With Sunflower Blonde fast becoming one of the most requested shades in salons, we spoke to a number of colour specialists to find out more about the shift away from cool tones, and their top tips to prevent warm shades from going brassy.
What is Sunflower Blonde Hair?
“I believe Sunflower Blonde typically refers to a vibrant, warm shade of blonde hair colour, reminiscent of the bright, golden hues of a sunflower,” explains Amber Rose, KEVIN.MURPHY Influencer. “This shade is characterised by its rich, sunny tones that range from golden yellow to honey blonde.
"The colour is often multidimensional, with subtle variations in light and shade that give it a natural, sun-kissed appearance.”
In fact, the multidimensional appearance of Sunflower Blonde means you can easily tailor the colour placement to make the result bespoke to each client, which Gareth Williams, Moroccanoil Global Ambassador, suggests is one of the reasons this trend is so popular.
Why is Sunflower Blonde Trending?
Warm blonde tones aren't new, however in recent years, it’s the cooler, icy shades that have been most popular. However, Daisy Hawkins, Blonde Solutions Educator, suggests that one reason clients are opting for warm blonde over cool blonde is because of the ‘Old Money’ trend.
“Sunflower blonde is a timeless shade,” she explains. “Hair trends are just like fashion - once something has been a trend, it always comes back around eventually.”
Meanwhile Justin Mackland, freelance hair stylist, believes that Sunflower Blonde may also have been influenced by the Copper Cowboy trend, suggesting that it’s the perfect transition shade for clients that have been embracing red tones.
While these red tones proved popular in the autumn and winter months, Kat Duke, colour specialist and hair educator, notes that warmer tones often align with seasonal changes, particularly in spring and summer when people seek brighter, sun-kissed looks.
How to Achieve Sunflower Blonde?
Discussing the benefits of warm blonde versus cool blonde, Brooke Evans, owner of The Grid Collective, explains that there’s more longevity with warmer blondes as you’re not having to tone out too much of the raw lift.
She says: “It’s a tweak of the tone rather than a change of tone. We lift low and slow using anything from 3% to 6%.
"This gives a nice lift, but make sure you leave it on for the right amount of time to get rid of golden tones.
"You want warm blonde, but most clients don’t want it to be too golden.”
Amber Rose
Brooke Evans
Justin Mackland
Is Sunflower Blonde High Maintenance?
A benefit of a shade like Sunflower Blonde is that it produces a less noticeable regrowth. “Warm blonde shades tend to blend better with darker roots as they grow out, making the regrowth less stark and noticeable compared to the high contrast of ashy blondes,” explains Amber.
While this does mean existing colour clients may be able to space out their appointments a little more, a low-maintenance trend such as this might also appeal to clients who have fear of damaging their hair.
Amber also explains that another benefit of Sunflower Blonde is that it offers correction flexibility, adding: “Warm tones are easier to adjust and correct if the colour does not turn out quite as expected, whereas cool tones can be more challenging to perfect.”
How Do You Stop Sunflower Blonde From Going Brassy?
Gareth explains that to prevent warm blonde hair from looking brassy, think about the whole colour range you have at your disposal.
He notes that while he likes to use Moroccanoil Rhapsody Hi-Lift or products within the permanent range, using Calypso and Clear on the remainder of the hair helps to ensure the hair is well conditioned but also has a little detox from previous colours, water build up as well as environmental agressors.
Amber adds that preventing warm blonde shades from going too brassy or yellow can also be achieved through a combination of proper hair care routines, using the right products and encouraging your clients to adopt mindful habits.
This includes protecting hair from heat, limiting sun exposure and avoiding hard water – all of which can contribute to brassiness.
It’s important to highlight this to clients, as while they may be aware these factors can compromise hair health, they might not realise they can also impact their colour.
Kat Duke
More FAQs: Sunflower Blonde Hair
Who Suits Sunflower Blonde Hair?
Sunflower Blonde can be customised to suit a wide range of complexions thanks to its blend of warm golden and honey tones. A professional colourist can adjust the depth and placement of the colour to create a personalised finish.
Is Sunflower Blonde Suitable For Grey Hair?
Sunflower Blonde can work well with grey hair, helping to soften regrowth and create a more blended finish. A colourist can adapt the formula to suit the percentage of grey and the desired level of warmth.
What Should Clients Ask For At The Salon?
Clients should ask for a warm, golden blonde with natural-looking dimension rather than a solid yellow or platinum finish. Bringing reference images to the consultation can also help ensure the desired result.
Is Sunflower Blonde a Good Choice For First-Time Colour Clients?
It can be an excellent option for clients new to colour, particularly when achieved with techniques that create a soft regrowth. This makes maintenance more manageable than some high-contrast blonde looks.
What Skin Tones Suit Sunflower Blonde?
Sunflower Blonde is particularly flattering on neutral, warm and olive skin tones, but the balance of golden, honey and beige tones can be customised to suit most complexions.
Can You Achieve Sunflower Blonde On Dark Hair?
Yes, although darker hair will usually require lightening before a Sunflower Blonde tone can be achieved. The number of appointments depends on the client's starting colour, previous colour history and the condition of the hair.
How Often Should Sunflower Blonde Be Refreshed?
Most clients benefit from a colour refresh every 6–10 weeks, although this varies depending on the colouring technique, home care routine and how quickly the hair grows.
Can Sunflower Blonde Be Combined With Balayage?
Yes. Sunflower Blonde is a popular choice for balayage because the hand-painted technique enhances its soft, sun-kissed effect while creating a low-maintenance grow-out.
