Every December like clockwork, Pantone announces their Color of the Year: A hue that they predict will inspire creativity amongst designers, artists, and other color enthusiasts over the months to come. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Color of the Year program, and the crowning hue—a pinky-orange shade they’ve dubbed Peach Fuzz—is nothing short of sweet.
According to the company, this soft, velvety peach shade is a symbol of compassion, nurturing, and a desire for connection. It’s also—as we see it—the perfect shade for experimenting with fantasy hair color. Ahead, we’re breaking down how to incorporate this fantasy color into your hair and maintain it. Keep scrolling for more on why you should keep things peachy in 2024.
What is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2024?
Upon Pantone revealing Peach Fuzz (Pantone 13-1023) as its 2024 color of the year, the company calls the hue “sensitive but sweet and airy.” The actual shade is soft, subtle, and sits between pink and orange. And while undeniably identical to your typical pale peach color, the brand wants to celebrate the hue for evoking a sense of coziness.
“Drawing comfort from Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. “An idea as much as a feeling, Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”
What is Peach Fuzz hair color?
Pantone's Peach Fuzz (Pantone 13-1023) falls on the delicate spectrum of peaches—but peach hair color can be worn any number of ways. Think: a full head of color to highlights, balayage, or ombre. (P.S. Ombre is back—see how to make it modern here!)
This is certainly isn’t the first time the shade has become a hair trend. We spoke to French pro hairstylist Landry Agres who previously noted peach as a “super wearable” fantasy shade.
Consider us influenced all over again.
Who should try Peach Fuzz hair?
Peach is a flattering color for most skin tones. Softer, subtler variations of the hue can add warmth and brightness to fair complexions, while more vibrant takes on peach are well-suited to those with darker skin tones.
How do you get and care for Peach Fuzz hair color?
Before dyeing your hair a peachy color, you'll need to lighten it to a very pale blonde. Because this process can be damaging and time-consuming, we recommend visiting an expert colorist. They can tailor the process to your hair type and try to minimize damage from the bleaching and coloring process.
Once you have your peach hair color, it's important to care for it properly to help prevent premature fading. Here are some tips for maintaining this sweet shade:
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner: A color-safe haircare routine can help prevent your color from premature fading. We’re currently loving the L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox range. The six-piece collection helps offset the damaging effects of hard water and helps keep color vibrant.
- Avoid heat styling as much as possible: Heat can damage your hair and fade your color. Air dry your hair when possible, and if you are heat styling, prep your hair with a heat protectant.
- Get regular trims: Visit the salon every four to six weeks for a trim to help prevent split ends and keep your hair feeling healthy.
For more fantasy color inspo, scroll through Pink Hair Is the Color Trend That Never Goes Out of Style.
Header photo credit: @cynthiaglam and Hair.com
Interested in experimenting more with peach hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment for your Color of the Year hair transformation.