Sunbeam blonde, a radiant and warm hair trend, is taking center stage this season, bringing a touch of golden sunshine to your look. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to embrace the bright days and achieve a naturally glowing appearance.
As explained by colourist Nicola Clarke, known for working with celebrities like Kate Moss and Cate Blanchett, sunbeam blonde is a “fawny tone overlaid with a pale gold in a halo section of the head.” This creates a captivating, luminous effect that brings light to the face, minimizing the need for heavy makeup.
The trend draws inspiration from icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and a young Claudia Schiffer, who famously embraced this radiant golden hue. It was also prominently featured at the spring/summer 2024 shows, gracing the runways of Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Emporio Armani.
Beyond its captivating aesthetic, sunbeam blonde offers numerous benefits. It adds luminosity to the complexion, giving the skin a healthy glow, particularly welcome after a long, dull winter. It also creates the illusion of sun-kissed hair, achieving a natural and effortless look.
Colourist Clarke describes it as “the look you get after you’ve been sitting in the sun for a couple of weeks.” The sunbeam blonde effect is achieved by strategically incorporating various shades like flattened honey, caramel, syrupy tones, and vanilla through sections of the hair, creating a multi-dimensional, sun-kissed effect.
For those with “mousey” hair, sunbeam blonde offers a gentle transition to a lighter and brighter look without being overly dramatic. It’s also a great option for those who are already blonde and seek a natural, wearable, and youthful refresh.
Zoë Irwin, another renowned colourist, agrees that sunbeam blonde is “the perfect golden shade.” She emphasizes the subtle and natural approach to highlighting, where the highlights “don’t look like they are sitting on the natural hair, but rather melt in.”
While golden tones were once considered taboo by many clients, opting for ashier hues, both Clarke and Irwin acknowledge a shift in perception. They recognize the flattering effect of golden tones on the skin, from youth to later years, adding a beautiful, healthy glow.
With its radiance, natural beauty, and flattering effect, sunbeam blonde is a trend that embraces the warmth of sunshine and offers a fresh, youthful look. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your style and welcome the sun-drenched days ahead.
