Season after season, we’re introduced to a new crop of trendy hair colors that range from subtle to shockingly bold. The fantasy shades that ruled last summer or the deep and dark cherry chocolate hue that had the internet gasping for air come fall are prime examples of how much we love a daring look. But with the industry shifting towards subtlety and embracing natural colors, the trend has changed. Enter butterscotch blonde, a radiant blend of distinct golden tones—it offers a fresh take for the blonde category.
In 2024, cool-toned colors, like platinum, ice and ash blonde, topped the list for light hair color trends. Butterscotch blonde goes in a completely different direction. Exuding warmth, luxury and radiance, it’s the shade colorists are turning to for a sophisticated and multifaceted look. Ahead, we chatted with three stylists to learn exactly how to get the shade and tips for maintaining its nuances at home.
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What is butterscotch blonde?
“Butterscotch blonde is a multidimensional hair color that blends several warm tones, such as gold, caramel and honey, to create depth,” says celebrity hairstylist Kelly Novobielski. Not too light or dark, the hue strikes the perfect balance between a golden yellow and buttery caramel, giving it a subtle softness. According to Fortiz, this characteristic is what sets butterscotch blonde apart from the sea of looks we’ve seen over the past year. “This shade reflects more light than cooler blondes and brings vibrancy to your typical blonde,” she says. With that in mind, butterscotch blonde feels like a breath of fresh air for those devoted to the classic hair color. “Cool-toned blondes have been trending for months, and people are ready to move on to something much warmer,” says color specialist Meaghan Masterson.
Who does butterscotch blonde work for?
While it’s true that almost everyone can pull off some shade of blonde, the experts note that this color works best for those with naturally light-colored hair. “Dirty blondes or light brunettes are great candidates for butterscotch blonde since it complements their natural hair color,” says hair colorist Julie Fortiz. With golden undertones, butterscotch blonde has a similar feel to the cocoa brown and honey brunettes that have been popular recently. Fortiz adds that starting with a lighter hair color also ensures that your color will grow out seamlessly for a more natural look.
What to ask for at the salon
Given that butterscotch blonde is multifaceted, it makes sense that highlighting techniques are used to create the shade. “Nailing a blend of caramel and sun-kissed golden tones is the ultimate goal, so you’ll want to ask for highlights or balayage to get the full effect,” says Novobielski. However, it’s important to be specific and chat with your colorist about the small details, as they can make or break your final look. “Hand-painted balayage won’t over-lift the hair and ensures that the warmer tones are displayed beautifully,” says Fortiz.
According to Masterson, babylights are another detail that can enhance the depth of butterscotch blonde. When heading to the salon, she suggests asking your colorist to use the technique to embrace small areas of warmth and deepen the dimension of the shade. As always, it’s best to bring a few pictures for inspiration to your appointment to help your stylist formulate the most realistic color for your hair.
How to maintain butterscotch blonde at home
If you’ve gone blonde before, you already know the routine for keeping your color intact. However, aside from switching to color-safe products and minimizing the use of hot tools, there are a few other things you can do. To combat any damage that may occur from the lightening services of your appointment, Masterson recommends incorporating a treatment, such as Hairstory’s Bond Boost ($18), into your routine.
Butterscotch blonde depends on the vibrancy of its undertones to give it a luxe look. In that vein, Novobielski notes that nourishing wash day products are a crucial part of your routine. “Better Natured’s Color Care ($20) system products are designed for color-treated hair but also leave your strands silky smooth from root to tip,” he says. To keep your color shiny and diminish brassiness, the pros suggest a touch-up appointment six to eight weeks after the initial service. “Highlights add sparkle to butterscotch blonde, but they need to be maintained. Opting for a buttery gloss will add shine and help bring out the nuances in each tone,” says Fortiz.