Old Money Blonde is the best calm luxury shade of the season

Choosing a new hair color usually means going for a bold or dramatic look. Dark cherry red, cowboy copper, and icy platinum blonde are just a few of the trending shades that spring to mind. But there’s beauty in the subtle, too, and the latest trending shade, Old Money Blonde, proves this. Understated, sophisticated, and never over the top, the shade has quickly become one of the most popular types of blonde. “Understated and mindful are the best descriptions for this hair color,” says Min Kim, colorist and Global Ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. As summer slowly comes to an end, the shade is shaping up to be the perfect blonde for fall. Below, the experts reveal everything you need to know to achieve this look.

Selected experts

• Min Kim is a colorist and global ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel
• Sabrina Bias is a blonde specialist and L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador
• Maddy Davies is a Redken expert and colorist at the Rodney Cutler Salon

What is Old Money Blonde?

There’s a trend in the beauty industry toward softer, more natural looks, including in hair color. Old money blonde, says Kim, is all about an effortless blend of tones. “This shade defines natural hair with rich blonde streaks that range from buttery to beige,” she says. Redken expert and Rodney Cutler Salon colorist Maddy Davies agrees, pointing out that the shade typically has a seamless transition of light and shadow that allows the underlying neutral tones to pop.

If you think old-money blonde is effortlessly cool, you’re not alone. According to Sabrina Bias, blonde specialist and L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador, the shade fits perfectly with the calm aesthetic that continues to be popular. “Old-money blonde typically refers to the ‘if you know you know’ (IYKYK) aesthetic,” she says. Similar to cool-girl fashion brands like The Row, she explains that it’s mostly about having a type of blonde hair that looks natural.

How to make Old Money Blonde

Some blondes are difficult to achieve, but Davies says this shade isn’t one of them. “The color is incredibly versatile thanks to subtle tones that suit many different skin tones.” Still, you want to make sure you get the right shade for your skin tone. At the salon, she recommends asking for three key things: a natural mix of gold and cream, a gently blended hairline, and light and dark streaks throughout the hair.

To achieve the look, Davies says old-school methods like hair foiling work best. “Although hair painting is still popular, we’re currently seeing a return to foiling, which perfectly reflects the ‘old money’ trend,” she adds. It’s helpful to remember that this look isn’t one-size-fits-all and requires a certain amount of technique to get right. “Old money blonde is best defined as grown out and should look effortless,” says Kim. She recommends asking your stylist for a casual, rooty color.

Care and maintenance

To make your color last longer, it’s important to maintain a moisturizing hair care routine. “Detoxifying shampoos like L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo ($36) will keep unwanted brassy tones at bay while hydrating your hair,” says Bias. Another expert shower tip? Use cool or cold water. Davies says cooler water temperatures help preserve color by sealing the cuticle when you wash. To maintain the vibrancy and natural shine of your new shade, she recommends using a nourishing conditioner like Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss ($33). Not only does it smooth and add shine, but it also acts as a heat protectant when styling.

Blonde inspiration for old money

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Buttery soft waves

Soft, fluffy waves are ideal for highlighting the color dimensions of Old Money Blonde. “It has a luxurious shine that looks both timeless and elegant,” says Davies.

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Blonde ombré bouquet for old money

To achieve this look, Bias recommends a gentle blend of your natural color. “Think golden blonde to neutral blonde, no money piece and an emphasis on shiny, healthy blonde ends.”

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Blonde bob with old money

These two looks go perfectly together. Like the Italian Bob, Old Money Blonde is a modern twist on a classic. According to Davies, a lighter hairline with gently blended roots is key to this look.

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Creamy blonde with old money

“The old money trend is great because the distressed or rooty look gives you the freedom to wait longer between highlight appointments, making this color low-maintenance,” says Kim.