The ’90s blonde hair trend is making a strong comeback this spring, capturing the attention of style enthusiasts everywhere. This warm, golden shade, characterized by its buttery brilliance and vibrant highlights, offers an effortlessly chic look that many desire. To help individuals achieve this iconic color, celebrity colorists Tracey Cunningham and Kari Hill shared their expertise with E! News, discussing the distinctive elements of ’90s blonde and essential maintenance tips.
A defining characteristic of ’90s blonde is the precise, high-contrast highlights that set it apart from the more natural, “lived-in” looks popular today. According to Cunningham, “In the ’90s, blonding was all about intentional, high-contrast highlights.” This stark difference marks a shift in hair coloring techniques, emphasizing the need for skilled application and quality products.
Once an individual achieves their desired shade, maintaining it becomes paramount. Hill notes that the days of high-maintenance blonde hair are behind us. “Once you’ve reached your ideal shade in the salon, it can be tailored to fit your lifestyle,” she explains. For optimal upkeep at home, color-safe products are vital. These products not only preserve the color but also contribute to the overall health of the hair.
Cunningham emphasizes the importance of regular hydration and strengthening treatments for blonde hair. “Blonde hair requires weekly hydration and strengthening treatments,” she states. She advises against over-washing and recommends nourishing masks specifically designed for color-treated hair, which can help maintain brightness and healthy strands between salon visits.
To ensure the hair remains vibrant, Hill recommends using the Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME care range, which reinforces hair structure and maintains tone. The range includes the BLONDME Bond Repair Nourishing Shampoo, which hydrates and cleanses while repairing internal bonds, as well as the BLONDME Bond Repair Nourishing Conditioner for detangling and enhancing shine.
Achieving a true ’90s blonde requires a trusted colorist and quality products. Hill suggests the “Foiled Cashmere” technique she developed, which employs precise 4×4 foiling followed by customized toning. “The tight, controlled weave mimics the soft, blended texture of a cashmere sweater, giving the hair that beautifully blended, silky look,” she elaborates.
To further strengthen hair, Cunningham recommends using Olaplex No.3PLUS, a three-minute pre-treatment that repairs hair bonds and smooths frizz, making hair softer and stronger. “I recommend using it every 1-3 washes to keep the blonde healthy and radiant,” she advises.
Hill also highlights the significance of protective products. The BLONDME Bond Repair Sealing Balm not only smooths ends but also acts as a heat protectant, crucial for styling color-treated hair. To maintain resilience, she suggests the BLONDME Bondfinity Deep Repair Mask, which rebuilds bonds and prevents keratin loss.
For added shine, a lightweight repair oil, such as the BLONDME Bondfinity Deep Repair Oil, is recommended. This oil protects blonde hair while providing frizz control and shine without weighing it down.
Styling plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect ’90s look. Cunningham recommends finishing with a voluminous blowout, which adds bounce and movement to enhance the color’s vibrancy. She also advises applying a barrier cream around the hairline during salon treatments to protect the skin.
In the event of color stains, Hill suggests using an eye makeup remover or preferred toner for gentle removal. The Schwarzkopf Professional Stain Remover is also a viable option for safely eliminating stray color.
Coloring at home can sometimes lead to undesirable results, such as orange tones or a “gummy” texture. Hill explains that orange often indicates insufficient lifting during the process, while gummy hair signals over-processing. Cunningham stresses the importance of using a bleach or lightener with bonding technology to safely achieve the desired color while preserving hair health.
Brassiness, which manifests as warm orange or yellow tones as toner fades, can also be managed with proper home care. “At home, color-safe products help maintain tone, but professional toning is key for multidimensional, high-contrast results,” Cunningham adds.
To combat brassiness, Hill recommends the BLONDME Bond Repair Purple Shampoo, which neutralizes yellow tones while gently cleansing. Pairing this with the BLONDME Bond Repair Purple Mask provides deeper toning and nourishment for a soft, healthy feel.
With these expert tips and high-quality products, achieving and maintaining the sought-after ’90s blonde look is not only possible but enjoyable. Embracing this trend allows individuals to celebrate a distinctive style while ensuring their hair remains vibrant and healthy.
