Blonde hair is the one thing that never, ever goes out of style. Instead, it just keeps coming back around in new iterations. The latest case in point? Old money blonde.
Characterised as a soft, sun kissed shade that blends seamlessly with your natural hair colour, it’s a colour that’s been doing the rounds on the red carpet and that’s been seen on celebrities including Margot Robbie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Sofia Richie Grainge. Plus, it’s been particularly sought after thanks to the fact it’s relatively low maintenance compared to other types of blonde hair, especially a traditional full head of highlights.
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What is old money blonde hair?
‘The definition of old money blonde comes from the contrast of cool and warm shades that create soft ribbons of colour, adding light and shade to the hair,’ says Calum Tierney, hair expert at Living Proof. Tom Smith, trend forecaster and global director at Evo Hair concurs, adding that this particular shade ‘is all about luxurious and rich tones’.
One of the (many) good things about old money blonde is its versatility combined with the amount of people it’ll suit. ‘It’s great for anybody who’s already blonde and wants to adapt their shade for spring, as well as those with darker hair looking to transition to a lighter blonde,’ says Tierney. ‘It follows a less-is-more approach, creating a lived-in colour that has lighter tones around the face. It’s perfect for clients who want to move away from a traditional full head of highlights.’
How to ask for old money blonde hair
‘To achieve the old money blonde shade, ask your colourist for a look that’s melted, natural and seamless,’ says Damien Gray, colourist at Hersheson’s Belgravia. ‘If your hair is lighter to begin with, you might want to use words like golden, creamy and bright, but if it’s darker, you’re better asking for rich, caramel, mocha and honey tones – but the real emphasis is on ensuring that you’re working with and enhancing your own natural features.’
Smith goes on to note that the key to successfully creating this old money shade of blonde is that the tones should blend into each other. ‘There shouldn’t be any tell-tale signs of highlighting, that way the look will ooze quality and wealth,’ he explains.
How to maintain old money blonde hair
It goes without saying that the aftercare and maintenance of any coloured hair is of vital importance. Not only to ensure your hair is in the healthiest possible condition that it can be, but also to help extend the vibrancy and life of the colour. Here, see our top tips and best product recommendations for maintaining old money blonde hair.
Install a shower filter
Depending where you live, you might've heard about 'hard water'. Its impact varies from postcode to postcode, but essentially hard water means 'the presence of minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) in our water,' according to aesthetic practitioner Rupesh Shah. When used for cleansing, these deposits can take a nasty toll on blonde hair.
Many of us have likely dealt with hard water conditions for years without knowing - but what you might have noticed instead is dryness, your colour fading quickly, or a lack of vibrancy.
One way to combat these negative effects is to install a hard water shower filter to prevent the deposits from ever reaching your hair. These are a small investment, but make a world of difference.
Adopt a colour-friendly routine
'Using a professional colour-save shampoo and conditioner is the best way to prevent colour fade and maintain that salon-finish shine,' says salon owner Sophie-Rose Goldworthy. These can prolong the life of your colour, and delay the need for your next appointment.
Alternatively, use a purple-toned shampoo to keep your blonde bright and free of brassy tinges. 'While purple shampoo is useful to keep warmth at bay, be sure to only use it from time to time to avoid leaving hair with a purple tint. There’s a risk of over-toning here, so try using it as your first shampoo in a dual-shampoo process to ensure excess is removed,' says hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith.
Use sun protection
'Most people aren't aware that prolonged periods of sun exposure can weaken the protein structure of our hair, causing dehydration and breakage', says co-founder of Silke London Maria Sotiriou. Not to mention, it can fade your colour at a faster rate.
'Protecting your hair as you would your skin is the safest way to prolong your colour in the summer,' says hair expert Hayley Walker. 'There are tailored products that contain UV filters to shield strands from sun damage and prevent colour fading.'
Avoid heat styling
Keeping heat styling to a minimum is preferable for any hair colour, but especially for blondes. Blonde hair is more susceptible to heat damage due to its lighter and more delicate nature, and overuse can lead to more frizz, dryness and breakage.
On the occasions you do use heat, always use heat protection - both before blow-drying, and again before using any styling tools.
ELLE Edit: Blonde Maintenance Products
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
Bonding treatments are a godsend for strands prone to snapping and split ends - two known consequences of lightening hair. The ELLE beauty team love this one because it doesn't need to 'sit' for hours, nor be washed out. Simply rake two pumps through damp hair, and wait 10 minutes before heat styling.
Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Reparative Filler Mask
Kérastase are the gold standard when it comes to restoring shine to lacklustre lengths. When blonde hair is smooth and shiny, it gives the appearance of being brighter as it reflects light. That's why reparative masks are a must for prolonging the life of your blonde, and delaying the need for your next appointment.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
It's just as important to protect your hair from the sun as your skin. Long periods of sun exposure (we're looking at you, holiday) can lead to damage, dryness and colour fading. Before you head poolside, spritz Aveda's protective veil over your tresses to protect from harsh rays. It helps to condition and detangle hair, too.
L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo
City dwellers, add to basket immediately. This next-level detoxing shampoo rids hair of water-induced copper-deposits (something found in hard water) that can prematurely fade hair colour, cause breakage and dim vibrancy. Use this once a week, and team with the rest of the range for best results.
Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
This purple-toned cleanser works harder than others on the market. Weekly use helps to blitz brassy tones from sight, but, being Olaplex, it's also enriched with the brand's signature bonding complex to repair damaged lengths. Top tip: don't be fooled into overusing toning products. Once a week (or every three to four washes) is plenty.
Hello Klean Purifying Shower Head
Depending where you're based, you might've heard about the effects of 'hard water' on hair and skin. One surefire way to prevent these hardships is by installing a shower filter. This stops unwanted metals, chlorine and impurities in their tracks, resulting in brighter, healthier hair in the long run.
While heat should be avoided where possible, it's important to use heat protection on the occasions you can't. Though, ghd's is so lovely, you won't need convincing. Suitable to be used on damp or dry hair, this fine spray leaves lengths with a glossy, light-reflecting finish. Seal the deal with a nourishing oil.
Color Wow Color Wow Color Security Shampoo 250ml
Now 62% Off
Designed specifically for coloured hair, the lightweight shampoo utilises a Japanese amino-fortified complex to help prevent breakage and dullness, whilst defending against colour fading to leave locks radiant, vibrant and healthy. You can't go wrong with Color Wow.
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
A favourite amongst the ELLE beauty team, Oribe's Gold Lust range is designed to restore shine to lacklustre lengths. The oil helps to do away with frizz, while working from within to prevent damage caused by environmental stressors. The best part? This one also contains heat-protection.
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