Is Strawberry Blonde Hair Ginger? 10 Things to Know About the Sweet New Trend

Strawberry blonde hair is the warm new trend transforming the hair colour scene. In this blog, Laura Elliott, head of education here at Neäl & Wølf answers all your questions about this shade, including its links to ginger hair, rarity and how to create the look yourself.

1. What is strawberry blonde hair colour?

Strawberry blonde hair blends elements of blonde and red hair colours, resulting in a vibrant hue that can be compared to ripe strawberries. Often referred to as Venetian blonde, this colour uses pale, soft and warm tones to create a delicate sun-kissed appearance. There are different intensities of the strawberry blonde shade, so we would recommend sharing photos and other reference pieces with your stylists if choosing this look.

2. Is strawberry blonde hair ginger?

In short, no. Ginger hair and strawberry blonde hair differ in their base colours, undertones and overall appearance.

Ginger hair has a much deeper red base colour, leaning towards copper, auburn and brown. It also lacks blonde and golden hues, making it a lot darker than strawberry blonde hair. Ginger hair has bright, bold undertones of red-brown or red-oranges, unlike strawberry blonde hair, which is light, subtle and natural-looking.

Overall, ginger hair is eye-catching and striking in appearance, creating a dramatic look. Opposed to this, strawberry blonde hair gives off a warm and inviting vibe without being too intense.

3. How rare is strawberry blonde?

Natural strawberry blonde hair is very rare, as it contains a red hue. Only 1-2% of people have the red hair gene globally, so others must use styling such as hair dye to achieve this shade.

4. What skin tone suits strawberry blonde?

Strawberry blonde works best with cool skin tones as the red notes balance out the lighter tones. If you have a pink complexion, this hair colour is sure to complement your rosy cheeks. For more information on skin tone, read our blog: What Hair Colour Suits Me? A Guide to Choosing the Right Shade

5. What’s the difference between cherry blonde and strawberry blonde hair colours?

In the same way that juicy strawberries and ripe cherries differ in colour, as do cherry blonde and strawberry blonde hair colours. Cherry blonde uses deeper red tones to create a colour that is almost pink. Strawberry blonde is more blonde than red, but cherry blonde is equal parts blonde and red.

6. Does strawberry blonde hair go grey?

If you have naturally grey hair and your dyed hair isn’t maintained, it will fade back to grey. However, natural strawberry blondes will never be grey! Their hair fades to blonde or white with age. This is because the pigment in the hair that causes it to be red will always remain, holding off those silver tones.

7. How do you achieve strawberry blonde hair colour?

Rather than opt for a strawberry blonde hair dye, we would suggest mixing an extra light blonde shade with a hint of copper. This allows you to create the perfect shade, individual to your needs. Use the blonde as a base, before weaving copper tones throughout to create a bright, beautiful look. Transitioning from darker shades like brunette or red can take more lightening procedures like bleaching. To get the best results we would recommend referring to our Colour Shade Chart when discussing with your colourist - they may have pre-mixed shades such as Golden Copper and Copper Ash. Find out more: Colour Shade Chart

8. Can you use purple shampoo on strawberry blonde hair?

The violet pigment in purple shampoo counteracts yellow and brassy tones, which can help keep your strawberry blonde hair looking its best. This keeps your shade light and pale, instead of deep and golden. View our range of purple shampoo solutions: BLONDE Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

9. How do you maintain strawberry blonde hair?

Purple shampoo is just one of the ways you can look after your strawberry blonde hair - if coloured it can generally fade in 4-6 weeks. Whether you have natural or dyed hair, we’ve compiled a range of tips to help you to keep your hair looking great. Read on to find out more.

Hair washing and styling

After cleansing your hair using a pairing like our BLONDE Purple Shampoo and Conditioner, it’s onto drying. Use a protective spray to lock the moisture in your hair, keeping it silky, smooth and hydrated. Our GUARD Heat Protection Spray is the perfect choice, simply apply to wet or dry hair before styling. Next, dry your hair with our new HERØ Ionic Hairdryer, a fast and powerful drying tool that reduces your styling time. Seal your style in place with a blast of the cool shot, leaving your locks shiny and fresh.

Final tips

Secure your style with a holding hairspray like our CONTROL Flexible Styling Hairspray, keeping every strand in place. Then, complete your sweet strawberry style with a summer scent. Our AURA Hair Perfume & Body Fragrance combines Orange Blossom and White Thyme, with elements of Lily and Vanilla. Just spritz over your hair and body for a beautifully natural scent that lasts.

10. What are the shades of strawberry blonde hair?

Strawberry blonde isn’t a one-shade-fits-all colour, it comes in a variety of romantic tones. Each complements different skin tones and personal styles.

Classic strawberry blonde

A balanced blend of warm red and golden blonde tones, giving a fresh, natural appearance. Ideal for lighter, cool skin tones.

Peach blonde

Light blonde with a soft pastel orange hue that complements fair skin with warm, golden undertones.

Golden strawberry

A sun-drenched shade that leans towards blonde further than red, with honey and gold highlights. Best for medium or olive skin with warm undertones.

Copper strawberry blonde

A richer, deeper shade that blends auburn and golden notes. Works with medium to deep skin tones with warm hues.

Strawberry champagne

The lightest and most delicate variation of strawberry blonde, this shade is a pearly peach shade. Perfect if you have very fair, cool skin tones.

How do you style strawberry blonde hair?

Strawberry blonde hair looks best when it is styled to show off its dimension and warmth. Whether you’re wearing it straight, wavy, or braided, these styles bring out the best of the colour:

Soft beachy waves

Loose waves add movement and show off the golden-red tones. You can prepare for this look by choosing volumising products like our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner which is designed to create the perfect foundation for big hair. Follow our full guide to achieve this look: How to Get Beach Waves

Boho braids

Braided styles like fishtail, Dutch braid or halo highlight the interplay of tones, especially if you’ve got subtle highlights or balayage. To prepare for the perfect plait, we’d recommend smoothing hair with a leave-in conditioner like our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray. This lightweight mist detangles and tames flyaways to create a sleek set up for a braid. For more inspiration, read our blog: How to Get a Party Braid

Glossy straight

A long, sleek style can show off the richness of the look. We’d recommend using a smoothing serum or lightweight oil to help bring out the warm strawberry sheen. Our VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil blends Argan, Avocado and Jojoba oils, giving the perfect foundation to your style.

Big bouncy blow out

Perfect for adding volume and glamour, a classic bouncy blowout brings out the vibrancy of strawberry blonde shades - especially those with golden or champagne tones. Use a round brush, a solution like our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist and our HERØ Ionic Hairdryer for a tousled look with a strong, flexible hold.

Layered bob

This cut adds natural movement, especially when paired with multi-tonal strawberry blonde colouring. Layers can enhance light-catching highlights and keep the colour looking dynamic from every angle. Finish off the look with our UPLIFT Volumising Hair Mist which delivers a strong, flexible hold. Learn more about creating the look: Here’s Everything You Should Know About a Layered Bob

Which celebrities have strawberry blonde hair?

Strawberry blonde has long been a favourite in Hollywood, thanks to its unique mix of softness and warmth. These celebrities have embraced the look:

Nicola Coughlan

Bridgerton icon Nicola stunned with a sleek strawberry blonde bob. The tone made her blue eyes pop, whilst also enhancing her light skin tone for a well-put-together look. She pulled off this look for autumn, but the colour can shine all-year-round.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks pulled off a longer style with wispy bangs, which gorgeously complemented her brown eyes and golden skin tone. She opted for a darker base, layered with lighter shades to add depth to the look.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher lightened her hair to a golden strawberry blonde hue, proving that red-blondes can be radiant and versatile. She styled her look with perfect long waves and a centre parting.

Emma Stone

Emma showed that strawberry blonde hair doesn’t have to mean a complete colour. She opted for a textured bob and ombre waves, highlighting the tips of her hair for a look full of dimension.

Adele

Adele started her iconic Vegas residency with glossy strawberry blonde hair. She launched her new shade with a big blow out with shiny curls, leaving her literally glowing under the stage lights.

Strawberry blonde hair is magnificently unique in its own right, separate to colours like ginger and cherry blonde. Looking to browse more hairstyles? Read our blog page: Hair Care Blog