10 hair looks that’ll make you want to go blonder

We’ve all had that moment when we take a look at our hair, which we haven’t changed or recoloured in forever, and thought, “Should I go lighter?” 

To your question, we would have to respond with a resounding, “YES!”. Because lighter or blonder doesn’t always have to mean platinum hair or an all-over colour change (it totally can, though, if you’re keen for a big hair overhaul). Plus, life is short and unpredictable, so why not experiment with your hair colour every now and then? 

Besides giving you a nudge towards taking the plunge and getting those foils, we also took the liberty of gathering together some pretty amazing blonde celebrity inspiration for your next trip to the hairdresser – there’s something for everyone, whether you want to go white blonde or you want to incorporate a few babylights to add some texture and depth. 

Sienna Miller

If you’re blonde and thinking of going blonder, Sienna’s cool colour paired with slightly darker roots is an excellent option. The root smudging and tactically placed highlights will also make for no-fuss regrowth. 

Olivia Palermo

Existing blondes aren’t the only ones who get to have fun – brunettes can get in on the action, too. Follow Olivia’s lead and freshen your darker hair with balayage. The natural fade from dark to light with a few expertly placed blonde babylights are the perfect way for those with brown hair to lighten things up without feeling like they’ve gone too far. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Not into a cool blonde colour? That’s fine, Rosie’s got all the honey-coloured inspiration you need. Broken up with a few cooler highlights, this warmer hue is still fresh and creamy. And let’s take a moment to appreciate how good it looks with a wave in it… (PS: If you’re looking to create this kind of not-quite-curls bend in your hair, we recommend trying the ghd curve® classic wave wand) 

Michelle Williams

For the ultimate blonde hair overhaul, copy Michelle Williams and combine a cool platinum colour with an even cooler pixie cut. Certainly not one for the faint-hearted (or dark brunette – unless you’re up for a few lengthy sessions at the salon), but definitely for those looking to shake things up.

 Emma Stone

We’ve seen Emma blonde, we’ve seen her red, and now she brings us this amazing strawberry blonde hue that’s going to become the go-to reference for those with naturally red hair – or those who prefer a rich, burnished tone with a few pops of light colour. 

Rita Ora

If you’ve ever avoided going lighter because you’re worried about regrowth, you can breathe easy. Singing sensation Rita Ora has brought back obvious regrowth in a big way. Our advice? Ask your hairdresser not to start your highlights right at the root but rather stagger the starting points. That way when it grows out, you won’t have a straight blonde line running across your head. 

Jessica Biel

Fun fact: Jessica Biel is a natural brunette, so she is literally living proof that you can go lighter all over without bleaching every strand and still have your blonde look totally natural. The trick? Expertly placed babylights at the roots, some free-hand balayage and some mid-lights that help bridge that gap between blonde and brunette. 

Lily James

If you’re considering a lighter colour that doesn’t scream across the room, Lily’s your poster girl. Her soft colour melts from a dark blonde at the roots to a soft golden colour so perfectly that people could easily be fooled into thinking it was the work of a few days spent in the sun. 

Minka Kelly

Refresh blonde, brunette, red, or whatever colour hair you have with some lived-in highlights that pop in contrast. Lighter strands amongst honeyed-hues - like Minka’s - add instant life to hair, and if blended well will look less like tiger stripes and more like naturally sun-kissed highlights.

Margot Robbie

Yes, you can do a clean, creamy blonde and pair it with rough roots and make it look elegant: homegrown pride and joy Margot shows us just how it’s done. This blonde colour is an A+ option for the low-maintenance girl who simply can’t imagine going back to the salon every few weeks. 

No matter which celebrity has inspired your next blonde moment, it’s important to know that there are some essential tools that you need in your hair care kit to maintain the fresh colour. Namely a purple toned shampoo and conditioner. 

It’s a sad fact of life that no matter your natural base hair colour, your blonde highlights can change tone (read: throw some unwanted warmth) due to a variety of reasons. A purple shampoo and conditioner can help nix any unwanted hues by counteracting yellow undertones in blondes (much like how yellow colour correctors work to conceal dark circles – but in reverse) and keep your colour fresh and vibrant. 

Add TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo and Conditioner to your regular hair-washing routine to ensure your lighter locks continue to look clean, vibrant and on point at all times. The formulas for both are enriched with violet dyes, which work to neutralise any yellow or brassy tones in bleached blonde hair, extending the life of your lighter colour between salon appointments. On top of that, the shampoo works to beat colour fade and brighten bleached hair.

Oh, and an added bonus? You can pick them up from the beauty aisle when you do your weekly grocery shop.

which one of these blonde celebs is your inspiration? Please share with us in the comments section below.

Image credits: Getty