Bronde hair is still the most requested hair colour in salons
Sitting somewhere between blonde and brunette, bronde hair continues to be one of the most requested colours in salons. And it’s easy to see why – flattering, uplifting and very low maintenance – this in-between shade, that combines caramel, honeyed and golden tones, can add depth and warmth to any hair colour.
For proof, just turn your head to the A-listers. In recent years, we’ve seen several variations of this trending shade spotted on the likes of Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, Olivia Palermo and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. “Bronde is such a pretty colour and it’s so versatile,” says Christel Barron-Hough, award-winning colourist and founder of STIL Salon in Chelsea.
It can add sun-kissed warmth to brunettes, or it can dial down bleached hair for a more natural-looking finish. “It’s a great option if you don’t want to commit to a high impact blonde hair colour,” seconds Barron-Hough.
Tempted to try? Below, Barron-Hough and Siobhan Jones, balayage artist and global ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel, break down everything you need to know about this shade, including what to ask your stylist for in salon. Plus, we round-up our favourite celebrity bronde hair looks for inspo.
It's pretty bang on.
What colour is bronde?
A combination of colours, bronde bridges the gap between blonde and brunette. “It’s a perfect mix of brunette, dark blonde, light blonde and golden gloss hues,” explains Barron-Hough, who adds that the result is a natural-looking colour that’s full of depth and dimension.
Currently having a moment, Barron-Hough has seen a rise in request for tailor-made bronde looks in her salon. For instance, “golden autumn bronde like Olivia Palermo, caramelised bronde like Beyoncé and soft bronde a la Hailey Bieber are all in-demand.”
How to get bronde hair
The key to bronde hair is dimension, “so ask your colourist to add several shades of colour to your current base,” advises Barron-Hough. “Depending on how cool or warm your skin tone is, these shades can be dialled up or down.” Jones agrees and adds that your stylist will be able to recommend the tones that’ll suit your specific skin tone and eye colour.
Generally speaking, “warmer complexions have the option of rich golds, lived-in copper and chocolate brown hues. Whereas cooler complexions have the option of creamy blonde, beige gold blonde and muted brunettes,” says Barron-Hough.
Not all blondes are created equal.
Is bronde hair low maintenance?
Not only is bronde hair extremely versatile, flattering all skin tones, hair types and textures. It’s also incredibly low maintenance. “It’s designed to be low maintenance as the root area is often softer and a little darker,” confirms Barron-Hough. Meaning that root regrowth is less obvious and touch-up appointments can be drawn out – double win!
A low-maintenance, super flattering, on-trend colour? We're in. Get some inspiration below…
The very best of bronde...
@amandaleehair / InstagramHailey Bieber's dialled down the platinum and amped up warmer shades like honey and ash brown that are closer to her natural colour (bye, regrowth).
Getty ImagesLily James traded in her bright blonde hair for a more golden alternative that looks beautiful.
Getty Images / REXGiselle's bronde has never looked better than on the 2018 Met Gala red carpet, where it was swept into soft Hollywood waves.
Rex FeaturesGigi has the perfect bronde - and often goes lighter/darker depending on what's she working on.
REX FeaturesOf course Drew Barrymore would make the list. One of the most iconic bronde hairs out there.
Getty ImagesChrissy's golden tousled tresses combine sun-kissed highlights and rich honey-hued lowlights.
Getty ImagesJessica Alba rarely changes her signature bronde colour, and why would she? It absolutely suits her.
Getty ImagesKarlie Kloss has been rocking great bronde hair for a while now. Follow her lead and combine your 'do with a bold red lip.
Getty ImagesAshley Greene's perfect glossy bronde locks look lovely with her vibrant lip colour.
Getty Images"Make sure the most complimentary shade is placed around your face," says Jones. Take your cue from Ciara whos bronde hair incorporates face-framing highlights.
Getty ImagesOlivia Palermo's incredible retro waves have an impossibly glossy shine - and just look at that colour!
GettyJennifer Garner's locks sit slightly on the darker side of bronde, but still have that warm, golden hue... love!
Rex FeaturesWe adore Jaime King's messed-up, cool textured bronde hair, which is on the lighter side.
Laverne Cox recently switched up her shade for a rich, deep brown - but we're still here for this soft, creamy bronde hue.
Getty ImagesLaura Haddock is a big fan of the bronde shade. Hers is on the darker side, and has a glorious shine.
GettyDiane Kruger's bronde hair looks nothing short of effortless. She nails the natural take on the look with her lighter, sun-kissed strands popping.
Getty ImagesAshley Benson's beautiful caramel hues make for bronde hair perfection.
ShutterstockStunning actress Olivia Wilde proves bronde locks are still having a moment.
GettyCara has experimented with several different shades over the years, but we're especially into this soft, bronde look.
PA PhotosThe princess of tennis, Kim's honey-hued locks have long been the object of our desire.
Getty ImagesThat's right people: Beyoncé's doing it. So you probably should, too.
Getty ImagesIt might have been J-Lo's bob that got people talking after this Tony Awards snap was taken, but it was the bronde colour that made us swoon.
Rex FeaturesThe usually sunny-blonde Kate Bosworth nods to the bronde trend with this warm golden-toned bronde bob.
RexSuki's dark blonde locks are glossy and streaked through with warmer brunette tones for lots of dimension and dreamy depth.
Rex FeaturesWe love the multi-tonal colour of Amber's blonde-meets-brunette mane.
GettyCombine two trends in one a la Jourdan Dunn with bronde ombré hair.
Getty ImagesBlonde bombshell Blake Lively went a few shades darker to get in on the bronde action. No surprises; she nailed it.
GettyDakota Johnson teams a matte bronde colour with a subtle ombre fade, ticking two trend boxes in one go. Clever.
GettyRachel McAdams' glossy dark blonde hue is streaked with warm brunette lowlights to add depth of colour.
Getty ImagesFor a beachy bronde look, ask your stylist for very fine highlights placed throughout the hair.
