1. Classic Natural Black
Timeless and versatile, natural black shows off the boho texture best and pairs with everything. Its deep, true-black tone reads glossy and rich, catching the light along the wispy loose ends so the whole style looks fuller. With no warmth or fade to manage, it suits every skin tone and never dates. Wear it long and centre-parted for drama, or in a high bun that shows off the clean, uniform colour for work, weddings or everyday.
Who it suits: Everyone; the timeless base.
2. Rich Dark Brown
Softer than black yet just as versatile, dark brown is warm and natural. Its espresso-to-chocolate depth carries a subtle warmth that lifts the face without ever looking dyed, reading gentler than a stark black base. It flatters warm, neutral and deep undertones alike, making an easy everyday shade. Try it in medium-length locs for a low-key finish, and add a few gold cuffs or beads to pick up the warm brown tones for a put-together look.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a softer natural shade.
3. Warm Honey Blonde
Bright and sunny, honey blonde flatters most skin tones and lifts your whole look. Its golden, caramel-warm tone sits between light brown and true blonde, so it reads soft and radiant rather than brassy, glowing against deep and medium skin. Popular for spring and summer, it frames the face and makes the boho texture look sun-lit. Wear it as a full head for maximum brightness, or keep it to money-piece front sections for warmth without committing to all-over blonde.
Who it suits: Almost everyone; warm and neutral tones.
4. Deep Burgundy
Rich, wine-toned burgundy is bold yet flattering, especially in autumn. Its deep red-violet depth reads warm and luxurious in low light, then flashes brighter cherry and merlot tones in the sun. As a jewel tone it flatters warm and deep skin especially well while staying surprisingly universal. Save it for the cooler months when the wine tones feel most seasonal, and wear it long and loose so the colour shifts as you move; a deep side part shows it off beautifully.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting bold, warm colour.
Tip: Burgundy looks richest on warm and deep skin tones.
5. Warm Copper
Vivid, warm copper is radiant and bold, perfect for autumn. Its bright penny-and-rust glow sits warmer and more orange than ginger, catching the light so the loose butterfly ends look almost lit from within. That fiery warmth is stunning against deep and rich skin tones. Wear it as a full head for a proper statement, or soften it into copper ombre ends over a dark root for the warmth without going all-in on the vivid shade.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting warm, vivid colour.
6. Caramel Ombre
Dark roots melting into caramel ends give a natural, sun-kissed gradient. The soft fade from a deep brown or black base into warm, golden-caramel tips mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun, so it reads effortless rather than obviously coloured. With the darkest colour at the root, it is genuinely low-maintenance and flatters warm and neutral undertones. It looks especially good on longer locs where the gradient has room to blend gradually from top to tip.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting soft, grown-out colour.
7. Icy Platinum
Cool, icy platinum is bold and high-impact. Its near-white, silvery tone has no warmth at all, so it makes a sharp, editorial contrast against deep skin that photographs incredibly well. The most dramatic of the light shades, it reads high-fashion rather than natural. Wear it in longer locs where the pale colour really carries, and keep it to clear oils and a consistent cleanse so the icy tone stays crisp.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold, cool statement.
8. Bright Red
Vivid fire-engine red is bold and confident, making a strong statement. Its bright, true-red tone leans neither orange nor purple, sitting clean and saturated so the colour looks striking from across a room. Radiant against deep and rich skin, it carries real energy, which is why it is a favourite for anyone who wants to be seen. Wear it as a full head for the boldest effect, and pull it into a high ponytail or half-up style when you want the colour front and centre.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold, vivid colour.
9. Deep Blue
Rich navy or ocean blue is unexpected and striking, a cool-toned statement colour. Its deep, inky base reads almost black indoors, then reveals its true sapphire or ocean tone in daylight, so it feels both wearable and surprising. That cool depth flatters cool and neutral undertones with a moody, fashion-forward finish. Wear it long and loose to let the light play through the colour, and lean into silver or clear accessories, which sit more naturally against the cool blue than gold.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold cool colour.
10. Teal Green
Deep teal is vivid and unique, giving an artistic, editorial finish. Sitting right between blue and green, its jewel-like blue-green tone is rich and saturated without tipping into neon, so it reads sophisticated rather than costume. Because so few people wear it, teal always looks intentional and creative, flattering cool and neutral undertones. Save it for when you want something genuinely different, wear it in longer locs so the colour has presence, and keep accessories minimal so the shade does the talking.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a unique cool colour.
11. Pastel Pink
Soft, dreamy pink is playful and eye-catching. Its muted, cotton-candy tone is gentle and cool rather than hot or neon, so it makes a statement while still feeling romantic and pretty. That softness flatters cool and neutral undertones and gives the boho texture a whimsical finish that photographs beautifully. Wear it as a full head for a real moment, or scatter a few pastel-pink locs through a darker base for a subtler hint; clear oils keep the delicate colour from muddying.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a fun pastel statement.
12. Rich Purple
Deep plum or violet purple is regal and bold, a striking jewel-toned choice. Its rich, saturated tone shifts between plum and true violet depending on the light, giving a luxurious, almost velvet finish to the loose butterfly ends. One of the more universal bold shades, it flatters warm, cool and deep undertones alike thanks to its balanced blend of red and blue. Wear it long for maximum drama, and let the colour stand alone with simple gold or silver cuffs.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold jewel tone.
13. Grey and Silver
Cool-toned grey and silver are edgy and modern, giving a striking, fashion-forward finish. Their smoky, ash-based tones range from soft dove grey to bright metallic silver, all free of warmth, which gives the locs a sleek, high-fashion edge against deep skin. Unexpected and undeniably chic, the shade reads intentional and cool rather than aged. Wear it in longer locs so the metallic sheen carries, keep to clear oils so the tone stays crisp, and pair with silver jewellery to echo the finish.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting an edgy cool shade.
14. Burnt Orange
Deep, warm burnt orange is bold and autumnal, flattering deep skin tones. Its muted, rust-and-terracotta tone is softer and earthier than bright copper, reading cosy and grounded rather than fiery, so it feels completely of the season. That warmth glows against deep and rich skin and pairs beautifully with autumn wardrobes. Wear it as a full head to lean into the seasonal mood, or blend it into ombre ends over a dark root for a softer take.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a warm autumn statement.
15. Strawberry Blonde
A soft blend of blonde and copper, strawberry blonde is playful, warm and unique. Its delicate mix of pale gold and gentle rosy-red sits lighter than full copper and warmer than plain blonde, giving a sun-warmed glow to the loose ends. That gentle warmth flatters warm and neutral undertones and reads pretty and unexpected without ever feeling loud. Wear it as a full head for a romantic finish, or keep it to face-framing money-piece sections for just a hint of the rosy tone.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a warm, unique blonde.
16. Black-to-Burgundy Ombre
Black roots melting into burgundy ends give bold, moody dimension. A true-black base at the scalp fading into deep wine-red tips keeps the colour grounded and wearable while still delivering a real hit of drama through the ends. The dark root keeps it low-maintenance and lets the burgundy read richest where the light hits the loose butterfly waves. It flatters warm and deep undertones, feels especially seasonal in autumn, and looks best on longer locs.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold, dark ombre.
17. Honey Highlights
Honey locs woven through a dark base add warmth and dimension without full commitment. Scattering warm, golden-honey pieces through a black or dark-brown base breaks up the solid colour and catches the light, so the whole style looks fuller and more textured. Because the highlights are dispersed rather than all-over, it is a subtle way to try blonde without going fully light. It suits warm and neutral undertones, works on any length, and lets you place a few brighter pieces around the face for extra lift.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a hint of colour.
18. Colour Money-Piece
Bright locs framing the face give a money-piece effect in any colour, from blonde to red. Placing the boldest shade only on the front sections draws light to the face and brightens your complexion, giving a modern, expensive-looking finish without colouring the whole head. Because you choose the tone, you can go soft with honey and caramel or bold with red and platinum to suit your skin. It is the lowest-commitment way to wear colour, and looks sharpest with a centre part that splits the bright pieces evenly.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting colour near the face.
Tip: Keep the bold colour on the front sections for a wearable pop.
19. Rose Gold
Soft, warm rose gold is romantic and modern, a pretty blend of pink and copper. Its dusty, metallic pink-copper tone sits between blush and warm blonde, so it feels grown-up and stylish rather than overtly pastel, with a soft sheen on the loose butterfly ends. That warmth suits warm and neutral undertones and has stayed on-trend for its gentle glow. Wear it as a full head for a romantic finish, or blend it into rose-gold ombre ends over a dark root for a more wearable version.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a soft warm-pink shade.
20. Natural Ginger
Warm and natural, ginger red is soft and flattering, less intense than fire-engine red. Its earthy copper-red tone reads like a natural redhead shade, warmer than burgundy and softer than bright red, so it feels approachable and easy to wear every day. That cosy warmth glows against warm and deep undertones and feels at home in autumn. Wear it as a full head for a natural-looking finish, or keep it to ginger money-piece sections for the warmth without a full head of red.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting soft, natural red.
21. Two-Tone Split
Two contrasting colours, split down the middle or blended, make a bold editorial statement. Whether you go for a sharp half-and-half split down the parting or a softer side-by-side blend, pairing two shades - think black and burgundy, blonde and brown, or pink and purple - creates a graphic, custom look. Because you pick both colours, you can keep it tonal and subtle or push it fully bold. Wear it long so each side has presence, and a clean centre part makes the contrast crisp and intentional.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a bold colour contrast.
22. Soft Lavender
Muted lavender is dreamy and soft, a gentler take on purple. Its pale, greyed-violet tone is far softer than deep plum, giving a hazy, romantic finish that feels playful without being loud. That cool softness flatters cool and neutral undertones and photographs beautifully in daylight. Wear it as a full head for a dreamy, statement finish, or scatter a few lavender pieces through a darker base for a subtler hint; clear oils keep the pale shade from muddying.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a soft pastel purple.
23. Warm Chestnut
Warm and natural with subtle depth, rich reddish chestnut brown glows quietly. Its glossy brown base carries a soft auburn undertone that flashes red in the light, giving more warmth and dimension than a flat dark brown while still reading completely natural. That gentle warmth flatters warm, neutral and deep undertones, making an easy everyday shade. Beautifully seasonal in autumn, it suits any length; try it long and loose so the reddish tones catch the light through the boho texture.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting warm natural brown.
24. Dark-to-Blonde Ombre
Dark roots fading to blonde ends give a bright, sun-kissed gradient. Melting a deep brown or black base into light, golden-blonde tips brightens the style around the face and shoulders while keeping depth up top, so it reads sunlit rather than flat. With the darkest colour at the root, it is genuinely low-maintenance and flatters warm and neutral undertones. It looks best on longer locs where the fade has room to blend gradually, giving that effortless, grown-out finish.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting bright, grown-out colour.
25. Pastel Rainbow Mix
A soft mix of pastel pink, lilac and blue is playful, dreamy and unique. Blending several muted pastels through the head - candy pink, soft lilac and pale blue - creates a gentle, mermaid-like wash of colour that stays soft rather than clashing. It is the boldest, most creative choice here, yet the pastel softness keeps it wearable across cool and neutral undertones. Scatter the shades rather than blocking them for a blended finish, and stick to clear oils to keep the delicate colours clean.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a creative, multi-colour look.
Tip: Scatter the pastels rather than blocking them for a soft blended finish.
How Butterfly Locs Colour Works
Butterfly locs get their colour from the pre-dyed water-wave hair used to install them, not from dyeing your own hair. You simply buy the water-wave hair in your chosen shade, and your loctician wraps it over your natural hair. This means you can wear any colour - even vivid red, blue or platinum - with zero chemical processing on your natural strands, so your hair stays healthy and your natural colour is completely untouched. When the locs come out, so does the colour, making it the most commitment-free way to experiment with bold shades.
Choosing a Colour for Your Skin Tone
Warm colours - honey, caramel, copper, burgundy and ginger - flatter warm and neutral undertones and read soft and radiant. Cool colours - platinum, ash, blue, teal and grey - suit cool undertones and make a bolder statement. Jewel tones like purple and burgundy are surprisingly universal. If you want colour but are not sure it suits you, try a colour money-piece or ombre first: keeping the bold shade to the front sections or the ends is a flattering, lower-commitment way to test a colour before going all in.
Caring for Coloured Locs
Coloured locs care is the same as natural ones with a couple of extras. Use clear, light oils rather than tinted products so you do not muddy bright or pastel shades, and cleanse your scalp gently every one to two weeks with a clear cleanser. Lighter and pastel colours show build-up more, so keep the routine consistent. Wrap them in a satin scarf at night, let them dry fully after washing, and enjoy the colour - since it lifts out completely at take-down, there is no grow-out or fading of your own hair to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do coloured butterfly locs damage your hair?
No. The colour comes from pre-dyed water-wave hair, so your natural hair is never bleached or dyed. You can wear even vivid colours like red or blue with zero chemical processing on your own strands, and the colour lifts out completely at take-down.
What is the most popular butterfly locs colour?
Natural black and warm honey blonde are the most popular, followed by burgundy, caramel ombre and copper. Bolder shades like red, blue and pastels are trending for those who want a statement.
Can I mix colours in my butterfly locs?
Yes. Ombre (dark roots to lighter ends), highlights, money-piece (bright front sections), two-tone splits and scattered pastel mixes are all popular ways to combine colours for a custom, dimensional look.
What colour butterfly locs suit my skin tone?
Warm shades like honey, caramel, copper and burgundy flatter warm and neutral undertones, while cool shades like platinum, ash, blue and grey suit cool undertones. Jewel tones like purple and burgundy work on most people.
How do I keep coloured butterfly locs from fading?
Because the colour is in the synthetic water-wave hair, it does not fade the way dyed natural hair does. Just use clear oils and cleansers so you do not muddy bright or pastel shades, and wrap them at night to protect the texture.
Which butterfly locs look are you saving?
With butterfly locs, colour is completely commitment-free - the pre-dyed hair means you can go as bold as you like without touching your natural strands. Whether you choose a subtle ombre, a rich burgundy or a vivid pastel, there is a shade to match your skin tone and mood. Save your favourites and take the photos to your loctician so the colour comes out exactly as you picture it.
