We’ve been obsessing over every fall hair color trend from tweed to cold brew. As we edge closer and closer to the holiday season, however, we’re ready to start thinking about our winter hair color. While you’re spending time with family and friends, the last thing you want to worry about is a high-maintenance hue—which is why we love smoky gold hair!
Wondering how to upgrade your balayage with this golden blonde hue? Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.
What is smoky gold hair color?
If you’re a brunette looking for a way to subtly mix things up for winter, meet smoky gold hair color. To achieve smoky gold hair color, your colorist will use a balayage technique to paint golden highlights onto the face frame and ends of your hair. What really makes smoky gold stand out is its high-shine finish, so ask your colorist to complete your appointment with a hair gloss like Redken Shades EQ!
Your colorist will likely need to use bleach to lift your color. It’s important to note that bleach will always cause damage, but your colorist can help to improve the look and feel of your hair before you leave the salon.
How do you maintain smoky gold hair color?
The best part about smoky gold hair is how low-maintenance it is—meaning you won’t need to see your stylist for a few months after your initial appointment. Whether your smoky gold hair subtly blends with your base color or you’ve opted for something a bit brighter, your hair care routine will need to change a bit.
The first thing you’ll need to do is swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a system formulated for color-treated hair like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner. This system gently cleanses and strengthens color-treated hair with the brand’s exclusive RCT Protein Complex to treat hair from the root, to the core, to the tip.
After a bleach session or two, your strands might be feeling drier than usual. We recommend adding a weekly hair mask like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask to your routine. This two-in-one hair mask that is both a treatment and care extender designed specifically for the care of your color-treated hair.
Looking for some smoky gold inspiration? Keep scrolling for five of our favorite ways to try the look.
Smoky Gold Hair Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @beautybybrittw_.
Subtle Smoky Gold
If you want the perks of blonde without all the commitment, ask your colorist for thin gold highlights that add a subtle pop to your base color.
Good hair day by @studio45hairandbeautyspace.
Smoky Gold Waves
Once you’ve spent all that money and time at the salon to achieve your dream color, you’ll want the perfect hairstyle to show it off! Opt for soft beach waves that let the dimension in your hue shine. Apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray for throughout your hair for an effortless, beachy texture.
Good hair day by @gretawagner_.
Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights might sound like a ‘90s memory you don’t want to relive, but hear us out! When applied throughout a dark brown base, thicker, face-framing highlights can be a touch of brightness and dimension your strands needs.
Good hair day by @carla.jean.styles.
Smoky Gold And Copper
If you want to add even more warmth to your look, ask your colorist to add some copper to the mix!
Good hair day by @curlpop.
Smoky Gold Curls
The contrast of golden streaks on dark curly hair can really help to make your ringlets stand out.
Interested in trying smoky gold hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask for Color-Treated Hair
A mask for vibrant and long-lasting color protection.
Dry Texture Finishing Spray
Texturizing spray for all hair types that adds soft texture and lightweight volume for effortless style.
