Blonde is a nuanced hair colour. There's ash blonde, dirty blonde, dark blonde and so on, and that's all before you even get into bronde territory. In short, blonde hair keeps salon chairs busy, proving its ever-enduring popularity, which is only propelled by the roster of A-listers who are switching their signature dark lengths for something brighter (CC: Rihanna and Beyoncé's current platinum blonde and Zendaya's honeyed iteration which has quite literally floored us all). Another hue in the blonde family currently making waves? Strawberry blonde. Once considered the mousey brown of blonde (so much so, natural strawberry blondes would traditionally dye their hair lighter or darker), the hair colour has shaken off its bland reputation and is finally in the spotlight for being a hot hair hue in its own right.
Searches for the shade have skyrocketed on Google by an impressive 201%. Likewise, the hashtag #strawberryblonde has racked up a cool 533.8 million views on TikTok and if that's not enough Pinterest users have been busy searching for ‘dark strawberry blonde hair’ and ‘light strawberry blonde hair’, each of which has seen a 525% and 163% rise in search worldwide in the last year, respectively. The figures are impressive enough, but there's also the fact that one of Hollywood's most iconic blondes, Margot Robbie, just swapped her golden Barbie strands for the warmer tone.
On set of her new film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey in Los Angeles, which is set to hit the big screen in 2025, Robbie was caught with both a new hair hue and style. Featuring a half-up half-down bun and wispy face framing bangs, she successfully shedded the Barbiecore aesthetic she has become synonymous with. A seasoned method dresser, the actress' new look is of course in line with her new role – only a few short days after Robbie was caught on set, she was seen on the Breakthrough Prize Awards Ceremony red carpet with a new dark blonde lob (long bob) and this 'do looks like it's here to stay.
Of course, strawberry blonde already holds weight in the celebrity circuit. The likes of Nicole Kidman, Tyra Banks and Amy Adams have long been putting it on the map. That said, Robbie's new look, increased online searches around the colour and expert opinion all lead to one consensus: strawberry blonde is about to blow. But what is it exactly?
What is strawberry blonde hair?
Moe Harb, hair colour expert at Beauty Club London, explains, 'Strawberry blonde is the lightest shade of red hair. It is typically characterised by light blonde hair with slight pink or red tones blended perfectly to create a gorgeous golden-pink tone. Strawberry blonde can vary in shades, ranging from a very pale pink tone to a darker, more coppery glow.'
Why is strawberry blonde hair popular right now?
There are many reasons for the rise of the shade, but senior colourist at Larry King South Kensington, Harriet Muldon, says, 'As we’re coming into summer we’re after a lift and glow up. Seeing Margot rocking this look has got us all wanting to jump on the trend.' Another big pull? Its universally flattering quality. 'This warm, golden hair colour suits a wide range of skin tones and eye colours, and it is the perfect shade for spring and early summer,' adds Harb.
How is strawberry blonde hair achieved?
It may look soft and whimsical, but this hair colour is anything but simple. It's multidimensional and requires natural-looking results, so consulting a professional colourist is paramount to achieving its covetable warmth.
'Strawberry blonde leans more toward natural tones, so emphasise to your stylist that you’re looking for a natural-looking base that compliments your skin tone, rather than a bolder red tone. Balayage is the ideal choice for a natural-looking result. Ask your stylist for a golden blonde base that is given dimension with pale buttery blonde tones and punchier pink tones.'
11 Strawberry Blonde Celebrity Looks To Inspire Your Next Hair Colour Appointment - Grazia 2024
1 of 11Connie Britton
With shades of brown, blonde and a hint of red, Britton's hair has it all.
2 of 11Rachel McAdams
Over the years, Rachel McAdams has proven she knows how to pull off both blonde and red hair. We love this fusion of the two.
3 of 11Nicole Kidman
If you're not ready to completely veer away from your blonde roots, ask your hairdresser for a sprinkle of red. This gives the impression you're a natural redhead, like Nicole Kidman.
4 of 11Adele
Ease gradually into strawberry blonde territory by stealing Adele's Grammys hair colour.
5 of 11Amy Adams
Naturally strawberry blonde, Amy Adams is often seen switching to more vibrant shades of red. She proves it's possible to pull off both looks.
6 of 11Tyra Banks
Why not try a supermodel's take on strawberry blonde? Tell your hairstylist you want a bronze base with cool hints of blonde.
7 of 11Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain's hair colour is Pinterest goals - look at that glossy shine against this rich copper colour. And the emerald green number sets her hair colour off to a tee.
8 of 11Kristen Stewart
You're only a wash of ginger dye away from the Kristen Stewart effect – if you're already blonde, that is. Call on a pro if it involves taking your hair from dark to light.
9 of 11Julia Roberts
As a result of this strawberry blonde balayage, Julia Robert's hair colour is the perfect balance of blonde meets red.
10 of 11Kate Mara
Dark roots that seamlessly blend into a chestnut blonde shade, this look is the best of both worlds.
11 of 11Kate Bosworth
If a full copper transformation is what you're looking for, take a page out of Kate Bosworth's beauty book.
Main image: Instagram @patidubroff and Getty Images