'Sunflower blonde' is the golden hue to ask for this summer, according to experts

Offering warmth and a honey-like shine, sunflower blonde is the summery hair colour we'll be seeing everywhere – red carpets included...

Rihanna is seen with golden blonde hair as she celebrates New Product Launch For Her Fenty Beauty Brand at 7th Street Studios on April 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California
(Image credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

Want to achieve the radiance of copper without giving up your blonde tones? The "sunflower blonde" hair colour trend offers warmth along with a summery, golden glow – all while remaining, well, blonde...

Though 2023 saw an influx of coppery shades, 2024 hair trends initially welcomed in a shift towards dramatic red hair looks and cool, neutral hues, such as crystal clear blonde and taupe brown hair. Now, though, it seems the summer months will see yet another U-turn back towards warmth in the form of sunflower blonde.

Bringing a flattering radiance, this colour can be a golden update for those with existing natural or icy blonde tones – or a slightly less intensive alternative to platinum for those who want to make a dramatic change but don't already have blonde hair. If this trending sunny shade sounds like it will tick your boxes, we've quizzed the pros on exactly what sunflower blonde entails and what to ask for at the salon. 

What is sunflower blonde? 

Having coined the name of this glowing shade, Tom Smith, trend forecaster, International Artist in Residence at Billi Currie and Evo's International Creative Colour Director, describes sunflower blonde as "the perfect summery blonde shade to bring a bit of 'golden hour' all day every day."

Smith adds that it's a continuation of the popular spring hair trend syrup honey blonde, but with added glow. "Softly multi-tonal, this shade can be achieved with highlights on naturally lighter hair or with a full colour plus highlights on naturally deeper bases," he explains.

Léa Seydoux is seen with golden blonde hair while she attends "Le Deuxième Acte" ("The Second Act") Screening & opening ceremony red carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 14, 2024 in Cannes, France

(Image credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Smith also notes that the tones are "entirely golden" with a focus on shine. The colour is also flattering on a wide range of skin tones, as it can lift and brighten the complexion, whereas some icier blondes can leave the skin looking dull. As Smith says, it's "ideal on warmer skin tones of all depths, which is what makes it a great choice for summertime."

How to request sunflower blonde at the salon

If you're unsure whether your hairdresser will get the gist if you simply request "sunflower blonde," Smith has summarised what to ask for in a nice soundbite. "Ask your stylist for intense golden tones but [to] ensure it doesn’t tip towards copper," he says. If you're already a shade of blonde, you could also request golden highlights or "camoulage".

How to maintain sunflower blonde

As with all blonde shades, a certain amount of maintenance is required to keep the radiance and desired tone. "Using a colour-boosting conditioning treatment in a golden shade will help to retain the vibrancy," Smith confirms. He also stresses that: "moisture and shine [based] treatments are essential to keep the characteristic glow and reflection of the hair."

Is sunflower blonde less upkeep than platinum?

When you lighten your hair, there is always some upkeep involved as well as risk of damage to your strands. Thankfully, though, opting for golden sunflower blonde tends to be slightly less of an intensive process compared to icier shades. 

"The shade is less of a strong process than platinum or crystal clear blonde because the hair does not have to be lifted to its maximum level to achieve this intense golden tone," explains Smith, adding that nourishing hair treatments are recommended to maintain the condition of your hair as much as possible.

5 golden sunflower blonde looks we're loving

If you're considering sunflower blonde, it may interest you to know that this colour is already celebrity-approved, with Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and others all sporting shades of golden blonde. Here are five of our favourite looks.

1. Rihanna's warm sunflower blonde hair

Rihanna is pictured with warm, golden blonde hair while celebrating New Product Launch For Her Fenty Beauty Brand at 7th Street Studios on April 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

Rihanna's golden hair is the perfect example of sunflower blonde – it's radiant, flattering and the epitome of summery.

2. Léa Seydoux's subtle sunflower bronde hair

Lea Seydoux is pictured with warm, golden brown hair while attending "Le Deuxième Acte" ("The Second Act") Screening & opening ceremony red carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 14, 2024 in Cannes, France.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

For those seeking an understated finish, or for those with light brown hair looking to add extra warmth, Léa Seydoux's honey-toned bronde hair provides great inspiration.

3. Cate Blanchett's sunflower blonde updo

Cate Blanchett is pictured with golden hair in an updo while attending the "Rumours" Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 18, 2024 in Cannes, France.

(Image credit: Getty Images/JB Lacroix/FilmMagic)

During the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Cate Blanchett paired her golden blonde hair with a equally gleaming gold dress – proving just how luxe this hue is. 

4. Zendaya's sunflower blonde lob

Zendaya is pictured with golden blonde hair while attending the "Challengers" Paris Photocall at Hotel de Crillon on April 06, 2024 in Paris, France.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

If you're looking to lighten your brunette hair to a creamy, sunflower hue, Zendaya proves that this colour looks especially chic with blended roots, adding depth and richness.

5. Nicole Kidman's golden sunflower highlights

Nicole Kidman is pictured with golden blonde hair whilst arriving at the 49th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Tribute Celebrating Nicole Kidman at Dolby Theatre on April 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California.

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

For blondes who are looking to add dimension and radiance, consider some golden highlights like Nicole Kidman's look here. 

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...