The super gray and cold days are here and not only does the face seem to look duller, but the hair also feels less luminous. Therefore, those looking to add extra light to their hair with blonde highlights should know that not all blondes are flattering in the same way, especially when looking for a rejuvenating effect.
Precisely, within the blonde tones that are in fashion this season, there are shades that have the ability to remove years more than others. According to hairstylist Alberto Cerdán, Wella ambassador, “Vanilla and warmer blondes have a rejuvenating effect compared to cold or platinum blondes that tend to harden the features more.”
Furthermore, something that must also be taken into account is that these tones not only have a generalized rejuvenating effect, but “in fine hair, these types of tones give a sensation of more volume and movement,” says Cerdán. Something that is also appreciated since as the hair ages, it thins and becomes less dense.
The blonde shades that rejuvenate the most
Blondes generally soften and illuminate the features a lot, for a reason they are the most sought after tones. Although many times the mistake we make is not going for the most flattering blondes. In this sense, “warm blonde tones such as gold, honey, caramel or with babylights and balayage highlights are the ones that look best,” explains Alberto.
But warm blondes are not the only option, for example buttery blonde or butter blondes are also very flattering. These types of blondes carry light and look very creamy and pretty. According to Alba Esteban, colorist ambassador of L'Oréal Professionnel, “butter blonde has that sweet and elegant touch, it is neither too cold nor too yellow and it makes it very flattering, it rejuvenates the face and provides a healthier look,” Esteban emphasizes.
The blonde tones that we should avoid
The last thing we want when we choose a blonde is for the effect to be the opposite of what we are looking for, which is why we must keep in mind that there are shades of blonde that do not illuminate as much. Here Alberto Cerdán is clear “we should avoid ash blonde tones and colder tones like platinum since they look duller and can weaken fine hair.”
Although it is true that there are certain shades of ash blonde that are perfect for integrating gray hair, such as Carolina de Monaco's new hair color, we must also understand that “platinum blonde leaves the hair more fragile than other shades of blonde because we are talking about a process that involves bleaching and that weakens and sensitizes the hair, which is why it is essential to take care of and nourish it more than a natural blonde,” she adds.
The blonde tones that will accompany us this winter 2026
To transform a mane of hair and achieve a more youthful image, warm blondes with golden reflections are perfect, which are also shades that provide more light and a better tone to the face. “The blush blonde Blondes with subtle pink or peach nuances will be the trend this fall, in addition to balayage highlights with diffused roots, which also work for chestnuts,” says Alberto Cerdán.
Another type of blonde that we love deeply and that we love to see on brown and brunette hair, caramel balayage. The toffee, honey and caramel tones applied with the balayage highlights technique look gorgeous on darker backgrounds. According to Felicitas Ordás, director of the Felicitas Hair salon: “Caramel balayage combines caramel, honey and hazelnut blonde tones to create a warm, soft and full of movement gradient effect. Ideal for those who want a change without compromising the health of their hair. In short, an elegant way to lighten the hair without giving up the natural tone, it brings light to the face and looks great on long hair such as midi cuts or medium bob hair.”
Specifically, balayage highlights are perfect for achieving ultra-natural results and integrating those first gray hairs without having to resort to comprehensive dyes. In addition, these highlights allow you to space out visits to the hairdresser because hair growth fades in a subtle way. Precisely, “one of the things that my clients value most is how little the growth is noticeable. There are no marked lines, just a soft blend of color that looks beautiful from the first day until weeks later,” explains Felicitas.
