How To Choose The Right Shade of Blonde for Your Complexion

Ah, the endless pursuit of the perfect blonde hue. Any girl who has ever coloured her locks blonde knows what we’re talking about. Finding that elusive shade that best suits your complexion isn’t always easy, so we quizzed celebrity colourist, blonde virtuoso and owner of Sydney’s La Boutique Belinda Jeffery, for her expert advice. Having worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Cate Blanchett, Kate Bosworth and Carey Mulligan, suffice to say when it comes to blondes she knows her stuff. Blondes, start taking notes.

Image by Jake Terrey

For an alabaster skin

Sasha Luss

Platinum, silver or creamy shades of blonde work best against this kind of complexion. “This look is best achieved by first bleaching the hair to white then adding toners to create pastel, arctic colour variations,” says Belinda. “I also recommend bleaching the eyebrows as it compliments the hair colour to create a really strong, statement look”.

Tip: We can’t go past Shu Uemura Colour Lustre in cool blonde, a reviving balm specifically designed for cool and platinum blondes. The ultra conditioning formula contains a unique blend of linseed and musk rose oil, and it smells heavenly.

Shu Uemura Colour Lustre

For a warm-toned skin

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

“This skin tone makes up about half of my clientele wishing to go blonde and you can go either of two ways here. First option is to use a few tonal variations of honey, biscuit or caramel highlights. Alternatively if you have green or blue eyes, you can bring out the warm tones in the skin with an all over strawberry or papaya blonde permanent hair tint.”

Tip: The new Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder is a must-have for any blonde. A voluminiser, style extender and dry shampoo in one, it’s great for prolonging the life of your blow dry, while the white pigment makes it ideal for blonde hues.

Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder

For a cool-toned skin

Cate Blanchett

“I find ‘baby blonde’ tones work best for this complexion – think Kate Hudson, Cate Blanchett and Carrie Mulligan.” Belinda suggests blending three shades of light, creamy, and honey tones using a very fine micro-foiling technique to create a beautiful, natural look.

Tip: Look no further than Kevin Murphy’s Blonde Angel Rinse, a colour enhancing conditioner that both deeply moisturisers and revives colour.

Kevin Murphy’s Blonde Angel Rinse

For a golden sun-tanned skin

Jess Hart

That quintessential Australian blonde look is perfect for those with golden sun-kissed skin. (Jess Hart we’re looking at you!) Belinda creates this look by blending creamy, honey tones with micro foils, and tends to use a lighter highlight shade around the face to compliment eye and skin colour. “I also add some soft balliaging painted on the ends of the hair to give a just-been-on-a-beach-holiday look”.

Tip: Banish brassiness with Original & Mineral’s Conquer Blonde Shampoo.  The silver-reflecting formula brightens by removing dull yellow undertones, helping to maintain that vibrant, salon fresh feel between appointments.

Original & Mineral’s Conquer Blonde Shampoo

Words by Madeleine Boyd.