Take this as your sign to copy me and get a ‘lived in bronde’ colour, says Mirror’s Michelle Darlow. Here’s exactly what to ask your colourist for…
I’ve been clinging to my bleach blonde for as long as I can remember – it was my signature, my comfort zone and a habit I never really questioned. Every couple of months, I’d want to be straight back in the salon chair for a full head of highlights, hoping to recapture that fresh, bright blonde I always thought went hand in hand with looking polished. But truthfully? The upkeep was exhausting, and I spent most of the year hating my grown-out colour.
The moment my roots started to show (usually within a few weeks), I’d be left with a thick line of regrowth that made my hair look greasy and dull – even when it was clean. I’d try to cover it with dry shampoo or clever partings, but it always crept back. And at upwards of £150 a go for maintenance appointments, it was draining my bank account too.
Between juggling work and kids, I just couldn’t keep up with the six-to-eight-week cycle. I started to dread the salon, not because I didn’t love getting my hair done, but because I knew I’d leave loving the colour, only to be left disappointed the following week or so when the dark roots made an appearance.
That’s when I caught a glimpse of Cat Deeley on This Morning one weekday – and suddenly, the clouds parted. Her hair is this effortless, sun-kissed bronde – glossy, dimensional and grown-up – and the best part? Her roots were visible, but they looked intentional. Natural. Chic. I knew instantly that was the hair colour inspo I’d been waiting for. This exact colour also has a name: ‘lived in bronde’.
Even better? It’s a top colour trend for 2025.
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How to ask for a ‘lived in bronde’
If you’re thinking of making the switch, the key is to go in with a clear idea of the kind of ‘lived-in’ bronde you want. I headed to *GA Salons in South Kensington and showed my brilliant colourist a screenshot of Cat Deeley on This Morning and said I wanted something soft, low-maintenance and natural-looking. She suggested we blend my darker roots into a warmer bronde using a combination of lowlights and carefully placed highlights.
We also toned down the overly ashy blonde I’d had before, which wasn’t doing my skin any favours, and added warmer caramel and honey tones that better complemented my complexion. The overall effect is more multidimensional – it catches the light in all the right places but grows out beautifully without any stark regrowth. It means I can go three or four months between appointments now, which is a game-changer. My colourist also recommended glossing treatments in between to keep the colour looking fresh without having to do a full dye job.
Gennaro Dell’Aquila, art director and founder of GA Salons, explains that this tone is also called a “honeyed and buttery blonde” and features “subtle gold highlights, reminiscent of ’90s blonde tones made famous by Jennifer Aniston”.
The other bonus of this 90s-inspired shade? It’s far kinder on my hair. Years of bleaching had left my ends frazzled and prone to snapping, but since dialling it back and embracing a more natural tone, my hair’s noticeably healthier and shinier. It styles better, too – even a quick air-dry leaves it looking more put-together than before.
Key learnings: A brighter blonde doesn’t mean a younger look
I genuinely can’t believe the difference it’s made. Friends keep asking if I’ve “done something different” or if I’ve been on holiday. The warmer tones are so much more flattering – they brighten up my face and soften my features in a way the stark blonde never did. I look healthier, more rested, and yes, younger. I wish I’d done it sooner. I also want to say to any blondes worried about asking for warm tones– don’t be afraid. We grew up in an era where ashy hair reigned supreme, but honestly, is it really doing that much for you? It wasn’t for me.
If you’re feeling stuck in a colour rut or fed up with the maintenance of high-lift blonde, let Cat Deeley be your inspiration. The lived-in bronde is flattering, forgiving, and fabulously low-effort – exactly what we all need right now.
How to maintain your colour at home and save on salon bills
- Invest in a purple shampoo, but don’t overdo it: Once a week at a maximum, but ideally once a month, is how often you should be using one at home. A build-up of purple shampoo can make your hair more brittle and very dull-looking. Top tip: always follow a purple shampoo with a second wash with a nourishing shampoo.
We love:Redken Colour Extend Blondage Shampoo, £21.51
- Use a deep conditioning treatment every week: Preferably with bond-building technology. The combination of that with moisturising and nourishing ingredients will ensure your ends stay hydrated and less prone to breakage.
We love:Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, £22.40
- Always heat protect your hair: Aside from the damage that hot tools can do in terms of breakage if you use them without a heat protectant, they can also cause your colour to fade faster – same with UV rays from the sun. Spritz a good heat protectant on after every wash, and again before styling, to get the most out of your salon colour.
We love:Bumble and bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist, 12
*For appointments at GA salons, and to find your closest hair salon, see gennarodellaquila.co.uk.