Multi-Tone

Calico

Irregular patches of near-black espresso, ginger and cream placed across the head in deliberately uneven, non-repeating shapes.

Calico

BeforeCalico

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This render comes from the same edit instruction HairGlam uses for this look, applied to a studio portrait. In the app the shade lands on your own photo instead.

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This is patchwork rather than gradient: sections are mapped out in blocks of different sizes so no two patches match, which is exactly what stops it looking like clumsy highlights. The cream carries the most contrast and needs the cleanest lift, while ginger sits between the extremes and does most of the blending. Worn up, the pattern scatters and reads busier; brushed down, the patches sit as broad areas of color.

Undertonewarm, neutral. Ginger and cream are both warm and the espresso anchors them at neutral, so the combination sits well on skin with a golden, olive or peach cast.
Starting pointCream patches need lifting to a pale yellow and the ginger a mid-level lift, while the darkest patches go straight over natural hair with no bleach.
UpkeepTone the cream about every five weeks, and because regrowth breaks up the patch edges unevenly, plan a full retouch around week eight rather than letting it drift.

HairGlam Hair Colors: one woman, a fan of the same face in different hair colors

In the HairGlam app

Try Calico on your own photo

Add one selfie. Front on, even light, hair off your face. No account.
Tap Calico in Hair Colors, or any of the other 298 looks.
See it in seconds on your own face, then save it for your stylist.

12 free looks: 4 haircuts, 4 hair colors and 4 makeup looks. No paywall in between, no account.

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Questions about Calico

Which skin undertones suit Calico?

Warm, neutral undertones. Ginger and cream are both warm and the espresso anchors them at neutral, so the combination sits well on skin with a golden, olive or peach cast.

What hair do I need to start with for Calico?

Cream patches need lifting to a pale yellow and the ginger a mid-level lift, while the darkest patches go straight over natural hair with no bleach.

How much upkeep does Calico need?

Tone the cream about every five weeks, and because regrowth breaks up the patch edges unevenly, plan a full retouch around week eight rather than letting it drift.

Can I try Calico on my own photo before I dye my hair?

Yes. HairGlam puts Calico on a photo of your own hair in a few seconds, so you can check it against your skin tone and eye color before you book or buy a box dye. It is free to download on iPhone and iPad with 12 free looks: 4 haircuts, 4 hair colors and 4 makeup looks, and some looks can also be tried free in your browser at hairglam.app/try.