2025 Hair Colour Trends: From Gothic Brunette to Muted Blonde

Top colourists are signalling a mood shift for 2025: hair colour is moving towards nuanced, natural-looking polish with a dramatic, high-gloss countercurrent. Reports highlight demand for deep, inky “gothic brunette” tones alongside softly lit, “muted blonde” shades. Rather than one-size-fits-all colour, the emphasis is on subtle dimension, bespoke toning, and finishes that look expensive yet effortless. Here, we unpack what these trends mean, how they translate in the chair, and the maintenance to plan for if you’re considering a change.

Gothic Brunette: Deep, Inky, and Ultra-Gloss

“Gothic brunette” captures a return to darker, moodier hair with a saturated, mirror-shine finish. Think cool-to-neutral undertones, a soft-focus edge rather than harsh jet-black, and the kind of depth that looks plush under any light. The effect feels modern because it’s not flat: the best versions introduce micro-tonal variation and a glassy glaze, so the colour moves rather than sitting as a single block.

Why it’s trending now: after years of high-lift blonding and sun-kissed balayage, many are gravitating towards richness and condition. Darker shades can make hair look thicker, healthier, and more editorial, while a gloss service smooths the cuticle for that tell-tale shine.

• Undertone matters: cool or neutral sheens keep the colour sophisticated (avoiding unwanted red warmth).
• Glazing is key: a clear or tinted gloss amplifies shine and subtly refines tone.
• Dimension over flat colour: whisper-fine lowlights/highlights prevent a heavy, wig-like effect.
• Maintenance rhythm: top up gloss and tone every 4–8 weeks to preserve richness and sheen.

Suitability: Gothic brunette tends to flatter a broad range of skin tones. On cooler complexions, ask for neutral-to-ash undertones; on warmer skin, aim for a neutral base with minimal red reflect to keep it expensive-looking rather than brassy. If you’re wary of going very dark, try a shaded root melt with your natural base deepened by half a level for wearable drama.

Muted Blonde: Soft, Blended, and Low-Contrast

On the other end of the spectrum, “muted blonde” is about restraint: softened highlights, muted toners, and neutral-to-cool finishes that read chic, not shouty. Instead of icy, high-contrast streaks, expect whispery ribbons of lightness, smudged roots, and a tonal direction tailored to your skin and brow colour.

Why it’s resonating: Over-processed blonde is high-maintenance and can look thin or brittle. Muted blonde preserves lightness while prioritising condition and believability. It’s a trend that photographs beautifully because the blend is seamless and the tone sits in a refined, editorial space between warm and cool.

• Root smudge for realism: softens regrowth lines and extends the time between appointments.
• Neutral toners: dial down brass without tipping into flat grey.
• Micro-weaves and teasylights: fine placements that melt into the base colour.
• Glaze regularly: a gloss service keeps the tone muted and the cuticle smooth.

Suitability: If your brows or natural base are medium to deep, a muted blonde with a deeper root and airy ends feels balanced and intentional. For paler bases, ask for barely-there contrast through the mid-lengths with a subtle halo of brightness around the face. The goal is elegance and softness, not maximal lift at all costs.

Dimension, Toning, and the “Expensive” Finish

Across both ends of the colour spectrum, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of nuance. The hallmark is a bespoke, dimensional approach that allows hair to look full, glossy, and healthy in motion. Whether you’re going darker or lighter, these techniques underpin the most-requested looks:

• Strategic contrast: Subtle lows through lighter hair or micro-highlights through darker hair add movement without obvious striping.
• Smart toning: Neutral-leaning toners strike the sweet spot—refined without the flatness of overly ashy shades.
• Glossing/glazing: Clear or sheer-tinted glosses improve shine, seal the cuticle, and tweak tone between bigger colour services.
• Soft gradients: Melts, smudges, and shadowing build believable transitions from root to tip.
• Condition-first colour: Techniques and timings that protect integrity, maintaining bounce and light reflection.

Expect a salon conversation that focuses less on “one shade” and more on a tonal story: undertones, placement, finish, and upkeep. Ask to see photographs under different lighting to check how your new tone will read in real life—not just under the salon’s LEDs.

Planning Your Salon Visit: Questions, Upkeep, and Realistic Goals

If the gothic brunette or muted blonde mood board has you curious, arrive at your consultation with a clear brief and an open mind. Colourists are prioritising longevity and condition, and the best outcomes come from aligning inspiration with what your hair can comfortably achieve.

• Bring references that show tone and finish: Close-ups under natural light help your colourist decode undertone and gloss level, not just the vibe.
• Be candid about your hair history: Previous lightening, at-home dye, and keratin treatments influence how your hair lifts or takes on depth.
• Discuss maintenance windows: Darker glosses may need refreshing every 4–8 weeks; muted blondes often stretch to 8–12 weeks with a root smudge.
• Agree on a tonal pathway: If transitioning—from bright blonde to muted, or from light brown to gothic brunette—plan staged appointments.
• Prioritise aftercare: Tone-safe shampoos, periodic glosses, and heat protection maintain clarity and shine between visits.

Remember: lightening and deepening both change how hair reflects light. Your stylist may suggest minor haircut tweaks (dusting ends, adding face-framing layers) to make the new tone read intentional and luxurious.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 hair colour is defined by nuance: deep, glossy “gothic brunette” and softly blended “muted blonde” are leading requests.
• Dimension, smart toning, and regular glossing create the polished, expensive-looking finish seen across both trends.
• Maintenance is manageable with good planning: darker glosses around 4–8 weeks; muted blondes often 8–12 weeks between major services.
• Undertone is everything—cool-to-neutral shades keep both dark and light colours chic and prevent unwanted brassiness.
• The best results come from tailored placement and honest consultation about hair history, condition, and long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “gothic brunette” the same as black hair colour?
Not necessarily. Gothic brunette reads very dark, but the best versions are neutral-to-cool brunettes layered with subtle dimension and topped with a high-shine glaze. It’s richer and more nuanced than a flat, inky black.

How do I keep a muted blonde from turning brassy?
Book periodic toners or glosses, minimise heat, and use tone-safe cleansing (your colourist may steer you toward gentle, colour-preserving formulas). UV protection and reducing mineral build-up from hard water also help.

Can I transition from bright blonde to a muted blonde in one visit?
Often, yes—especially if the goal is softening contrast rather than dramatically darkening. Your colourist may use a root smudge, lowlights, and a refined toner to create a muted, blended finish in a single session.

Will going very dark make my hair look flat?
It can if the shade is a single flat tone. Ask for micro-dimension and a customised glaze; this brings depth and lustre so the hair looks plush and expensive, not dense or heavy.

How frequently should I refresh a gloss?
Most glosses last 4–8 weeks depending on your wash routine, heat styling, and exposure to sun or chlorinated water. Expect to refresh between major colour services to keep tone and shine on point.

What should I ask my colourist to achieve a soft, muted blonde?
Request a low-contrast highlight placement (micro-weaves or teasylights), a soft root smudge for lived-in regrowth, and a neutral-to-cool toner that mutes without going grey.

Does darker colour mean less maintenance?
It can, especially if you’re close to your natural depth. However, deep shades with cool undertones may still need periodic toning to prevent warmth and maintain that luxe, gothic finish.