With autumn well and truly upon us, you might be feeling that seasonal urge to switch up your hair colour. While blonde shades tend to reign supreme in summer, the arrival of cooler weather often sees us opting for softer, toned-down shades. But there’s no need to book in for a full head of lowlights and wave goodbye to those sun-kissed strands just yet. 

This season’s hottest hue is set to be ‘champagne blonde’ – a balanced, neutral tone that combines warm and cool colouring for a flattering, multidimensional finish. 

Considering a seasonal hair reset? Here’s everything you need to know before booking into the hairdressers…

“Champagne blonde has re-entered the scene, channelling the early 2000s when catwalk icons like Claudia Schiffer and Natasha Poly embraced this effortless, beige blonde hue,” says Christel Barron-Hough, founder of STIL salon. “It’s a really wearable trend, as the blonde tone is softer thanks to the blend of warm and cool tones mixed together. Generally, champagne blonde is more of a neutral colour and will work best on very light hair.”

Unlike platinum or ash blondes, which can sometimes feel stark or high-maintenance, champagne blonde offers a softer option. Its creamy tones are luxurious and flattering, making it the perfect fit for the rich, golden hues of autumn.

One of the main reasons champagne blonde is so popular is that it’s versatile. Thanks to the blend of warm and cool tones, it flatters a variety of skin tones – but be aware that those with naturally brunette, red or black hair will have to bleach their natural hair colour to achieve the champagne hue.

Those with fairer complexions benefit from the warmth it brings without the risk of looking washed out, while medium and olive tones can enjoy how it complements their skin’s natural warmth without leaning brassy.

However, Barron-Hough says: “While the neutral base makes it versatile, hair does have to been lightened.” For darker hair, lifting the base to a light blonde canvas is essential to allow the champagne tones to show through.

Although champagne blonde and beige blonde share some similarities, there are subtle differences between the two. Beige blonde is often cooler in tone, featuring neutral or even ashy hues; champagne blonde has more warmth, lending it a sun-kissed glow.

“Beige blonde can be dialled up in warmth or cooled down, depending on your unique skin tone. Ask your colourist to tailor-make the champagne blonde shade specifically for you, as its beauty lies in the seamless blend of cool and warm hues,” explains Barron-Hough. This ensures a personalised blonde that complements your skin tone.

While both champagne and pearl blonde are light, shimmery shades, the key difference lies in their undertones. Champagne blonde leans warmer with golden undertones, while pearl blonde has cooler, iridescent hues that can give off a silvery sheen.

If you’re drawn to the luminous effect of blonde but want something softer for autumn, champagne blonde offers warmth and brightness without the icy coolness of pearl blonde.

Once you’ve perfected your champagne blonde, keeping it fresh and vibrant is key. Blonde tones, particularly those with warmth, can be prone to brassiness over time, so incorporating a purple shampoo into your routine will help neutralise any unwanted yellow tones.

Hydration is equally important. “Opt for a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, along with regular deep conditioning treatments, to keep your hair healthy and vibrant,” advises Barron-Hough. Blonde hair is more prone to dryness, so incorporating nourishing products is essential to maintain shine.

When visiting your colourist, ask for a root melt or shadow root to help with a seamless grow-out, reducing the need for constant touch-ups while still keeping the colour looking fresh.

Images: Getty