Trend Alert: The 2025 Colour Palette Stylists Should Know (Cherry Cola, Mocha, Ginger Spice & More)
The 2025 colour landscape is shaping up to be rich, dimensional and deeply tonal. Instead of flat warmth or extreme coolness, the industry is leaning toward nuanced blends—shades that look layered, refined and effortlessly wearable. This year’s palette focuses on depth, contrast and a return to earthy sophistication, giving stylists the opportunity to design colours that feel modern yet grounded.
Here’s a breakdown of the key tones making waves in salons right now.
Cherry Cola: Depth With a Glossed Red Underpinning
Cherry cola is dominating the conversation thanks to its moody richness. It blends brown depth with reflective cherry warmth—not too red, not too dark, but the perfect intersection of both.
Why it’s trending:
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Creates instant dimension without heavy lightening
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Flatters a wide range of complexions
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Works beautifully with melted roots for seamless grow-out
This tone shines when paired with glossy finishes and soft internal depth.
Mocha Brunette: Creamy Neutral Warmth
Mocha is returning as one of the most requested brunette families of 2025. Think creamy, neutral warmth without brassiness—a shade that feels salon-polished yet low-maintenance.
What makes it relevant:
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Offers neutrality without ash
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Ideal for clients transitioning from darker levels
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Works with both fine and coarse textures
Mocha excels in balayage, ribbon highlights and tone-on-tone colour mapping.
Ginger Spice: The New Warm Statement
2025 is the year of intentionally warm coppers, and Ginger Spice is leading that wave. This tone bridges copper and amber with a spicy yet wearable finish.
Why stylists love it:
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Adds instant vibrancy without looking artificial
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Works with lived-in roots and dimensional placements
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Perfect for clients wanting a bold but elegant warm shift
The key is planning placement so the warmth looks designed—not created by undertone alone.
Soft Honey Melt: Warmth With Control
Honey tones are being reimagined with more depth and less raw yellow. Soft Honey Melt embraces warm lightness but diffuses the brightness so it grows out softly.
Where it works best:
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Lived-in blondes
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Natural level 6–8 canvases
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Layered cuts that showcase tonal flow
It’s a tone that thrives with beautifully diffused blending.
Espresso Black: Depth With Soft Reflectivity
Deep, dark colours are resurfacing, but the 2025 version is far from flat. Espresso Black gives richness with subtle brown reflectivity so the colour doesn’t look overly opaque.
Why it’s trending:
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Polished without looking harsh
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Stylish alternative to solid blue-black tones
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Enhances shine and the overall silhouette
Ideal for stylists working with sleek or highly structured cuts.
Smoky Beige: Cool Without Going Ash
Cool tones aren’t leaving—they’re simply evolving. Smoky Beige delivers a muted, refined coolness without leaning too violet or silver.
What makes it modern:
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Blends easily with natural undertones
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Creates soft, diffused lightness
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Helps correct warmth without over-toning
It’s perfect for clients who want cool refinement without committing to frosty blonding.
Why These Tones Matter for 2025
This year’s trending shades share three common qualities:
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Dimensional warmth or depth rather than extremes
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Placement-driven looks that grow out gracefully
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Colours built through thoughtful layering, not saturation
Stylists who understand this palette can design looks that feel current, editorial and tailored—not trend-chasing or overprocessed.
A Shift Toward Elevated, Wearable Luxury
The 2025 colour movement is all about refined richness. Whether working with brunettes, coppers, or soft blondes, the focus is intentional tonality, diffused lightness and sophisticated warmth.
By mastering these trending tones—Cherry Cola, Mocha, Ginger Spice and their complementary shades—stylists can stay ahead of client requests and craft looks that feel both modern and timeless.
