If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed bold blocks of warm brunettes, golden blondes, and fiery reds popping up on your feed. This playful, multi-tonal look is being called the Calico Color Trend, inspired by—you guessed it—the chic patchwork tones of calico cats. It’s giving high contrast, statement color while still feeling wearable and elevated.
Whether you’re a stylist ready to experiment with color blocking or someone dreaming up your next hair transformation, here’s everything you need to know about the look that’s set to take over 2025:
What is Calico Hair Color?
Picture rich chocolate paired with copper pops or golden blonde streaked through warm honey tones—the key is a patchwork of complementary colors that creates dimension with a bit of edge. It’s not quite chunky highlights from the early 2000s; think modern, soft blends with bold sections.
Why We Love It:
✔️ Customizable: Whether you want high contrast or soft ribbons, calico works for everyone.
✔️ Low-Maintenance: Since it plays with your natural tones, regrowth is subtle.
✔️ Trend-Forward: It’s the perfect balance of bold + lived-in, giving that cool-girl, effortless vibe.
How Stylists Are Creating It
For stylists, nailing the calico look is all about clean sectioning and control to make sure those color blocks pop—without bleeding into each other. Here’s what pros are using to get that precision:
✨ Elevate Gold Clips: These sleek, pro-favorite clips are strong enough to hold thick sections in place without slipping, making them perfect for keeping your color blocks neat and separated. Bonus—they look chic on your tray (and in your BTS shots 😉).
✨ YS Park Foiling Comb: If you know, you know. This comb is a stylist’s best friend for precise sectioning and weaving. Its metal tail lets you glide through hair like butter, giving you clean, crisp lines for that calico placement.
Stylist Tip: Focus your boldest tones around the face or underneath for a peek-a-boo effect—or go all in with high-contrast sections for a full calico moment. It’s all about customizing it to your client’s vibe.
Thinking of Trying Calico?
Clients—this is your sign to bring this inspo to your stylist. Screenshots welcome. The best part? This look can be tailored to your comfort level—go soft and subtle or embrace the bold patchwork effect.
Just remember: Healthy hair = vibrant color. Keep your strands strong with color-safe products, limit heat styling, and book those gloss appointments to keep your tones rich and shiny.
The Bottom Line:
The Calico Color Trend is here to shake up your hair game—whether you’re in the chair or behind it. Stylists, grab your Elevate Gold Clips and YS Park Comb (both available at ElevateHair.com) and get ready to paint some patchwork magic.
Clients, ready to stand out? Show this post to your stylist and get ready for your dream multi-tonal moment.
