Calico hair is a trending, multi-tonal colour technique inspired by the natural blend of shades found in Calico cats. It combines blonde, brunette, golden and red tones in seamless panels or highlights for a vibrant, dimensional look. Calico hair works across all hair textures and lengths, offering a bold yet wearable style. Its rise as a social media-driven trend has been quickly adopted by stylists worldwide.
What is Calico Hair?
Calico hair is a multi-tonal colouring approach blending golden blondes, brunettes, reds and coppers for a patchwork-inspired effect. Unlike uniform highlights, calico uses a high contrast and bold placement, it is extremely versatile and can be customised for subtle or dramatic results.
Calico Hair vs. Balayage or Ombre
Balayage creates soft, natural gradients, while ombre fades from dark to light. Calico hair is more patchwork-like and bold, with distinct sections of colour blending for dimension. For those wanting a high fashion look, calico is a great option, compared to those who want the softer finishes of balayage or ombre.
Key Considerations for Calico Hair
Skin Tone
Calico hair can be adapted to different skin tones, for those with warm undertones, opt for a warm golden or copper shade. If you have cooler undertones, cool blondes and ash brunettes will compliment this the most.
Hair Length & Texture
When it comes to length, calico hair shines on medium to long hair where the multi-tonal blend can be showcased. It also works on all hair textures such as straight, wavy or curly.
Maintenance Level
Compared to single-tone colours, calico hair requires more upkeep as the bold tones can fade faster. Touch ups every 6-8 weeks, and regular gloss treatments will help keep the hair looking vibrant.
Top 10 Calico Hair Colour Ideas
1. Classic Calico Blend (bronde, gold and copper)
The classic calico blend is a multi-dimensional hair colour trend inspired by the patchwork coat of a calico cat. It features three contrasting, strategically placed colours which can include a rich brunette base, warm copper and soft blonde or platinum highlights to create bold layers. The blend aims for a high contrast, striking appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Christina Aguilera.
Best for– the classic calico can be customised for all skin tones and hair types so is best for anyone wanting to take on a creative, high fashion style.
Styling tip– use colour safe and sulphate free products to preserve the vibrancy.
2. Brunette with Golden Calico Highlights
Brunette with golden calico highlights features a base of rich brunette, punctuated by warm, eye-catching streaks of golden blonde and often a contrasting red or copper hue. The colours are intentionally blended and placed in a patchy, dimensional way which creates a textured, eye-catching effect. Seen on celebrities such as Miley Cyrus.
Best for– this style is best for those with warm undertones, specifically golden, peachy or yellow tones as the warm golden-brown enhances the skin’s natural sun-kissed glow.
Styling tip– finish the hair with a shine serum to emphasise golden hues.
3. Calico Hair with Auburn and Blonde Mix
Calico hair with an auburn and blonde mix features distinct auburn/copper, blonde and often a dark brown colour to create a high contrast, patchwork effect. The colour is applied in noticeable, chunky sections to mimic the unique patterns of a calico cat. Seen on celebrities such as Kelly Clarkson.
Best for– this is a great option for people who want to incorporate multiple shades without committing to just one.
Styling tip– minimise heat styling and always use a heat protectant to prevent fading.
4. Dark Calico with Copper Pops
Dark calico with copper pops features a deep brunette or black base with chunky or soft-blended streaks of rich copper, red or blonde which creates a multi-tonal, high contrast look. The colours can be placed in various ways from bold, chunky highlights to softer, peekaboo styles. Seen on celebrities such as Leighton Meester.
Best for– this style is best for those with warm complexions as the copper tones harmonise beautifully with warmer skin.
Styling tip– apply a toner or gloss to melt the colours together, ensuring a seamless yet dimensional finish.
5. Calico Hair with Blonde and Caramel Contrast
This style combines bright blonde and warm caramel tones often with warm hues like copper or chestnut to produce a unique, blended look that can be customised to compliment various skin tones. While the base can incorporate any colour, a blonde and caramel combination focuses on rich, warm and earthy tones that provide a vibrant and natural look. Seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively.
Best for– this style is great for those with longer hair, it can enhance the volume of curls and can be adapted to various lengths and textures.
Styling tip– embrace loose waves and curls to highlight the multi-tonal effect.
6. Red-Toned Calico Hair
Red-toned calico hair features distinct, intentionally unblended sections of vibrant colours, including a dominant red or copper shade mixed with other contrasting tones like blonde, brunette or black. This creates a unique, patchy and statement-making look with red tones ranging from bright copper to warm amber or rich cinnamon. Seen on celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan.
Best for– red-toned calico hair is best for those with warm or olive skin tones as the warmer reds can complement the hues of these complexions.
Styling tip– a sleek and straight look is ideal for highlighting the sharp, blocky sections of colour.
7. Calico Hair with Face-Framing Highlights
Calico hair with face-framing highlights features three or more distinct, contrasting colours in blocks or chunky patches. The face-framing highlights are placed strategically around the face, normally with thicker, bold highlights or a ‘money piece’ to create a striking look. Seen on celebrities such as Nicole Richie.
Best for– this style is best for anyone looking to enhance their natural features as the face-framing highlights can brighten complexions.
Styling tip– schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your colours looking fresh.
8. Calico Hair on Curly Textures
When it comes to calico hair on curly textures, the key to success is working with the natural curl pattern for placement, creating depth and movement while complimenting your natural texture. Seen on celebrities such as Naomie Harris.
Best for– this is a great option for those with naturally curly hair, the distinct lines of the calico can help enhance curls.
Styling tip– wash hair less often, around 1-2 times per week to preserve the hair colour.
9. Subtle Calico for Professionals
Subtle calico for professionals describes a version of the calico hair trend, where colours are applied more blended and less extreme, ensuring the final look remains professional and office-appropriate while still offering a dimensional and unique style. Seen on celebrities such as Billie Eilish.
Best for– this is a great option for those looking for an edgier look who may work in corporate settings where a traditional calico may be too extreme.
Styling tip– opt for more pastel shades such as peach or more earthy tones like honey blonde for a gentler look.
10. Bold High-Contrast Calico
A bold, high-contrast calico features striking, non-blended blocks of three or more contrasting colours, most commonly, blonde, black and red which are applied in deliberate sections for a graphic look. The key is minimal root blending and maximum visual separation between the colours. Seen on celebrities such as Hayley Williams.
Best for– this is a great look for those looking for a head-turning look that stands out.
Styling tip– be clear that you don’t want a soft blend or ombre, you’re looking for distinct sections of colour.
Tips for Maintaining Calico Hair
Use Colour-Safe Products
Use colour safe shampoos and conditioners to protect the bold, multi-tonal hair.
Gloss Treatments & Toner
Refreshing the tones every 6-8 weeks with gloss treatments and toners will help keep the colours bright.
Protect from Heat & UV
Using a heat protectant or UV spray will keep hair looking bright and stop reds and coppers fading quickly.
Book Your Calico Hair Appointment at Rush
Thinking about changing up your look? Book into your closest Rush salon for your calico hair transformation. Stylists can adapt the tones to compliment your skin tone, face shape and personal style.
FAQ's
What is calico hair?
Calico hair is a multi-coloured hair technique that mimics the natural patchwork of colours found in calico cats, using distinct blocks of colours like red, blonde, black or brown.
Is calico hair the same as balayage?
No, calico hair is not the same as balayage. Balayage involves soft, blended and natural-looking colours whereas calico features high contrast blocks.
Does calico hair suit all hair types?
Yes, calico hair suits all hair types as it is a versatile technique that can be customised to individual textures, lengths and skin tones.
How often should I refresh calico hair colour?
You should refresh your calico hair colour every four to six weeks to keep all the colours bright.
Can I make calico hair more subtle for everyday wear?
Yes, to make calico hair more subtle, opt for a blended highlight technique with smaller, more delicate strands rather than chunky sections.
Which shades look best in calico hair for my skin tone?
Warm undertones work best with colours like gold, copper or honey blonde whereas cooler undertones work best with rich auburn, burgundy and platinum.
