Move over platinum blonde and cherry cola red—2025 is set to be all about chestnut bronde. Don't believe us? The sunlit colour has been deemed the hue of the hour by none other than Chris McMillan — aka, the hairstylist behind Jennifer Anniston's iconic haircut as Rachel Green on Friends.
Just like it sounds, the shade falls somewhere between the depth and richness of true chestnut, but counteracted by the soft, brightness of blonde. This middle ground makes it the ultimate versatile and low-maintenance choice for anyone looking to update their look in the new year. And while January might barely have begun, we've already seen the colour sported on the heads of some of the most fashionable A-listers. Taking to Instagram, McMillan demonstrated the hue on actress Leila George ahead of the Golden Globes, explaining that it was inspired by Jennifer Anniston's sleek early 2000s 'do.
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The occasion — which marked the first cab off the 2025 awards season rank — was also where Ariana Grande showed off her take on chestnut bronde, having lightened her typically brown locks for her role as Glinda in Wicked.
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And, proving the scope of chestnut bronde is far-reaching, Zendaya also dipped her toes into the trend, with a warm auburn tinge running through her Old Hollywood bob on the evening.
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So why the sudden surge in popularity? As people move away from harsh, high-maintenance colour choices like platinum blondes and deep browns, this shade offers a more natural, sun-kissed effect that works for a variety of skin tones. As demonstrated by our favourite celebs, on fairer skin tones, the shade offers contrast without being overwhelming. For olive complexions, chestnut bronde delivers a subtle sun-kissed glow and, on deep skin tones, the rich chestnut element brings warmth without appearing ashy or flat. Plus, the multi-dimensionality of chestnut bronde creates depth and movement, making it ideal for those seeking a high-impact hairstyle, without maximum effort.
Convinced? While you wait for an appointment with your hairdresser to try the trend for yourself, we've compiled a moodboard of our favourite chestnut bronde interpretations. Find it below.
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