I Just Went Raffia Bronde, and Now I'm Convinced It's the Best Summer Hair Colour Ever

I've always been a brunette, but I love experimenting with different hair colour trends. In recent months, I've been opting for a cool-toned, iced chocolate hair colour. However, every time summer rolls around, I always get the itch to try balayage and go lighter again.

I've never been one for chunky highlights. Instead, I prefer my hair to look naturally sun-kissed with finely woven pieces of blonde that illuminate my lengths. So, this time around I opted for raffia bronde, and it might be my favourite summer hair colour yet.

What Is Raffia Bronde?

Much like the raffia basket bags that inspire this hair colour trend, raffia bronde sees finely woven pieces of blonde and brunette that give the hair a seamless, multi-dimensional effect. It's a great summer hair colour for brunettes and blondes alike. On brunettes, it adds lightness and radiance, while giving depth and richness to blondes.

Hairstylist and hair trend forecaster Tom Smith predicted raffia blonde to be one of the biggest hair trends for 2025 and says this hair colour has a "subtly multi-tonal offering that has a woven texture and an intricate nature."

"You might call it quite an ‘expensive bronde’, thanks to its fine attention to detail," says Smith. "Ideal for those who enjoy mid-contrast in their fashion and makeup choices, this shade sits in the middle of the colour spectrum. [It is] easy to evolve throughout the year by brightening it up or toning it down," he says.

What to Ask for at the Salon

Before

I visited Hershesons for my hair colour transformation. I booked in for balayage and asked for very fine pieces of blonde to be placed through my mid-lengths and around my face-framing layers. This isn't a look that calls for a strong money piece, but rather a few ribbons of blonde and caramel that emulate a naturally sun-kissed look (think two weeks in the South of France).

After

How to Maintain Raffia Bronde at Home

Thankfully, balayage is a great low-maintenance hair colour technique to go for if you don't want regular upkeep at the salon. Thanks to the hand-painted technique, it not only looks really natural, but it will grow out seamlessly without a noticeable root. However, there are things you can do to keep it looking salon-fresh for longer.

"Keep hair strong and healthy if oscillating between various levels of bronde, be sure to keep heat use minimal and use nourishing hair masks and good quality shampoos to keep the delicate nuances clear and toned," says Smith.