The 2000s are back in full force, and that includes beauty trends! From frosted lips to French manicures, we're seeing the return of some iconic styles—and hair color is no exception. Enter calico hair, a modern take on the chunky highlights that were popular in the early 2000s. Think bold, but customizable to flatter different skin tones and hair colors. If you're considering this trend, here's what to know before heading to your nearest beauty salon or finding a beauty salon open now to try it out!

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What is calico hair?

Because it combines three colors—blond, brown, and red—for a distinctive and powerful appearance, calico hair takes its name from calico cats. Chunky, blocky color parts are the mainstay of the trend, producing a striking impression evoking the early 2000s. It's an enjoyable method to embrace vivid highlights with a contemporary twist!

Why Is Calico Hair So Popular?

In addition to being in style right now, calico hair is making a resurgence, in part because of the nostalgia for early 2000s fashions. Your hair has a bright, fall-inspired shine thanks to the blend of copper, auburn, and blonde. This combination of colors adds depth and warmth, creating a pleasant yet striking style that goes well with the fall season.

Calico Hair: Who Should Try It?

Calico hair can be a great choice, but whether it works for you depends on factors like your face shape, hair texture, and curl pattern. For straight hair, the bold color blocks tend to stand out more, while wavy or curly hair may give a softer, blended look. If calico hair isn’t quite right for you, don't worry—there are plenty of other trendy styles to try, like the C-Cut, Butterfly Haircut, wolf cuts, or Curtain Bangs, which are all stylish and on-trend!

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Questions for Your Colorist

Ask your colorist for a combination of copper, auburn, and golden blonde hues with dimensional highlights and lowlights to create the ideal calico hairstyle. Make sure they adjust the blend to your skin tone and bring reference images to help them get the desired effect. You can also request a hint of black to finish the appearance if you're feeling bold.

How to Keep Calico Hair Healthy

Calico hair takes some work to maintain. Because coloring is a complex process, it's critical to maintain color and reduce fading. To preserve the color's depth, use shampoo and conditioner without sulfates. Always use a heat protectant before utilizing styling equipment, and wash your hair no more than two or three times per week. Consider having a gloss treatment every four to six weeks to maintain the color's vibrancy.

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