Is it just me, or is everyone opting for sunrise blonde this summer?

      Blonde hair has truly been in the spotlight this year. The renewed fascination with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s champagne-blonde, spurred by FX’s Love Story, alongside Miley Cyrus’s transformation inspired by Hannah Montana for the Disney show's 20th anniversary, suggests that golden locks are definitely trending in 2026, especially with summer approaching. However, the blonde shades sported by our favorite style icons today are more intricate than you might think. Experts indicate that the era of harshly processed, icy tones is over, which is a good thing for hair health. Nowadays, stylists are observing a shift toward more naturally blended looks, such as 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 tones. “They’re seeking that ‘expensive,’ healthy-looking blonde,” he states. “This means softer, richer, and more dimensional shades.” He describes a look where sunlight filters through golden strands, with gentle morning light rather than a stark "just out of the salon" color. “While ashy blondes have had their time in the limelight, we're now gravitating towards honey, buttery, and champagne blondes in 2026,” he adds. You may find yourself asking friends if it’s time to go blonde after reading this.

      Imagine how your hair looks in the soft light of dawn: the quiet glow of the rising sun illuminating your strands. It’s not polished, it moves when you touch it, and it has depth—highlighting some layers while casting shadows on others. This effect is achieved through well-placed highlights (and potentially some lowlights if you’re naturally light blonde) to evoke that “sunlit” appearance: a blend of warm honey and buttery gold hues, with hints of champagne blonde. “Clients still crave brightness but prefer a lower-maintenance grow-out and added shine,” says celebrity hairstylist Glen Oropeza. Dimensional dye techniques like this one expertly conceal outgrowth between salon visits, making them perfect for busy summers when regular appointments are hard to fit in. “There’s also an increased emphasis on hair health, with clients focusing on products and routines that protect their blonde from heat, UV rays, and brassiness during the summer,” he notes. A hair trend that is both fresh and health-conscious? Count me in.

      How to Care for Sunrise Blonde

      I’m gradually coming to realize that blondes might actually have more fun, though salon upkeep, expensive dye jobs, and seasonal color threats (like chlorine, sunlight, and saltwater) can be daunting. Fortunately, professionals have tips, tricks, and product suggestions to keep your blonde in top shape all summer long.

      Use Leave-In Conditioner

      Summer is perfect for enjoying long beach days, lounging by pools, and diving into clear waters. While these activities can threaten color-treated hair, that shouldn’t stop you; you just need to change your approach. “It’s crucial to protect that gorgeous color from UV damage, saltwater, and chlorine,” says Ramirez. “We definitely want to avoid dry or green (yes, chlorine can turn blonde hair green) hair.” His product recommendation? Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Blonde Guard Hydrating Wonder Shield Leave-In Spray, a leave-in conditioner that shields the hair from undesirable effects.

      “The secret to maintaining a beautiful summer blonde is to protect both its color and overall health,” Oropeza emphasizes. He also recommends this leave-in conditioner for its sun-blocking properties. Packed with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, you can think of this serum-like spray as sunscreen for your hair. “[It] guards against heat, UV exposure, and environmental stressors that can make blonde hair dry or lackluster,” he explains.

      Placement is Key

      From your initial visit to every follow-up appointment, stylists suggest requesting a “lived-in blonde” for a more natural-looking outgrowth. “I recommend asking your stylist for dimensional placement, like blended babylights or soft root shadows, to achieve a brighter yet more manageable blonde,” suggests Oropeza.

      Keep It Hydrated

      “Healthy, hydrated hair will always elevate the look of blonde,” Oropeza adds. To ensure your locks are well-moisturized, it’s crucial to use the right products inside and outside the shower. In addition to the Blond Absolu Wonder Shield Leave-In Spray, consider incorporating a hydrating, blonde-enhancing shampoo such as Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Lumiere Hydrating Illuminating Shampoo, followed by Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo—a formula that strengthens, brightens, and hydrates—along with a matching conditioner like Blond Absolu Cicaflash Hair Strengthening Conditioner.

      Sunrise Blonde Inspiration

      Beyoncé consistently showcases her signature sunrise blonde, keeping her roots darker while lightening the ends—a chic bob this time—to a lovely honey tone