“It’s no longer the uniform cold blonde”: a Parisian colorist reveals the shade of colorations to ask for this summer 2026

Summer 2026 is approaching, and with it, the desire to renew one’s hair. This season, hair colors are focusing on naturalness and light, far from the uniform shades of yesteryear. Three trends stand out, worn by celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Hailey Bieber and Anne Hathaway.

Sun-kissed balayage: a vacation effect all year round

Sun-kissed balayage is the leading technique for those who dream of a controlled sun-kissed effect. This method consists of lightening certain strands on the surface, with very little product. The result is reminiscent of the natural highlights obtained after a week’s vacation by the sea.

This approach is suitable for dark blond or chestnut bases. Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen embodies this style brilliantly. Her hair features subtle shades that illuminate her face without ever appearing artificial.

To achieve this type of coloring, the application technique makes all the difference. The root remains natural and the fade avoids any visible demarcation. Ask your hairdresser for ultra-diffuse lightening, especially around the face.

“The color must be well placed, melted and worked to create light without ever marking.

Tips for adopting this trend

Hairstylist and colorist Manon Lou, of the Manon Lou Atelier salon in Paris, insists on the importance of placement. Cold, uniform blond is no longer in vogue. Today, the focus is on blended, luminous highlights.

To maintain this result, space out your salon appointments. Sun-kissed hair grows back naturally without creating an unsightly root effect. This practicality appeals to those who want beautiful hair without constraints.

• Focus on diffused lightening around the face
• Maintain a natural root for harmonious blending
• Avoid strong or contrasting reflections
• Space out appointments for discreet regrowth
• Choose a colorist who specializes in balayage techniques

Vanilla beige blond: softness worn by Hailey Bieber

Among the lightening trends, beige or vanilla blond seduces with its softness. Worn by It-girl Hailey Bieber, this blonde blends cool and slightly warm highlights. The result is a very soft, nuanced and diffused shade.

This color cannot be achieved on a base that is too dark. It requires work beforehand to achieve the right level of lightening. However, it’s well worth the effort for those looking for a sophisticated blond.

The key is gloss. This final step is a tone-on-tone care color. It restores shine and radiance while intensifying existing highlights. Hairdresser Thomas Tuccinardi recommends this finish for optimal results.

How to ask your hairdresser for this color

At your appointment, specify that you’d like a beige or cream blond rather than an ash blond. This shade avoids the gray or greenish highlights that can appear on some bases. Vocabulary is key to achieving the desired result.

Hair gloss makes all the difference in modern coloring. Without it, blond hair risks looking dull or straw-like. With it, hair gains shine and depth. Include this step in your salon budget.

Honey and caramel tones: enhancing brunette hair

Brunettes too can brighten up their hair this summer. Warm honey or caramel tones make it possible to lighten without turning blonde. Anne Hathaway wears this style with elegance, preserving the depth of her brunette base while adding golden highlights.

This technique preserves the dark roots and brings light to the mid-lengths and ends. Contrast remains controlled, creating a warm brown that is both illuminated and natural. Golden highlights warm the complexion and give a healthy glow.

For a successful balayage, ask for honey or caramel highlights that blend with your base color. Avoid too-light highlights, which would create a tiger effect. Subtlety remains the watchword for these summer colorations.

This trend suits brunettes who are reluctant to take the coloring plunge. The result remains close to natural color, while adding depth. Maintenance is easy, since hair grows back smoothly, without visible demarcation.

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