If, like me, you're a blonde through and through, summer often sparks the need to go brighter - but I admit, it can feel a little samey and predictable. Thankfully, there's another take on blonde that's recapturing attention this season, which the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Fanning have sported in the past. Enter: blush blonde.
For those who adopt more of a 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' agenda - fear not. Classic icy blondes and balayages aren't going anywhere, but if you're ready to switch things up with something more low-maintenance and less harsh on the hair, this could be for you.
What is blush blonde?
Blush blonde is a softer, warmer approach to blonde that introduces soft mink mauve and hazy pink placed on the halo of your hair to create a sun-kissed glow. But don't fret: you won't leave the salon looking like P!nk in the early 2000s. This shade is designed to enhance blonde rather than transform it. The subtle infusion of these soft undertones creates a luminous glow, adding warmth, dimension and light reflection without the colour ever looking brazenly pink.
"Blushing up your blonde has been really popular within our salon ahead of summer," says Elena Lavagni, CEO and co-founder of Neville Hair and Beauty. "Clients are a little bored of the Beach Blonde / White Blonde / Balayage as it’s a lot of maintenance and can sadly go brassy with chlorine and sun! Also, our clients want to be a little different - to stand out from the highlighted blonde crowd. They want something a little more sassy whilst maintaining their hair health, so are stepping away from the bleach. Our blush blonde achieves a luminous, healthy glow by introducing subtle rosy, peach and champagne undertones that add warmth, dimension and light reflection without the colour feeling overtly pink."
What are the benefits?
One of the biggest appeals of the trend is its low-maintenance approach. Rather than colouring every strand, the blush tones are strategically placed where they'll catch the light most.
"The Blush Blonde is easier to maintain as it’s not an all-over colour," says Elena. "We just highlight areas of the hair that will reflect the blush the best, for example, framing the face and the crown area."
This targeted placement means softer regrowth, fewer salon appointments and a colour that continues to look flattering as it fades naturally throughout the summer months.
© NevilleHow to achieve it?
Creating the perfect Blush Blonde begins with the right base.
"To achieve this look, you need to start with a blank canvas, so we begin by lightening the hair," Elena explains. "Once the hair is lifted to a pale or soft blonde, you can create tonal pastel highlights or a rainbow of colours."
By focusing colour around the face and crown, the technique creates a soft, light-reflective finish that enhances the complexion while maintaining a natural-looking blonde.
