We’ve all been there: in the summer months, it’s easy to get carried away with the ‘blonder is better’ mantra. Whether it’s bleach, balayage or sun-kissed highlights, our hair tends to take on a much lighter, brighter tone. But as the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, you might feel like it’s time for a refresh. If you’re looking to dial the blonde down a notch, you’re not alone: Pinterest searches for ‘lowlights on blonde hair’ have spiked recently, signalling a desire for a subtler, more autumn-ready take on blonde.

This is where the ‘muted blonde’ trend – a softer, understated version of the classic bright blonde that’s perfect for autumn – comes into its own. “Muted blonde is the perfect colour if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer sun-kissed hair,” explains Laura Elliott, head of education at haircare specialists Neäl & Wølf. If you want to keep some of that golden glow without the upkeep of regular bleach top-ups, muted blonde is a great way to transition.

“Muted blonde is a soft, understated shade of blonde that combines cool and warm tones, often featuring a more sun-kissed look with hints of taupe, honey, or beige. It’s less vibrant than traditional blonde, with ashy or beige undertones, giving it a subtle, almost smoky finish,” Elliott adds. The beauty of this trend is that it can be easily adjusted to complement your skin tone – add golden hues for warmth if you have a medium skin tone or cool it down with ashier tones for fairer complexions. The result? A multidimensional, easy-to-maintain colour that looks effortlessly chic.

As with all hair colour appointments – taking pictures with you to show your colourist is key. In need of some inspiration? We’ve rounded up the best muted blonde looks to screenshot and take with you to your next salon appointment…

‘Muted blonde’ is the chicest way to tone down your summer highlights