Move over icy platinum and ash brunette – ‘gold rush’ hair is the youthful new colour trend that’s striking it rich right now. Loved by celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Davina McCall and Amanda Holden, it’s all about embracing warmer, golden shades that catch the light and make hair look luxe and naturally healthy.
It’s a colour trend that’s incredibly flattering on older women, lending instant radiance to both hair and skin. According to celebrity hairdresser and Arkive founder Adam Reed, it marks a welcome move away from the cooler shades that have dominated salon trends recently but can actually be draining on mature skin.
As Adam notes, gold rush hair is the perfect choice for women over 50 because it adds brightness and softness around the face – all without needing a dramatic colour transformation. Here’s everything you need to know about this new ‘you but better’ hair colour trend.
Amanda Holden’s hair weaves in luxe-looking golden pieces
What is gold rush hair?
As Adam explains, this new golden era marks a definite shift in hair trends. ‘Gold rush is all about bringing warmth, richness and luminosity back into the hair,’ he tells GH. ‘For a number of years we’ve seen cooler tones dominate, but we’re now seeing a shift towards golden blondes, honey tones, caramel highlights and sunlit colour that feels healthier and more natural.’
Think of gold rush hair as the perfect summer day in colour form – warm, but not too warm. ‘It’s not about brassiness or overly-yellow hair,’ says Adam. ‘It’s about creating warmth in a sophisticated way that catches the light beautifully and gives the hair a sense of movement and vitality.’
Sarah Jessica Parker has always had the golden touch
Who does gold rush hair suit?
It’s surprisingly versatile, says Adam, and one that can be used to enhance blonde and brunette hair alike. ‘One of the reasons I love this trend is that it’s incredibly adaptable,’ he says. ‘Gold rush hair can be tailored to suit a wide range of skin tones by adjusting the depth and intensity of the warmth.’
‘Whether that’s a soft honey blonde, a golden brunette or caramel ribbons through darker hair, there are countless ways to personalise it. The key is creating warmth that enhances the complexion rather than overpowering it.’
Why is it particularly flattering on older women?
Gold rush hair is a great way to compensate for the natural changes seen in complexions in your 40s, 50 and beyond. ‘As we age, our skin can naturally lose some warmth and luminosity,’ says Adam. ‘Introducing golden tones around the face can instantly bring back brightness and softness.’
So if you feel like your current shade is making you look drained, it’s worth taking a colour temperature check. ‘Cooler colours can sometimes feel a little harsh against mature skin, whereas warmer tones tend to reflect light more beautifully and create a healthier, more radiant appearance,’ Adam explains. ‘It’s one of those colour shifts that can make someone look fresher without looking like they’ve dramatically changed their hair.
Cat’s honey tones add a radiant glow to her look
Who is wearing gold rush hair well?
Want to know whose photos to bookmark for your next salon appointment? You’re spoilt for choice.
Penny Lancaster is a real golden beauty
‘Some brilliant examples include Sarah Jessica Parker, whose colour has always incorporated beautiful golden dimension and softness,’ says Adam. ‘Here in the UK, Cat Deeley wears warmer blonde tones beautifully, while Amanda Holden often uses golden blonde shades that add brightness and movement. Penny Lancaster is another great example of how warmer blonde tones can feel modern, flattering and incredibly elegant.’
Davina incorporates warmer, lighter pieces into her brunette base
‘And for brunettes, Davina McCall often incorporates subtle golden warmth that adds richness without looking overly coloured.’ The Princess of Wales has also been spotted adding subtle sunlit tones into her brunette base.
Kate’s sunlit tones add a pretty touch
Why is gold rush hair so popular right now?
It’s a truly feel-good beauty trend, says Adam. ‘I think people are looking for colour that feels optimistic. Gold Rush has a sense of positivity to it, it feels expensive, healthy and effortless,’ he tells us.
‘There’s also a move away from highly processed-looking colour towards something softer and more natural. People want their hair colour to enhance who they are rather than dominate their appearance.’
For the perfect finishing touch, GH is a huge fan of Arkive The Brightside sunny citrus hair fragrance, created with AromaWellness tech that’s scientifically proven to make you feel happy!
Who else is ready to join the gold rush?
