Hair Color Trends That Are Dominating Houston Salons Right Now

By Janelle Alexis | Hair Color & Trends

Houston women have taste — and they’re not afraid to show it. After years behind the chair in this city, I can tell you that our clients aren’t chasing every TikTok trend. They’re looking for color that makes them feel confident in their real lives: at the office, at the gala, at school pickup, on date night. Here’s what’s actually moving through my salon right now.

Warm Brunette Balayage

The cool ash tones of the 2010s have officially given way to warm, rich brunettes with caramel and amber balayage. Think honey-dipped ends, a warm base with brightness concentrated around the face, and a lived-in grow-out that looks intentional. This look is incredibly flattering across skin tones and is one of my most-requested services this year.

Glazed Donut Blonde

Yes, the internet named it that, but the look itself is genuinely stunning. A creamy, luminous blonde with cool undertones and a glass-like shine. The key to achieving this is toning — getting the brass out and sealing the color with a gloss. Maintenance is required (I recommend a toning treatment every 4–6 weeks between full services), but the result is worth every minute.

Color Melting

Color melting is a technique where multiple shades blend seamlessly from root to tip with no harsh lines or distinct transitions. The result looks completely natural — like your hair just grew this way, catching the light in different ways. It’s particularly stunning for brunettes who want dimension without committing to a full blonde transformation.

Chunky Highlights: The Comeback

I know. I know. But hear me out — chunky highlights are back, and they’re actually chic when done correctly. The difference between the throwback version and the modern interpretation is all in the placement and the tones. Modern chunky highlights are bespoke: positioned strategically around the face and through the top sections for maximum brightness, with warm undertones that feel of-the-moment rather than dated.

What to Think About Before You Switch Up Your Color

Before you book a drastic color change, have an honest conversation with your stylist (or with me — I offer virtual consultations). Think about your maintenance commitment, your hair’s current health and porosity, and whether the color you want works with your skin tone. The best hair color is one that you’ll still love six weeks after it’s done, not just in the chair.

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— Janelle Alexis