Barbie blonde, bronde (a gorgeous weaving of light brown and blonde strands), and even espresso are hair colors that we’re used to pining after — and they’re also colors that continue to be popular this spring and summer. Red hair shades tend to be more elusive — since red is a notoriously difficult color to get right and maintain, it tends to take a backseat in favor of more achievable reddish shades such as this season’s pretty cherry cola.
But there’s great news for all of the red-haired fans out there: strawberry blonde balayage is trending in a big way, thanks to celebs like Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman, and Blake Lively (and so many others). Unlike vibrant red hair, this hue is more subtle and easier to achieve, especially if you are starting out with lighter hair tones. Curious about what to expect and whether this color can work for you? Here’s what hair experts have to say.
What is strawberry blonde balayage?
The "strawberry blonde balayage" color is a beautiful blend of warm reddish tones and blonde highlights, creating a natural-looking and dimensional effect, says Greg Decker at Greg Decker Hair Houston. “It typically features a base color of strawberry blonde, which is a mix of golden blonde and coppery red shades, and your stylist can help you achieve it through the balayage technique.”
Think red, but sun-kissed, brightened up, and multidimensional.
Who does it flatter most?
This color trend can suit a variety of hair colors, according to Decker, but it tends to work best on individuals who are starting out with lighter hair shades. “It is more likely to complement natural redheads who want to enhance their hair's warmth and depth,” Decker says. “If you are someone who has light to medium blonde hair, then strawberry blonde is a BIG YES for you as it adds the touch of vibrant red tones for a sun-kissed effect.”
What skin tones does it suit and not suit?
Luckily, there are so many skin tones that flatter strawberry-blonde hair, Decker says. “It works particularly well with fair to medium skin tones with warm undertones, as the reddish hues can add warmth and radiance to the overall look,” he says. “However, it may not be as suitable for individuals with cool or olive skin tones, as the warm tones in the hair color can clash with the complexion and create an unflattering contrast.”
What if you have dark brunette hair?
Suppose you have darker brown or black hair and are seriously coveting strawberry blonde hair — can and should you make the switch? The answer is yes, you absolutely can — but the process generally requires more steps and time at the salon. “This is because your stylist will likely need to lighten your hair first by using a bleach or lightening agent to lift the darker pigment,” Decker explains. “Once the desired level of lightness is achieved, they will apply the strawberry blonde and blonde shades in a balayage technique to create a seamless transition.”
Expect to spend several hours in the salon chair — or to have to make a few appointments and go strawberry blonde in stages. And then it’s a wise idea to invest in products that can protect your hair, which may feel dryer because of the multi-step process that includes bleach.
What’s maintenance like?
And that leads to the final, important question you should always consider prior to making any hair color change: what should you expect when it comes to maintenance?
“Maintenance for strawberry blonde balayage can vary depending on your natural hair color and the intensity of the red tones,” Decker says. “For instance, red shades tend to fade faster, so you will need higher maintenance for the same. I recommend opting for color-safe and sulfate-free hair care products to sustain longer. On top of it, regular touch-ups are also needed every 6-8 weeks to refresh the color and maintain the desired balayage effect.”
Using a weekly hydrating mask and protecting your hair from the sun and heat exposure with both a hat and thermal protection spray is the way to go, especially as the summer heats up.
Ready to try on gorgeous strawberry-blonde hair and consider yourself a good candidate? Chat with your colorist to find out what it will take to get you there — and then show off those stunning locks.
