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Cheers—raise a glass of bubbling Veuve Clicquot—we made it to spring. What better way to celebrate warmer weather and golden sunshine than a hair refresh? As for trends, experts see champagne highlights on the horizon. Hair colorist Erin Dunn notes that she is often asked for this color in the salon. If you want your hair to match your bubbly with soft gold and beige tones, we have all the expert advice you need.
Featured experts
- Erin Dunn is a colorist in Boston and Miami
- Richy Kandasamy is a colorist and Vice President Color Development and R+COLOR Collective Member
What are champagne highlights?
“Think golden hour in a glass—champagne highlights are all about radiance, elegance and effortless glow,” says Dunn. “Soft golden tones kissed with a hint of beige (just like actual bubbly) create a luminous, dimensional blonde that feels elevated without tipping into icy territory.”
Colorist Richy Kandasmy describes champagne highlights as refined and beautifully balanced with a mix of soft beige and pale gold that reflect the light in a very sophisticated way. “It’s not an overly warm or cool blonde—it’s that perfect neutral that feels luxurious and effortless.”
Who should try champagne highlights?
According to Dunn, champagne highlights can be ideal for anyone looking to achieve a natural, sunlit vibe. “Soft creamy hues add warmth and sophistication while keeping the overall tone polished and fresh. The best part? Champagne tones complement all skin tones, making them one of the most versatile blonde shades out there,” says Dunn, who adds the shade is wearable year-round.
Kandasamy says champagne highlights are incredibly universal. “It works beautifully on natural brunettes and lighter blonde clients who want to go lighter without going too bright, and it’s especially flattering on clients with cool or warm skin tones.” He notes that it’s a “great choice for clients who want modern, wearable blonde with a luxe finish. He also loves using champagne tones for gray blending. “It softens the contrast while still looking polished and dimensional.”
What to ask for in the salon
The experts agree an inspirational photo is a good place to start. Then ask “your stylist for champagne-toned balayage or soft dimensional highlights with warm beige-gold undertones. Mention you want something glowy, natural and luxe—not icy, not brassy, just right.”
Kandasamy says to make sure your colorist assesses your skin tone, complexion and eye level for a personalized look that’s right for you. “Remember, texture is a starting level and always guides how the shade takes, so a custom approach is key,” he notes. Also, “Talk to your colorist about how much contrast you want. For a more natural effect, ask for natural ribbon highlights using a soft balayage or face framing and tone with champagne hues.”
In the salon, Kandasamy likes to use HYPERMATIC 10-Minute Demi-Permanent Liquid Hair Color in shade (EMPIRE) GP10 blended with (MAGNOLIA) VG10 “to create that clean, champagne reflection. You get lightness and tone without losing natural dimension.”
How to maintain champagne highlights
“To maintain that soft champagne glow between appointments, we always recommend glossing treatments,” says Dunn. “They keep the tone refined, enhance shine, and help prevent brassiness so the color stays luminous and fresh.” Kandasamy recommends using R+Co BLEU Primary Color Shampoo ($49)and the De Luxe Reparative Masque ($62) to maintain that champagne brilliance, preserve tone and give hair a mirror-like shine.
