As often happens, hair trends tend to follow current affairs. The stirrings of female emancipation coincided with women's decision to lop their hair off in order to get sh*t done – the "Castle bob" was inspired by eminent dancer, Irene Castle, who caused a stir with her rebellious chop because it was "easier" to style).
Likewise, the uncertainty of the past year has made us rethink what we want from our hair colour. And – for many – being wedded to root touch-ups is just not it. We've all had to become a lot more familiar with our natural hair shade and texture without the help of our hairdresser and, actually, we kinda dig it. It's been this, alongside the low-maintenance appeal of less regular dye-sessions, that's sparked many of us to return to more natural shades of mousy blonde.
28 light brown hair colours that are sweet, sexy and minimal maintenanceGallery9 PhotosThe good news is that hair colour experts have been conjuring up some brilliant new hair colour trends that look a little more natural and offer extra longevity.
One colour trend we're borderline obsessed with after spotting it on Pixie Lott is 'undone blonde'. Staunch Pixie fans will know she's rocked platinum blonde hair for years but this more toned down, natural hair hue is giving us serious summer vibes.
The prettiest blonde hair shades to have on your radar for 2023Gallery46 PhotosThe look was coined by blonde hair guru, Harriet Muldoon at Larry King in South Kensington, who said she wanted to create something that allowed Pixie's natural hair tones to come into their own.
"The look was inspired by Rachel from Friends," Harriet told us. "We wanted the hair to look super healthy so the 'undone blonde' look I created for Pixie was all about hair health and wellbeing.
"The new colour is a chance for blondes to embrace some darker more natural shades. The 'undone blonde' colour job is the perfect balance of being able to try something new without it being permanent."
Want in? To create the look, Harriet used used Redken's Shade Glosses to balance out the previously bleached ends and match them to Pixie's natural shade.
“I use Redken Extreme Lengths – as this will strengthen and fortify the hair which is always important when you are colour treating the hair. I would always recommend Pureology Hydrate too – it is a dual purpose prescription that provides colour protection and hydration to keep the hair vibrant. This is the perfect treatment to have to take hair from drab to fab if it needs a little boost," Harriet adds.
Of course, it's not just Pixie switching up her style. We've seen model Suki Waterhouse rocking a more natural sandy blonde.
And Lily James gave her hair a break from bleach with a more undone shade.
Hair colourist, Bel, at Pipsqueek in Saigon salon has found a genius way to shatter root-regrowth lines with her sun-kissed blonde by re-instating natural shades and brightening them with low-maintenance face-framing balayage.
This "lived in bronde" from Blue Gibson hair has all the glossy glamour of blonde but with way less upkeep.
As for those with darker hair, the pared-back shade uses less bleach which means less damage.
Plus, it works beautifully alongside deep skin tones. We spotted model Yvonne Victoria giving the shade a spin
27 dark blonde hair colours that are stunning (and way less damaging)*Want to go in a different direction? To inspire you, we've picked out the very best white blonde, platinum blonde, ash blonde, strawberry blonde and dark blonde celebrity hairstyles to help you choose.
First time blonde? Make sure to read our 10 commandments for taking care of bleached blonde hair. Don't forget to use a great hair toner for blonde hair to stop any unwanted brassy tones from showing through, and always consider switching up your in-shower product regime to include a sulphate-free shampoo to make your colour last longer.*
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