‘Syrup Blonde’ Is the Breakout Hair Color of the Season

When you think of “syrup,” maple might be the first thing that comes to mind. But in the world of hair color, “syrup blonde” is inspired by the golden tones of light corn syrup or homemade golden syrup. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the trending hair color, with insight from celebrity hairstylists and colorists.

Featured Experts

What Is Syrup Blonde?

“Syrup blonde has a soft, golden glow similar to light syrup,” explains Rogerio Cavalcante of The Second Floor Salon. “It’s a delicate blonde with darker dimensions but still low in contrast, giving it a smooth, warm look—not as dark or amber-toned as some other blondes.”

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“This is a warm, golden blonde with very subtle copper undertones,” adds celebrity colorist and #mydentity color ambassador Sierra Kener. “It’s more dimensional than a typical honey blonde. It’s perfect for someone with a warmer base who wants to add pops of brightness.”

How to Nail the Look

Getting syrup blonde just right comes down to depth and subtle contrast. “It’s all in the lowlight,” explains LA-based celebrity hairstylist and colorist Nicole Leal. “Instead of focusing on the brightest of the blonde, you’re relying on the depth and tone of the lowlight to make the blonde pop.”

Using variations of golden blonde like vanilla and caramel, the result is a harmonious, bright blonde that transitions subtly to darker shades at the roots. “Syrup blonde is more golden and dimensional than honey blonde, with soft contrast,” Cavalcante adds. “It’s there but blends more softly.”

How to Ask Your Colorist for Syrup Blonde

According to Tom Smith, international color creative director for evo hair and originator of the term “syrup blonde,” this shade is relatively easy for your colorist to achieve.

“Adding a toner to your usual highlighting or blonding appointment is all that is required to achieve this shade,” Smith explains. “Have your colorist go as warm as possible without tipping into ‘strawberry blonde’ territory and keep the blonde as light as possible with minimal darker shadows or lowlights.”

Cavalcante also suggests adding a glossing treatment to pack in the extra shine.

Maintenance Tips

At home, keeping your syrup blonde hair vibrant and healthy comes down to using the right products. “I would focus on maintaining the health of the hair by using UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo ($36) and 7SECONDS Conditioner ($36) and their BLONDA Oil ($50),” suggests Leal.