If you've been looking for blonde inspiration before heading to the salon, chances are you've already seen Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on your mood board. Before Pinterest, TikTok, and the concept of old money blonde, her creamy, shiny color was an icon of 1990s New York chic.
Now, thanks to the TV series American Love Story, the shade has returned to the spotlight. At the beginning of the series, actress Sarah Pidgeon's blonde is slightly darker with noticeable highlights, but as the plot progresses, it gradually lightens and reaches the same buttery-gold shade that is associated with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
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What is Bessette blonde?
Unlike the cold, almost white blondes of the early 2010s, bessette blonde is warm and soft. It's a combination of champagne and creamy gold tones on a natural base color. The shade is bright, but never harsh.
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“Caroline's hair has a lot of golden undertones – it's very 90s,” explains Harriet Muldoon, a blonde specialist. “It started out quite dark blonde, but it's lightened over time. It's never platinum blonde, it's always a warm golden hue.” The key element is not just the tone, but the placement of the strands. “The technique involves a fairly coarse weave, but a bit scattered. You can see the strands, they're not too fine or blurry,” adds Muldoon.
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What not to do
Bessette blonde is not maximum lightening. It is not platinum blonde and not the popular bronde with soft regrowth in recent seasons. The main thing is to lift the highlights to the roots and leave them noticeable on the mid-lengths and ends.
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Who is bessette blonde suitable for?
The shade is versatile thanks to its warm, neutral base. “Even brunettes can try bessette blonde, like Carolyn did. The key is not to overdry the hair and leave noticeable strands that reach the roots,” advises Muldoon. Fair skin benefits from a soft champagne, while olive or darker skin tones benefit from rich honey tones. The key is to keep your hair healthy, as shine is crucial to the effect.
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What to ask for at the salon to get bessette blonde
Bring in a photo of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and ask for warm, creamy gold highlights at the roots with visible shine around the face. Avoid platinum and overly ashy tones. If your hair is darker, the color is done in stages.
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Color maintenance products
- Purple shampoo to neutralize unwanted yellowness
- Masks to restore hair bonds
- Shine products
Bessette blonde is a glossy, honey-golden blonde with a distinctive 1990s charm that accentuates the face and has an expensive and modern look.
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Based on material from: Vogue.co.uk