Buttercream Blonde Is the Best Way to Go Lighter This Spring 2026

“This color works best if you’re already naturally light and in the blond family,” Grummel says of the look that’s bright blonde from root to tip, and heavier on the cream than the butter. She explains that this shade can be done in one sitting if you’re already blond, but be prepared to be in the chair for a couple hours. To keep the buttery dimension, she says to ask your stylist for a full highlight with bright pops throughout: “Tone it more neutral or cool to get a few white pieces to really pop.”

Buttery Blond

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Margot Robbie attends the Charles Finch & Chanel 2024 Pre-BAFTA Party at 5 Hertford Street on February 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Dave Benett/Getty Images

This is a true buttercream blonde with a mix of warm highlights with a few pops of brightness—a great entry into blond if you have light or medium brown hair. To achieve this shade, your stylist might lighten the base color to start, and then add full highlights for the brighter pieces, leaving natural color for dimension.

For a low-maintenance take, “Finding the right foil or balayage placement so that the highlights can grow out effortlessly, allowing you to go longer in between appointments,” Novobielski says. “Embracing your natural hair color for dimension and balance is key to low-maintenance blonding.”