This article has been updated since its initial publish date.
Ready to officially welcome spring? What better way to get into the warm weather spirit than with a brand new hair color that’s part sophisticate, part surfer girl? Say hello to a stunning brunette-meets-blonde hair color you’re about to see everywhere in 2023. First of all, it requires far less maintenance than your average red shade or platinum and lighter blondes. And second: it just looks SO flattering on so many different skin tones. Celebs like Sofia Vergara and Jennifer Lopez have been hip to its appeal for years — here’s what you need to know before you give it a spin.
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What is brunette-meets-blonde hair?
You may see this color go by a few different names: dirty blonde or sandy brown are popular terms for it, but “bronde” takes the lead.
“Bronde hair is the best of both worlds, combining the light, brightness of blonde hair with the richness of a deep brunette, creating a super-flattering sun-kissed hue,” said Daniel Argenio, a hair extensions expert with over 20 years of experience who is an ambassador and enthusiast for Richy Hair UK and currently resides at luxury hair salon 65 Walton Street. “This new hair trend is perfect for those who can't pick between these two shades but is also great for those who want a new pop of color but don’t want a drastic change. This natural look is also super low maintenance, especially if you already have brown or dark blonde hair — just pop into the stylist for some highlights or lowlights when it suits you.”
Gone are the days of ultra-blonde or jet-black hair, as people are becoming more adventurous with their hair color choices and opting for warmer, more natural-looking shades, according to Miranda Furtado, an elite Bellami Pro Educator and owner ofLove’s In The Hair Extension Studio. A dark sandy blonde (or bronde) is a great option for those who want a change without making a drastic transformation, she says. “This color has a neutral undertone, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of complexions,” Furtado said. “It's a great option for those who want to add depth and dimension to their hair without going too dark.”
If you're not ready for a full head of dark brown hair, Reid says to consider trying a balayage. “This popular hair coloring technique involves hand-painting lighter shades around the face, adding brightness and dimension to your hair,” Furtado said. “Finish the look with a cool-toned gloss to enhance the beige-y undertones in your hair and achieve a cohesive, polished look.”
Who does this hair color flatter?
Here’s the best part about bronde hair: it’s almost universally flattering. “Bronde is generally best for those with warm skin tones, with the rich shades super flattering to golden or peach undertones, but it can warm up cooler skin tones if you opt for a more neutral shade of Bronde,” Argenio said. “I recommend avoiding cooler tones however as these can quickly become ashy and wash you out.”
As with most hair colors, it’s important to adjust this one according to your skin tone and undertones. A professional stylist should be able to help you decide if you need a little more warmth or if a more neutral bronde shade will suit you better.
How do you ask your stylist for this hair color?
Speaking salon lingo is a plus, but bringing in countless photos of the hair color of your dreams is really the way to go so that your stylist can get a sense of the colors you love.
“To get this look, ask your stylist for a rich brunette at the roots before fading it out to a mix of lighter blondes and browns as they work down your lengths,” Argenio said. “The key is to add dimension and depth, so ask your stylist to layer up various different shades to create a natural-looking tone.
For some brighter pops of blonde, ask your stylist to highlight some light strands with bleach — this technique is great for lifting parts of your face, so I suggest getting some light strands framing your cheekbones or eyes to make them pop.”
No need to wait until summer — brunette-meets-blonde will bring the sunshine-y glow on these last few days of winter and start of spring.
