Cloud Dancer: Brian “Leo” McCallum’s Creative Take on Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026

Brian “Leo” McCallum, Creative Director of the award-winning salon group ROAR Hair & Beauty, has long been celebrated for his considered and inventive approach to colour. When Pantone revealed Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026, initially, Brian wasn’t quite convinced.

“At first, I thought it was a little understated,” Leo reflects. “It didn’t immediately excite me. But as I started exploring how it could be used, I realised just how versatile it really is.”

For Brian, Cloud Dancer also provides a soft, luminous foundation that can act as a versatile starting point. Rather than standing alone, it can be combined beautifully with other tones to add subtle depth and movement. In this interpretation, it is layered with muted reds and rich burgundies, carefully placed to create hidden warmth that reveals itself as the hair catches the light. These complementary tones enrich the base shade, giving it dimension and personality without overpowering its understated quality. The overall effect is a multi-layered colour story that feels fresh, refined, and modern, a shade that can be very striking when thoughtfully paired with others.

“People sometimes forget that Pantone’s Colour of the Year isn’t just about fashion or interiors,” Brian explains. “For hair, it’s an invitation to experiment. You can weave it into what you already use, such as soft pastels, warm reds, jewel tones, and the results feel entirely fresh and bespoke. It’s subtle, versatile, and really opens up creative possibilities.”

The cut in this interpretation is deliberately simple and clean, providing a soft canvas for the colour to take centre stage. Gentle internal layering ensures natural movement while preserving structure, allowing the tonal shifts to reveal themselves gradually. The finish is polished and reflective, highlighting the interplay of shades without dominating the look.

Brian sees Cloud Dancer as one of the most adaptable Colour of the Year selections in recent memory. “It’s understated but powerful. Not every client will be drawn to it, but when it works, it’s transformative. This is one way of interpreting the shade, and it allows colourists to explore subtlety, layering, and personal expression.”