Hair color trends come and go often — remember when cherry-red was the pick of the season? But there are some timeless shades that stand the test of time. Summer will be winding down soon and that means it's time to start looking ahead to what hair color will easily transition into fall. A quick look around the internet confirms that one stunning shade is trending again and most likely here to stay.
Golden honey blond, or what celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. hair color trend ambassador Jacob Schwartz calls "ethereal blond," is on the rise. It all started when Schwartz created this stunning shade for Bella Hadid. Since then, it's been trending nonstop. "It's a soft honey blond with creamy golden tones and subtle dimension," he says. "I wanted the color to feel luminous and cinematic, but still understated."
We asked Schwartz and celebrity colorist Beau Dieda for everything to know about this trending color. See all they had to share ahead, along with styling inspo.
Jacob Schwartz is a celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. hair color trend ambassador.
Beau Dieda is an L.A.-based celebrity colorist.
Little did Schwartz (whose client list includes everyone from Sydney Sweeney to Charli XCX and Grace Van Patten) know he would be kicking off one of the year's hottest color trends when he created Hadid's. "Bella's blond was all about creating something that felt effortless, luxurious, and reflective of the South of France during Cannes," Schwartz says. "She's so closely associated with her signature brunette, so if we were going to make her blond, it needed to feel timeless and fabulous and not like she was wearing a wig or a quick color job for a moment."
Dieda explains exactly why it's the perfect summer-to-fall trend. "Honey blond is one of my favorite transition colors because it gives you the brightness everyone loves in the summer but starts introducing those richer golden tones that feel more appropriate heading into fall," he says. "It's softer than an icy blond, lower maintenance, and it catches the light beautifully without looking overly processed. It's the perfect 'best of both worlds' color." Dieda also says that honey blond just never goes out of style. "It's bright without being icy, dimensional without looking stripey, and warm without feeling brassy."
If you're interested in this stunning transition shade as we inch toward the fall season, Schwartz has some advice. "I tell clients to bring inspiration photos, but they should stay open to customizing the tone for their complexion, eye color, and natural depth," he says. "The most beautiful blonds aren't copied, they're personalized. That's how you create a result that feels believable, grows out beautifully, and is much easier to maintain for you."
Schwartz also spilled the tea on the exact shades he used for Hadid's color. "Creating a blond like Bella's is really about layering color rather than chasing one single tone," he also says. "I used Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Vario Blond Super Plus (a professional-only color) to create soft, seamless brightness throughout the hair while preserving shine and dimension. From there, I customized the tone with Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Vibrance layering in lowlights and a tailored root gloss to create soft transitions and maintain Bella's signature lived-in depth." Rather than taking everything to one uniform shade of blond (too boring for Schwartz), he focused on creating multiple levels to work together, which is something you should ask your own colorist to do as well. "That creates movement and gives the color a much more natural finish," he adds.
Dieda also says not to rush a process like this, especially if your hair is naturally a much darker shade. "One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to go from dark brunette to bright blond in a single appointment," he says. "Healthy blond is always prettier than damaged blond. Work with your stylist on a long-term plan, invest in treatments along the way, and embrace the in-between stages. The goal isn't just getting blond — it's keeping your hair looking healthy enough that the blonde actually shines."
Achieving your perfect shade of blond is only half the battle. According to Schwartz, maintaining blond is all about keeping the tone fresh and the hair looking reflective. "One of my favorite recommendations is booking a gloss service between color appointments. Ask your colorist for a Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Vibrance Clear Gloss, which instantly refreshes shine and helps revive the richness and vibrancy of your blond without changing your base shade."
Other great options include the Moroccan High Shine Gloss Mask ($30) and the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Clear Hair Gloss ($38).
Dieda also agrees that maintaining blond hair at home is just as important as what happens in the salon. And, if you're going to heat style, be very selective about the types of tools you're using. Dieda recommends SRI Labs tools. "The SRI StyleQ Professional Flat Iron ($148) is one of my favorites because it leaves the hair looking polished without needing multiple passes," he says. "Less heat exposure means a healthier blond over time." Aside from that, he recommends using a high-quality deep conditioning mask at least once a week. "Blond hair naturally needs more hydration, and keeping it moisturized helps preserve shine and softness," he adds. "A purple shampoo is great when needed, but don't overdo it. I actually prefer honey blonds to stay a little warm, so I recommend using it only when the hair starts looking too yellow instead of every wash." If you're looking for one, try the Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Purple Hair Mask ($68).
Lastly, Dieda says not to wait until your hair feels damaged to start caring for it properly. Always use heat protection, keep your salon appointments consistent, and don't skip glosses are his top tips. "And remember—healthy hair is always the prettiest hair, no matter what shade of blonde you choose," he adds.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer whose work has appeared in Bustle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more.