Personally, I'm drawn to hot chocolate brunette and soft apricot--they both have this lived-in warmth that feels timeless but fresh. These aren't colors that shout for attention, but they glow, like candlelight on skin. They remind me of how beauty should feel: effortless and intimate. Color melting and glossing are so aligned with that philosophy too. I love when tones feel like they shift with your mood or lighting--like a poem written in pigment. It's not about the "perfect color," it's about how the whole look breathes with you. -- Julia Pukhalskaia Founder & Designer, Mermaid Way https://linkedin.com/in/julia-pukhalskaia-9b0b98337
I'm not a stylist myself, but color palettes play a huge role in how we design the guest experience at our spa. I've noticed tones like "buttercream" and "creme brulee" resonate because they sound luxurious and comforting--it's like dessert for your hair. Same with "teddy bear blonde" or "hot chocolate brunette"--those names instantly create an emotional tie, which is half the magic. It's not just about how a color looks, but how someone feels when they say it out loud. I've also seen a big shift toward techniques that feel more natural and maintenance-friendly. Guests talk about "air-touch balayage" or glossing not just for the look but because they're tired of rigid upkeep cycles. It's similar to what we see at the spa: the more seamless and sustainable the experience, the more it sticks. Damien Zouaoui Co-Founder, Oakwell Beer Spa https://linkedin.com/in/damienzouaoui https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OWlXv9AN_biCpecqwcSK7zBS_U8OB2on/view?usp=sharing
Buttercream and creme brulee blondes are gaining ground because they offer warmth and softness without going brassy. We've seen how consumers are leaning into tones that feel natural but polished--what we call "dimensional neutrals." In terms of technique, we've worked with colorists who get exceptional results using air-touch balayage for these shades. It allows for seamless transitions between highlights and base, which helps extend the grow-out period and minimize damage, especially when bleaching is involved. Glazing and glossing are another rising category because they offer a non-committal way to refresh tone and shine without major processing. From a formulation standpoint, we've seen women respond well to acidic pH glosses that condition while they tone. Less dryness, better color retention. It's a reminder that achieving on-trend looks also depends on thoughtful aftercare. That's where things like pH-balanced shampoos and microbiome-friendly scalp products come in--they help color last longer and preserve scalp health between appointments. Hans Graubard Co-Founder & COO, Happy V https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansgraubard/ https://happyv.com/cdn/shop/files/happyv_team_Hans.jpg