The hair colours set to trend in 2024, according to 'The Hairvoyant' (2024)

We’re usually pretty sceptical about fortune-telling, but hair stylist Tom Smith’s visionary wisdom is something we can get behind. Known as The Hairvoyant by beauty insiders, Tom is scarily accurate when it comes to predicting the next big things in hair. His future-gazing CV includes viral trends like Expensive Brunette, Bottleneck Bangs and, most impressively, Cowgirl Copper – a trend he first spoke about in late 2022 and which quickly became the most popular shade of 2023 (we saw at least one transformation a day on our social feeds).

So what’s on his prediction list for 2024? To find out, we caught up with Tom at a trendcasting masterclass, where he shared the five key hair colours he expects to be hot this year. He also explained how to turn his visions into reality, from achieving the right colour to maintaining the freshness. Don’t go to the salon before reading this…

Burgundy Brunette

Tom predicts that 2024 will hero brunette shades in the same way 2023 did for coppers. From mushroom-inspired neutrals to warm, golden browns, these are the hair colours you'll see everywhere from the catwalks to the Highstreet. Following in the footsteps of Cowgirl Copper, Burgundy Brunette combines that mahogany richness with a neutral brown base, creating a more wearable hue. "It makes sense that a more subtle and ‘natural’ version will become popular for those wanting to keep things softer,” says Tom, who’s the international creative director at Evo.

His hot shade prediction is one that “oozes richness, shine and gloss while reflecting red tones in the light”. Look at Anne Hathaway and Rachel Brosnahan in your search for inspiration; they’re perfect examples of how subtle this colour can be. But, for a bolder iteration of Burgundy Brunette, Billie Piper’s red-brunette hair has so much depth and richness to it.

If you fancy trying your hand at home, we suggest a glaze or a gloss. For existing brunettes, a tonal shift is all that’s needed, and these clever products are semi-permanent and impart tons of shine. But for those with lighter hair, or those after a longer-lasting effect, you’ll need a permanent hair dye. We suggest speaking to a professional, especially if you're going several shades darker.

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Crystal Clear

The new way to wear platinum blonde. “Not quite gold, not quite silver, but this hue boasts all the clarity of crystal with a neutral creamy tone,” Tom explains.

Perhaps the most demanding of his predictions, Crystal Clear is certainly an investment – of both time and money. This shade should be left to a professional as the success is almost entirely down to the lightening stage. “Your colourist must lift your hair brightly and cleanly, and tone the hair minimally to achieve this creamy crystal finished result,” Tom explains.

Tom urges that Crystal Clear definitely needs your attention between salon visits. “While purple shampoo is useful to keep warmth at bay, be sure to only use it from time to time to avoid leaving hair with a purple tint. There’s a risk of over-toning here, so try using it as your first shampoo in a dual-shampoo process to ensure excess is removed.”

This shade is a good choice for those with naturally white or pale grey hair, not least because you’ll require less initial blonding. Tom explains, “As your roots grow through, the demarcation between your Crystal Clear tone and natural colour will be less noticeable, therefore requiring less upkeep.”

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Syrup Blonde

The name alone will make you crave this colour. Syrup Blonde is exactly how you’d imagine it: “intensely sticky and sweet, with undertones of gold, caramel and vanilla. This is the most delicious shade,” Tom says. It means favouring sunny, golden shades of blonde over platinum, which in turn offers a brighter, shinier appearance. “This tone direction is a fantastic choice for those whose blondes may be feeling a little lacklustre,” he adds.

Look to Jennifer Lawrence as an example; her blonde looks soft and honey-like, as though the hair has been lightened under the summer sun. If you’re already blonde, this shade is an easy change to make. “Adding a toner to your usual highlighting or blonding appointment is all that is required to achieve this shade. Have your colourist go as warm as possible without tipping into ‘strawberry blonde’ territory,” Tom says. “Keep the blonde as light as possible with minimal darker shadows or low lights.”

A word of warning, however, “Whatever you do, don’t use purple shampoo afterwards. It will very quickly neutralise the golden-glossiness and leave your colour more muted and neutral,” Tom urges.

Instead, we suggest topping colour up with a semi-permanent mask and strengthening shampoo and conditioner to maintain that shine.

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Oxblood Red

This punchy cherry hue can be seen as the natural successor to Cowgirl Copper. “I’ve been talking about the progression from copper to non-naturally occurring shades of red for months now,” explains Tom. Venturing further into that red-violet family, Oxblood Red takes us back to the early 2000s, when flaming shades of raspberry and plum were all the rage – “I never thought I’d see the day when this colour was trending again,” Tom says.

Singer Dua Lipa led the way for Oxblood Red when she switched up her tone late last year. She often wears the colour in a way that’s easy to copy, too, with loose waves that mimic natural texture. Even without meticulous styling, Dua’s red hair looks glossy. This colour reflects the light really well, which makes the hair look shiny and healthy. “It’s perfect for those who prefer a polished finish,” Tom adds.

More good news – the question of suitability isn’t so much about skin tone or eye colour as how you feel when you’re wearing it. “Oxblood Red tones are great for those who like to push the boundaries of their fashion and appearance,” Tom says. “Wear it with confidence.” Experiment with bold fashion and makeup choices to support your new look.

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Taupe Brown

The trend for all things natural continues. We’ve witnessed the paring down of makeup routines and manicures taking a bare turn, and now Tom predicts this natural brunette hue will hero in 2024. “Taupe Brown is a whisper of brunette rather than a shout,” he explains. Clean and understated, “this mushroom-inspired brown shade is a great option for those wanting to play with brunette shades but keen to keep away from warmth, red or chocolate tones.”

Actress Mimi Keene wears it so well, often pairing the shade with sleek, simple styles that match its minimalistic feel. But don’t be fooled by Taupe Brown’s effortless appearance; it takes some effort to keep its cool. “Hair will almost always fade warmer over time, so colour-protecting products, especially those which top up tone, are a necessary tool for homecare between salon visits,” Tom advises.

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