Another summer, another season where you’re pining after a gorgeous and bright blonde hair color that you feel unsure about whether or not you should try. But what if this were the summer that you threw caution to the wind and decided to say “yes!” to a lighter hue? And what if your inspiration comes from no other than Queen Beyoncé?
Sounds pretty good so far, doesn’t it?
Give a warm “hello” to the season’s latest and greatest blonde: the “sunwashed” blonde hair color you’re about to see everywhere. If Barbie blonde is too warm, bronde hasn’t made up his mind enough for you, and ash blonde makes you look washed out, sunwashed blonde may just prove to be the blonde shade of your summer (and fall, winter, and spring) dreams.
Celebrity Hairstylist and PURA D’OR Partner Clyde Haygood sheds light on this shade of blonde and everything you need to know about it — including what upkeep to expect.
What sets “sunwashed blonde” apart from other blonde shades?
Haygood describes Beyoncé‘s new blonde as bold and attention getting — but not stunning warm. “It’s a lighter and cooler shade of blonde than her usual honeyed hue,” Haygood says. “What sets this color apart is its brightness. It commands attention while on stage and is also the most sought after and desired color during summer months.”
What should you ask your stylist for?
You may ask your stylist for the “new Beyoncé,” but what you’re really looking for is the ultimate lightest blonde your hair can take without suffering damage and breakage, Haygood reveals. “Ask to keep some root to keep it modern and natural looking instead of one solid color, which can look retro.”
Who does it flatter most?
Good news: this shade flatters a number of different skin tones. “The lightness of this blonde can look amazing on many skin tones,” Haygood says. “It brings light and vibrancy to the face and can be very youthful. This exact blonde works best on light to medium skin tones though adjustments can be made for other tones to suit them best.”
What skin tones does it not flatter?
Some version of blonde can work on any skin tone — it’s finding the right one that is key, Haygood insists. “This color may look a little yellow against super pale or alabaster skin, therefore, they should go even cooler when going blonde for the best result,” he notes. “Those with deep, dark, richer skin tones will want to add more warmth to the blonde to flatter skin and enhance the look.”
In other words: you can bring a photo of Beyoncé to your stylist for inspiration, but expect them to adjust the color to suit your needs.
What’s upkeep like?
This look is rooted, so the upkeep isn’t too bad, Haygood shares. “I would say every six weeks to three months to fully re-color, depending on the darkness of your hair, and how much root you want,” Haygood says. “But what is the most important is keeping this blonde toned and bright. This can make you need to visit the colorist more often which can get expensive.”
Haygood suggests using the PURA D’OR Color Harmony Purple Shampoo & Conditioner set, which are formulated with the right amount of pigment to tone hair to perfection and diminish unwanted brassy tones without stripping hair of color. “They also help maintain the color and brightness in color treated hair by reversing the damage done by color treatments with an intense blend of essential vitamins and nutrients, keeps blondes toned and bright and they help rid silver/gray hair of unwanted dullness or brassy tones delivering stronger, healthier more luminous hair,” he says.
Ready to go bold and blonde? Take a page from Beyoncé’s book and try sunwashed blonde on for a season (or two, or three).
