The nostalgic allure of the 1990s, marked by the era of heroin chic, the Spice Girls phenomenon, and the reign of supermodels, has consistently fueled modern aesthetic trends. From the resurgence of brown lip liner that dominates Instagram feeds to the resurgence of cargo trousers reminiscent of All Saints, the ’90s aesthetic continues to captivate. Now, London’s style-savvy populace has tapped into this era once more, adopting the coveted hair color of the time—Kurt Cobain’s flaxen blonde.
The contemporary trend known as “Cobain blonde” is currently sweeping through London, offering an ideal transitional shade to gracefully glide from the warmth of summer into the hues of autumn. Zoe Irwin, the Color and Trend Ambassador at Matrix, elucidates, “This shade is defined by its rooted appearance, featuring substantial swathes of golden blonde artfully integrated throughout the hair, as opposed to conventional highlights.”
The strategic use of a palette showcasing warmer blonde tones brings depth and the illusion of movement to the hair. As such, it particularly appeals to those with finer hair. Whether one desires to channel Cobain’s lived-in grunge aesthetic or aims for a polished look suitable for special occasions, the versatility of “Cobain blonde” reigns supreme.
Zoe Irwin reveals that “Cobain blonde” has emerged as a successor to the beachy blonde balayage trend. The shift can be attributed to the inclinations of Generation Z, who exhibit a penchant for encompassing, warm blonde shades that extend across the entire head, rather than the subtler sun-kissed tips. Importantly, this trend isn’t confined to a specific age group. Irwin asserts, “Cobain blonde” exudes an edgy and cool aura, transcending age and aesthetics. One need only glance at archived images of style icons like Drew Barrymore, Courtney Love, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy for undeniable inspiration—proof that this shade thrives across generations.
Unveiling the mechanics behind the look, Irwin highlights the significance of melding a “textured root with varying degrees of lightening to achieve contour.” This harmonious blend is then crowned with a professional hair gloss, with Matrix’s honey Tonal Control being her preferred choice. This infusion imparts a warm vanilla tint to the hue while enveloping the hair with a mirror-like brilliance.
Embracing diverse hair textures and styles, “Cobain blonde” emerges as the epitome of low-maintenance, low-commitment hair coloring. It’s no wonder that London’s discerning fashionistas are wholeheartedly embracing this trend, which captures the spirit of the past while flawlessly adorning the present.
