Looking for a quick way to shave years off your appearance? Celebrity colorists swear by certain hair colors that can instantly brighten your face and make you look more youthful. These expert-recommended shades work magic by complementing skin tones, adding dimension, and creating that coveted fresh-faced glow we all want.
1. Balayage caramelo
Sun-kissed caramel tones painted through darker hair create natural dimension that brightens aging faces. The soft transition between colors means less maintenance and fewer obvious roots as hair grows out.
2. Rubio miel cálido
Rich honey tones infuse warmth into the complexion, instantly revitalizing dull skin. Celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham recommends this shade for clients over 40 seeking a natural-looking brightness boost.
3. Butterscotch Highlights
Strategically placed butterscotch streaks illuminate the face where the sun would naturally hit. A favorite among A-list colorists, this technique draws attention away from fine lines while adding youthful radiance.
4. Mushroom Brown
Not your grandmother’s brown! This cool-toned, multi-dimensional shade combines ashy undertones with subtle highlights. Celebrity colorist Justin Anderson calls it “the perfect youth-enhancing neutral” for those wanting understated elegance.
5. Copper Penny
Vibrant copper shades reflect light beautifully, bringing a healthy flush to the face. Legendary colorist Rita Hazan notes that redheads often appear younger because the warm tones counteract sallowness that comes with age.
6. Champagne Blonde
Lighter than platinum but warmer than ash, champagne blonde offers sophistication without washing out mature skin. The subtle golden undertones create a luminous effect that brightens tired complexions instantly.
7. Cinnamon Spice
Fiery cinnamon tones pack a youthful punch without looking artificial. Celebrity colorist George Papanikolas recommends this rich auburn shade for clients wanting to energize their look while maintaining sophisticated depth.
8. Bronde Fusion
Neither fully blonde nor completely brown, this hybrid shade offers the best of both worlds. The seamless blend of colors creates dimension that makes hair appear thicker—a major bonus as hair naturally thins with age.
9. Chocolate Mauve
Unexpected and thoroughly modern, this rich brown base with subtle mauve undertones flatters most skin tones. The cool-warm balance creates a complexion-enhancing effect that celebrity colorist Aura Friedman calls “instantly rejuvenating.”
10. Golden Caramel
Warmer than traditional caramel but not as intense as copper, golden caramel brings immediate luminosity to the face. A-list colorist Kari Hill suggests this shade for clients wanting to brighten their appearance without drastic change.
11. Rooted Platinum
Gone are the days of harsh, one-dimensional platinum! Modern platinum features darker roots that create a softer grow-out and frame the face beautifully. This high-contrast look draws attention to the eyes rather than fine lines.
12. Toffee Lowlights
Adding rich toffee lowlights to lighter hair creates instant depth and dimension. Celebrity colorist Nikki Lee loves this technique for clients over 50, as it brings movement to the hair while softening facial features.
13. Strawberry Blonde
The perfect balance between red and blonde, this warm hue brings a youthful flush to the complexion. Celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham notes that even a slight shift toward strawberry can take years off by enhancing natural undertones.
14. Chestnut Brown
Rich, multidimensional chestnut creates a youthful glow without looking severe. Celebrity colorist Matt Rez recommends adding subtle highlights around the face to soften features and bring light where it’s most flattering.
15. Mahogany Ribbons
Deep red-brown mahogany ribbons woven through darker hair create dramatic dimension without overwhelming mature faces. This technique, favored by celebrity colorist Jenna Perry, adds richness that makes skin appear more vibrant.
16. Toasted Coconut
Dark roots gradually blending into creamy blonde ends create this aptly named trend. The soft transition means less maintenance while the brightness around the face illuminates features in a youth-enhancing way.
17. Amber Lights
Warm amber tones scattered throughout darker hair mimic how children’s hair naturally lightens in the sun. Celebrity colorist Riawna Capri uses this technique to recapture that youthful, sun-kissed quality many lose with age.
18. Hazelnut Blend
Neither too warm nor too cool, this perfectly balanced medium brown works on virtually everyone. Celebrity colorist Marie Robinson creates custom hazelnut blends with subtle highlights that mimic how hair naturally varied in youth.