Announcing It: The Most Fashionable Blondes Will Be Requesting This Luxurious Hair Color This Summer.
I have to confess, as someone who has sported brunette hair for the majority of my life, I’m feeling a bit envious at the moment. Why? Because blonde hair is currently in vogue, establishing itself not just as one of the hottest hair colors of this summer but also as one of the year's most significant hair trends. Just take a look at Bella Hadid, who recently traded her signature glossy brown hair for a honey-blonde style at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. Closer to home, my Instagram feed is teeming with celebrities and influencers showcasing mocha bronde and various shades of blonde. Even Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK, has joined the ranks of butterscotch blonde, underscoring that lighter hair is definitely trending for summer 2025. While I haven’t scheduled a salon appointment for myself just yet (though with how things are going, it might only be a matter of time), I’ve been contenting my blonde cravings by exploring another trending style. The effortless, bright California blonde look has been dominating my feed lately, and I predict it will continue to be popular in the coming months. So, what exactly is California blonde hair? I consulted Laura Elliot, head educator and stylist at Neal & Wolf, to get the details. Here’s what she shared:
What Is California Blonde Hair?
“California blonde is a bright, summery, true blonde created with a variety of tones to mimic the shades found at a California beach,” Elliot explains. “It’s sun-kissed with a soft root blend that gives the appearance of hair that has naturally lightened during a sunny summer getaway. I’m confident this style will gain popularity as the weather warms up, and beach vacations fill Instagram feeds; the mix of tones will look stunning with bouncy blow-drys and beachy waves.”
How Do You Achieve California Blonde Hair?
“To achieve the ideal California blonde look, we brighten areas of the hair that naturally lighten in the sun, particularly around the face and the top of the head,” explains Elliot. “Since California blonde embodies that naturally sun-kissed look with both warm and cool tones, it does require some skill to achieve. I recommend consulting with your colorist to find the right shades that match your skin tone. Expertly selecting the right tonal mix to create a natural finish is crucial, as is seamlessly blending everything into the roots.”
You want your California blonde hair to look like you’ve spent a month relaxing in Malibu rather than just a few hours at the salon, making it essential to communicate clearly with your stylist about your desired look. Inspiration images can also be beneficial for conveying exactly what you aim to achieve, and thankfully, I have plenty of examples to guide you towards your perfect California blonde look. Keep scrolling to see some of my favorites...
California Blonde Hair Trend Inspiration
1. Bright and Beachy: Influencer Cass Dimicco’s warm, rich hue exemplifies California blonde.
2. Celeb-Approved Blonde: Kelly Rowland has sported various colors over the years, but this bright California blonde bob is one of my favorites.
3. Short and Sun Kissed: Proof that California blonde looks fabulous on all hair lengths.
4. A Little Lived-In: Emili Sindlev’s slightly darker roots give a more laid-back vibe to the color.
5. Natural Lengths: The shadowed roots paired with Celeste Evans's natural curls are absolutely stunning.
6. Tousled Tones: Elsa Hosk is known for her iconic California blonde hair.
7. Luxe Up-Do: A honeyed California blonde updo? Yes, please.
8. Easy and Effortless: Megan Vega’s bright blonde shade appears completely effortless.
9. Curly Girls: California blonde curls? Simply perfection.
10. Keep It Simple: Blackpink's Jennie chose California blonde with minimal roots for a chic, bold look.
11. Soft Bends: A gentle wave, like the one Emma Roberts sports here, adds movement and definition to California blonde lengths.
12. Max the Volume: Go big on volume to showcase your California blonde.
The Best Products for California Blonde Hair
Josh Wood Colour
9.0 Blonde Permanent Hair Dye
While I recommend seeing a professional for a natural-looking California blonde, if you prefer to color your hair at home, Josh Wood’s permanent dyes offer a gentle formula that delivers excellent color.
Olaplex
No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Neal & Wolf
Hydrate Moisture Hair Mask
Utilize a hydrating hair mask weekly to maintain the quality of California blonde hair.
Oribe
Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist
Spray a brightening product on sunny days to keep blonde vibrant between salon visits.
Davines
MELU Thermal Hair Shield
Bleached hair can be susceptible to damage. Protect it by regularly applying a heat protectant.
Color Wow
Dream Filter Treatment
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Announcing It: The Most Fashionable Blondes Will Be Requesting This Luxurious Hair Color This Summer.
The type of color that is typically acquired after spending a month in the sun.