIY route, the experts recommend going to a professional stylist to get the job done. Once you book your appointment, have some reference photos or TikTok clips ready to show them exactly what you want. Do you want vivid streaks or softer tones blended throughout your hair? Or maybe you prefer a few face-framing pieces?

If you have brunette or red hair, Schmidt suggests pre-lightening it to get the best contrast. “Calico Hair is all about color blocking. The key here is ensuring that your sections prior to the color service are precise,” says Dara. “You will need three key colors to achieve the perfect Calico and consistent glosses to keep your hair refreshed. The blonde tone can be either cool or warm, the brunette tone can be light or dark and the red can be copper or bold cherry. Creative freedom is the beauty of this hair color trend.”

Can All Hair Types Rock Calico Hair?

Whether you have straight hair, curls or even a protective style, Calico Hair can work for everyone. You can even combine this hair color with a trendy haircut (like the kitty cut for a catastic combination). However, Dara strongly suggests keeping your haircut in mind. A perfect example: “If you have a strong fringe, your color [should] shift in order to ensure cohesion in the placement.”

How to Maintain Calico Hair

Since you’re dealing with multiple colors at once, maintenance is very important. The experts recommend using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, which helps prevent color from fading, strengthen strands and adds back moisture. Schmidt also encourages using a leave-in conditioner to “achieve instantly longer, glossier and expensive-looking hair.”

Haircare aside, you don’t want to skip out on your touchup appointments. I won’t lie to you: theupkeep for Calico Hair can be a lot. Both stylists I interviewed for this story recommend going to the salon every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent any awkward regrowth and to keep your multi-color streaksfresh, not faded or brassy.

I Definitely Wasn’t Ready for This Y2K Hair Trend to Make a Comeback

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