The latest hair color trend making waves on social media is the calico hair trend, a stunning style inspired by the distinctive fur of calico cats.
Known for their unique patches of black, white, and orange, calico cats sport a striking and beautiful look that translates perfectly into a bold and creative hair color trend.
What is Calico Hair?
Source: TikTok @bel_rmz_artistry
Calico hair involves a blend of multiple colors that mimic the tri-colored pattern of a calico cat's fur.
Typically, this means incorporating shades of black or brown, blonde, and various tones of orange or red into your hair. The result is a head-turning, multifaceted look that's as unique as the feline inspiration behind it.
What I love most about this hair color trend is the incredible variety and personality it allows. There are countless ways to approach this trend, from bold, chunky highlights to subtle, delicate highlights. You can go for just a few strands in blonde, black, or red, add a striking money piece, or go for stunning peekaboo hair. The options are endless, so you can make this look totally unique and your own!
How to Try the Calico Hair Trend Using AI
Curious about how you'd look with calico-inspired hair? Thanks to advancements in technology, you can now preview this daring style without any commitment.
The YouCam Makeup app offers an AI Face Swap technology that allows you to try the calico hair trend virtually. (iOS only)
AI-generated Calico Hair Image
You can download the image above or use any other image you like and then add your face to the image with YouCam Makeup's AI Face Swap feature (iOS only)!
Simply download the YouCam Makeup app, available on both iOS and Android, and then tap the AI Face Swap feature to experiment with the calico hair trend. Upload a calico hair image to the app and then choose a photo of yourself to watch the app add your face to the image.
More Calico Hair Inspirations
Here are a few of my favorite calico hair examples from some amazing hairstyle artists, who shared their work on TikTok and Instagram:
Calico Hair Idea 1: Chunky Calico Highlights
Source: TikTok @treasurelapadura
This calico hairstyle features bold sections of red, black, and blonde, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
Calico Hair Idea 2: Calico Money Piece
Source: TikTok @scenesweetheart
Calico hair can be perfectly accentuated with a striking money piece!
Calico Hair Idea 3: Calico Bob
Source: TikTok @jubacolorida
This calico bob combines red and blonde highlights on top with black hair underneath for a stunning effect.
Calico Hair Idea 4: Chunky Highlights
Source: TikTok @blockedbybre
Another beautiful example of a calico hairstyle, showcasing chunky highlights in a perfect combination of platinum blonde, dark red, and black.
Calico Hair Idea 5: Calico Wolf Cut
Source: Instagram @zoedoesyourhair
This calico wolf cut beautifully layers copper red on the bottom, blonde in the middle, and black on top.
Calico Hair Idea 6: Subtle Calico Hair
Source: Instagram @styledartistry_byabbeyrose
This calico hair is a more subtle approach to the trend, with blonde and black highlights peeking through copper red.
Calico Hair Idea 7: Small Highlights
Source: Instagram @hairxwiches
A version of calico hair featuring small blonde highlights evenly spread throughout, creating a striking contrast with red.
Calico Hair Idea 8: Curly Calico Bob
Source: Instagram @huesbychy
The calico hair trend is not just for straight or wavy hair, it also looks amazing with a curly bob!
Calico Hair Idea 9. Calico Statement Strand
Source: Instagram @meganmade_
This calico style includes a beautiful red statement strand.
Calico Hair Idea 10. Calico Split Money Piece
Source: Instagram @georgeeblancoo
Here's another bold calico hairstyle with a chunky money piece, split between blonde and black.
Calico Hair Idea 11. Calico Statement Strands
Source: Instagram @lorettamarie_hair
This calico look features two blonde and black strands on each side, adding a cute and unique touch.
YouCam Makeup: Best Hairstyles and Colors Try-On App
Apart from the AI face swap feature, YouCam Makeup also offers an amazing AI Hairstyle feature that comes with 40+ hairstyles and 14+ AI hair colors, as well as a Hair Color feature with 150+ hair color filters.
Calico Hair Color FAQs
Is calico hair high maintenance?
Yes, calico hair can be high maintenance due to the blend of multiple vibrant colors. It requires regular touch-ups to keep the colors vivid and prevent fading. Proper care, such as using sulfate-free shampoos and applying color-protecting products, helps maintain the look longer. Visiting a professional stylist for maintenance is often recommended.
What colors do I need for calico hair?
To achieve the calico hair look, you'll need a mix of bold and natural tones. The most common combinations include:
- Orange
- Black
- Blonde (or creamy white
These shades are applied in a patchy or streaked pattern to mimic the coat of a calico cat, creating a unique, vibrant, and eye-catching style.
What is the calico hair color trend?
Calico hair involves a blend of multiple colors that mimic the tri-colored pattern of a calico cat's fur. Typically, this means incorporating shades of black or brown, blonde, and various tones of orange or red into your hair.
What does calico hair mean?
Calico hair refers to a multi-colored hairstyle inspired by the coat of calico cats. It typically involves three distinct colors—orange, black, and blonde—strategically placed in a patchy or streaked fashion. This hair color style symbolizes individuality and boldness, appealing to those seeking a creative and unique look.