Honey Bronde Is Autumn’s Biggest Hair Trend – Thanks To Kate Middleton
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2 days ago
The Princess of Wales has ignited yet another beauty trend
Summer might be over, but the trends keep coming – and the latest on our radar comes courtesy of the Princess of Wales herself. Meet the royally-approved hair colour set to take over the salon this autumn: honey bronde.
Honey Bronde Is Having A Major Salon Moment
Kate Middleton was recently spotted channelling honey bronde hair on a visit to Balmoral (c) British Fashion Council
What Is Honey Bronde?
‘Honey bronde is a warm, multi-dimensional shade that sits perfectly between brunette and blonde,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Studio23. ‘It blends golden, honey-toned highlights with a darker base, creating a soft, natural-looking colour that catches the light beautifully. It’s lighter than a classic brunette but not as bright or cool as traditional blondes, which makes it feel very wearable.’
And, unlike other shades of bronde, this hue adopts a multi-dimensional warmth – not the soft golds of summer or the cool tones of winter – making it the perfect hue for autumn. ‘Honey bronde is very much on the warm side, with golden undertones that add richness and depth,’ adds Jason. ‘Compared to a dark blonde, honey bronde has more contrast and dimension. It’s less of a flat, uniform shade and more of a blend that gives the hair movement and shine.’
The colour is also a major hit with the celebrity set, notes the stylist. ‘Jennifer Lopez is a great example of someone who often leans into richer honey bronde tones, as it enhances her glow and works so well with her skin tone,’ he tells us. ‘Gisele Bündchen is another muse when it comes to a warmer honey bronde, making her signature sun-kissed look.’
But the biggest name attached to the trend is Kate Middleton, who recently underwent a quiet hair transformation – swapping her usual chocolate curls for bright honey bronde waves. ‘More recently, we’ve seen the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, adopting a lighter than ever before, honeyed tone for a seasonal update,’ says Jason.
Speaking to C&TH when the Princess of Wales first debuted the look, he added: ‘The new shade is timeless and elegant, perfectly in line with Kate’s classic style. It’s lighter and warmer than her usual rich brunette but still has that natural, effortless elegance. Honey bronde is soft, versatile and sophisticated, and it feels like a natural evolution for her without being a drastic change.’
It’s these qualities that make honey bronde such a tempting hue as we head into the new season. ‘What makes honey bronde so appealing is its effortlessness,’ emphasises Jason. ‘It’s chic, timeless and versatile, offering brightness without the upkeep of a full blonde. It’s also a fantastic transitional colour if you’re thinking about moving lighter in future as it bridges the gap seamlessly.’
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Who Suits This Colour?
The stylist tells us that ‘honey bronde tends to suit warmer skin tones particularly well as it picks up the golden undertones and enhances a natural glow.’
It’s not a dead end if you happen to be cool-toned though. ‘That said, it can be adapted for most people by adjusting how much warmth is added,’ notes Jason, ‘For cooler complexions, it’s about balancing honey tones with more neutral lowlights to avoid the shade pulling too yellow.’
How To Ask For Honey Bronde In The Salon
At the salon, it’s important to be specific about the exact colour you’re after. ‘Always take a few reference pictures with you so your stylist can see the specific tones you’re drawn to,’ recommends Jason, ‘as “honey” can mean different things to different people. Ask for a bronde base with golden, honey-toned highlights, blended softly for a natural finish. It’s really about placement and tone, so visuals are key.’
Styling Tips From A Hairstylist
And when it comes to styling the trend, look no further than the Princess of Wales’ bouncy blow-dry. ‘Honey bronde looks amazing when styled with soft waves or loose curls, as the movement really shows off the multi-tonal colour,’ explains Jason. ‘Glossy blow-dries also enhance the shine, while textured, undone styles can make it look more relaxed and lived-in. It’s a versatile shade that works well for both polished and effortless looks.’
What Next?
This isn’t the last we’ve seen of this hair colour trend. ‘Honey bronde is such a classic, flattering shade that it won’t disappear any time soon,’ confirms Jason. ‘I see it evolving with more dimensional techniques. Think money pieces, face-framing highlights, or balayage for an even softer grow-out. It’s one of those trends that adapts to suit different seasons and styles, so it will continue to be a go-to for people wanting low-maintenance, glowing hair colour.’
Honey Bronde Hair Inspiration
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