If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that hair color trends are all the rage right now. From honey blonde to copper cowboy, new, dimensional takes on classic hair colors seem to be popping up on the daily. While it may not be a new color trend per say, the trend of strawberry blonde hair has also been having a moment amidst the emergence and virality of newer, equally as yummy sounding shades.
While strawberry blonde hair has been around for decades, many of us—myself included—don’t really know what the color entails. Is it more red or pink? Is strawberry blonde a natural hair color? Can you achieve it with dye? If so, do you have to be blonde to start? These are all questions that arise when thinking about the famously sweet hair style. Luckily, if you’re curious about all things strawberry blonde, we consulted the experts for the full run down on the berry-inspired hue.
What Is Strawberry Blonde Hair?
“Strawberry blonde is a mixture of red and blonde tones that comes out in a dusty rose/orangey color,” begins colorist to the stars, Rita Hazan. “Depending on your skin tone, you can opt for more blonde tones or deeper red, but to achieve full strawberry, you would most likely have more blonde showing through.” While the name might imply a more prominent red shade, celebrity hairstylist Johnny Lavoy reiterates Hazan’s point that the blonde is generally the focal point, explaining that “strawberry blonde hair is best described as a light golden blonde hair with a touch of copper—not at all as red as a strawberry.”
Strawberry Blonde Color and Skin Tones: Who Does it Work Best For?
As we all know too well, certain hair colors can wash us out depending on our unique skin tone. So while your skin tone and other features do not and should not deter you from experimenting with any hair color, it is helpful to know which features are best complimented by your desired shade. For strawberry blonde, creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa explains that “light skin tones and those with blue or hazel eyes and freckles on the nose” are suited particularly well by strawberry blonde hair. Lavoy reiterates Labrecque’s perspective, explaining that strawberry blonde shades can “tend to look brassy on darker or olive skin.”
Going Strawberry Blonde: How to Achieve the Coppery-Golden Strands With Dye
While some people are blessed with naturally strawberry blonde hair, it can be possible to achieve the shade with dye, but it may not be easy. “Strawberry blonde works best if you’re already a blonde, because all you have to do is deposit red undertones,” Hazan explains. “For brunettes, this process might take longer because you have to strip your natural hair color and dye it blonde, but it’s still possible. If you’re a redhead, you can add blonde undertones to make the shade lighter depending how rich the red is.”
Lavoy adds that “to get a true strawberry blonde you’re going to want to have your hair to a level 9 or 10. This means if you’re darker than that naturally you are going to have to lift the hair first before achieving your target color, which can be a lengthy process with lots of maintenance. You are also going to tend to pull a little more copper than gold. I recommend a consultation with a colorist before making the dive.”
Examples of Strawberry Blonde Hair: Celebs Who Rock the Shade
Blake Lively
A great example of a strawberry blonde ‘do, Blakey Lively’s blonde strands feature a subtle yet dimensional coppery/pink undertone.
Amy Adams
Leaning more into the copper side of things, Enchanted star Amy Adams’ slightly red golden strands make for the perfect inspo picture to bring to your stylist if you’re looking to go strawberry blonde.
Evan Rachel Wood
A nice halfway point between Lively and Adam, Evan Rachel Wood has been rocking the dimensional, strawberry blonde strands for years.
Heather Graham
If you’re looking for a subtle yet strawberry-inspired way to liven up your blonde strands, showing your stylist a photo of Heather Graham is a great way to go.
Strawberry-Blonde Maintenance: Products to Help Upkeep Your Redish-Blonde Style
Any kind of blonde style requires a good amount of upkeep to keep the color fresh and lively. If you’re looking to go strawberry blonde yourself, here are some products to keep on hand.
