From the icy tones of Scandi blonde to the golden highlights in sunflower and linen blonde, if you’re looking for a blonde hair colour trend to inspire your next salon trip – there are tonnes of different iterations to choose from. Yet, one thing they all share is the upkeep: blonde hair can be expensive and, let’s be honest, tough on your strands.

Which is where eco blonde comes in. A more natural-looking take on traditional blonde, this trend is perfect for those wanting to go back to their roots (literally). Eco blonde pairs soft, earthy tones with exposed, natural roots to create a low-maintenance yet expensive-looking finish.

“Trends always come full circle,” says Christel Barron-Hough, founder and colour expert at STIL salon, who coined the term eco blonde. “Roots are once again back in fashion. Spotted on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks and now making waves in salons, this look offers a grounded alternative to the high-maintenance world of platinum perfection.”

Eco blonde is perfect for those blondes who might be wanting to go a little more natural-looking for the winter months. The key features of eco blonde hair are the soft, earthy tones and – most importantly – a visible root smudge. It’s a look that embraces grown-out colour without feeling unpolished, creating a luxe, seamless finish that’s sophisticated yet relaxed.

“The new root trend has put a luxury spin on carefree summer hair for winter,” Christel explains. “It’s reminiscent of late 70s and early 80s hair trends but with a more polished, eco-luxe feel. It’s all about effortless beauty and embracing what’s natural.”

“Think shades of whey, creamy beige and soft sorbet hues,” says Barron-Hough. “This colour is all about either embracing your natural roots or creating a hue that feels natural to your original hair colour.” 

There are lots of different ways to make eco blonde work for you, so it’s important to communicate your desired look clearly to your colourist. If you’re leaning towards a bolder, balayage contrast, ask for deeper roots paired with lighter ends to create a striking, statement look. For something softer, request a subtle 70s-inspired blend, where roots fade gently into lighter tones.

“One method is to work with the client’s natural root colour, adding hand-painted ‘mini-lights’ to blend the root seamlessly with the length,” Christel explains. This technique uses super-fine highlights to create a nearly invisible but sun-kissed effect.

Alternatively, you can opt for a shading technique. “This involves applying a darker root colour and creating a brighter effect on the length and ends,” Christel adds. “It’s a bit more 90s boho and edgy, with a focus on contrast.”

What’s great about the eco blonde hair trend is that it’s really versatile – meaning it’s great for all hair textures and complexions. “It works well on both warm and cool tones,” Christel says. “The key is to adjust the warmth of the roots to suit your skin tone while keeping the ends light.” 

Main image: Getty