While our brains used to go one place when we heard the word "blonde," the world of blonde hair shades has since expanded to include any one of hundreds of hues. Whether it be a rich-girl-inspired shade spearheaded by our favorite celebrities or a low-maintenance, beachy hue inspired by California it-girls, the blonde hair trends of today are filled with nuance and character. If you're looking to refresh your strands but aren't sure which color trend is right for you, we've gathered all the hottest ones to help you on your hair color journey.
The 13 Best Blonde Hair Color Trends to Try Now
Butterscotch Blonde
“Butterscotch blonde is a multidimensional hair color that blends several warm tones, such as gold, caramel and honey, to create depth,” celebrity hairstylist Kelly Novobielski told NewBeauty. Characterized by its dimensionality, butterscotch blonde is essentially "a blend of caramel and sun-kissed golden tones." Asking your stylist for a warm-toned balayage is key, Novobielski explains.
Warm Marigold Blonde
If you're interested in a blonde hair hue that fully embraces that warm, springy energy, warm marigold blonde is a great option. Inspired by the flower it's named after, celebrity hairstylist and Balmain Hair US Ambassador Gonn Kinoshita explains “This hair color is inspired by the frilly marigold flower. It is a combination of blonde copper, gold and brown tones to create a dimensional warm shade.”
After-Sun Blonde
Gearing up for summer and want your hair to do the same? Try your hand at after-sun blonde, which takes its name from the shade hair has when it is naturally lightened by the sun's rays. After-sun blonde "features a mix of warm, golden undertones with soft, lighter streaks that mimic a natural ‘just-back-from-vacation’ look,” celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake told Newbeauty. “The result is a radiant, lived-in ‘beachy blonde‘ that feels effortless yet polished.”
Ash Blonde
If you're already blonde and want to lighten things up even more, a cool-toned shade like ash blonde is a strong contender. “Ash blonde favors the darker side of the blonde spectrum rather than a rich golden hue,” says colorist Philip Foresto. “If you’re looking to achieve a blonde with an icy or silvery tone, ash blonde is a good option,” says Foresto. “Silver jewelry wearers are perfect for this type of blonde,” he adds.
Cherry Blonde
Adding strawberry and copper hues into your blonde strands, “Cherry blonde is a unique mix between light blonde and vibrant red, sort of like a dusty pink,” says Sabrina Bias, blonde specialist and L’Oréal Professional Ambassador. Fusing a light blonde and a deep but not too dark red is key in achieving this fruity shade.
Old Money Blonde
One of the most influential blonde hair color trends of the last year, old money blonde is—as, Min Kim, colorist and L’Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador told us—the definition of demure and mindful. “In this shade, the natural hair is defined by rich ribbons of blonde that range from butter colors to beige,” she explains.
Butter Blonde
Another delicious-sounding blonde hair trend, celebrity colorist Cherise Wilson tells NewBeauty, “This is a yellow golden honey blonde look that resembles a lemon meringue. This look will warm up and brighten many complexions and will sparkle on camera, as golden tones really reflect light!”
Targaryen Blonde
For any Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon lovers, Targaryen Blonde is a blonde hair shade that must be considered. “This color is insanely blonde, like as blonde as it gets,” celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles told NewBeauty. “It is cool, bright and very icy, which makes it perfectly suitable for all of the Targaryens in Game of Thrones.”
Playboy Blonde
A cheekier take on a classic blonde style, "Playboy blonde is independent, strong and sexy," celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos explains. But, what really differentiates Playboy blonde from the lot is the "laissez-faire vibe" the shadow root provides the style. “Playboy blonde is the perfect combination of a well-done blonde, while still giving off the vibe that you are the kind of a girl who doesn’t care to maintain that ‘perfect blonde,’ so there’s lots of regrowth," Giannetos adds. "Basically, it’s the rebellious blonde."
Sunbeam Blonde
Popularized by celebrities like Emilia Clark, sunbeam blonde is another blonde shade perfect for summer. “Sunbeam blonde is a mixture of equal parts sweet with a spicy twist. It brings out the hair’s underlying golden tones with brighter sunnier shades of blonde hues throughout,” says FEKKAI colorist Melissa Dwyer.
'90s Blonde
All that's old is new again, of course, and '90s blonde is one blonde hair trend that will never go out of style. Popularized by icons like Claudia Schiffer, “The trend includes opting for a golden blonde, whether all over or in strategic pieces, as it is universally flattering and offers an effortlessly chic look with minimal upkeep," says professional colorist and manager of education and product development at Madison Reed, Rachel Thomas.
Strawberry Blonde
A classic variation on blonde strands, strawberry blonde has had a bit of a renaissance lately. “Strawberry blonde is a mixture of red and blonde tones that comes out in a dusty rose/orangey color,” says 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.”
Cashmere Blonde
First debuted on the head of model and style icon Gigi Hadid, cashmere blonde is another rich-girl-inspired shade. “The key to achieving cashmere blonde is in the application and adding in warm tones through lowlights and glosses,” explains the hands behind Hadid's iconic style, Keith Shore. “It’s also crucial to incorporate finer highlights that illuminate the color rather than overpowering it."
