Am I the only one noticing that everyone seems to be choosing Sunrise Blonde hair this summer?

      Blonde hair has been making waves this year. With the renewed fascination for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s champagne-blonde shade sparked by FX’s Love Story and Miley Cyrus's transformation inspired by Hannah Montana for the Disney show's 20th anniversary, golden locks are definitely in vogue as we head into summer 2026. However, the blonde tones currently being showcased by our favorite celebrities have a bit more complexity than you might expect. Experts suggest that the trend of overprocessing hair with icy, cool-toned colors is a thing of the past, which is a relief for hair health. Instead, there’s a movement towards more natural, lived-in shades. Enter the sunrise blonde.

      Celebrity hairstylist Cesar Deleon Ramirez notes that his clients are moving away from overly styled “platinum hair” this summer in favor of warmer options. “They want that ‘expensive,’ healthy-looking blonde,” he says. “This means softer, richer, and more dimensional shades.” He describes a look where sunlight filters through golden strands, creating a soft glow rather than a color that looks “just out of the salon.” “While ashy blondes had their moments, in 2026, we’re embracing honey, buttery, and champagne blondes,” he remarks. Get ready to ask your friends for opinions on going blonde after reading this.

      Imagine how your hair looks in the gentle morning light: the delicate glow of the rising sun illuminating your strands. It’s not perfect; it has movement when you run your fingers through it, and it’s richly dimensional, highlighting some sections while casting shadows on others. This effect is achieved through strategically placed highlights (and possibly some lowlights if you have a naturally light base) to create that “sunlit” visual: a blend of warm honey tones and buttery golds, with hints of champagne blonde. “Clients still desire brightness but want a lower-maintenance grow-out and more overall shine,” explains stylist Glen Oropeza. Dimensional coloring like this elegantly masks outgrowth between visits, perfect for busy summer schedules with limited salon time. “There’s also an increasing emphasis on hair health, with clients opting for products and routines that protect their blonde from heat, UV rays, and brassiness during the summer,” he adds. A trend that is not only stylish but also prioritizes hair health? Count us in.

      **How to Maintain Sunrise Blonde**

      I’m gradually realizing that blondes might have more fun, but maintaining that shade isn’t always enjoyable, especially with expensive salon appointments and the various summer threats to color integrity (chlorine! Excess sun! Saltwater! The list goes on). Fortunately, experts have tips, tricks, and product suggestions to keep your blonde looking fabulous throughout the summer.

      **Use Leave-In Conditioner**

      Summer calls for long days at the beach, lounging by the pool, and swimming in clear waters. These activities can jeopardize your color-treated hair, but you don’t have to miss out—just modify your approach. “It's crucial to protect that beautiful color from UV damage, saltwater, and chlorine,” Ramirez advises. “We definitely don't want dry or green hair (chlorine can give blondes a greenish hue).” He recommends Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Blonde Guard Hydrating Wonder Shield Leave-In Spray, a leave-in conditioner that helps shield your hair from these potential issues.

      “The key to maintaining a stunning summer blonde is to protect both the tone and the condition of the hair,” Oropeza adds. He also endorses this leave-in conditioner for its sun protection properties. Packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration and vitamins C and E for their antioxidant benefits, this serum-like spray can be thought of as sunscreen for your hair. “[It] guards against heat, UV exposure, and environmental stressors that may leave blonde hair feeling dry or lackluster,” he explains.

      **Placement Matters**

      From your first salon visit to all future touch-ups, stylists recommend requesting a “lived-in blonde” to encourage a more natural-looking outgrowth. “I suggest asking for dimensional placement, such as blended babylights or soft root shadows, to achieve a brighter yet lower-maintenance blonde,” Oropeza says.

      **Keep It Hydrated**

      “Healthy, hydrated hair always enhances the appearance of blonde,” Oropeza continues. To keep your strands as healthy as possible, it’s vital to use the right products both in and out of the shower. Along with the Blond Absolu Wonder Shield Leave-In Spray, consider incorporating a hydrating, blonde-boosting shampoo like Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Lumiere Hydrating Illuminating Shampoo and Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo—this purple shampoo strengthens, brightens, and hydrates—alongside a complementary conditioner like Blond Absolu Cicaflash Hair Strengthening Conditioner.

      **Sunrise Blonde Inspiration**

      Beyoncé often sports a sunrise blonde look, maintaining darker roots while lightening the length, which is now