‘Old Money Blonde’ Is Set To Be This Season’s Most Wanted Hair Colour
Blonde hair is the one thing that never, ever goes out of style. Instead, it just keeps coming back around in new iterations. The latest case in point? Old money blonde.
Characterised as a soft, sun kissed shade that blends seamlessly with your natural hair colour, it’s a colour that’s been doing the rounds on the red carpet and that’s been seen on celebrities including Margot Robbie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Sofia Richie Grainge. Plus, it’s been particularly sought after thanks to the fact it’s relatively low maintenance compared to other types of blonde hair, especially a traditional full head of highlights.
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
What is old money blonde hair?
‘The definition of old money blonde comes from the contrast of cool and warm shades that create soft ribbons of colour, adding light and shade to the hair,’ says Calum Tierney, hair expert at Living Proof. Tom Smith, trend forecaster and global director at Evo Hair concurs, adding that this particular shade ‘is all about luxurious and rich tones’.
One of the (many) good things about old money blonde is its versatility combined with the amount of people it’ll suit. ‘It’s great for anybody who’s already blonde and wants to adapt their shade for spring, as well as those with darker hair looking to transition to a lighter blonde,’ says Tierney. ‘It follows a less-is-more approach, creating a lived-in colour that has lighter tones around the face. It’s perfect for clients who want to move away from a traditional full head of highlights.’
How to ask for old money blonde hair
‘To achieve the old money blonde shade, ask your colourist for a look that’s melted, natural and seamless,’ says Damien Gray, colourist at Hersheson’s Belgravia. ‘If your hair is lighter to begin with, you might want to use words like golden, creamy and bright, but if it’s darker, you’re better asking for rich, caramel, mocha and honey tones – but the real emphasis is on ensuring that you’re working with and enhancing your own natural features.’
Smith goes on to note that the key to successfully creating this old money shade of blonde is that the tones should blend into each other. ‘There shouldn’t be any tell-tale signs of highlighting, that way the look will ooze quality and wealth,’ he explains.
How to maintain old money blonde hair
It goes without saying that the aftercare and maintenance of any coloured hair is of vital importance. Not only to ensure your hair is in the healthiest possible condition that it can be, but also to help extend the vibrancy and life of the colour. Here, see our top tips and best product recommendations for maintaining old money blonde hair.
Install a shower filter
Depending where you live, you might've heard about 'hard water'. Its impact varies from postcode to postcode, but essentially hard water means 'the presence of minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) in our water,' according to aesthetic practitioner Rupesh Shah. When used for cleansing, these deposits can take a nasty toll on blonde hair.
Many of us have likely dealt with hard water conditions for years without knowing - but what you might have noticed instead is dryness, your colour fading quickly, or a lack of vibrancy.
One way to combat these negative effects is to install a hard water shower filter to prevent the deposits from ever reaching your hair. These are a small investment, but make a world of difference.
Adopt a colour-friendly routine
'Using a professional colour-save shampoo and conditioner is the best way to prevent colour fade and maintain that salon-finish shine,' says salon owner Sophie-Rose Goldworthy. These can prolong the life of your colour, and delay the need for your next appointment.
Alternatively, use a purple-toned shampoo to keep your blonde bright and free of brassy tinges. 'While purple shampoo is useful to keep warmth at bay, be sure to only use it from time to time to avoid leaving hair with a purple tint. There’s a risk of over-toning here, so try using it as your first shampoo in a dual-shampoo process to ensure excess is removed,' says hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith.
Use sun protection
'Most people aren't aware that prolonged periods of sun exposure can weaken the protein structure of our hair, causing dehydration and breakage', says co-founder of Silke London Maria Sotiriou. Not to mention, it can fade your colour at a faster rate.
'Protecting your hair as you would your skin is the safest way to prolong your colour in the summer,' says hair expert Hayley Walker. 'There are tailored products that contain UV filters to shield strands from sun damage and prevent colour fading.'
Avoid heat styling
Keeping heat styling to a minimum is preferable for any hair colour, but especially for blondes. Blonde hair is more susceptible to heat damage due to its lighter and more delicate nature, and overuse can lead to more frizz, dryness and breakage.
On the occasions you do use heat, always use heat protection - both before blow-drying, and again before using any styling tools.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
You Might Also Like
