Forget bold, attention-grabbing hair colors—there’s a new trend in town, and it’s all about subtlety. The “mousy blonde” shade is now the most sought-after hair color, thanks to pop superstar Taylor Swift. Alongside the fringed dresses and cowboy boots popularized by Swift’s Eras Tour, the understated hair hue has seen a dramatic rise in popularity.
Celebrity hair colorist Nicola Clarke, who serves as the John Frieda Creative Colour Director, credits the “Taylor Swift effect” for the growing demand. “I’ve had younger clients asking for a flatter, more muted blonde, which we call ‘mousy blonde,’” says Clarke.
What is Mousy Blonde?
Mousy blonde is a softer, more muted version of blonde that straddles the line between light brown and dark blonde. “It has a glow to it, where light passes through,” says Clarke. It doesn’t have the boldness of platinum blonde or the depth of darker shades, but instead offers a neutral, versatile tone. Celebrity hair stylist Zoe Irwin, also with John Frieda, agrees, saying, “It’s not a standout shade, but it’s definitely not forgettable either.”
Why Choose Mousy Blonde?
While mousy blonde may be understated, it’s far from boring. In fact, its simplicity is what makes it so versatile. “Taylor’s hair during her tour was pared back, allowing it to complement her many different costumes,” explains Irwin. The subtle shade didn’t overpower her looks but rather served as the perfect backdrop to enhance them.
In addition to its adaptability, mousy blonde is also a low-commitment option for those considering a change. It’s an ideal transition shade for autumn and works well for anyone who might want to return to a brighter blonde later on.
How to Achieve Mousy Blonde
If you’re starting with blonde hair, transitioning to mousy blonde is relatively simple. “Many of my clients are asking to go darker,” says Clarke, adding that salon toners and glosses can create the effect. These treatments act as a shadow or veil over the hair, giving blondes a darker, more muted tone. “This works particularly well for those with highlighted or balayaged hair,” Clarke notes.
For darker-haired individuals, achieving mousy blonde is more challenging, as it requires lightening the base color. However, once achieved, it’s an easy shade to maintain. Using techniques like root smudging can help blend the color naturally without taking it all the way to the roots.
Mousy blonde may not shout for attention, but it’s quietly becoming the hair color everyone’s talking about—thanks to Taylor Swift’s influence.
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