I just switched to Raffia Bronde, and I’m now convinced it’s the ultimate summer hair color.

      I've always been a brunette, but I enjoy exploring various hair color trends. Recently, I’ve been leaning towards a cool-toned, iced chocolate hue. However, every summer, I feel the urge to try balayage and lighten my hair again. I'm not a fan of chunky highlights; I prefer a more natural, sun-kissed appearance with subtle strands of blonde that brighten up my hair. This season, I chose raffia bronde, which might just be my favorite summer hair color so far.

      What Is Raffia Bronde?

      Inspired by the raffia basket bags, raffia bronde features delicately woven strands of blonde and brunette that create a seamless, multi-dimensional look. It's an excellent summer option for both brunettes and blondes. For brunettes, it injects lightness and vibrancy, while it adds depth and richness to blondes. Hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith anticipates raffia blonde will be a leading hair trend for 2025, describing it as having a "subtly multi-tonal appeal with a woven texture and intricate quality." "You might refer to it as an ‘expensive bronde,’ due to its meticulous detail," Smith notes. "It's perfect for those who prefer a mid-contrast style in their fashion and beauty choices, sitting comfortably in the color spectrum. This shade can easily evolve throughout the year by either brightening or toning it down," he adds.

      What to Request at the Salon

      Before my visit to Hershesons for my hair transformation, I scheduled an appointment for balayage and requested very fine blonde strands to be placed through my mid-lengths and around my face-framing layers. This style doesn't require a strong money piece; instead, it consists of a few blonde and caramel ribbons that mimic a naturally sun-kissed look (think two weeks in the South of France).

      After

      How to Care for Raffia Bronde at Home

      Fortunately, balayage is a low-maintenance hair coloring option if you prefer not to undergo frequent salon visits. The hand-painted technique not only looks very natural, but it also grows out seamlessly without a visible root line. However, there are steps you can take to keep it looking fresh for longer. "To maintain your hair's strength and health while alternating between different shades of bronde, keep heat usage to a minimum and use nourishing hair masks along with high-quality shampoos to preserve the delicate tones," advises Smith.

      Color Wow

      Color Security Shampoo

      Choosing the right shampoo prevents your hair color from fading in the shower—I highly recommend this one from Color Wow.

      Glaze

      Supergloss Color Conditioning Gloss in Vanilla Lights

      Avoid brassy tones by using a toning hair gloss like this one. The blue shades help neutralize red and orange hues that may develop in colored brunette and blonde hair.

      K18

      Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

      Whenever you bleach your hair, it's crucial to use repairing products to help minimize breakage. This leave-in mask from K18 not only makes my hair incredibly shiny, but it also repairs damaged hair at a molecular level.

      Hello Klean

      Rain Shower Head in Chrome

      Since installing a hair filter in my shower, I've noticed a significant improvement in my hair color. It's shinier, more vibrant, and helps my color last longer.

      Wella Professionals

      Color Fresh Semi-Permanent Colour Mask in Golden Gloss

      If you're looking to try out golden tones in your hair, this color-depositing mask is perfect for experimenting without commitment—it washes out after a few shampoos.