Calico Hair Is This Season's 'Cool Girl' Hair Color

For those seeking a bold new color refresh.

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times—anything and everything 2000s is back again. We’re knee-deep in nostalgia, surrounded by things like cargo pants , chokers, and platform shoes. And the same goes for beauty, with frosted lips, French manicures , and purple eyeshadow also trending.

Add hair color to that list, too. Calico hair is familiar for millennials, as it’s a recycled trend from chunky highlights of the early aughts, says Ryan Dickie , a colorist at IGK Salon Miami. (Yes, we also clutched our pearls at the chunky highlight reference.)

Need a visual? Picture Kelly Clarkson in her OG American Idol era, he says. It’s bold, for sure, but can be tailored and tweaked to flatter a variety of different skin tones and hair colors. Here, top colorists share what to know before considering calico hair.

What is calico hair?

Yes, the name calico hair is inspired by calico cats as it showcases a tri-blend of red, brown, and blonde hair for an end result that’s striking and blonde, says Dickie. More specifically, we’re currently seeing it as super blocky and with chunky pieces of color, he adds—again, cue the Kelly Clarkson reference.

Why Is Calico Hair Popular?

We touched on the early aughts nostalgia component, but calico hair is also very seasonally appropriate right now, notes New York City-based stylist and colorist Marie Nino . “The blend of copper, auburn, and blonde is like stepping into autumn itself—think vibrant fall leaves, but with an edge. This color combo gives your hair a warm, dimensional glow that’s cozy yet striking, perfect for anyone ready to embrace the season in full color.”

Who Should Consider Trying Calico Hair?

Calico hair color works for everyone, no matter your age, hair texture, hair length, or skin tone, says hair expert Gina Rivera , founder of Phenix Salon Suites. It’s a matter of tweaking the exact color and placement of the highlights to ensure the most flattering end result, she says. (For that reason, this is definitely a color trend that’s best left up to the pros, and one should not attempt to DIY.)

Worth noting: Calico hair will look softer on textured or wavy hair, which diffuses the color. On the flip side, the strips of color will come across bolder on straight strands, Dickie points out. And, ultimately, while it is versatile and can be tailored to the individual, it still is best for someone who is looking to make more of a statement with their hair color.

What to Ask Your Colorist

“Ask your colorist for a mix of copper, auburn, and golden blonde shades with dimensional highlights and lowlights,” says Nino. “Bring reference photos to show the color placement you’re after, and have them tailor the blend to suit your skin tone.” Feeling extra spicy? Rivera adds that you can also consider asking them to throw some black in the mix.

How to Maintain Calico Hair

Maintaining calico hair takes some effort. “The calico trend is very high-maintenance. Due to the intricate coloring process, it’s best to preserve the color for as long as possible,” says Dickie, who adds that the grow-out also isn’t very subtle and roots will tend to show pretty quickly since the color isn’t blended with your natural hue.

In order to maintain your color for as long as possible, Rivera recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner every time you wash. “This will help you maintain both longevity and richness,” she says. Nino agrees, adding that she suggests washing no more than two to three times per week. She also recommends repping strands with a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Finally, a gloss treatment every four to six weeks can go a long way toward keeping all of the tones rich and vibrant, she says. There are in-salon options, or try a clear, at-home version.

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