Considering a summer hair change? These are the celebrity-approved colours

3 months ago 35

When it comes to trends, let’s start with our latest blonde obsession. We’re labelling it “crème caramel”, as seen on the Chloé Spring/Summer 2026 runway, and it’s all about a praline-coloured smudgy base falling into a blonde cascade. Our pick of celebrities embodying this low-contrast look are Florence Pugh, with her signature milk-chocolate roots and sweep of blonde ends, and Margot Robbie, who can do no wrong with her extended caramel roots and creamy blonde tips. To keep this shade in good nick, try Hairification’s Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner ($25 each), which combine to neutralise brassiness and boost brightness, and contain a bond-strengthening formula to boot.

Margot Robbie’s caramel roots and blonde tips is our latest blonde obsession.

The latest buzz for brunettes this summer is all about “brown sugar” depth, with Hollywood colourist Tracey Cunningham explaining to Allure that “brown sugar isn’t really warm, it’s more of a smoky shade”. We love the careful blend Cunningham has conjured up for singer Lana Del Rey. We also adore Victoria Beckham’s classy bob, which always looks polished. To keep brunette hair in peak condition, have an in-salon clear gloss treatment between colour sessions and apply IGK Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Top Coat ($49) at home to create a shock of incredibly glossy hair.

Cinnamon red is the newest shade on our colour spectrum and our cover girls for this hue include Zendaya, with her sparkling chin-length bob and micro fringe, and the lived-in feel of Emma Stone’s perfectly pitched coppery colour that drifts into brown. Cinnamon red can feature as an all-over shade or be featured by strategic placement around the face. Hair that’s been coloured red is notoriously difficult to maintain and very susceptible to colour fade. To keep it looking vibrant and fresh, a salon visit every six weeks is essential. Between appointments, use Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner ($95 for the bundle) to keep hair hydrated.

With many of us tightening our belts, we’re looking for ways to make our beauty dollar go further – and maintaining hair colour is a great place to start. Hair colour specialist Damien Rayner has some sound advice: “As a general rule, use your hair treatment as you’d use a course of antibiotics – to bring hair back to good health. So, apply your favourite mask after each wash [for five washes] to give hair a boost. And if it still needs love, condition after you rinse the treatment out.”

Rayner also suggests using a specialised conditioner to help hair look fresher for longer. Try Davines’ Alchemic range ($54 each), which come in specialist formulations for redheads, blondes and brunettes. Finally, when shampooing and conditioning hair, rinse with lukewarm water to help prevent colour fade.