The Colour Movements to Keep on Your Radar in 2026

Tapping our in-house expert and global force across education, editorial, and session work— KEVIN.MURPHY Global Colour Design Director, Kate Reid, gives us a front-row seat to where hair colour is headed next. Always ahead of the curve, Kate drives the conversation around colour in fashion, culture, and personal expression. Here, she shares the colour movements capturing her attention this season—and the inspiration shaping their rise.

You don’t always need to completely switch up your tone to redefine it—sometimes it’s about enhancing what’s already there. Through subtle shifts, added dimensions, and investing in quality products, you can easily transform your go-to shade into something effortlessly fresh.

This season, colour is less about reinvention and more about evolution—from brunettes with depth and warmth, to blondes that feel soft and lived-in, or reds that bring vibrance without being overpowering.

In recent seasons, natural brunettes have had quite the comeback. But as we’re looking for slight updates and changes, there are a few tones being flagged for 2026. “We’re seeing brunettes take centre stage with shades like Mocha Mousse, a rich, warm brown, and Milk Tea Brunette, a neutral-warm base threaded with creamy contrast,” says Kate. “These tones offer depth, warmth, and versatility, making them flattering across so many skin tones while being far less maintenance than ultra-light blondes. In uncertain times, clients are drawn to looks that feel safe yet luxurious — rich brunettes that are effortlessly wearable but still have that polished finish.”

For a while blonde tones were favoured as “the brighter the better,” but heading into the 2026 season, blondes are taking a slight shift into more sophisticated territory. “Blondes aren’t going away — they’re evolving,” says Kate. “Think Socialite Blonde — a luminous, pale gold with an off-duty luxe feel — or Buttercream Blonde, with champagne and golden-bronze tones rather than icy or platinum. These shades feel more natural, softer on the complexion, and easier to maintain. The push for more realistic beauty and less extreme upkeep means clients want blondes that look expensive, but not high-maintenance.” 

Whether you’re a natural redhead or are looking for a way to enhance your brunette or blonde tone, red is the bringing the warmth this season with subtle new movements that come off as effortlessly striking. “Reds and auburns are having a moment, but in more nuanced forms,” says Kate. “Think Cherry Cola — a deep burgundy and cola base with red undertones — or Sunset Lover, a honey-tinged red with depth and dimension. Red tones carry a strong fashion energy. They show boldness, have richness in the pigment, and photograph beautifully—which really matters in today’s social and content-driven world.”

As Kate explains, today’s colour movements are about more than just style—they’re a reflection of how people want to feel—comforted, balanced and truly one’s self. Which has brought with it an added focus on personalisation, maintenance and tone. After years of ultra-maintenance light blondes, many are embracing shades that still look high-end but don’t demand constant upkeep.  

Social and content culture has also changed the way we think about colour—it needs to look beautiful in photos, videos, and under every kind of light. And while bold reds or expressive tints get attention, wearable, luxe tones keep clients coming back.

In the spirit of transformation, KEVIN.MURPHY+CODE, the newest addition to the KEVIN.MURPHY colour portfolio is designed to deliver the latest shades with increased care and creativity. Designed to redefine the artistry of permanent colour, CODE is powered by skincare, and was created to deliver shine, strength, and depth while improving the health of the hair.

With 91 shades, this Vegan range offers up to 100% grey coverage, 100% colour intensity¹, and 150% more colour evenness², with 4-5 levels of lift³ to unlock your creativity as a stylist and deliver vibrancy alongside more shine⁴ and repair⁵.

¹Salon test. ²Instrumental test. ³Up to 4 levels of lift when using KEVIN.MURPHY+CODE and 5 levels when using KEVIN.MURPHY+BLONDE HIGH.LIFT. ⁴26% increase in shine. Instrumental test. ⁵22% increase in repair. Instrumental test. ⁶This may vary on the recycling facilities of each country.

@katereidcreative, @kevin.murphy.education, @juhaolavi, @wadeblackford, @carmenwaltz