Considering a color refresh? Turn your head to the latest color trend that’s tipped to take spring/summer ’22 by storm: candlelight blonde. Spotted on countless celebrities – including Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Anya Taylor-Joy — this creamy shade is everywhere, and we can absolutely see why.
Candlelight blonde is striking and wearable at the same time. ‘It gives a fresh twist on that ‘90s supermodel blonde that was made popular by Claudia Schiffer, yet it’s softer to wear and makes hair look healthy as opposed to being over colored – something that was prominent with this look in the ‘90s.’
Tempted to tap into the trend? Here, we break down how to upgrade your look and make the color of the season work for you.
What is candlelight blonde?
‘Candlelight blonde is a color that’s perfectly balanced with bright creamy hues and delicate honey hues, hand painted on to create a fresh, super-bright blonde look.’ To avoid that over-colored finish, ‘the key is to saturate the ends and leave the root slightly more natural.’
What makes this blonde unique is ‘the perfect balance of warm and neutral tones that blend in seamlessly for a shimmery and vibrant look,’ the expert explains.
What to ask for in the salon
‘Ask for either a highlighting technique or hand-painting technique that layers creamy tones with delicate gold.’ Our op tip? ‘Bring in a picture of the candlelight color that you’re after – your hairdresser can then advise on what would be best suited for your existing color and hair condition, along with the transformation needed.’
For anyone with dark hair, expect a slightly longer process. ‘The look can still be achieved on darker depths, however, it will likely take a few appointments to achieve the end result.’ ‘This is purely because there’s only so much lightening you can do in one sitting; you must prioritize the condition of the hair throughout the process.
‘If the natural depth is a dark blonde or natural blonde, it will be much easier and quicker.’
Who can wear candlelight-blonde hair?
This color suits most complexions. ‘It is, however, slightly better suited for skin tones that are warmer or more neutral, as the creamy mix with delicate gold will be too warm on a cooler undertone.’
‘With that said, the gold can be swapped for a beige color that will make it more suitable for cooler undertones, as a cooler hue will help the color complement the skin.’
How to care for candlelight-blonde hair
There’s no denying that bleach can damage and dry hair. Yet somehow the celebrity circuit manage to achieve a high-shine, glossy finish that always looks polished. How? We recommend semi-permanent toners – ‘They are perfect for this look as they will gently tone blonde hair while adding shine’.
Home care products are also essential for maintaining healthy, glossy tresses. ‘Moisture is vital for blonde hair, even more so than protein as it will hydrate, repair and increase flexibility for tangle-free, swishy strands.’