In the dynamic realm of hair color, honey blonde is stealing the spotlight, heralding a shift from the platinum blonde renaissance of the past year. As temperatures cool, this warm and inviting hue is set to dominate well into the spring, marking a departure from the stark tones that characterized the previous season.
Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab, anticipating the trend, emphasizes the rise of warm golden tones for the new year, dubbing the specific shade of honey blonde as “cozy blonde.” This trend isn’t confined to the realms of Hollywood; colorists, as reported by Glamour, attest to a growing number of clients embracing this welcoming and versatile hue.
Nicholas Taylor, a hairstylist, notes a departure from the longstanding popularity of ashy blondes, predicting a resurgence of gold and honey tones. He identifies the return of the Playboy-bunny golden blonde and mentions deep honey blondes, drawing attention to Kim Kardashian’s recent hair color transformation.
The allure of honey blonde extends beyond Kardashian; notable figures such as Rihanna, Keke Palmer, and Jennifer Lopez have all embraced this warm and low-maintenance shade. The cozy-blonde movement, as it’s termed, is gaining momentum, offering a super-low-maintenance approach to being a blonde.
Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity hair-extension artist and Wella master color expert, explains that cozy blonde entails depth in the hair with lowlights and strategically placed lighter blonde shades. This approach allows for a low-maintenance blonde that suits any season.
Korab suggests that natural blondes, those with highlights or balayage, and light brunettes make ideal candidates for cozy blonde. However, Cleveland asserts its suitability for anyone currently blonde, whether through dye or nature. The shade proves particularly beneficial for those seeking a more natural and low-maintenance blonde that doesn’t compromise on style.
For those contemplating a transition to cozy blonde, hairstylists advise specific requests at the salon. Korab recommends incorporating lowlights and opting for a golden or honey blonde while keeping the face frame bright. Cleveland echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of communicating a desire for a low-maintenance yet blonde look with a softer grow-out.
Despite its low-maintenance allure, Cleveland cautions against interpreting it as no maintenance. Regular upkeep is essential to keep the color looking fresh. To preserve and protect the hue, consistent use of heat protectant, color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, as well as hydrating hair masks and gloss, is recommended.
In terms of styling, the versatility of cozy blonde allows for various options, but Korab favors an effortless approach. A lived-in look, such as beach waves achieved through air-drying and styling with a hair waver, is her recommendation, coupled with a generous application of sea salt spray for the ultimate laid-back aesthetic. As honey blonde reigns supreme, it offers a chic and manageable choice for those seeking a fresh and on-trend hair color in 2024.
