'Sunflower Blond': The Official Name Of Summer 2024's Hottest Color

Hair trends come and go, but summer blond is forever. Golden rays and sunflower fields are the influence behind "sunflower blond" hair, and all the stylish celebs adore it. For instance, Rihanna was spotted wearing summer 2024's hottest color trend with both a popular soft crop cut and bouffant bob, while Zendaya sported similar honey-blond hair with sunflower highlights during a "Challengers" photo call. This '70s-inspired, gold-toned hue is the ultimate warm-weather shade, and it's calling your name for patio season.

What's more, summertime involves all things warm and nurturing, so ditching ash-blond balayagse for molten-gold tresses is just what you need if you're looking to switch things up. "Warmer and golden blonde tones have been steadily growing traction as blondes want a bit of the 'glow' that copper and red hair offers without losing their 'blonde identity'," hair expert and trend forecaster Tom Smith told Glamour. The warm tones allow you to take advantage of the shiny finish that copper-haired girlies stand under the sun, while holding onto their beloved blond strands. In this regard, "[s]unflower blonde is the perfect summery blonde to bring a bit of 'golden hour' all day every day," Smith added. Simply put, this liquid-gold shade is designed for soaking in the sun and sipping on fruity cocktails, so if that's the vibe you're going for this summer, here's the sign you've been waiting for.

The difference between "sunflower blond" and other popular blond shades, such as bunny blond, is that it takes the warm tones and amps it up several degrees so the golden undertones shine through. At the same time, it's not quite as yellow-gold as "Serena Van Der Woodsen blond," which features more of an all-over, sun-kissed look. In contrast, the "sunflower blond" trend is much more dimensional and looks best when styled with highlights or a balayage.

"Softly multi-tonal this shade can be achieved with highlights on naturally lighter hair or with a full colour, plus highlights on naturally deeper bases," says hair expert Tom Smith to Glamour. "The tones are entirely golden with a real focus on shine and vibrancy." As such, when consulting with your colorist, remember to emphasize the high-shine quality of this look. Ask for a layered balayage with a warm, blond base and soft, golden strands weaved throughout to achieve the Zendaya-approved color. 

Just don't forget to take care of your hair after coloring it. Speaking to Byrdie about the similar — and stunning — "golden bronde" trend from this past winter, Moroccanoil celebrity colorist Matt Rez said, "To maintain this look at home I suggest using the Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Clear. ... It will keep your hair color bouncing light between salon visits!" You don't have to use Moroccanoil-branded products, though — your favorite deep conditioner and gloss-providing products will do just fine.

On the other hand, this "sunflower blond" hair also looks radiant as a full-color dye job. As stunning as this golden hue looks with highlights or a complex balayage, a root-to-tip color offers maximum vibrancy and works well for those who prefer a darker golden blond, similar to Rihanna's hair.

In RiRi's Instagram post, her hair appears to take on a golden sunset hue in certain lighting, which makes her hair appear as equally radiant and dimensional as a balayage. To achieve this look, go for the same "sunflower blond," but ask your colorist to mix in several drops of golden bronze. Here, you can also decide if you want to add a touch of copper to the color pot. For instance, blush latte hair brings a rosy touch to golden hair and will complement the warmer tones of the "sunflower blond" color while staying on trend. Ultimately, all the hair-color enthusiasts are taking advantage of the "sunflower" trend in preparation for summer weather, and now it's your turn!