There are certain things in life that feel criminally short-lived. Bank holidays, for one. A decent avocado, for another. And those fleeting moments at golden hour when you suddenly look like you've been softly lit by an Oscar-winning cinematographer instead of the overhead bulb in your bathroom. Jennifer Lopez, eat ya heart out!
Thankfully, this summer's biggest hair trend lets you keep that glow long after sunset – and it's one that has royal approval. [Insert collective oohs and ahhs here.]
According to beauty experts at Fresha, the top-rated booking platform for hair salons, 'golden hour brunette' is officially the biggest hair trend of summer 2026. Searches for the look have skyrocketed by a whopping 1,100 per cent in the past three months, making it the season's runaway winner. Which makes perfect sense, really, seeing as come summer, we're all after hair that looks as though it's been naturally brightened by weeks in the sunshine.
The glossy brunette shade has become synonymous with the Princess of Wales' enviably polished locks, offering all the warmth of sunshine, without requiring actual sunshine. Think: a rich, brunette-infused base with honeyed caramel and toasted golden ribbons that catch the light in all the right places.
Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, also sees the appeal. "I think it's so common for naturally darker-haired individuals to get an annual urge to lighten their hair for summer, but with this change, brunette hair loses some of its natural, mirror-like shine that many envy," she says. "This happens because the lightening process slightly damages the hair cuticle, making it harder for light to bounce off smoothly."
Instead, she recommends asking your colourist for highlights that weave those deeper brunette tones together with softer blondes using balayage or foilyage techniques. "This perfect sun-kissed dimension will achieve a rich gloss that needs looking after with gentle toning and deep moisture treatments, and by limiting heat styling to prevent brassiness and cuticle damage," Annabelle adds.
Golden hour used to last a few precious minutes; now, it lasts until your roots grow out. Add a crown, and you're halfway to Kate.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
