Go lighter for summer with the best at-home blonde dyes, tested by over 300 women

Summer 2025 is ushering in a vibrant era for interior design, with a strong emphasis on bold, vivid, and unapologetic colors, moving away from muted tones. Designers are advocating for more saturated hues that reflect the natural world's kaleidoscope of colors during the warmer months. This shift presents numerous opportunities for homeowners to infuse their spaces with energy and personality through strategic color choices, whether through paint or decorative accents. One prominent trend for summer 2025 is the resurgence of baby blue. This pale, gentle shade, reminiscent of irises and cornflowers, offers a serene yet sophisticated touch. It pairs beautifully with antique brown furniture and can serve as a delicate backdrop to crisp whites, warm neutrals, or bolder accents, enhancing the overall palette without overpowering it. Recommended shades include 'Notting Hill' by Mylands and 'Borrowed Light' by Farrow & Ball, which provide subtle yet impactful blue undertones. The dynamic pairing of red and yellow is another key color combination gaining traction. This duo creates an energetic and warm statement in interiors, ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways. The combination evokes passion and vibrancy, making spaces feel lively and inviting. Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene, highlights the impact of this pairing, while Ali Johnson of Otta Design notes how Farrow & Ball’s 'India Yellow' can transition a room from a warm, uplifting feel during the day to a cozy, moody ambiance in the evening. Blue-grays are also experiencing a comeback, distinguishing themselves from the often-criticized flat grays of previous years. The focus is on grays with personality, featuring gentle blue and green undertones that prevent the color from appearing cold or bleak. The challenge lies in selecting a gray that achieves the perfect balance without leaning too icy or too overwhelming. 'Pigeon' by Farrow & Ball and 'Lamb's Ear' by Mylands are cited as examples of grays that offer depth and warmth. Orange is positioned as the new neutral for summer 2025, evolving from the terracotta trend of 2024. This muted orange, described as terracotta's louder and bubblier sister, brings optimism and a smile-inducing quality to interiors. Interior designers like Leah Harmatz suggest opting for warm, muted, and subtly saturated orange shades with hints of brown and red, which can transform with the light. Jen Bienvenu emphasizes that these colors flatter candlelight and enhance wood tones, making everyone appear more vibrant. 'Crayfish Party' by Mylands and 'Heat' by Little Greene are recommended for achieving this trend. The article also notes a departure from sage green, which has become oversubscribed, in favor of stronger greens like bottle green. This shift seeks to bring a more striking and exciting feel to interiors, aligning with the chlorophyll-rich season. Fiona Duke, a London-based interior designer, emphasizes that a higher pigment content in green shades offers greater impact. 'Pleasure Gardens' by Mylands and 'Hunter Green' by Benjamin Moore are highlighted as exemplary bottle green shades. Plaster pink is presented as a compelling alternative to beige, offering a warmer and more interesting neutral. Matthew Williamson, an interior designer, considers it his go-to neutral for creating a bright yet inviting summer atmosphere. He suggests using it for 'color drenching' a room to unify surfaces and highlight architectural details. This shade, particularly in linen, offers a soft, laid-back vibe. Finally, celestial and metallic tones are gaining prominence, adding dimension and excitement without requiring a complete redesign. Interior designer Nadia Watts notes that incorporating metallic accents like cobalt or citrine can deliver a significant 'wow' factor. Layering colors with different finishes is key to creating depth and interest within a space. Butter yellow remains a strong trend, offering a sophisticated, retro feel that updates traditional creamy shades. Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA praises Benjamin Moore's 'Mayonnaise' for its subtle butter yellow tone, which provides warmth and freshness. This monochromatic approach, drenching a room in this warm tone, creates a neutral, palette-cleansing effect without cold undertones. These trends collectively offer diverse ways to refresh home interiors for summer 2025, from bold paint choices to subtle decorative accents. #SummerColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #BabyBlue #RedAndYellow #BlueGrays #MutedOrange #BottleGreen #PlasterPink #MetallicTones #ButterYellow

Summer 2025 is set to embrace a vibrant palette, offering various color trends for fashion enthusiasts. The warmer months traditionally encourage bolder choices, and this season is no exception, catering even to those who typically prefer neutral tones. The prevailing color trends for Summer 2025 draw inspiration from themes observed across the spring/summer 2025 runways. Pastel shades remain prominent, with a notable continuation of the butter yellow trend, as showcased by designers like Proenza Schouler, Prada, and Loewe. Similarly, ballet pink emerged as a favorite at Chanel, Khaite, and Victoria Beckham, manifesting in ethereal dresses and separates ideal for summer heatwaves, work attire, or vacation wardrobes. Key color trends include Butter Yellow, a soft and inviting hue that seamlessly transitions from office wear, such as tailored vests and full skirts, to evening outfits like slinky slip dresses. Accessories like woven ballet flats and structured bags provide subtle opportunities to incorporate this trend. Pistachio Green, reminiscent of the popular gelato flavor, offers a refreshing alternative, appearing in flowy sundresses, sporty color-drenched sneakers, and classic structured shoulder bags, suitable for brightening any summer ensemble. Ballet Pink, a perennially favored shade, dominated spring/summer 2025 collections from Chanel, Khaite, and Victoria Beckham. This dreamy color is adaptable for both professional settings and summer wedding guest attire. Mocha Mousse, designated Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, continues its relevance into summer. This rich brown shade is perfect for breezy sundresses suitable for city brunches or beachside aperitivos. Its versatility extends to seasonless separates and accessories like suede footwear and handbags, which can transition effortlessly into the autumn season. Periwinkle Blue introduces another dreamy option, slightly deeper than baby blue, and pairs well with poplin fabrics. This hue is featured in crisp button-downs, skirts, and maxi dresses, revitalizing basic pieces. For those seeking a more playful approach, periwinkle jelly sandals or crochet handbags offer a refreshing touch for summertime. Lastly, Cherry Red makes a strong statement, moving beyond fleeting trends like "tomato girl summer." This bold color, seen on runways from Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, and Louis Vuitton, is ideal for heating up a wardrobe. It works best with minimalist pieces such as linen shirts, trousers, and drop-waist dresses, complemented by striking accessories like heeled flip-flops or woven bags, ensuring a versatile and modern aesthetic. #SummerFashion #ColorTrends #FashionTrends2025 #ButterYellow #PistachioGreen #BalletPink #MochaMousse #PeriwinkleBlue #CherryRed

The article explores the diverse spectrum of blonde hair colors, highlighting that blonde is not a singular shade but rather a wide range of tones. It emphasizes that with modern coloring techniques and skilled stylists, anyone can find a suitable blonde shade, regardless of their natural hair color. A crucial recommendation throughout the article is to always have hair colored by a professional, especially when bleaching, to protect hair health. Celebrity hair colorist Marley Xavier contributed his expertise, decoding nine popular blonde shades currently in trend. One of the highlighted shades is 'Butter blonde,' described as a warm, creamy yellow-toned blonde that evokes the richness of softened butter. Marley Xavier states that this shade offers a sheer golden glow and is particularly well-suited for individuals with sun-kissed or warmer skin tones, providing an understated yet elegant look. Another shade discussed is 'Champagne blonde,' which combines soft golden and cool beige tones to create a sparkling, neutral hue. This color is characterized as elegant and softly luminous, best complementing neutral and fair complexions by adding radiance without appearing overly icy. 'Wild honey blonde' is introduced for those seeking depth and warmth without brassiness. This rich, honey-like shade features golden hues with amber undertones, making it ideal for medium to deep skin tones and those with amber, brown, or hazel eyes. It provides a sophisticated way to lighten hair while maintaining warmth and dimension, also working for lighter complexions desiring a natural golden glow. 'Linen blonde' is described as a soft, muted, creamy beige with cool undertones, resembling natural, sun-faded hair. Marley suggests it is best for fair to light-medium skin with cool or neutral undertones, offering a polished and luminous finish. 'Scandi blonde' is presented as an ultra-light, platinum-toned blonde, popular in Nordic regions. This shade is recommended for very fair, cool-toned skin. 'Golden hour blonde' captures the essence of late-day sunlight with liquid gold tones and a beachy softness. This warm and rich shade, with hints of caramel, flatters olive and deeper complexions due to its natural, radiant undertones. 'Effortless blonde' is a soft blonde that features a natural root and incorporates beige, honey, and sun-kissed highlights for a lived-in appearance. This versatile shade is said to suit nearly everyone, offering a low-maintenance yet polished style that grows out beautifully, often with brighter accents around the face. 'Icy blonde' is an almost silver-toned blonde with extremely cool undertones, designed to create a striking and edgy look. Marley recommends this for individuals with fair to light-medium skin tones, especially those with cool or neutral undertones, and notes its particular enhancement with blue eyes. Despite its specific recommendations, the article suggests it can be worn by anyone looking to make a bold statement. Finally, 'Toasted beige blonde' is described as a creamy shade with neutral beige and slightly warm undertones, offering an earthy and luxurious feel. This color is flattering for neutral and warm complexions. #BlondeHair #HairColorTrends #HairColoringTechniques #BeautyTips #HairStyling #MarleyXavier #CosmopolitanBeauty #ProfessionalHairCare

The article discusses the advancements in at-home hair color products over the last decade, emphasizing improvements in formulations, customization options, and post-treatment haircare. These advancements aim to provide professional-level results, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to salon visits. Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab conducted extensive testing to identify the best products on the market. The testing process involved both laboratory evaluations and consumer feedback. In the lab, scientists dyed human hair samples of various shades (black, brown, red, and blonde) and assessed color vibrancy and gray coverage using technical instruments. They also measured color retention after repeated washing and exposure to UV light, simulating four weeks of wear. Additionally, 136 consumer testers evaluated products for ease of use, scent, application, and overall results, including hair feel, shine, and color accuracy compared to the packaging. The testing involved 400 hours of hands-on lab work, 800 hours of UVA light exposure for hair samples, and collected 2,712 consumer survey responses. The article highlights several top-tested at-home hair color products across different categories. The 'Best Overall' was Phytocolor Permanent Hair Color, an ammonia-free formula with plant-derived pigments and oils, noted for rich, even, and long-lasting color, and leaving hair soft. Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex Permanent Hair Dye was recognized as the 'Best Value' for its performance in various categories despite its low cost, praised for ease of use, minimal aroma, and leaving hair smooth and shiny. Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Permanent Hair Color was recommended as the 'Best for Redheads' due to its strong fade resistance and accurate color matching. ESalon Custom Hair Color Set earned 'Best Professional' for its personalized color formulations and accessories, though it showed average gray coverage and fade resistance. Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Color was chosen as 'Best Demi-Permanent' for its even coverage, shine, and fade resistance on dark hair, but performed less effectively on blonde hair for gray coverage. Clairol Nice 'n Easy Permanent Haircolor was identified as the 'Best for Blondes' for its full coverage, natural look, and conditioning properties, despite average gray coverage. dpHUE Color Boosting GLOSS+ Deep Conditioning Treatment was selected as 'Best Semi-Permanent' for its fast-acting, color-enhancing, and conditioning effects, though it does not cover grays. Garnier Olia Oil-Powered Permanent Hair Color was recommended as 'Best for Damaged Hair' due to its ammonia-free, oil-powered formula that is gentle on treated or thinning hair. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask was noted as 'Best Temporary' for quick color changes and deep conditioning. Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit was recognized as 'Best Personalized' for its custom shade matching and consultations, excelling in ease of use, non-messiness, non-irritating formula, and fade resistance among personalized dyes. L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Care Hair Color was named 'Best to Cover Gray' for its effective gray coverage and non-messy application, providing lasting color according to consumer testers. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color was highlighted as 'Best for Dark Hair' for its true-to-packaging color, superior gray coverage, and fade resistance in deep shades. Finally, Clairol Colorblend Permanent Root Touch-Up was recommended as the 'Best Root Touch-Up' for its ability to cover regrowth and blend seamlessly with existing color, while L'Oréal Paris Couleur Experte Color + Highlights in a Flash was chosen as 'Best for Highlights' for its specialized tools, and Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage was selected as 'Best Bold' for its vibrant shades and ease of use, though some users noted it washed out quickly. The article also provides a guide on what to look for in at-home hair color kits, including hair color, developer, instructions, gloves, applicators, and extras like color-protecting products and stain removers. It differentiates between permanent, demi-permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dyes based on their chemical composition, longevity, and effectiveness for gray coverage. The experts from GH Beauty Lab confirm that high-quality at-home hair dyes can achieve results comparable to salon treatments for overall color and gray coverage, but recommend salon visits for intricate techniques like balayage or drastic color changes. Tips for extending the life of at-home hair color include reducing hair washing, using color-treated hair products, and applying at-home hair glosses or glazes. The article is authored by April Franzino, with expert consultation from Danusia Wnek and testing by Sabina Wizemann, all experienced professionals in beauty and chemistry. #HairCare #HairDye #AtHomeBeauty #BeautyLabTesting #GrayCoverage #HairColorProducts #BeautyProducts #ProductReview

Summertime decor often brings to mind bold and bright colors, but for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, a soft summer color palette offers a fresh and timeless approach. This article explores five shades that allow homeowners to embrace summer trends without resorting to highly saturated hues, focusing on creating calming and sophisticated interiors. These colors are versatile enough to maintain their appeal throughout the year, making them ideal for long-term design choices. Light neutrals serve as an excellent foundation for a soft summer palette. Interior designers suggest starting with neutral whites and beiges to establish a light and airy base. These shades provide a clean and timeless backdrop, allowing for the subtle introduction of color through accents. Soft blues, light pinks, and muted greens can be incorporated via pillows, throws, table settings, and other accessories to add a soothing, laid-back summer feel. This method is exemplified in a bedroom design where white dominates, with color appearing in curtains, artwork, and flowers, showcasing how light linens, crisp whites, and pastels can work harmoniously. Muted green is another favored choice for summer interiors, drawing inspiration from nature to create a tranquil atmosphere. This color is known for its calming properties and can be used effectively in various spaces, including bedrooms, to evoke a sense of restorative freshness or sedate moodiness depending on the shade. The key lies in selecting the right hue; lighter variations promote restfulness, while more saturated shades can achieve a dramatic effect, demonstrating the color's adaptability. Blue-gray offers a toned-down alternative to traditional summery blues, providing a fresh and sophisticated option for living spaces. This color, such as Benjamin Moore's Wickham Gray, blends gray tones with buoyant blue undertones, creating a soft visual experience. When used on paneled walls, it establishes a calming ambiance, with the tone echoed in upholstery, artwork, and stained glass. The overall scheme can be complemented by layering additional summer-inspired hues reminiscent of sand and peachy sunsets, enhancing the seasonal feel. Muted pink presents a less saccharine take on classic summer pinks, leaning towards earthier, brown-toned variations for a more liveable feel. These soft pinks are versatile, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens. An example includes the use of Flax by Benjamin Moore on kitchen cabinets, a brown-toned pink with mauve undertones that appears soft yet impactful. This shade pairs well with colors like sage or pistachio green and can be adapted for colder months with darker accessories. Finally, coastal blues, particularly when combined with white, are a reliable choice for summer, evoking a calm and refreshing atmosphere. These hues can be incorporated as accent colors in living rooms, pairing well with neutrals and other pastels. The resurgence of monochromatic blue palettes, from ice blues to chambray, allows for the use of soft blue throw pillows and textiles to enhance the coastal feel, making the color more palpable and inviting. These five color strategies provide a comprehensive guide to achieving a soft summer aesthetic that is both elegant and enduring. #InteriorDesign #SummerColors #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #MutedTones #NeutralDecor #CoastalBlues #MutedGreen #BlueGray

June's vibrant colors offer an opportunity to infuse living spaces with the lush energy of the outdoors, encouraging experimental color choices inspired by nature. Interior designers and color experts have identified six summer-inspired shades, ranging from perennial favorites to adventurous hues, suitable for home decoration. The article suggests six must-have colors for June, starting with turquoise. Turquoise is described as a mood-boosting, cerulean greenish-blue reminiscent of tropical waters and fresh forests. While its intensity might not appeal to everyone, its smile-inducing qualities are undeniable. Paint variations like Little Greene's Jack-in-a-box, Slipper, or Mylands' Deep Green are recommended, with a note that their appearance can vary significantly based on lighting. Next is terracotta, which evokes the warmth and Mediterranean feel of sunbaked earth. Jaime Zhener, an interior designer, highlights terracotta's grounding quality, describing it as both modern and timeless. Farrow & Ball's Jitney is a favored shade for its soft, sun-kissed depth, suitable for contemporary and traditional spaces. Red Earth by Farrow & Ball is also mentioned as an iconic choice that pairs well with natural materials like linen, stone, and wood, creating an inviting and calming atmosphere. Bottle green is presented as a distinctive and complex dark green, mirroring the intense verdancy of the natural world in June. Alex Keith of Otta Design suggests color-drenching rooms in bottle green for calmness and tranquility, comparing its depth to a deep lake. Abigail Ahern, known for her moody color use, emphasizes surrounding oneself with colors that reflect the landscape. Benjamin Moore's Hunter Green and Graham & Brown's Glasshouse are recommended for traditional interiors. Lavender is introduced as a color experiencing a personality transformation, moving from a 90s throwback to a coveted hue. Muted, gentle lavender tones, with a mere suggestion of purple, can create a cool, breezy, soft, and elegant ambiance. Chloe Vince of House of Hackney advises finding the perfect shade to avoid decorating mishaps and suggests grounding lavender schemes with dusky pinks. Straw yellow follows, having evolved from a jolly but juvenile color to a prominent trend. Pale, hushed, golden-infused straw yellow, often seen in nature during summer, is recommended. Interior designer Beata Heuman used a soft straw yellow paint, Wheatsheaf by Mylands, in her London home as an atmospheric alternative to white. Other shades like Farrow & Ball's String and Benjamin Moore's Weston Flax offer a similar laidback appeal. Finally, Barbie pink, defined by Pantone 219C, is highlighted as an outrageous and on-trend shade for high summer. This intensely pigmented fuchsia, or other bright, unabashed pinks, is presented as a powerful, energetic, and fierce color. Caroline Aston of House of Hackney advises using the color with intention, daring to be brave, and embracing its punch and vibrancy. She suggests using bright pink paint as an instant mood lifter in entryways and kitchens, pairing it with contrasting colors like chocolate browns or dark forest greens for a mature look, or softening it with warm neutrals. For spaces requiring calm, pink can be used as an accent. The article concludes by emphasizing that June's vivid colors offer an opportunity to rewild interiors and blend indoor and outdoor aesthetics, encouraging the use of high-contrast, playful colors for artistic, curated, and dynamic home designs. #SummerColors #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors #HomeDecoration #ColorPsychology #TurquoiseDecor #TerracottaTones #BottleGreenInteriors #LavenderHues #StrawYellowPalette #BarbiePink

This article explores various beach-inspired color palettes for home interiors, offering design ideas to evoke a coastal ambiance. It presents 25 distinct combinations, ranging from classic nautical themes to more unexpected and modern interpretations. Each palette is illustrated with a room example, showcasing how different colors and materials can be used to create a desired beachy aesthetic. The article highlights the versatility of beach-inspired design, moving beyond traditional blue and white to include a wider spectrum of hues. For instance, the first palette, "Moss Green and Light Yellow," features playful greens, yellows, and blues with seagrass and jute accents to ground the pastels and tropical colors. This combination aims to create a vibrant yet natural feel. Another example, "Warm Woods," emphasizes Southern California's skate and surf culture through natural wood furniture, jute rugs, and photography, providing a laid-back yet sophisticated look. The article also delves into more unconventional pairings such as "Dark Orange, Yellow, and Blue," where a burnt orange paint color on beadboard walls is complemented by yellow and blue floral cafe curtains and a painted plaid floor, demonstrating how vibrant and unexpected colors can be harmonized in a beach house setting. The "Lime Green and Peach" palette showcases tropical colors and materials, including lime green stripes on the ceiling and faux molding, designed to transport residents to an island escape. For a minimalist approach, "White and Sand" illustrates an all-white color scheme enhanced by layers of texture and vintage items, proving that a monochromatic palette can be both elegant and casual. A playful "Light Blue and Bright Pink" combination, featuring bubblegum pink and sky blue accents, brings summertime cheer to a patio space, with a deeper blue in vases and pillows balanced by a statement ceiling. The article further introduces a sophisticated "Black and White" theme, where crisp whites and slate grey accents, along with light wood materials, create a polished and refreshing Hawaiian bedroom. "Lavender and Light Grey" offers a romantic and sweet alternative to traditional blues, reminiscent of a late summer sunset. "Light Green and Cream" proposes using tropical wallpaper in small powder rooms to brighten them up, integrating a light green skirted vanity and rattan mirror. For adding pops of color, "Cream, Burnt Orange, and Red" suggests using neutral furniture as a base and introducing sunny shades through wall art and sea glass green vases. More dramatic options include "Black and Blue," which creates a moody and modern dining room with inky walls and contrasting cobalt blue leather chairs. Additional palettes include "Coral and Beige" for a warm and approachable Bahaman bedroom, "Grey-Blue" for a glam kitchen with a pewter color scheme mimicking ocean waves, and "Green, Brown, and Black" for a beach house that incorporates tropical motifs like banana leaf prints and rattan furniture. "Bright Blue and Yellow" offers a cheerful living room with blue walls and sunny yellow lampshades, while "Dark Blue and Grey" maintains the classic blue and white theme with added intrigue from cypress paneling and vintage carpets. "Yellow and White" presents an all-white kitchen with subtle yellow splashes, and "Orchid and Navy Blue" provides a sophisticated touch with deep blue cabinets and unexpected orchid-hued stool cushions. Finally, "Caramel and Blue" blends caramel leather tones with concrete surfaces and a moody blue painting to reflect a rocky coastal environment, demonstrating a comprehensive range of design possibilities for beach-inspired interiors. #BeachColorPalettes #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #RoomIdeas #PaintColors #TropicalDesign #CoastalLiving #ColorInspiration

As winter transitions to spring, a desire for home refreshment often emerges, extending beyond simple decorative changes to impactful paint transformations. Farrow & Ball color specialist Patrick O'Donnell highlights two bright paint colors that effortlessly capture an optimistic and fresh spring aesthetic. The first recommendation is 'Sudbury Yellow,' a refined yet vibrant yellow. This shade offers considerable depth without being overly bold. It is suitable for various applications, such as creating a welcoming atmosphere in an entryway or invigorating kitchen cabinets. To complement 'Sudbury Yellow,' O'Donnell suggests pairing it with 'Off-White,' which contains subtle yellow undertones, for walls and woodwork. For an additional contrasting element, 'Studio Green' is recommended, particularly for flooring, providing a sense of grounding and visual weight. Alternatively, for those inclined towards green hues, O'Donnell proposes 'Yeabridge Green,' describing it as a 'verdant and optimistic' shade. This nature-inspired color offers versatility for both interior and exterior applications. As an exterior option, it serves as an excellent choice for a front door, especially when combined with white render and stucco. For interior use, 'Yeabridge Green' is well-suited for hallways or entryways, where it harmonizes effectively with traditional wooden stairs. To ensure the green remains the focal point, 'James White' is advised for ceilings and trim detailing, allowing the primary color to stand out without competition from additional colors. These expert recommendations from Farrow & Ball provide practical and aesthetically pleasing options for incorporating bright, uplifting colors into home interiors, aligning with the refreshing spirit of spring. #FarrowAndBall #SpringDecor #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeRefresh #YellowPaint #GreenPaint #HomeStyling