Calico hair color is taking over 2025 as one of the most stylish and unique trends in hair fashion. This multi-tonal blend of warm caramel, rich copper, and deep brunette hues creates a striking yet natural-looking effect.
Whether you prefer subtle highlights or bold color blocking, calico hair offers endless possibilities for personalization.
In this article, we’ll explore the best calico hair color styles to try in 2025, along with tips to achieve and maintain this stunning look.
What is Calico Hair?
Source: TikTok @bel_rmz_artistry
Calico hair is a multi-tonal hair color trend inspired by the unique patchwork pattern of calico cats. This style blends a mix of warm and rich hues typically shades of caramel, copper, chestnut, and blonde to create a dimensional, eye-catching look.
Unlike traditional highlights, calico hair features bold yet seamless color contrasts, offering a natural yet striking aesthetic.
This trend is perfect for those who love experimenting with color while maintaining a soft, blended effect.
Whether applied through balayage, color blocking, or subtle streaks, calico hair adds depth and personality to any hairstyle.
More Calico Hair Inspirations
Here are a few of my favorite calico hair examples from some amazing hairstyle artists, who shared their work on TikTok and Instagram:
Calico Hair Idea 1: Chunky Calico Highlights
Source: TikTok @treasurelapadura
Chunky calico highlights bring a bold and retro-inspired vibe to your hair, featuring thick streaks of warm caramel, copper, and deep brunette. This look creates high contrast while adding dimension and movement.
DIY Tip: Use foil to separate chunky sections and apply different shades strategically for a striking yet blended effect.
Must Read: The 26 Hottest Hair Trends for 2025 You Need to Try
Calico Hair Idea 2: Calico Money Piece
Source: TikTok @scenesweetheart
The calico money piece adds a pop of vibrant color to the front strands, framing the face with warm golden, copper, or auburn hues. It enhances your natural hair color while making a stylish statement.
DIY Tip: Focus on lightening the front sections first, then add warm calico shades for a stunning, face-brightening effect.
Calico Hair Idea 3: Calico Bob
Source: TikTok @jubacolorida
A calico bob combines a sleek, short cut with a mix of golden brown, auburn, and caramel tones for a sophisticated yet edgy look. It’s perfect for those who love low-maintenance but high-impact styles.
DIY Tip: Use a mix of semi-permanent dyes to add subtle but rich tones to your bob without heavy bleaching.
Calico Hair Idea 4: Chunky Highlights
Source: TikTok @blockedbybre
Chunky highlights in calico shades give off a bold and nostalgic 90s-inspired feel. The thick, contrasting streaks of blonde, caramel, and copper create a dimensional and voluminous effect.
DIY Tip: Use a comb to section out larger strands before applying bleach and color for a defined, chunky look.
Also Read: 23 Simple Hairstyles for Women You Can Wash and Wear
Calico Hair Idea 5: Calico Wolf Cut
Source: Instagram @zoedoesyourhair
The calico wolf cut merges the trendy, shaggy layers of a wolf cut with a beautiful mix of warm and rich hues. This look adds texture and movement while highlighting each layer with distinct calico tones.
DIY Tip: Use a razor to create soft, feathery layers, then hand-paint lighter tones on the ends for extra depth.
Calico Hair Idea 6: Subtle Calico Hair
Source: Instagram @styledartistry_byabbeyrose
For those who love a softer look, subtle calico hair blends warm tones in a natural, sun-kissed effect. This understated take on the trend works well on all hair types and lengths.
DIY Tip: Opt for a balayage technique to create a seamless blend of caramel, copper, and brown tones.
Calico Hair Idea 7: Small Highlights
Source: Instagram @hairxwiches
Small calico highlights offer a delicate and refined take on the trend, with finely placed streaks of warm tones adding a touch of brightness and depth. Perfect for a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
DIY Tip: Use a highlighting cap for precise, evenly distributed tiny highlights without over-processing.
Read It: 10 Trendy Braided Hairstyles for Black Women
Calico Hair Idea 8: Curly Calico Bob
Source: Instagram @huesbychy
A curly calico bob adds extra volume and dimension with bouncy curls and a mix of caramel, honey, and copper shades. This playful yet elegant style enhances natural curls beautifully.
DIY Tip: Apply color using the curl-by-curl technique to maintain natural curl patterns while adding dimension.
Calico Hair Idea 9. Calico Statement Strand
Source: Instagram @meganmade_
The calico statement strand features a single bold streak of color that stands out against the rest of your hair. It’s a fun way to embrace the calico trend without a full commitment.
DIY Tip: Pick a face-framing strand and dye it a vibrant calico hue for an instant, eye-catching transformation.
Look At: Flattering Haircuts for Women Over 70 That Defy Age in 2025
Calico Hair Idea 10. Calico Split Money Piece
Source: Instagram @georgeeblancoo
A calico split money piece takes the classic money piece to the next level by dividing it into two contrasting yet harmonious shades, framing the face with a dynamic color-blocking effect.
DIY Tip: Choose two complementary calico shades, like honey and copper, and apply them to opposite sides for a bold yet balanced look.
Calico Hair Idea 11. Calico Statement Strands
Source: Instagram @lorettamarie_hair
Similar to the statement strand but with multiple sections, this look places bold streaks of calico hues throughout the hair for an edgy, artistic style. It’s a great way to experiment with color.
DIY Tip: Hand-paint selected strands with bold tones while leaving the base color natural to create striking contrast.
Conclusion
Calico hair color is a bold yet versatile trend that allows you to express your individuality while staying effortlessly chic. Whether you go for soft, blended hues or high-contrast tones, this style is sure to turn heads in 2025. With the right care and styling, you can keep your calico hair looking vibrant and fresh. Ready to transform your look? Try one of these stunning calico hair styles and embrace the trend.