Longing for beachy blonde hair but unsure which shade you can pull off? The answer is: any! It all comes down to maintenance (which comes at a price) and confidence (which is free). If you can't decide which blonde you should be, it helps to choose a colour that complements the undertones of your skin. Here's a quick way to tell which is yours:
– Warm-toned skin often has yellow or golden undertones (the veins on your inner wrist usually show up as green and you’re able to get a healthy tan).
– Cool-toned skin often has pinkish or red undertones (veins usually show up as blue or purple and you’re careful not to get sunburned).
– Neutral-toned skin has a mix of golden and red undertones (any shade looks great on you, lucky).
If that sounds too technical, you could just look to the rich and famous for inspo. If your skin tone is closer to Zoë Kravitz, Solange or Jourdan Dunn, you have warm undertones. If you’re more akin to Chloë Sevigny, Kate Moss or Karlie Kloss, then you have cool-toned skin.
Honey hues are a classic choice for bringing warmth to fair skin, while an ashier blonde will balance the undertones of warm skin. Whether you're cool or warm-toned, it's best to stay away from blondes with strong yellow or red hues, as these will bring out (rather than balance) the undertones in your skin. To achieve a complementary blonde, go to your stylist with a photo of your ideal shade. Being flexible with your expectations is essential for maintaining strong, healthy hair, especially if your hair is darker, naturally curly or chemically relaxed.
For dark brown to black hair, it will likely take a few visits to your colourist to get the colour you want. Expert colourist Sam Burnett says: "It requires a lot of patience, time and upkeep. Maintaining a bright blonde with a dark base is a massive commitment that can be quite expensive so it’s best to have an in-depth consultation with your stylist [to see] if this is the right colour for you. A colour change of this nature requires a journey with your colour specialist."
For relaxed hair it’s best to stay away from bleaching because the mix of chemicals can cause severe damage to your hair. That doesn’t mean you can’t go lighter, though – just don’t expect a full-blown Marilyn Monroe.
Those with curly, kinky and coily textures should also be aware that bleaching could loosen your ringlets. Hair colour supremo Josh Wood advises: "With curly and textured hair, more care needs to be taken to neither dehydrate the hair nor make it brittle. Specific aftercare for colour-treated textured hair is a must." A major hair colour transformation will require lots of TLC, so be sure to invest in quality strengthening treatments and weekly hydrating masks. Purple shampoo and regular toning is also essential for keeping your blonde at its best.
Ahead, we've curated our favourite blonde looks from some of fashion's foremost cool girls. Whether you're thinking honey-blonde or rose-gold, find inspiration for your transformation here...
These waist-length blonde braids on Solange are our everything goals for summer.
Zoë convinced us to go blonde after debuting this icy pixie cut at the Met Gala. Ashier blondes are great for balancing the yellow undertones in warm skin.
The coolest of the cool girls. Chloë's beachy waves look glossy and effortless.
Gabi's ash-blonde afro pairs perfectly with a cream jumper, boots and rose-pink mini – or anything, for that matter.
We love how Nyané pairs this blunt-cut grey bob with a rich burgundy lip.
Jazzelle's light-blonde buzz cut brings out her eyes.
Is the original British bad girl an original blonde? Go for darker roots and lighter ends to keep it looking natural.
Juno is giving us '80s dancing queen and we're here for it. Pair a sweet curly champagne-blonde with gold hoops and a sparkling outfit.
Chosen by Rihanna to be an accomplice in her "BBHMM" music video, Desi artist Sanam pairs silver-green hair with '60s blue eyeshadow and perfectly winged liner.
This dark-blonde bob is a perfect match for Jourdan's face shape. Dark roots and ombré make this 'do look very natural.
This blunt-cut champagne lob brings out the golden glow of Chidera's cheekbones.
Song of Style's sister Dani took the plunge and we can't get enough of it.
If you're longing for icy locks but wary of the damage, switch it up with a silver wig like Storm... oh, we mean Keke.
Emma's honey lob is a great look for spring/summer.
Stella's gilded locks reflect the sun beautifully.
Shopé is soaking up the sun in Lisbon with these lovely ash-blonde Senegalese twists.
Teyana styles her rose-blonde pixie with rose lips, barely-there makeup and nude and gold accessories.
Jasmine proves that champagne curls, a red lip and shades is an excellent combination.
If you're very fair, going platinum could wash you out. Take a note from Karlie and go for a touch of honey and darker roots.
A #3 boy cut complements chiselled cheekbones and a sharp jawline. Adwoa's got both.
Darker roots and brows keep your skin looking warm, like Kehlani.
We are 100% loving Cleo's curly honey-blonde lob.
Kicki is looking like a street style pro with these platinum curls.
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