Angelina Jolie's blonde transformation is complete! 💁♀️
Perpetual brunette, Angelina Jolie has been on a bit of a hair journey recently; she’s softly- softly stepped over to the lighter side, so subtly that you may not have even noticed. It started with blonde balayage throughout the summer and then transitioned into a ‘honey-lit’ shade (which we felt, was a bit too yellow for her skin tone).
Today, she’s sporting her blondest look yet - and we adore it. This cooler-toned blonde compliments her pale and luminous skin tone and it offsets her natural root colour, for a lower-maintenance and immeasurably stylish look.
But it has taken a while for Angelina to reach today’s blonde, which proves that even A-list locks require time and consideration to get it right. A well-executed blonde can brighten your complexion, enhance your features, and add a fresh, modern feel to your look.
“The right tone can bring warmth and radiance, especially if it’s tailored to your skin tone and personal style,” says hairdresser Sam Burnett, Creative Director of Hare & Bone. “It’s all about placement, tone, and keeping dimension in the colour.”
If you’re convinced to try the lighter side, too, here’s what to think about before doing so…
How do I go blonde when I'm naturally brunette?
Going blonde from brunette is a journey, not a quick fix. The key is to work with your natural depth and undertones to create a seamless, flattering result. “A multi-dimensional approach, whether it’s balayage, baby lights, or a softer, lived-in blonde, helps keep the hair looking expensive and healthy,” says Sam.
The most important thing? “Protecting the integrity of your hair with regular toning, hydration, and root touch-ups are essential to keeping the colour looking fresh,” explains Sam. If your hair is naturally dark, going blonde requires maintenance both in salon and at home.
What should I consider before going blonde?
Think about commitment, upkeep, and hair health. “If your natural hair is dark, you’ll need regular root maintenance and toning to keep brassiness at bay,” says Sam. Condition is everything - pre-lightening treatments like Davines’ Heart of Glass blonde range, from £23.25 or K-18's Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £30 are a must to maintain strength and shine.
Also, consider your wardrobe and makeup; blonde can shift your overall aesthetic, so you might want to tweak your tones to complement the new look.
Heart of Glass range
K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Not every shade of blonde will suit you
Cool skin tones, with pink or blue undertones, are complemented by white-blonde finishes. So, choose shades like ash, beige, and or icy tones. Warmer skin tones like olive, medium, and darker tones suit yellow or warm golden-toned hues. Consider colours like honey, caramel, or warm golden blondes.
Always have a photo reference of the shade of blonde you want to achieve. You might think of platinum as icy white, but your stylist may have a different perspective and adjust the tones to suit you. “Your colourist will discuss your preferred shade and assist in setting realistic expectations regarding the duration of the process, the aftercare required, and the necessary follow-up salon visits for upkeep.”
The type of technique will affect the finished result
Balayage is a hair-lightening method that involves a sweeping application to produce highlights through a free-hand painting technique, ensuring a soft and naturally graduated appearance towards the tips. It is applied in random sections to achieve a very organic, sun-kissed look.
Ombre refers to a colour that gradually lightens as it moves downward, blending from a brown or dark blonde at the roots to a bright blonde at the ends – creating an effect where the sun naturally 'kisses' and lifts the ends of your hair.
A uniform ‘all-over’ colour applies to the entire hair, from the roots to the ends. Since it’s a single shade, this type of colouring will reveal roots sooner (due to the contrast), although it can vary based on your starting colour and natural lightness or darkness.
Highlights involve incorporating lighter hair pieces with tones closer to the scalp in specific sections and lightening the hair from the roots to the ends to create depth and colour dimension on a darker base.
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