Gilded Brunette Is The Ultra-Luxe Hair Colour For Autumn

By Charlie Colville

2 months ago

Bye-bye balayage, a new brunette is in town


Where old money blonde reigned supreme throughout the summer, we’re turning back to our trusty brunette for autumn. Cue gilded brunette, the rich hair technique taking over salons.

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What Is Gilded Brunette Hair?

‘Gilded brunette hair is an elevated brunette base with the added dimensions of gold, caramel or mink highlights,’ explains Zoe Adams, Taylor Taylor London‘s International Hair Artist. ‘Its versatility makes it a lot softer than your standard all over brunette, making it a great option for lightening up a brunette base.

‘Techniques can differ depending on preference,’ she continues. ‘Classic highlights or teasy lights (a highlighting technique that teases the hair to diffuse the transition between bleach and base colour) can be used to create this gilded effect. Think rich girl hair with a glass-like shine.’

The colour technique also comes at a time when many are starting to embrace longer locks once again. (Sorry bob girlies.) With a bigger canvas to play with, the focus now is on new, rich colours that enhance the look of natural, healthy-looking hair. ‘I think people are becoming a little bored of balayage,’ adds Zoe. ‘Gilded brunette is a bridge in between a balayage and a true brunette. Like a balayage, the gilded look gives you that brightening effect of full highlights but with less commitment. It’s also a great way to blend grey hair as it begins to come through.’

@hairstyles_hair_beauty ✨ GOLDEN BRUNETTE ✨ #balayage #morena #brunettehair #morenalinda #blonde #golden #brunettegirl ♬ Strangers – Kenya Grace

Who Suits This Colour?

Being a bespoke colour technique, gilded brunette has the capacity to suit pretty much anyone. ‘This technique has so much versatility,’ agrees Zoe. ‘Once you talk the client through the range of shades that suit them, you can find the perfect shade to complement their skin tone. The tones are actually kept pretty neutral in this palette. Even if you’re doing gold or mink, they all sit within that neutral bracket – so they’re super easy to adapt to anyone.’

How To Ask For Gilded Brunette Hair In The Salon

Come prepared, says Zoe. ‘I love when someone brings in an inspiration picture,’ she says. ‘It is such a great way of getting the message across to your stylist on what your preferences are regarding technique and tone. So get on Pinterest or Instagram and screenshot your favourite images.’

And, if pictures aren’t on the cards, you can always request gold, caramel or mink highlights weaved through brunette hair.

@_hairbypaula Golden caramel tones 🤎#haireducation #fyp #dimensionalhair #njbalayagespecialist #njhair #nycbalayage #balayageartist #redkenshadeseq #balayage #balayage #brunette #brunettebalayage ♬ original sound – aidxn

How To Maintain Gilded Brunette Hair

‘Maintenance is always down to a good shampoo and conditioner,’ emphasises Zoe. ‘Of course, all of the other usual rules for hair care also apply:

  • Limit heat styling
  • Have regular cuts
  • Invest in a quality mask

‘Every colour looks better on hair in great condition.’

What Next?

As for the future of the gilded brunette movement, Zoe predicts even more experimentation. ‘I’m looking forward to playing around with all the varying colour tones of these highlights to create something with a bit more edge,’ she says. ‘This technique would also work beautifully using soft pinks, lilacs or peachy lights too. It would be perfect as summer comes around next year.’

Hair Inspiration

 

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Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa