Syrup-Blond Hair Will Be Everywhere This Fall

When the end of the year hits, it’s no secret that we typically see people opt for darker color palettes — whether it’s earth-toned manicures, eyeshadow in warm, neutral shades, or outfits that are completely made up of blacks and browns. That’s why the newest hair-color shade set to take over this season, “syrup blond,” is so surprising.

In September, Kendall Jenner debuted the look, and we’re anticipating plenty of celebrities following suit in the coming months. Although it’s a lighter shade, it’s not in-your-face bright like platinum blond is but it’s still a fun switch-up that allows you to add dimension to your hair, no matter your natural base color.

Ahead, hair experts break down everything to know about syrup blond hair color, including what to ask for if you’re looking to try the trend yourself, as well as how to maintain the color at home. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Experts Featured in This Article

Sunnie Brook is a celebrity hairstylist based in California. She works with celebrities like Ashley Park and Elisabeth Moss.

Min Kim is a L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador who specializes in brunette and Asian hair color. She is based in New York.

Ryan Dickie is a colorist at IGK Salon in Miami.

What Is Syrup Blond Hair Color?

“Syrup blond is a rich, warm blond with golden and honey undertones,” celebrity hairstylist Sunny Brook tells PS. “It’s all about creating depth and dimension, giving you that gorgeous sun-kissed glow with a bit of a caramel edge.” If you’re curious about the origin of the name, Brook says it comes from the trend’s maple syrup-like tones, which are a good choice for anyone who wants a look that’s warm and lived-in. “It’s a color that feels luxurious and natural.”

If you’re thinking about trying it out for yourself, the good news is that it works for everyone. “Syrup blond is incredibly versatile and suits a variety of skin tones, particularly those with warm or neutral undertones,” Min Kim, L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador and colorist, says. Brook adds, “If your skin has golden, olive, or peachy tones, syrup blond will enhance that warmth. It can also be adapted to lighter skin tones by adjusting the depth and brightness.”

Both Brook and Kim agree that the trend suits medium to long hair best, but it can work on shorter lengths as well, as long as you ask your colorist for customized placement. “It really shines on medium to long hair with some natural wave or texture because the dimension plays off those layers,” Brook says.

How to Ask For Syrup Blond Hair Color

To start, Brook notes that it’s important to arrive at your appointment with inspiration photos in hand. From there, “Ask your colorist for a dimensional blonde with a focus on warm caramel and honey tones, avoiding overly cool or ash tones,” Kim says. In addition to getting the look just right, colorist Ryan Dickie says you want to make sure the color has ultra-high sheen, which can be achieved with a gloss. “Your colorist, after lightening, will want to warm up your color as far as possible while retaining lightness and avoiding copper tones for a true gold result. To really finish the look, ask for an in-salon top-gloss treatment.”

You should plan to book touch-up appointments every six to eight weeks to keep your color as fresh as possible.

How to Maintain Syrup Blond Hair Color At Home

In between salon appointments, you’ll want to make sure you’re following a proper hair-care routine to maintain the longevity of your color. To start, always use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Kim recommends the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamins Color Care Shampoo ($40) and the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamins Color Care Conditioner ($40).

“If your syrup is starting to go warmer than you’d like, I suggest to my clients to do 1/2 Biolage Purple Shampoo ($24) and 1/2 Biolage Color Last Shampoo ($24) combined together to cool and cancel out the brassiness,” Brook says.

Additionally, you’ll want to use a heat protectant each time you use hot tools on your hair. If you’re noticing some dullness and want to get back some shine, Dickie recommends the IGK Expensive ($32), which is an at-home gloss treatment that will help you maintain the sheen at home.

If you’re ready to take the leap, keep scrolling for some syrup-blond inspiration you can bring with you to your next salon appointment.