KEY TAKEAWAYS: Natural hair health and an embrace of natural hair color is here to stay – but what caused it's rise in the ranks in the beauty trends? And further, what should stylists like you know about embracing their natural hair health? 

Updated March 28, 2025

Newsflash, beauty pros–it’s not just about the perfect-for-client color anymore.

Nope, nowadays, natural hair color and hair trends are about more than just how they look on a person; they need to be backed up by two important things: how they *feel* and how they impact the overall natural hair health and well-being of that client.

What do we think about these new fads? We’re totally on board, and we’re willing to bet you are, too. 

What we’re really here to cover is the need-to-know info from this important report so that you don’t have to spend a few hours driving through to find the highlights. 

We’ve done the hard work for ya, friend (no need to thank us, it’s all part of the job). 

So, sit back and relax (but not too much, you’ll want to pay attention) as you glean a little insight about the latest and most prominent hair trends out there.

Must-Know Info About Natural Hair Health & Hair Color

Where Did These Natural Hair Health & Color Trends Come From?

Here’s the thing. This little trend update isn’t just based on our opinion. We’re straight-up deliverin’ the facts.

A 2022 report from Perfect Corp., a fashion tech solutions provider (and an AI and AR company, too) called The 2022 Top Hair Color Trends Around the World: A Global Analysis of Virtual Hair Color Try-On Data supports this info.

The company was able to collect this data with the help of the thousands of hair and makeup filters they’ve made available online. 

But the important thing to realize here is that this info isn’t necessarily new.

You can look at how hair trends have changed in the past, and you’ve probably seen a total shift from the total transformation trend to a more natural take on personal beauty. 

Further, consumers and clients are spending a lot less time focusing on how they look and a lot more time focusing on how they feel–that means natural hair health is going to play an enormous role in their hair care regimen and the services they request. 

Remember when lockdowns and social distancing were in place way back in 2020? Well, a lot of consumers and clients were forced to stay home, grow their roots, and try to care for their hair on their own. Even though that was years ago, that was a first, initial shift toward embracing natural hair. 

Obviously, this played a huge role in the way our current trends developed. It’s likely a reason there’s a huge shift toward natural color and the push for hair health overall, too.

What Cosmetologists Need to Know About Natural Hair Health & Color Trends, According to the Report 

OK, OK, let’s get to the real bulk of the article, the reason you’re here in the first place–let’s talk about what that report found. Here are the main takeaways we think you should pay attention to:

• This is less exciting, in our opinion, but according to the report, cosmetologists like you will likely switch to digital swatches for hair color in the future instead of opting for bundle swatches. It’s just the way the world is going. 
  
  
• Gray roots are on-trend in a big way. There’s less of an inclination to cover up roots than ever before, and we love it (big time). 
  
  
• Hair health is the main focus for most consumers right now. People want haircare routines, they’re embracing natural hair shades, and they want to optimize their natural colors in ways they love. 
  
  
• Minimizing damage and preserving hair conditions is a primary goal for most consumers. 
  
  
• Rich, natural hair colors are top of mind for most consumers–especially richer brunette tones. 
  
  
• Vivid tones continue to be popular in a fun, experimental way.

More Natural Hair Health & Color Trends to Keep an Eye On

Personalized Natural Hair Routines 

Say goodbye to the guesswork – personalized hair care is here to slay! One-size-fits-all routines? So last season.

Thanks to AI-driven diagnostics and high-tech hair wizardry, brands are whipping up ultra-customized shampoos, conditioners, and treatments tailored to your unique hair type, scalp condition, and even lifestyle habits. 

Imagine an app that scans your scalp and delivers a hair routine crafted just for you. Yep, that’s happening!

Personalized hair supplements are also stealing the spotlight, packed with the exact nutrients your strands need to thrive. Whether your locks crave hydration, strength, or a serious growth boost, the future of hair care is all about YOU. 

Sustainable & Clean Beauty in Natural Hair Health

Sustainability is more than a trend. It’s the future of hair care (trust us, we’ve done our digging)! Consumers are demanding cleaner, greener, and more ethical products, and brands are stepping up in a big way. 

Think waterless shampoo bars, biodegradable hair masks, and refillable bottles that kick waste to the curb. Salons are joining the movement, too, offering sustainable product lines and eco-conscious treatments. With more options than ever, it’s never been easier to pamper your locks while protecting the planet.

The Influence of Social Media on Natural Hair Health Trends

From viral rosemary oil scalp massages to DIY rice water rinses, social media is the ultimate trendsetter in hair care. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are packed with experts, influencers, and hair enthusiasts dishin’ the tea on what actually works. 

The "skinification of hair,”aka treating your scalp with the same love as your skincare routine—is blowing up, and brands are responding with science-backed formulas that deliver real results. Whether it’s debunking myths, testing trending treatments, or giving honest product reviews, social media is making expert-level hair care more accessible (and entertaining!) than ever before. 

Holistic Approaches to Natural Hair Health 

Healthy hair isn’t just about what you put on your clients, it’s about what they put on when they’re no in your shop. The holistic hair care movement is bringing wellness front and center, proving that nutrition, stress management, and self-care play a major role in hair health. 

Protein-packed meals, omega-rich foods, and biotin-loaded snacks are fueling stronger, shinier strands from within.

Meanwhile, scalp massages (hello, gua sha combs!) are making waves for their ability to boost circulation and encourage growth. And let’s not forget adaptogenic herbs and probiotics, because a happy scalp means happy hair!

What Do These Hair Trends Mean for Your Business?  

You’re probably thinking, “OK, so, I get it–these are things to know for now, but they’re just trends. Why should I pay attention to them in the long term?” 

Natural hair color trends and natural hair health trends aren’t new; they’re just having new emphasis placed on them. So, even if there’s a time when these trends aren’t the main focus, they’ll never go out of style the way a pastel pink fad might.

If you’re not already, it’s time to shift gears and focus on perfecting the services you offer that align with these trends. Whether that means getting new certs, taking a few lessons, or just updating your offerings on your service list, we highly recommend taking a stab at these so you can make the most out of them.