102 Best Hair Dye Ideas for 2021

Looking for hair colour ideas to inspire your next look? From balayage and ombre to bright rainbow hair, discover the most popular hair dye ideas for 2021 right here.

Here are all the things you need to know.

• What are the best hair colours for 2021?
• How to find your perfect hair colour
• How much does it cost to dye your hair?

102 Best Hair Colours For 2021

With celeb-approved inspiration, whether you’re looking for a new everyday look or a fun hue for festival or party season, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to see all the hair dye ideas.

Icy ash blonde hair

Ash toned hair is distinctive thanks to its grey toned appearance. Use highlights or a balayage to mix ash tones to blonde or brown hair. Credit: @emilyboulinhair

Smoky ash brown hair

Give your brown tresses a smoky finish with an ash brown hue. And for the ultimate cool-girl look, follow this Instagram babe and opt for an ash brown balayage. Credit: @stylelushsalon

Rich auburn highlights

Auburn highlights are a great way to give brown tresses an autumn feel. Auburn tones will suit medium to dark skin tones, helping to add warmth to the skin. Credit: @aestheticartist_angelina

Classic balayage

From blondes, brunettes to redheads, a balayage is a hair colouring staple loved by everyone. A balayage can be worn all year round and helps to add dimension and warmth to strands. Credit: @livetruelondon

Balayage on curly hair

If you’re looking for inspiration on balayage for curly hair, look no further than this eye-catching hue. Pairing her naturally curly hair with a dark red balayage, this is a great look for winter. Credit: @joyjah

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Editor’s tip: Keep your curly tresses nourished with TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Shampoo and Conditioner.

Free from parabens, dyes and silicones and enriched with a botanical blend of coconut milk, coconut oil and aloe vera this shampoo and conditioner is key to smooth, detangled strands.

Balayage on Bdark hair

Lighten your dark strands with a subtle balayage like above for a natural finish that’ll add warmth to dark cool tones. Credit: @simplicitysalon

Blended balayage highlights

The reason why a balayage is one of the most popular colouring techniques is that it can be tailored to suit your individual needs, with placement being key to achieving this highlighted balayage look. Credit: @jleighwebdoeshair

Balayage on long hair

By adding a chocolate brown balayage to her dark brown locks, this babe has taken her long hair from drab to fab. Credit: @hairbycarmelina

Balayage on medium hair

Want to give your medium length tresses a makeover for summer? Then this light brown colour melt is perfect. Credit: @hairbycarmelina

Balayage on short hair

This blonde bob is proof that a balayage looks just as great on short hair as it does long. Credit: @lexismithhair

Balayage on straight hair

When you have the perfect balayage why wouldn’t you want to show it off with the perfect cut? Credit: @balayageombre

Statement black hair

Get the Kardashian look with raven black hair. The darkest and most common hair colour is flattering on more skin tones than you may think so why not give it a try? Credit: @livedopediedope

Black hair with blue tips

If you haven’t quite got the confidence to pull off a full head of blue, try adding blue tips to dark hair. Credit: @vcoiffuremtl

Highlights for black hair

You might think your black hair is too dark for highlights, but this glossy shade is all the proof you need to know that isn’t the case. Credit: @laurak_beauty

Cool bleach blonde

Ready to live your best blonde hair life? Then go all out with this bleach blonde hue. Credit: @bangbangbalayage

Golden blonde afro

Find out if blondes really do have more fun with this beautiful blonde afro. Credit: @laurissawillems

Blonde and brown hair

Blonde and brown hues like this bronde shade flatter most skin tones and hair types making it a popular choice for those looking for a natural hair colour. Credit: @defactosalon

Melted blonde balayage

We all know that colouring hair can be high maintenance but with this blonde balayage you won’t have to worry about regrowth. Credit: @ida_rammavramsvik

Editor’s tip: Keep your blonde bright with the Dove Silver Care Shampoo.

The nourishing formula is infused with pearl extract and violet toning pigment to neutralise/smooth brassy tones, enhancing the radiant shine for beautiful and healthy hair.

Blunt blonde bob

Pair your dream hair colour with your dream cut and what do you have, a beautiful blonde bob of course. Credit: @emmakehoe

Natural brown blonde

Pair your favourite two shades together to achieve this stunning brown blonde hue. Credit: @parmidakiani

Classic blonde hair

You’ve decided you want blonde hair, but with so many blonde hues to choose from, which one will you try? Credit: @thefoxandthehair

Blonde hair with dark roots

Always double tapping pics of girls with gorgeous blonde hair and dark roots? Then this dirty blonde hue is the look you need. Credit: @jbangssalon

Highlights for blonde hair

Channel beach babe vibes by adding highlights to blonde hair. Credit: @lo_wheelerdavis

Blonde hair with lowlights

By darkening strands, lowlights are a great way to add depth to blonde hair, adding a further dimension to your base colour. Credit: @blisshairsalons

Bold blue hair

If you’re thinking of colouring your hair this year, throw out the rule book and try a bold blue hue. This fantasy colour is perfect for those with tanned to deep skin tones, think Kylie Jenner and Cardi B for inspo. Credit: @saysoscandinavia

Sunkissed bronde hair

Get the best of both worlds with a bronde hair colour. Bronde, AKA blonde and brown is flattering on everyone and can be created by adding blonde toned highlights through brown strands. Credit: @nataliesole

Natural brown balayage

Whether you choose chestnut, frosted or caramel, one thing is for sure, brown balayage hair is gorgeous. Credit: @salon_du_sud

Classic brown hair

From light brown to almost black, brown hair has so many colour possibilities. If you’re unsure which brown hair colour to try, we suggest speaking to a hair colourist to discuss which shade will suit you best. Credit: @brittsully

Brown hair with blue eyes

Make your eye colour pop by colouring your hair a brown shade. The contrast between your dark hair and blue eyes will be striking enough to scare off The Night King. Credit: @chloe.pey

Creamy blonde highlights

Fool everyone into thinking you’ve just come back from a beach vacay by adding multi-toned highlights though blonde hair. Credit: @blonderandblonder

Highlights for brown hair

Hair contouring is the secret to getting celeb hair. With the right shades and colour placement, your hair can highlight and add shadows to your face. Credit: @padropiinheiro

Summery brown highlights

Give your brown tresses a sunkissed finish by adding a mix of light brown and blonde tones through your hair. Credit: @defactosalon

Dark brunette hair

Want brunette hair but not sure if you can pull it off? Well, you’re in luck because with so many brown shades out there, there’s an option for everyone. Credit: @graziamezas

Sweet caramel balayage

Sweet caramel shades look amazing when paired with a brown base. So, if you’re tempted to try a caramel balayage, screenshot this look for inspiration. Credit: @thehair_jeannie

Charming caramel hair

Make your hair look sweet enough to eat with this caramel toned hair colour. Credit: @styledbyceds

Editor’s tip: Gorgeous hair colours like above can cause damage to your strands so we suggest adding the Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair 2 Minute Magic Masque to your hair routine.

Use after shampooing and leave in your hair for 2-3 mins before rinsing to help nourish and repair your hair for smooth and healthy looking tresses.

Sparkling champagne blonde

Champagne lovers will adore this bubbly shade of blonde! The bright and cool tones in this hair colour make it perfect for year-round wear. Credit: @hairbykellan

Cherry cola hair colour

If champagne isn’t your drink of choice, this cherry cola shade is sure to entice your appetite. Credit: @jmorahair

Autumnal chestnut brown hair

Turn to this sophisticated shade if you want a classic look that will work for all seasons. Credit: @parmidakiani

Chocolate brown hair

As if we all needed another reason to want chocolate! This classic shade never fails to impress. Credit: @brittsully

Chocolate mauve hair

Looking for the brunette alternative to rose gold? Try chocolate mauve. Credit: @thebusinessofbalayage

Modern chunky highlights

Chunky highlights are having a major revival right now. And, this is how you should wear them in 2021. Credit: @hairbyjennasalonoh

Spicy cinnamon hair colour

This cinnamon hair colour has dimensional, copper tones while still maintaining a brunette base. Credit: @hairby_michelenyc

Vibrant copper highlights

An easy way to spice up your mane is with copper highlights. Don’t forget to curl your hair, will you? Credit: @susiestylz

Highlights for curly hair

Proof that highlights work on all hair types, so there’s no need to feel left out! Credit: @flaviaesantiago

Editor’s tip: The lightweight TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist is enriched with our botanical blend of coconut milk and aloe vera to help smooth, condition and gently detangle hair leaving you with beautifully hydrated strands that are ready for styling.

Sandy dark blonde

Not all blonde hair colours must be bright. If you prefer muted tones, this dreamy look should be right up your street. Credit: @dwcreativegroup

Dark brown hair

Can’t go wrong with this gorgeous dark brown hue –– or that perfect blow out. Credit: @sohniahmed

Raven dark hair

Super classy and sexy at the same time, this Kardashian-approved hair colour will ensure you shine. Credit: @susiestylz

Highlights for dark hair

Think dark hair is boring? This playful highlighted look will make you think again. Credit: @xo.farhana.balayage

Dark roots with blonde hair

Team dark roots with blonde hair to make the ultimate style statement. Credit: @nadia_mejia

Blue denim hair

Take your denim obsession to the next level by getting denim hair to match. Credit: @brazilianbondbuilder

Beachy dirty blonde

If you’re dreaming of the beach (aren’t we all?), this dirty blonde is destined for you. Credit: @citiesbesthairartists

Salt & pepper frosted hair

Frosting adds a subtle salt and pepper look to your hair, by blending highlights and lowlights together. Credit: @mlz_hairstylist

Golden blonde

Hello, Goldilocks hair! If you’re looking for a shade a blonde that will make your skin glow, this hue is just right. Credit: @exhibitsalon

Golden brown hair

For those brunettes looking to lighten up their strands, try opting for an illuminating golden brown hair colour like this one. Credit: @ mesut_altinbas

Graffiti hair

Graffiti hair is the coolest way to upgrade your hair for festival season. The best thing about it? It’s temporary and quick to do. Credit: @janine_ker_hair

Emerald green hair

If you want a daring and stylish colour that isn’t temporary, turn to this statement-making green instead. Credit: @crankee_

Moody grey hair

Yes, we’re still obsessed with grey hair! Will you be giving this stunning shade a try this year? Credit: @xcellent_kevin

Cool-girl grown out roots

Instead of getting your roots re-done, let them grow out and you’ll be channelling ‘90s grunge vibes in no time. Credit: @romeufelipe

Colourful chalk hair

Hair chalks are the perfect way to add a little colour to your strands without the long-term commitment. So, what hues will you go for? Credit: @chrissythair

Henna hair colour

Looking for henna hair dye ideas? Look no further than this fiery, warming shade. Credit: @analua_cosmetica_natural

Striking hair streaks

While highlights are more natural and discreet, hair streaks are the complete opposite. They’re great for giving character to dull tresses, as they create an eye-catching contrast. Credit: @ off7thsalon

Classic highlights

Give your tresses a new lease on life with a fresh set of classic highlights. Whether you’ve got blonde or brunette hair, you can easily enhance the look of your hue with this popular colouring technique. Credit:@lazarooliveiraoficial_

Glossy holographic hair

Holographic hair marries together unicorn pastels, grey and silver tones so that your hair can look as reflective a holograph. Credit: @michaeljohn_ldn

Warm honey blonde

The best thing about honey blonde hair? It adds instant radiance to a range of skin tones. Credit: @ mollieolivia_hairstylist

Editor’s tip: Make your hair colour glisten with the TONI&GUY High Shine Serum Drops.

Work 2-3 pumps between fingers and smooth through lengths of dry, styled hair avoiding the roots to tame frizz and flyaways and give your tresses a high shine gloss finish.

Honey brown hair

Another hair colour that will flatter all skin tones is this gorgeous honey brown hue! Credit: @aitous

Toasted hygge hair

Focusing on toasty, warming shades (think caramel, golds and reds), hygge hair is the trend you should try during the cooler months. Credit: @chrisgreenehair

Light blonde hair

Keep your tresses looking gorgeously bright with this bombshell blonde hair colour. Credit: @karihillhair

Light brown hair

Looking for natural hair dye ideas? Try this cool girl-approved light brown hair colour. It’s universally flattering and bound to get you noticed. Credit: @ivanikolina

Long hair with highlights

Attached to your long locks? Highlights are a flattering way to breathe fresh life into longer lengths without having to get your hair cut. Credit: @colorbymarina

Accentuating lowlights

If you’re looking for a way to make dyed blonde hair look more natural, try lowlights. They’re the best way to try out or transition to a darker hue without commitment. Credit: @khrisstilos

Lowlights for brown hair

Thought lowlights were just for blondes? Lowlights also work well for those with brown hair too, as the multiple tones add dimension and vibrancy. Credit: @brookebauerboutique

Deep mahogany hair colour

For a unique hair colour that will set you apart, the beautifully rich blend of red and brown tones make mahogany hair a must-try. Credit: @beautiquehairdesign

Easy medium brown hair

After a colour you can wear year-round? Whatever the season, medium brown hair looks on-trend, always. Credit: @studiotimny

Mythical mermaid hair

If ‘normal’ hair colours don’t excite you, why not live your best mermaid life with this ocean blue ombre? Credit: @jmichelehairart

High-shine metallic hair

From shimmering silvers to pearlescent pinks, metallic hair is the stuff of Instagram hair dreams. Credit: @hairbyasla

Everyday natural blonde

Channel Disney princess meets girl next door vibes with this natural highlighted blonde. The root highlights help to break up the colour and give a naturally sunkissed look. Credit: @caseycolorcreations

Editor’s tip: The TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Shampoo and Conditioner is designed to gently cleanse the hair without stripping colour and shine.

The unique low-foaming formula delivers a long-lasting effect, that helps you get vibrant colour and shine for up to 12 weeks.

Bright orange hair

Want to make a real statement with your hair? With this eye-catching tangerine hue you won’t ever have to worry about fading into the background. Credit: @karolinekato

Minimal partial highlights

Quicker than regular highlights, partial highlights are a simple way of adding colour around the face and front layers to brighten up your look. Credit: @colorbymargarita

Pastel hair colours

What’s the one thing that Kylie Jenner, Lady Gaga and Maisie Williams all have in common? Their love for pastel hair colours! Credit: @hairbyailinshanks

Pretty peach hair

Everything’s peachy! Or at least it will be, once you try this peachy pink hue on for size. Credit: @erikpascarelli

Hidden peekaboo highlights

Hidden peekaboo highlights allow you to add a fun pop of colour without having to give up your current hue. Credit: @twistinbangshair

Shimmering silver hair

With silver-grey hair so big right now online and with celebrities, there’s no shortage of icy inspiration out there. Credit: @madisen_thecolourattic

Playful pink hair

Umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether to dye your hair pink? A sugary candyfloss pink like this flatters a variety of skin tones and will fade out gradually over time. Credit: @bungalow.hair

True platinum blonde

Always aspiring for the brightest, lightest blonde? Feast your eyes on this Pinterest-worthy platinum. Credit: @luxecolorloft

Light platinum highlights

If you’re already blonde but searching for a way to change up your look, why not try these platinum highlights for a subtle colour upgrade? Credit: @shear_perfection_by_lexie

Punchy purple hair

Purple hair is already proving to be a massive trend this year and this muted lavender is a fresh way to wear it. Credit: @annabelladesu

Pastel Purple highlights

Give a casual half-updo a cool-girl twist with purple highlights on the underlayers of your hair.  Credit: @lmariehairr

Fun rainbow hair colour

If you haven’t heard of the rainbow hair trend yet, where have you been?! Pairing rainbow highlights with an ash blonde base makes the colours really stand out without going multicoloured all over. Credit: @hooliganhair

Strawberry red blonde hair

We love the warm peachy tones in this red/blonde blend as they allow natural redheads to go lighter while adding warmth to the complexion. Credit: @linda_mariano_haircolorist

Red hair to blonde

Thinking of going from red to blonde? If you’re scared it won’t suit you or you’re worried about the regrowth don’t worry – this dark red to platinum ombre is perfect. Credit: @studio306_sptn

Dark red highlights

Give chocolate brown hair a cherry tint with the addition of some red highlights. Credit: @tinaaa_ranck

Rose gold hair colour

As one of the hottest colour trends around right now, if you’ve been secretly swooning over rose gold hair (we definitely have) now is the time to get in on it. Credit: @emilyboulinhair

Short hair with highlights

Who said you can’t have highlights just because your hair is short? This chic bob with dimension-boosting blonde highlights is all the proof you need. Credit: @heatherfosterstylist

Stunning silver blonde hair

The blonde shade to covet right now, Game of Thrones may be over but the love for Khaleesi’s iconic blonde lives on. Credit: @brushedtoblonde

Spring hair colour

With a new season comes new hair trends and this rosy pink is just what you need to nail this season’s colour trend. Credit: @cathyinw0nderland

Sweet strawberry blonde

This dreamy strawberry blonde look blends a mix of red tones, from dark red at the roots, to strawberry honey mid-lengths and peachy blonde tips. Credit: @marilanae

Mesmerising succulent hair

Any budding plant enthusiasts will appreciate this green and purple cacti-inspired look. Credit: @katkolors

Daring two-tone hair

Can’t ever decide what to do with your hair? Embrace your indecisiveness with a two-tone look that lets you rock two shades in one. Credit: @sophiehannah

Editor’s tip: Give your tresses that lived-in feel with the VO5 Dry Backcomb Spray. Use this spray to get the volume of a backcomb minus the damage from the brush –  it also works as an instant volume refresher too!

Dreamy unicorn hair

We’ve never seen a unicorn ourselves but we imagine if we did, they’d have hair like this. Credit: @hairbymisskellyo

Delicious watermelon hair

It doesn’t have to be summertime for you to rock this juicy watermelon hue. Credit: @_atmolly

White blonde hair

If you’re wary of platinum hair making you look washed out, we’d suggest adding in more yellow or golden tones which work better for medium complexions. Credit: @hairbyevanturkel

Snow white hair

White hair and bob cuts, can you name a better duo? Make like Leighton Meester and this stylish Instagram beauty with a subtle asymmetric lob in a bright icy white. Credit: @sara_stylz

How to find your perfect hair colour

The best way to find your perfect hair colour is by finding shades that flatter your features, work well with your skin tone and complement your personal style.

Skintone

There’s more to skin tone than simply light/medium/dark. You can determine whether you have cool, warm or neutral tones by looking at the colours of the veins on the inside of your arm. If they appear blue or purple, then you’re probably cool toned, if they’re green then you’re likely to have a warm skin tone and if they’re not obviously one or the other, then you have a neutral tone.

Eye colour

Certain hair colours can intensify your eye colour, so if you really want your eyes to pop, choose a colour that complements them.

Eye colour: Blue

Recommended hair colours: Icy champagne blondes, cool-toned brunettes and natural-looking reds.

Eye colour: Green

Recommended hair colours: Vibrant coppers and chestnut browns.

Eye colour: Hazel

Recommended hair colours: Chestnut and chocolate browns and rich auburns.

Eye colour: Brown

Recommended hair colours: Golden caramels and dark espresso browns.

Your style

One of the reasons that hair plays such a big part in our identity is that it’s a way of showing our personality. Are you someone who likes to keep up with the latest fashion trends or do you prefer to stand out from the crowd? Grungy or classic, out-there or minimal, think of your hair as an extension of the rest of your outfit and find a hue that feels the most ‘you’.

How much does it cost to dye your hair?

Depending on location, the level of your colourist and the type of colour treatment you want (e.g. tint, highlights or balayage), the price of dyeing your hair can vary massively. As a rough guideline, you can expect to pay in the region of:

Full head tint  £40-£80

Half head highlights £80-£130

Full head highlights £100-£200

Balayage £100-£250

Note: In some salons, a complimentary blow dry is included in the price of colour treatments but others will charge an additional fee for this, so make sure to check when booking.