Bronde hair—where blonde and brunette meet—has cemented its place as the shade of summer 2025. It’s low-maintenance, sunkissed, and incredibly flattering for a wide range of skin tones. From honey balayage to “teddy bear” beige, these are the newest bronde shades that promise warmth, depth, and effortless glamour.
Why bronde is summer’s ultimate hair colour
Striking the balance between blonde and brunette, bronde is the kind of hair colour that looks like you’ve spent your spring basking under Mediterranean sun—even if you haven’t left your desk. It’s golden but grounded, warm but not too bright, and rich without appearing overly done. The shade has long been a go-to for celebrities who prefer understated glamour, including Bella Hadid and Lily-Rose Depp, who both prove that bronde is anything but basic.
Unlike icy blondes that require heavy bleaching, or dark brunettes that demand constant root touch-ups, bronde is refreshingly low-maintenance. It plays especially well with medium to darker natural bases, offering a soft grow-out and minimal upkeep while still delivering maximum impact. The dimensional nature of the colour also helps add texture and fullness to the hair—ideal for summer when most of us opt for looser, air-dried styles.
The art of bronde: What makes it work
Bronde isn’t a single shade—it’s a technique. It’s about blending light and dark tones in a way that enhances your natural hair colour without overpowering it. According to Andreas Wild, creative ambassador for John Frieda, the key is subtlety: “Bronde is largely about creating dimension with your natural colour. It’s important not to heavily saturate or overly bleach the hair like you would with a balayage, but instead, to add dimension between the darker and lighter pieces through delicate highlights.”
This also means bronde can be tailored to just about anyone—whether you’re a rich brunette looking to lighten up for summer, or a dark blonde wanting more contrast and warmth. With the right technique and tone, it feels intentional, sunlit, and grown-up—perfect for the warmer months ahead. To help you navigate the freshest ways to wear bronde this season, blonde expert Zebulen Howell of Charlotte Cave Salons shares his top three trending variations for summer 2025.
- Honey bronde balayage: Warmth with movement
If you’re looking for a shade that’s both modern and timeless, the honey bronde balayage is your best bet. This look relies on a rich, glossy base with sunlit touches that mimic the way your hair naturally lifts in the summer.
“The honey bronde balayage is that perfect mix of summer warmth with a seamless blend,” says Howell. “I don’t go too dimensional—I keep the colour rich and on the brighter side. Then, I lift the hair lighter around the face to complement that sunkissed hairline.”
This version of bronde works especially well for medium to long hair, as the balayage technique helps elongate the look of the strands. It’s also incredibly forgiving between appointments, allowing your natural base to grow subtly. To maintain the richness, opt for glossing treatments every few weeks and reach for sulphate-free shampoos that preserve tone and shine.
- Old money bronde: Luxe, subtle, and sophisticated
If the “quiet luxury” aesthetic had a hair colour, it would be old money bronde. This shade is a polished, expensive-looking take on bronde that feels refined rather than beachy. Think: socialite chic, not surfer cool.
“For this technique, I use a blend of baby lights and ‘teasy lights,’ where the hair is predominantly brunette with just enough lighter tones to brighten it up for summer,” Howell explains. “This is the ultimate expensive, sunkissed vibe—you can see the warmth and dimension coming through as it catches the sun.”
The goal is softness and contrast, without overt stripes or chunky highlights. Ideal for those with darker hair who want to go lighter without losing depth, old money bronde pairs beautifully with sleek bobs, voluminous waves, or a polished ponytail. It’s especially flattering on olive or neutral complexions and works best when styled with smooth, glassy finishes.
- Teddy bear bronde: Natural and cool-toned
If you’re inspired by Bella Hadid’s recent shade switch, teddy bear bronde is the one to ask for. It’s a creamy, neutral-toned blend that feels understated and fresh—like the hair equivalent of a luxe cashmere sweater.
“Teddy bear bronde is the perfect blend of cool and warm tones,” says Howell. “I love a seamless blend with this—keeping the hair lived-in and bright around the face, but glossing it back with an expensive-looking ‘biscuit’ tone to add a fresh summer shine.”
This version of bronde suits those who prefer a natural, less “done” aesthetic. It works especially well on medium to short hair lengths and looks effortlessly stylish when paired with undone waves or a messy bun. To maintain the tone, a violet-toned shampoo once a week can help neutralise any brassiness and preserve that biscuit-beige finish.
Final thoughts: Your summer hair refresh starts with bronde
With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to embrace a fresh shade that feels both modern and wearable. Whether you lean toward warm golden tones, luxe neutrals, or something cool and creamy, bronde offers a spectrum of shades to suit your mood and maintenance preferences.
Plus, it’s the kind of colour that evolves beautifully over time—growing out subtly, softening around the face, and adapting to your lifestyle without demanding constant upkeep. Whether you’re beach-bound or city-staying this summer, bronde is a confident, contemporary choice that brings effortless style to every strand.
Ready to book your appointment? Just make sure you bring references—and tell your stylist you’re going bronde the summer 2025 way.
