16 Bronde Hair Ideas To Try In The Salon This Season
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11 minutes ago
The bronder, the better
Bronde is (still) having a moment. And, honestly? We’re not surprised. This hybrid hue has been working the salon floor for over a decade – with L’Oreal making the term mainstream back in 2015 – and we love it just as much now as we did then. Thinking of making the switch sometime soon? We’ve rounded up our favourite bronde hair ideas to take with you to the salon.
The Ultimate Guide To Bronde Hair
What Is It?
As the wordsmash implies, the colour ‘bronde’ sits perfectly between a classic blonde and a brunette. ‘It’s a blend of lighter and deeper tones that melt together so the hair looks lighter overall, but still has depth at the root and through the mid lengths,’ adds Jason Collier, hair stylist and ambassador for Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘A good bronde looks expensive and multi-tonal, with ribbons of honey, beige, caramel and soft ash woven through a natural looking base. It’s softer than a full blonde and brighter than a classic brunette.
The colour has been a salon staple for several years now – largely thanks to its bright results and fairly low maintenance upkeep. It offers the best of both worlds: it feels lighter and fresher than brunette, but softer and lower maintenance than blonde,’ says Melissa Timperley, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Melissa Salons. ‘People are increasingly choosing colours that grow out gracefully, and bronde delivers that lived-in look without harsh regrowth lines. It also aligns with the wider shift towards effortless, expensive looking hair that prioritises shine, health, and natural dimension.’
She adds that, while a mainstay classic, bronde colouring techniques are forever evolving – and this year, they’re moving towards a softer, more personalised look. ‘We are seeing a move away from high contrast balayage towards diffused, seamless blends that look completely natural,’ confirms Melissa. ‘Expect to see more neutral beige brondes, creamy mushroom tones and warmer almond finishes that add glow without looking brassy. The focus is on healthy shine, subtle dimension, and colours that enhance natural features rather than overpower them.’
Is It Easy To Transition To Bronde Hair?
Good news: it’s pretty easy to make the switch to bronde hair. ‘That is one of the reasons it is so popular,’ confirms Jason. ‘Because we are not taking everyone platinum or going dramatically darker, bronde can be tailored. The ease depends on your starting point and the condition of your hair.’
‘The choice of bronde depends on your natural base,’ adds Charley Henerey, International Artistic Director at TONI&GUY. ‘For example, someone with a fair base can have pretty much all the shades of bronde, someone with a much darker base has to compromise into the darker version of this colour, to avoid any damage to the hair and to help with easy maintenance.’
Below, Jason breaks down what to expect when transitioning to bronde from another hair colour:
- Blonde Hair: ‘If you are very light blonde, we usually add depth back in first. That might mean lowlights or a slightly deeper root smudge to stop it looking flat. Then we tone into a beige or honey bronde. It often just takes one appointment.’
- Brunette Hair: ‘This is the easiest shift. We lift selected pieces with balayage or fine highlights and then tone into a warm or neutral bronde. One session can be enough, though very dark brunettes may need two to reach a lighter finish without stressing the hair.’
- Black Hair: ‘Natural black hair needs careful lifting. We normally lighten in stages to protect the integrity of the hair. The first session may give you a softer caramel bronde, then you can go lighter over time. Patience and realistic expectations are important here.’
- Red Hair: ‘With natural or coloured red, we need to manage warmth. We might lighten slightly and then tone with a neutral or soft beige gloss to balance excess copper. It can look beautiful, especially on strawberry or auburn bases.’
Who Suits Bronde Hair?
Since bronde is more a bespoke hue than a set colour, the final look can be completely tailored to the individual. ‘Bronde is incredibly versatile and can work for pretty much anyone,’ adds Jason. ‘It is one of the most wearable colour families we do in the salon.’
In terms of hair texture, he adds that. ‘Because it keeps some depth at the root, it flatters fine hair by giving the illusion of thickness. On thicker or curly hair, the mix of tones enhances movement and texture.’
The colour, meanwhile, can be tweaked to match your complexion: ‘Warmer brondes with honey and caramel tones suit golden, olive and deeper skin tones beautifully – while cooler beige or soft ash brondes work well on fair or neutral skin.’
How To Ask For Bronde Hair In The Salon
Ahead of your salon appointment, it’s recommended you do some research on the shade of bronde you’re after. ‘If you are thinking of going bronde you definitely need to speak to an expert, do some research and find a selection of pictures that you feel inspired by,’ emphasises Charley. ‘Colour is so personal to each of us, so pictures are going to help your colourist understand which tonalities and hues you are more attracted to.’
You’ll also want to factor in how upkeep and maintenance will work with your lifestyle. ‘Ask for advice on how to maintain the colour and what the implications are to achieve it,’ suggests Charley. ‘For example, is bleaching involved? Is it a demi-permanent or permanent colour? Your colourist will be able to explain the differences and what suits your hair.’
‘It helps to know your colour history too,’ adds Jason. ‘Be honest about box dye or previous hair lightening so we can plan safely.’
What Happens?
Once in the chair, you can let the professionals work their magic. ‘Bronde is usually created with a mix of balayage and fine highlights,’ says Jason. ‘Most stylists tend to keep the root as close to the client’s natural shade for longevity, then paint lighter pieces through the mid lengths and ends. After lifting, a colourist will tone to the desired warmth or coolness.
‘The key is placement. You want brightness around the face and through the top layers, with depth underneath so it never looks stripy or blocky. A gloss at the end pulls everything together and gives that seamless finish.’
How To Maintain The Colour
As with all coloured hair, you’ll want to take care of it at home. ‘Use colour-safe, sulphate free shampoo to preserve tone and prevent fading,’ suggests Melissa. ‘You can also refresh with a gloss or toner in the salon every eight to 10 weeks to keep the blend seamless.
‘Make sure to hydrate regularly with masks or bond building treatments to keep the hair reflective and healthy,’ she adds. And importantly: ‘Protect from heat and UV exposure, as both can cause brassiness and dullness – and the lighter sections of hair will be more fragile.’
Bronde Hair Ideas To Try Next
Honey Bronde Balayage
‘A warm brunette base with honey ribbons painted through the mid lengths and ends,’ notes Jason. ‘Works well for medium to long hair with loose waves.’
‘It easily creates warmth and movement,’ adds Melissa. ‘Perfect for adding glow to warmer skin tones.’
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Beige Bronde
Melissa describes this look as, ‘A neutral, creamy blend that sits between cool and warm tones. It’s ideal for clients wanting understated elegance with a polished finish.’
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Almond Bronde
And for a warmer take: ‘Almond bronde is a warm, luminous blend of blonde and brunette with subtle peachy golden undertones,’ says Melissa. ‘Think soft almond cream with a sunlit glow. It sits between traditional bronde and warmer shades like honey or caramel blonde, offering a refined, glossy finish that feels both natural and elevated.’
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Caramel Bronde On Long Layers
‘Richer caramel tones through dark brown hair, focusing on face framing pieces,’ says Jason. ‘Great for adding glow without going too light.’
‘This is a deeper, richer blend that melts brunette roots into caramel ends,’ adds Melissa. ‘Ideal for low-maintenance colour with a luxurious finish.’
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Bronde With Money Piece Highlights
For something that lifts the complexion, Jason suggests: ‘Subtle balayage throughout with brighter, finer highlights around the hairline.’
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Mushroom Bronde
Bronde, but updated. ‘This is a cooler, taupe-toned take on bronde with subtle ash undertones,’ explains Melissa. ‘It feels modern, sophisticated, and particularly flattering on cool complexions.’
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Bronde On Natural Curls
Textured hair also looks great with a touch of bronde. ‘This look features hand-painted lighter pieces through curls to enhance shape and dimension,’ says Jason. ‘The contrast makes any texture pop.’
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Suede Bronde
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Golden Bronde
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Biscuit Bronde
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Teddy Bronde
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Multidimensional Bronde
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Sun-Kissed Bronde
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Ash Bronde
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Toffee Bronde
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Royal Bronde
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