This summer, bold Instagram-worthy hair dominates beauty feeds, especially the calico hair trend sweeping TikTok and Instagram.
You want a show-stopping hair color that’s expressive and tailored to you, but most styles are too subtle or too high-maintenance.
Inspired by the patchwork coat of a calico cat, this hair color trend features three or more colored sections, creating a tri-color look that’s artistic, bold, and personalized.
Keep reading to learn what calico hair is, why it’s trending, how the process works, and how we at Haste Urban Hair Spa can bring it to life for you.
The result, you’ll leave the salon with a worthy transformation that turns heads and fits your style.
What is The Calico Hair Trend?

The calico hair trend is a coloring technique that layers bold blocks of color, often blonde, copper, brunette, red, or black, to mimic the multicolored patterns of a calico cat. Unlike balayage or ombré, it’s not blended; the placement is deliberate and high contrast.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to go even trendier? Ask your stylist to mix fantasy shades like lilac, cobalt blue, or neon orange into your calico palette for a TikTok hair trend moment.
Where Did the Calico Hair Trend Come From?
The calico hair color draws inspiration from punk rock, Harajuku fashion, and the E-girl aesthetic of the early 2020s. Over time, it evolved from an underground subculture into a mainstream hair color trend, fueled by social media.
💡 Pro Tip: Search #calicohair on TikTok or Instagram to see real-time inspiration and save examples to show your stylist.
Why Calico Hair is Trending in 2025

- Expressive & creative: Showcases your personality.
- Social media-ready: Perfect for TikTok Reels & IG posts.
- A fresh take on color-blocking: Goes beyond highlights.
- Summer-perfect: Bright colors pop under sunlight.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your hair consultation early. Festival season is peak demand for calico hair color ideas.
Who Is Calico Hair For?

Calico coloring is inclusive. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, the bold color patches adapt beautifully to different textures:
- Straight hair: Clean panels of color stand out dramatically.
- Curly/coily hair: Colors peek through textured strands for a multi-dimensional surprise.
- Wavy hair: The mix of movement and contrast adds rich visual depth.
Additionally, our stylists can tailor the placement to complement your haircut, skin tone, and lifestyle. Furthermore, we can adapt the coloring technique to your haircut style:
- Bob & Lob: Color placement appears sharp and structured; great for primary-tone calico combinations.
- Layered Hair: Creates visual texture as color pieces weave through various layers.
- Pixie Cuts: Ideal for asymmetrical color placements that draw attention to the face.
- Protective Styles (e.g., box braids or faux locs): Vibrant synthetic hair extensions can replicate the calico look while protecting natural hair.
Top Calico Color Combinations to Try
Calico color combinations range from natural to bold. Here are the trending palettes we can cater to your style:
Bright & Bold | Soft & Pastel | High-Fashion Contrast |
Copper, Jet Black, White Blonde | Peach, Rose Gold, Lavender | Silver, Black, Neon Yellow |
Cobalt, Aqua, White | Mauve, Baby Blue, Cream | Crimson, Blonde, Graphite |
💡 Pro Tip: Earth tones like caramel, honey, and chestnut give you a more wear-to-work-friendly version of calico hair color.
The Calico Hair Process: What to Expect

Achieving a stunning calico look isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. At Hāste Urban Hair Spa, we approach each transformation with artistic intent. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: Your stylist will assess your hair condition, skin tone, and personal style to determine the best approach for your needs.
- Color Mapping: We plan color placements for visual balance and maximum impact.
- Pre-Lightening: If needed, your hair is lifted to a clean canvas using bond-safe techniques.
- Color Application: Each section is dyed using professional-grade, vivid color formulations.
- Gloss & Seal: We finish with a custom gloss to boost shine and seal in the tones.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your stylist about bond-repair treatments like K18 or Olaplex to keep hair healthy during the lightening process.
The Color Theory Behind Calico Hair
Part of what makes calico hair so visually captivating is color science:
- Complementary colors (like blue and orange) create bold, high-contrast looks.
- Analogous tones (like pink, red, and orange) flow harmoniously.
- Your skin undertone also matters: warm-toned clients glow in golds and coppers, while cool-toned beauties shine in icy pastels.
💡 Pro Tip: Match shades to your skin undertone for maximum glow.
Calico Hair Maintenance: Keep It Vivid

Because of its high saturation and contrast, calico hair benefits from targeted maintenance. Here are our top tips:
- Use a color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water.
- Limit heat styling, and always use thermal protection.
- Apply weekly color masks or conditioners with pigment.
- Schedule gloss refreshes every 6–8 weeks.
- Consider co-washing for textured hair to reduce fading.
- Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and extend vibrancy.
What NOT to Do With Calico Hair
- Don’t DIY unless you’re experienced with bleach and color separation.
- Avoid overlapping bleach on previously colored sections.
- Skip box dye – it doesn’t offer the precision calico requires.
- Don’t forget heat protection if you regularly blow-dry or straighten.
Seasonal Calico Hair Inspiration
Refresh your calico look to match the season.
- Summer: Aqua, peach, tangerine
- Autumn: Pumpkin spice, wine red, deep bronze
- Winter: Ice silver, cobalt, charcoal
- Spring: Mint green, baby pink, butter yellow
Calico hair evolves with you, make it a seasonal statement.
Is Calico Hair Trend Right For You?
If you’re ready to break free from the ordinary and embrace bold hair color trends, calico hair could be your summer statement. It’s more than just a hairstyle; it’s wearable art that lets your personality shine.
Whether you love bright festival-ready hues or prefer subtle yet striking earth tones, this color-blocking technique can be tailored to your lifestyle, skin tone, and hair type.
💡 Pro Tip: The best calico styles balance color placement, contrast, and hair health, something best achieved in a professional salon like Hāste, where our stylists use bond-repair systems and premium pigments for long-lasting vibrancy.
At Hāste Urban Hair Spa, we specialize in transforming hair into a custom canvas from dazzling multi-color panels to soft patchwork blends. Our expert colorists will work with you one-on-one to design a look that’s Instagram-worthy yet totally you.
Your next hair transformation starts here — Book your calico hair consultation at Hāste today and step out with a color that turns heads everywhere you go.
FAQ
Is calico coloring damaging?
Not if done professionally. We use bond-repair systems and low-ammonia color to protect your strands.
Can I do calico coloring at home?
It’s best left to salon experts. Precision placement is essential, and mistakes are difficult to correct without additional bleaching.
Can I get a calico coloring on dark hair?
Yes, though some lightning is usually required for vibrancy. You can also opt for darker calico tones.
How long does the process take?
Typically, 3–6 hours depending on your starting color, hair length, and desired intensity.
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on complexity. Book a consultation with Hāste to get a personalized quote.
How do I make the colors last longer?
Wash in cool water, use color-safe shampoo, apply weekly color masks, and refresh your gloss every 6–8 weeks.