Ever thought about getting to look at a calico cat’s wonderfully mottled, multi-colored cat but wished you could somehow transfer that same fun, colourful pattern to your hair? Well, many others have thought the same thing and here is one of the most popular calico hair color trends to come along in several years.
The Calico Cat is one particular style that is modeled after the naturally occurring unique spotted markings of calico cats, which are black, orange and creamy-white. Rather than a single, even-toned color or even traditional highlights, the effect uses blocks of contrasting colors that are bolder and more irregular in shape, resulting in a truly artistic, playful and entirely different look than you’ve seen before.
Today, we’ll look at seven beautiful hair color concepts for calico that may assist you achieve that multi-dimensional appearance. If you’re looking for something subtle to wear or something that’s more maximalist, you’ll find inspiration here to take to your next salon appointment.
Let’s dive in.
What is Calico Hair Anyway?
It’s important that you first know what makes this one color technique so unique from the more traditional coloring techniques before you begin looking at the different styles to see if they are a good fit for you.
Calico hair is usually a blend of three different tones with a blonde, red or copper base and a brown or black highlight. Calico highlights are not laid in in patterns as with traditional balayage or foil highlights, but instead create irregular, chunky highlights that resemble the random, organic placement of the colored patches in a calico cat’s natural coat.
This is a fairly popular technique due to the incredible customization that it provides. Others have chosen to go with the more subdued shades such as rose gold, cream, and auburn, whereas others have completely taken the plunge with the high contrast aspect of the trend, choosing bright copper hair to complement jet black or auburn hair.
First off, it is important to point out that this is a look that is usually only done by a highly experienced colorist who knows how to create the look by applying chunky highlights and color blocking techniques, and has a certain skill level to do so intentionally and artistically.
Following is the detail of Calico hairs
1. Classic Three-Tone Calico Blend
The most common version of this trend is a mix of medium brunette hair and chunky copper and platinum blonde hairs, which closely resembles a calico cat’s normal black, orange, and white coloring. This classic version is still the most popular one to begin the trend.
The effect of this combination is very nice, with enough of an “in nature” look to be wearable in everyday life and still provide a level of visual interest. The difference in the three colours gives dimension and movement to the hair that just can’t be achieved with solid colour hair.
Styling advice: To highlight the lighter blonde and copper highlights around your face, as this will give your complexion the brightening effect that it will look best.
2. Soft, Muted Calico Tones
If you prefer to take the plunge into this trend, but don’t want to go to the extreme, a softer and more subdued look is a great alternative. The tones used in this kind of look are generally complementary rather than the high contrast pairing that is more typical of this look, and they are more subdued in color such as rose gold, cream, soft auburn, and others.
This is one of the many hair color styles for calico hair that is perfect for work or individuals who prefer a more sophisticated and subtle look to the calico hair trend. The less defined contrast between tints gives a more muted, subdued look to the overall image that still retains the feel of this approach to color that is so playful.
- Perfect for light to medium complexion skin tones
- Looks fantastic with a romantic soft style hair, such as loose waves
- Provides a broader context to the overall trend in more of an office way of thinking
3. High-Contrast Bold Calico
If you’re ready to give this trend the maximalist treatment, it’s a truly eye-catching, show-stopping look when paired with a deep, jet black shade. The high contrast, with bold color blocks, is a bold and quite extreme rendering that is decidedly artistic and expressive.
This kind of style is particularly crucial for individuals who have a naturally bold personality and would like to have their hair to appear as a actual statement part. The sharp contrast between bright copper and dark black can make for an amazing visual impact, especially in bright light or in photographs.
Practical tip: This colour combination is very vibrant and needs lots of attention so arrange for more frequent touch-up appointments to ensure the colors remain fresh and vibrant.
High-contrast calico is continuing to be a trend, and this is for good reason.
This bolder interpretation is still favored today, and one that really photographs really well, for that very reason, that’s why it is a hair favorite for people who enjoy documenting their hair transformations on social media platforms.
4. Calico Balayage
Instead of using chunky blocked sections some colorists have taken the calico idea and created a more gentle, balayage style hand-painting technique throughout the hair for a more natural graduated look. This is a method that keeps the multi-tonal effect of calico hair, but provides a more effortless and simple look.
This specific kind is perfect for individuals who value the concept of calico hair yet favor the softer regrowth that balayage methods normally give than much more precisely positioned foil highlights. This makes it an actual viable option for individuals that would prefer to visit the salon less often.
This style is a great choice for layered haircuts as the layers will add movement to the hair, making the blended multi-dimensional color placement look great.
5. Peekaboo Calico Highlights
If creating a more understated, subtle look with calico highlights is a preference, peekaboo cuts are an option, as they add the signature three-tone silhouette to the top of the hair, which only display the colors when hair is combed or when it moves. This is more of a surprise where, than a sudden “over-the-spot” transformation.
This is one of the best calico hair ideas for someone who is more conservative in their workplace since the colors are still well undercover in an average, professional hairstyle, but are more open to self-expression by letting their hair down or styling it in another way for special occasions.
Recommendation: If you’re into half-up or loose ponytails, try to show off the Calico underneath now and then, for a bit of surprise throughout the day.
6. Textured Wavy Calico
The mixture of the popular multi-tonal coloring of the trend and the soft, textured waves adds a romantic and effortlessly cool look to the overall hairstyle. This particular style generally incorporates warm browns, stand-out blonde highlights, and playful touches of red or copper in the middle to longer length hair.
This is especially effective for medium to thick hair density as waves add to the volume and movement of the hair to reveal the multi-dimensional coloring beautifully. The perfect match for oval and heart-shaped faces where the color placement of this combination complements the natural bone structure.
This is one of the most naturally integrated, relatable, and interesting ideas for calico hair out of the ones mentioned in this article; and maybe the most fun of all.
7. Calico Hair With Cut Bangs
If you are ready for this trend’s bold and statement making potential, then you can combine classics of black, red and blonde with blunt straight across bangs which gives you a definite edgy and fashion forward look. This is a playful rendition of the style, which has a retro flair to it, and it works hugely with the maximalist quality of the trend.
This blend is particularly flattering for round or oval facial shapes as the structured bangs delineate the face whereas the multi-tonal, lively color adds to the overall visual appeal of the other sections of the hair. This style is best suited for frequent use of styling products, not only to keep the color looking bright, but also to keep the bangs looking crisp.
Is Calico Hair Low Maintenance?
But, with three very different tones being mixed together, one can only wonder how much work goes into this specific trend? As for the honest answer, it is really rather dependent on the specific variation you select, and the particular colour combination that you just get.
Regular glossing is important to preserve that deliberate, balanced contrast between colors over time, as different shades in this technique tend to fade at different rates, especially the more intense shades of copper or red versus the more well-suited shades of brunette.
People who opt for the softer and muted shades of the trend tend to encounter less fading or regrowth than those who go with the trend’s bolder and higher contrast options. If you’re worried about maintenance issues, your stylist can help you choose a less intense color scheme, and help you enjoy this trend without having to worry about too many upkeep requirements.
So how to select the suitable calico hair variation for you?
Given the number of creative options, how do you know the one you choose is truly right for you, your lifestyle, and your maintenance abilities? These factors should be taken into account before the salon consultation.
- Personal style: Bolde personalities tend to go for high contrast combinations, while muted personalities might go for softer, more subtle colors.
- Conventional environment: If you’re in a conservative work setting, you might opt for peekaboo or more subtle balayage work over chunky color blocking.
- The health of hair – When multiple contrasting tones are applied especially when there is a great deal of lightening involved, it can be challenging on your hair health, which is why it is important to consult with a professional about your hair’s condition.
- Maintenance willingness: The chances are that bolder, striking combinations will need more frequent maintenance than lighter, blended ones.
Also, it’s good to bring photos of your hair or other examples to your consultation to give your colorist a better idea of what it is you’re looking for in terms of an interpretation of this large trend.
Caring for Multi-Tonal Calico Hair
However, achieving your desired calico hair color appearance is not enough, it is important to maintain all three signature tones between salon visits.
Always use colour safe shampoo and conditioner that have been specially designed to prevent colour loss, as normal conditioners and shampoos may contain harsh chemicals that remove colour molecules more quickly than conditioners and shampoos specifically made to maintain colour.
To keep all of the tones in your calico hair looking fresh and balanced, include regular gloss appointments, even if you’re having full color appointments in between.
Avoid excessive heat styling, and use a good quality heat protectant when using hot styling tools; as multiple lightening processes are normally needed to create this type of look, hair is more susceptible to further heat damage.
Lastly add in regular deep conditioning treatments, as you may need to process the hair more than regular coloring to achieve multiple contrasting tones.
The most common mistakes to avoid when using calico hair
Despite this fantastic and creative trend, individuals do some stupid blunders in their attempt to achieve this look.
A common error is trying to do it without the proper guidance, especially considering the technical aspect of creating the effect of randomness as opposed to an uneven, unintentional look.
A common mistake is to use too high a contrast with colours which are then not realistic on the basis of the maintenance they will require, especially considering that some will fade more quickly than others, so that the original colour range is not achieved after high quality touch-up appointments.
Last but not least, many people underestimate how different this can look when it’s applied to their individual hair, natural base colour and face shape, as all of these will make a difference in the final look.
Final Thoughts
So, taking on the “calico” hair attitude is really a means of a true artistic expression and a unique way to have a personalized hair color. As you’ve read, there really is a combination for every taste, ranging from daring and over-the-top high-contrast colors to more subdued, muted hues suitable for an office environment.
Keep in mind, this type of style can only be achieved to a high degree by a colorist who has a strong grasp of the technical aspects of chunky highlighting and multiple tonal colour blocking. This is usually not a trend that is appropriate for home experiments.
Regardless of which one you choose, celebrate the fun and vibrant nature of calico hair. The best changes are the ones that come from a creative idea that may be inspired from the strangest of sources, such as cats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about calico hair
Q1. What colors are typically used in calico hair?
Calico hair typically combines three contrasting tones, most commonly blonde, red or copper, and brown or black, mimicking the classic tri-color pattern found in calico cats.
Q2. Is calico hair suitable for all hair types?
While this technique can be adapted for various hair types, it tends to show off best on medium to thick hair density, where the multiple tones and chunky placement create maximum visual impact.
Q3. How much does calico hair typically cost at a salon?
Costs vary significantly based on your current hair color, desired vibrancy, and salon location, though this technique generally costs more than traditional highlights due to its complexity and multiple color applications.
Q4. Can I achieve calico hair at home?
This trend generally requires professional expertise due to the technical skill needed for proper color blocking and lightening, making it a look better suited for an experienced salon colorist rather than at-home application.
Q5. How often do I need touch-ups for calico hair?
Most people require touch-ups and glossing treatments every four to six weeks, since the different tones within calico hair tend to fade at varying rates and need periodic refreshing to maintain balance.
