The “Old Money Blonde” trend is taking salons by storm, and for good reason. Moving beyond the vibrant hues of the past, clients are seeking sophisticated, understated elegance in their hair color. This refined blonde shade, also referred to as “luxury blonde” or “expensive blonde,” embodies a classic, timeless appeal that resonates with the current quiet luxury aesthetic dominating fashion and beauty. Old money blonde is all about achieving a natural-looking, subtly enhanced blonde that exudes effortless chic and sophistication.
This article will delve into the nuances of old money blonde, exploring its key variations and the techniques stylists can use to create this coveted color for their clients. We’ll break down the essential elements of this trend, from rooted styles to warm-based tones and dimensional approaches, ensuring you’re equipped to deliver the perfect old money blonde to meet every client’s desire.
Exploring Variations of the Old Money Blonde Aesthetic
Like any sought-after trend, old money blonde isn’t a monolithic look. It encompasses a spectrum of shades and techniques, allowing for personalized adaptations to suit individual client preferences and hair types. Understanding these variations is crucial for stylists aiming to master this trend.
Rooted Old Money Blonde: Embracing Natural Dimension
The rooted old money blonde variation celebrates natural dimension. It skillfully incorporates the client’s base color, creating a seamless blend that appears effortlessly grown-out and sun-kissed. This approach avoids harsh lines and instead promotes a soft, luminous blonde that subtly pops against the natural roots.
Think of it as a refined root shadow—less defined than a traditional root tap, more of a sheer veil of dimension. The root subtly melts into the blonde, creating a naturally brightened effect. UK stylist Suzi Angelina (@hair.by.suzi) demonstrates this beautifully, achieving a gorgeous transformation with the following formula:
- Foils: Moroccanoil® Blonde Voyage Powder Lightener + 20-volume developer
- Root melt: Moroccanoil® Color Calypso Demi-Permanent Cream Color 5N + 5-volume Oxidative Cream Developer
- All-over toner: Color Calypso Demi-Permanent 10.12 + 9.13 + 5-volume Oxidative Cream Developer
By maintaining the natural root, this technique offers a lower-maintenance option for clients, contributing to the practical appeal of the old money blonde trend.
Warm-Based Old Money Blonde: Radiating Subtle Warmth
When considering warmth in old money blonde, think refined warmth, not overwhelming gold. The goal is to evoke the gentle warmth of classic blondes, reminiscent of bygone eras when hair coloring techniques focused on subtle, natural enhancements. This variation aims for a sophisticated warmth that avoids brassiness or overly golden tones.
Achieving a balanced warm blonde requires careful formulation. Stylists should avoid relying solely on gold tones, which can result in a flat, artificial-looking finish. Instead, focus on creating a nuanced warmth that reflects light and adds dimension.
Texas-based stylist Haley Clapp (@live2dyebyhaley) emphasizes the universal appeal of warm tones, stating, “I said it once and I’ll say it again, warm tones look good on everybody.” Her warm old money blonde formula provides a perfect example of how to achieve this balanced warmth:
- Roots: Redken Shades EQ™ 06G + 06NB + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution
- Lowlights: Shades EQ™ 07G + 07NW + 07NCh + Shades EQ Processing Solution
- Mids & ends: Shades EQ™ 010NW + 010G + 09NB + Shades EQ Processing Solution
This formula strategically layers different warm tones to create depth and a luminous, yet understated, blonde.
Warm toned old money blonde hair by Haley Clapp using Redken Shades EQ
Dimensional Old Money Blonde: Adding Depth and Movement
For clients seeking a blonde that still feels significantly blonde but with added depth, the dimensional old money blonde is an ideal choice. This variation incorporates lowlights to create contrast and movement, preventing the color from appearing flat or one-dimensional.
The key to dimensional old money blonde is seamless blending. Lowlights should be expertly integrated to create subtle contrast without appearing stripy or artificial. Precision foiling and tip-out techniques are favored over more concentrated methods like balayage, ensuring a refined and polished result. This approach maintains the overall blonde impression while adding visual interest and depth.
Dimensional old money blonde hair with subtle lowlights
Essential Techniques for a Bright, Seamless Hairline
Achieving a bright, seamless hairline is non-negotiable for the old money blonde trend. Two techniques stand out for their ability to create this crucial element: the Scandinavian hairline and back-to-back hairline foils. Both methods prioritize a soft, natural-looking brightness around the face, enhancing the overall sophistication of the color.
Scandinavian Hairline: The Halo of Lightness
The Scandinavian hairline technique focuses on lightening the fine baby hairs around the face after traditional foil placement. This creates an ultra-delicate halo of blonde that beautifully frames the face. Monique McMahon (@moniquemcmahoncolour), owner of Que Hair Salon Sydney, explains, “Bleaching the very fluffy baby hairs after a stitched foil placement will give you that next level, Scandinavian blonde halo of lightness around the face.”
The application is minimal, simply tapping lightener along the hairline baby hairs. Processing at the bowl allows for efficient rinsing and prevents over-processing these delicate strands.
Back-to-Back Hairline Foils: Soft and Seamless Brightness
For stylists who prefer a less direct approach to hairline lightening, back-to-back foils offer a controlled and effective alternative. Hair and business educator Mirella Manelli (@mirellamanelli) recommends this technique, especially for those new to hairline highlighting.
The method involves placing three babylights back-to-back at the hairline, leaving no hair in between. These hairline foils are applied last and removed first, allowing for precise rinsing and preventing over-processing. Mirella recommends Kenra Professional Simply Blonde No Ammonia Lightener for this technique, as it creates a softer line across the hairline.
Conclusion: Embracing the Enduring Appeal of Old Money Blonde
The old money blonde trend is more than just a fleeting fad; it’s a return to timeless elegance and understated luxury in hair color. Its versatility and range of variations ensure its appeal to a broad clientele, from those seeking subtle enhancements to those desiring a more pronounced blonde transformation. By mastering the techniques and understanding the nuances of rooted, warm-based, and dimensional old money blonde, stylists can confidently offer this sought-after look, solidifying their expertise in delivering sophisticated and on-trend hair color. Embrace the enduring appeal of old money blonde and elevate your clients’ style with this classic and luxurious shade.
