The idea of dyeing your hair lighter as we edge into the depths of winter is something that might appear to go against the grain. Not so long ago, blonde tones were nearly always saved for the warmer summer months, allowing for varying shades of copper and brunette to come into their own once the temperature starts to drop.

But, luckily for us, that’s not the case anymore. And as well as being able to dye your hair whatever colour you fancy, a lot more lighter-hued trends are coming to the fore all year round.

The current case in point? The emergence of vanilla chai blonde, which is a perfect blend of non-ashy cool tones alongside warmer tones that aren’t the traditional golden shade. “It’s a really gorgeous, considered application of colour,” explains Adam Reed, editorial ambassador for L’Oreal Professionnel.

Vanilla chai blonde is a great option for colder weather, which Reed says is thanks to the blend of multi-tonal colours involved in achieving this sort of shade.

“There’s a warmth that glows through, it’s almost hazelnut-like, and there’s a coolness that can look pastel-like,” he says. “It’s especially lovely in winter because most of us don’t have any warmth left in the skin at this time of year, so it’s a good way to restore some balance.”

Who does vanilla chai blonde hair suit?

“Most people can wear this shade,” says Reed. “It’s equal parts cool and warm, making it really flattering and universal.”

Reed goes on to explain that, if you have a lot of natural warmth in your hair, it’s best to ask for a slightly cooler base, and if your hair is naturally cool, opt for a warmer base. “In those cases, you might need to warm the colour up with a toner so you can achieve the right balance of shades. That’s what really makes this colour stand out and what makes it so attractive,” he adds. But your colourist should be able to advise what’s best for you.

What to ask for if you want vanilla chai blonde hair

“It’s always good to take pictures or have visual references. The warmth is delivered with a beige, biscuity base colour and it has a lot of depth to it, so you get lovely framing around the face,” explains Reed. “Then the cooler tones are creamy and not flat – that’s what makes it such a great colour combination that blends beautifully.”

How to look after vanilla chai blonde hair

Anybody who’s had even the smallest amount of blonde put through their hair will know that it’s not always the easiest colour to keep up, especially if you live in a hard water area. Plus, not all colourists will recommend using at-home toners, and instead will ask that you go in and see them in salon so they can do it professionally to ensure you get the best results and longevity.

However, pre-wash products like Colorwow’s Dream Filter, £26, or in-shower products such as L’Oreal Professionel’s Metal Detox Shampoo, £26, and Anti-Deposit Protector Mask, £28, work to draw out brassiness (which can occur thanks to a build-up of copper and other colour-distorting minerals found in both hard water and in our water systems) and ensure hair remains looking bright, shiny and healthy, without changing the colour.

Main image: Getty