Do blondes really have more fun than brunettes or redheads? If you’re interested in finding out, we’ve got you covered. Choosing from so many trendy blonde hair colors is hard enough on its own—not to mention the highlight appointments, tone maintenance, and purple shampoo trials. But whether you’re a lifelong blonde or trying out the color for the first time, you know that the confidence boost from a fresh color treatment is hard to beat.
Celebrities make it look easy to spontaneously go platinum, and with so many new hair trends hitting our feeds each day, it can feel hard to keep up. But thankfully, experts say that blonde trends in 2026 are prioritizing easy maintenance: “In 2026, hair color is leaning toward rich, natural shades,” says Nick Stenson, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nick Stenson Beauty. “Think warm blondes paired with low-maintenance techniques like balayage and shadow roots.”
While low-lift shades like Parisian blonde and longevity techniques like color-melting are all the rage right now, a bold blonde transformation is always in style. Whether you’re looking for some face-framing brightness, a gray-friendly tone, or a brave bleach job, we’ve got you covered. We asked hair experts all about their favorite blonde hair colors for 2026, how to choose your best shade, and what it takes to maintain the look. Here’s what they had to say.
Best blonde hair color for your skin tone
Finding the best shade of blonde for your skin tone might seem intimidating, but all you really need to do to figure it out is identify whether you have a warm or a cool undertone.
It’s best to have your undertone analyzed by a professional, but there also techniques you can use on your own. “How to find the undertone is the question I receive the most,” says Nathalia Eugenio Vaz, certified image consultant and color analyst. “You can do the lipstick test; when the undertone is incorrect, you can feel the lipstick will look off on you,” Vaz says. “Try lipsticks with more blueish shades with cool undertones, like MAC’s Ruby You, and lipsticks with more yellowish shades and warm undertones like MAC’s Chili’s Crew.”
Best blonde hair color for warm undertones
“Generally, people with warm undertones look best with warm blonde shades like honey and golden blonde,” Abby Haliti, French balayage and color expert and owner of NYC’s Abby Haliti Color Studio, tells Glamour. Warm undertones usually have yellow, peachy, or golden tones in their skin.
Best blonde hair color for cool undertones
“Those with cool undertones, like pink or blue, tend to suit cooler blonde shades like platinum or ash blonde,” she says. Other things to consider, Haliti adds, are your eye color and natural hair color.
“For personalized advice, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your skin tone and help you choose the most flattering blonde shade,” she says.
How often to visit the salon with blonde hair
To maintain your blonde look, be sure to visit the salon every six to eight weeks for touch-ups and glosses (unless you prefer the overgrown-roots look, of course). As for preventing brassy tones at home? “Use a purple shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for blonde hair; these products help neutralize brassy tones and keep your blonde color looking fresh,” Haliti says. “Look for ones that are sulfate-free and gentle on the hair.”
How to maintain blonde hair
Nicole Lucero, a colorist at NYC’s Mahogany Grace Salon, agrees and suggests washing blonde hair in cool water to help keep the color from fading and using a hair mask once a week. “Protect your hair from UV rays by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with SPF, and always use heat protectants when styling with hot tools, as heat damage can also cause brassiness,” she says. “Avoid chlorine and salt water, as they can also cause discoloration. Regular trims and toners can help keep your hair healthy and prevent the hair from looking dull.”
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