Clients are walking into salons this year with screenshots, not just ideas — and the trends behind those screenshots have a common thread: colour that works with the hair's natural texture instead of fighting it.
Copper balayage remains the most-requested service on natural and relaxed hair alike, because a hand-painted technique grows out softly and needs fewer touch-ups than a full-head process. Jewel tones — emerald, sapphire and deep plum — are close behind, usually applied as money-piece accents rather than all-over colour.
Money pieces framing the face, glossy 'your hair but better' toning, and low-maintenance root smudging round out the list. All four techniques share a business advantage worth teaching new stylists early: they extend the time between salon visits, which clients value and which makes it easier to price a service as a package rather than a single appointment.
On pricing: quote balayage and colour-melt services by time and product volume, not a flat rate, and always show clients a maintenance schedule at the consultation. It sets expectations and turns a one-off visit into a recurring booking.