Forget bold and vibrant hair colors; the latest trend is firmly rooted in the girl-next-door aesthetic. Thanks to Taylor Swift, the ‘Mousy Blonde’ shade has surged in popularity over the past year, aligning with the rise of fringed dresses and cowboy boots, styles also popularized by the Eras Tour singer.
“I’ve noticed a growing number of younger clients requesting a flatter tone, what we refer to as ‘mousier blonde,’” says Nicola Clarke, celebrity hair colorist and John Frieda Creative Colour Director. She attributes the trend to the “Taylor Swift effect.”
What is Mousy Blonde?
According to Clarke, mousy blonde is a subtler version of blonde, existing at the intersection of light brown and dark blonde. “It has a glow that allows light to filter through,” she explains. Celebrity hair stylist and John Frieda Creative Director Zoe Irwin adds, “It doesn’t scream ‘super blonde’ or ‘super dark.’ It’s a neutral tone.”
Why Choose Mousy Blonde?
While mousy blonde may not be the loudest color choice, it is highly versatile. “Taylor’s hair was understated during her tour, allowing it to complement numerous costume changes without clashing,” Irwin notes. This neutral shade not only enhances various styles but also provides an easy transition into autumn for those looking to shift their look without a significant commitment.
How to Achieve Mousy Blonde
For those starting with a blonde base, transitioning to mousy blonde is relatively simple. “Many clients have expressed interest in going darker,” Clarke reveals. “Salon glazes and toners work effectively for those who may wish to return to a brighter blonde later. They create a shadow effect over the hair, suitable for individuals with highlighted or balayaged hair.”
For individuals with darker hair, the process is more complex, requiring a lightening of the base color. However, once achieved, mousy blonde is an effortless shade to maintain. Techniques such as root smudging or shadowing can help to achieve the desired look without extending the color all the way to the roots.
In summary, mousy blonde is more than just a trend; it’s a chic, versatile choice that has captured the hearts of many, fueled by the influence of pop culture.
