Suede Hair

Ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, mesmerised by those ultra-chic, lived-in blondes popping up everywhere? You’re not alone. If you’re craving a fresh, natural update that oozes sophistication without the usual blonde upkeep, suede blonde is the trend you should have on your radar for 2025.

Dubbed the “It-shade of the season” and recently catapulted to fame by Sydney Sweeney, this muted, low-maintenance blonde is everywhere—and for good reason.

What Makes Suede Blonde So Popular?

Blonde, in all its luscious tones, never truly goes out of style. But suede blonde offers something refreshingly new: a seamless blend of warm, soft blondes and ashy undertones that mimics the touchable texture of suede fabric itself. It’s neither too icy nor too golden—a buttery, natural shade that looks as if you were simply born with head-turning hair.

Celebrity trendsetters are switching from platinum and silvery blondes to warmer, more sophisticated shades. When Sydney Sweeney revealed her signature dark suede blonde for winter and then lightened it up for spring, social feeds went wild, and salon bookings soared. The appeal? It’s incredibly wearable, suits a broad spectrum of skin tones, and offers instant expensive-looking vibes without that stark, single-process look.

The Science (and Art) Behind Suede Blonde

So what is suede blonde, technically speaking? Think of it as a taupe-inspired, dimensional blonde with a neutral base—meaning it contains just enough golden, beige, and ashy notes to flatter everybody.

Colourists love its adaptability: whether you’re fair, olive, or deeper-toned, suede blonde will melt beautifully into your complexion thanks to its balanced undertones and soft, multi-dimensional finish.

Top stylists achieve the effect by:

• Blending highlights and lowlights for depth and movement
• Focusing on a softer root blend so you avoid any harsh lines as your hair grows out
• Using glossing techniques to enhance shine and lock in that lustrous, healthy look

According to celebrity colourist Jacob Schwartz, who created Sydney Sweeney’s viral Oscars moment, the magic lies in customising the formula to each client. For Sweeney’s trending version, Schwartz upgraded her dark suede blonde for spring with a lighter base and a few extra highlights, using multi-tonal colour formulas like IGORA Vibrance for soft, buildable dimension.

Why Everyone Wants Suede Blonde

Wondering if it’s right for you? Here’s why clients and pros alike are obsessed:

• Majorly Low Maintenance: Suede blonde grows out gracefully, so you’re not locked into monthly salon trips—perfect for busy lifestyles or those wishing to stretch their colour investment.
• Universally Flattering: Thanks to its neutral base, this shade works with nearly all complexions, subtly enhancing facial features and making eyes pop without overwhelming your natural colouring.
• Effortless Sophistication: The “expensive blonde” effect has never been easier to achieve. Soft, woven colour rather than chunky highlights means movement, texture, and that coveted lived-in feel.
• Customisable: Whether you want a sun-kissed summer upgrade or a richer, autumnal hue, suede blonde can be tailored from brighter beige to muted taupe or deeper honey, depending on your style and the season.

How to Maintain Your Suede Blonde

Good news: this blonde is far less fussy than its platinum cousin. However, maintaining vibrancy and health is still key. Here are a few pro tips to keep your colour flawless:

• Use a purple or blue shampoo once a week—this neutralises brassiness and maintains that natural balance.
• Invest in moisturising masks; blonde hair craves hydration, and regular treatments keep strands silky and strong.
• Book a gloss treatment every 6–8 weeks to restore shine and freshness—these are ultra-quick in-salon services that give suede blonde its glossy finish.

And, crucially, have open conversations with your colourist! An expert will be able to recommend the best approach for your hair's starting point and maintenance preferences, ensuring that your suede blonde stays dimensional and vibrant month after month.

Trending Techniques: From Brunette to Suede Blonde

For natural blondes, subtle root shadowing with babylights enhances what you’ve already got. Brunettes, on the other hand, need a more layered approach—starting with a gentle pre-lighten, followed by suede-toned highlights to avoid flatness and maintain that creamy, natural effect. It’s the antithesis of the high-contrast balayage of years past: think soft, seamless, and ultra-luxurious.

Celebrity colourists are also recommending bespoke blending for clients with a history of heavy highlighting, adding dimension back with lowlights and carefully placed face-framing strands for a soft, grown-in glow.

The Salon Secret

There’s an art and a science to perfecting suede blonde—one that a skilled colourist, like those on the Gusto Hairdressing team, can deliver. From personalised formulas to flawless root blends and subtle glossing, bringing this trend to life is all about technical finesse and a keen understanding of colour theory.

Ready to achieve this effortlessly chic, wearable blonde? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing are here to help. Book your consultation today.