What is Calico hair? Inside the Cat-Inspired Trend

From silky smooth liquid hair to striking skunk stripes, there’s no shortage of on-trend hair inspirations. But what if you’re looking for something a little more different, such as a fall style? Practical magic the atmosphere meets the highlights of the beginning of the year? Try calico hair.

If you’ve always wanted to team up with a calico cat, this is the perfect hair trend to try.

How are calico hairs inspired by calico cats?

Okay, let’s first give a quick introduction for those less familiar with feline matters. What exactly is a calico cat? Calico cats do not belong to a specific breed per se: they are essentially cats with a tricolor coat of white, black and orange. When it comes to color distribution, calicos are generally a little whiter than black or orange.

Calico cats are quite rare, and calico hair can also give humans a pretty unique look. The hair trend is inspired by the fur colors of the calico cat, with thick ginger, brown and blonde stripes. See a direct example here:

@2faced.faerie my child @oVertone Color #cat #calico #hair #fypシ ♬ Hello, it’s Kitty – sanrio🩷

You can have many variations of calico hair, including styles where the blonde stripes specifically frame the face or styles where the colors are more muted.

Some people even opt for bold horizontal stripes.

@mijasplanet is still processing rn #fyp #fypツ #hairstylistsoftiktok ♬ meow – ★

Although calico hair can be a little divisive (just take a look at this Reddit thread here), it is undeniably unique.

When did the trend start?

The idea of ​​highlighting and coloring your hair isn’t exactly new. But this hair trend saw its first buzz in fall 2023, when hair enthusiasts shared videos of themselves rocking red, brunette, and blonde hair for a spooky, warm, and fun seasonal style.

@bel_rmz_artistry All the witchy fall vibes with this Calico hair🐈‍⬛🐈✨ #calicohair #hairtrends #falltrends #fallhair #fyp #californiahairstylist #pulpriothair #hairinspo #fall ♬ original sound – iHearCanvas

Calico hair really took off in spring 2024 — when its momentum began to pick up, even Miley Cyrus flaunted a more mixed version of the bold style for a W Magazine to pull.

One of the most viral calico hair videos was officially released on New Year’s Day 2024. TikTok user Madeline (@madelineemay) showed herself DIYing calico hair and garnered 6.9 million views for his chaotic hair bleaching process and idiotic comments. .

@madelineemay

calico cat hair

♬ 10 minutes! Fashionable and bright jazz piano (1127989) – nyansuke

“I just wanted to whiten out some of the shaded parts because I’m extra, and I don’t know if it’s going to look good, but I want to look like a calico cat,” the designer said. His hair references? According to her, she took AP Art in high school.

“Oh my God, is it a woman or a cat?” she joked at the end of her video.

As you can see, it is possible to go the DIY route to try calico hair. If you’re looking for more calico hair tips, TikTok user Sydney Lou (@sydneylouwho99) has some tips.

@sydneylouwho99 The box said it would be an auburn honey mist!! #calico #calicohair #smilingthroughthepain #diyhair #hairfail #ihaveahairappointmenttomorrow ♬ original sound – Sydney Lou

“This is for all the girls with calico hair. I have a simple tip for you because I think I’ve perfected the technique. All you have to do is start with natural Asian hair, basically jet black, and then bleach it yourself,” Sydney explained. “Do it wrong with bleach and developer that you probably should have thrown out six months ago. Be sure to try the leaves, then make sure they slide halfway through. Ask your boyfriend to help you, then trust him.

By the way, she’s sarcastic.

It’s probably the smartest idea to ask a professional hairstylist to give you calico hair, especially since color correction and bleeding can become major problems with this style.

Calico hair inspiration

Want to try calico hair? Here are some hair styling videos to help you get started!

@courtneyleephilpot

She had a VISION and we brought this baby Calico hair to life 🫡😮‍💨😼⚡️ #fyp #hair #kyhairstylist #cosmetology #redkenshadeseq #wella#goldwell #pulpriot #framar

♬ how I like being a woman – editdiary

@alluringskull

What do you think of birthday hair? 🙂

♬ show me how – <3

@stephpaintzhair

Calico Cat Haircolor 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 I had a blast doing this awesome color with such an adorable human! Their request was for heavy colors with pops of raccoon tails using natural colors. I took into account the client’s natural curly texture. This project was perfect for me, combining heavy colors with raccoon tails. Stripes are kind of my favorite at the moment! What more ? #stephpaintzhair #chunkyhighlights #90s #gothtok #alternative #calico #haircolor #trendy #grungeaesthetic

♬ enjoy the silence – ☆

@fallingfromthestarss

Hair reveal pt2! It’s not me awkwardly trying to show the back :/ #fyp #calicohair #gc #colourfulhair #wlw

♬ Did you see the way he looked at me – Hannah

@tk.colorss

calico cat hair 🐈🧡🤍🤎 so happy with the result🥹 #denverhairstylist #denverhair #calicocathair #denverhaircolor #denverhaircolorist #colorblocking #colorblockhair #creativehair

♬ Fire for you (time-lapse) – Cannons

@treasurelapadura

Calico Split Dye with 24 Inch Bellami Weft Extensions 🖤♥️#hairstylist #phoenixhairstylist #hairextensions #hairextensionspecialist #bellami #extensions #salonowner #hair #bellamiamvp #hairtok #splitdye #splitdyedhair

♬ Area codes – Kalii

@davidxpadilla

calico hair🐈 on this lovely client was super fun to do 💗⭐️ #calico #calicohair #althair #althairstylist #chunkyhighlight #hairstylistsoftiktok #haircolorist #haircolor #pahairstylist #phillyhairstylist

♬ lovergirl – saturra

Now go ahead and feel like the cat meows with this fun style…if you’re bold enough to try it!

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