Going blonde can be a fun way to change up your look, but it’s important to choose the right shade to complement your skin tone. In this article, we’ll explore whether soft summer complexions can pull off blonde hair successfully.
What is a Soft Summer?
In color analysis, a soft summer is someone with neutral-cool undertones and muted, low-contrast features. Soft summer skin tends to be ivory, porcelain, or alabaster with blue undertones. Eyes are typically light blue, soft gray, or hazel. Hair can range from ashy medium blonde to dark ash brown. The overall impression is subtle, delicate, and ethereal.
Soft summer colors are on the cool side and include light neutrals like dove gray, silvery blue-grays, mauve, seashell pink, and misty rose. They are low in saturation – meaning they have a grayish quality and are not overly vivid.
How Does Blonde Hair Work for Soft Summer?
Blonde hair can work beautifully for soft summer complexions when done right. The key is choosing shades that align with your natural cool undertone and don’t overwhelm your delicate features with too much contrast.
Ashy, smoky, or sandy shades of blonde are most harmonious with soft summer coloring. Going too light or vibrant can wash you out. The best blonde shades will blend seamlessly with your skin, almost like a natural extension.
Here are some blonde options that can work for soft summer:
- Ash blonde
- Mushroom blonde
- Silver blonde
- Toned beige blonde
- Champagne blonde
- Butter blonde
Aim for blonde shades with an icy or gray undertone rather than golden. Stay close to your natural hair color level so it looks natural. Highlights and balayage can create dimension while keeping your overall look soft and understated.
Blonde Hair Rules for Soft Summer
When transitioning to blonde as a soft summer, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Go no more than 2 shades lighter than your natural color.
- Avoid bright platinum or yellow-toned blonde.
- Use an ash or pearl toner to cancel unwanted warmth.
- Add lowlights and face-framing pieces for blend and balance.
- Use a purple shampoo to maintain cool, icy tones.
- Get professional coloring – at-home kits can turn brassy fast.
Blonde Haircolor Options
Here are some specific blonde haircolor formulations that could work beautifully for soft summer complexions:
| Brand | Shade Name | Level/Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Redken | Chromatics in Smoked Platinum | Level 9.5 cool |
| Wella | Illuminate in Silver Blonde | Level 9 ash |
| Matrix | SoColor in Champagne Blonde | Level 9 beige |
| Schwarzkopf | Blondme in Ice Queen | Level 9.1 cool |
| Joico | Color Intensity in Pearl Blonde | Level 10 ash |
Consult with your colorist to find the perfect blonde shade and formulation to complement your soft summer skin. Bring along some draping fabrics in your best colors to help guide the tone selection.
Celebrity Soft Summer Blondes
Some celebrity soft summers who pull off blonde hair beautifully include:
- Cate Blanchett
- Michelle Williams
- Jessica Chastain
- Naomi Watts
- Nicole Kidman
- Claire Danes
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Jennifer Connelly
These women stick to cool, creamy blonde shades that work in harmony with their fair skin and delicate features. Their hair color looks natural and understated yet still striking.
How to Maintain Soft Summer Blonde
Maintenance is key to keeping blonde hair looking its best on a soft summer complexion. Here are some tips:
- Use a violet or blue-violet toner every 4-6 weeks to cancel unwanted warmth.
- Wash hair in cool water and rinse with a blast of cold water to lock in color.
- Use a purple shampoo 2-3 times a week to prevent brassiness.
- Use a moisturizing mask to combat dryness and damage.
- Avoid chlorine, salt water, and hot tools to minimize fading.
- Get a root touch-up every 4-6 weeks to keep growth at bay.
- Use olaplex or a bond-building treatment with color services.
- Protect hair from sun exposure with hats, scarves or spray.
With proper maintenance between salon visits, you can keep soft summer blonde hair looking gorgeous and color-true.
Changing Your Mind: Going Back to Dark
If you decide blonde isn’t for you after all, no worries! You can easily go back to your natural soft summer hair color.
Here are a few tips for transitioning back to dark after blonde:
- Use a toner or temporary color to neutralize brassiness.
- Color over blonde gradually in multiple steps over a few months.
- Use demi-permanent color first to allow a gradual fade.
- Include lowlights and root shadow to blend new growth.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to help strip color.
- Consider a shorter cut to chop off lightened ends.
Be patient as it can take some time to return to your ideal soft summer shade. Your colorist can customize the right plan.
Conclusion
Blonde hair can be successfully achieved for soft summer complexions when keeping the skin’s cool, delicate undertones in mind. The best shades are icy and ash-based like silver, beige, and mushroom blonde. Avoid going overly light or warm. With proper maintenance and toner, soft summer blondes can look natural and luminous while still harmonizing beautifully with your coloring.