The Princess of Wales’s flowing hair always turns heads—and fills up Pinterest inspiration boards—but this week, her chosen shade felt decidedly more autumnal against her wardrobe of forest greens and rich blues. While attending a series of engagements over the course of a three-day state visit from the Sultan of Oman, the Princess—who usually visits Chelsea’s Richard Ward salon for her hair color—has unveiled more golden-toned lengths, with subtle waves adding to the glossy finish.
It’s a seasonally appropriate hue that Siobhan Haug, a color specialist and founder of Haug London Haus salon, predicts will reign supreme as we head into the colder months. She calls it “teak brunette,” inspired by the tones of teak tree timber in all of its honeyed, golden glory. “On hair, it translates into a medium-to-dark brown with golden, tawny undertones,” Haug continues, “and it moves from sun-warmed gold to a deeper, softer brown, much like teakwood itself as it matures.”
In fact, woody brunettes with soft, botanical undertones are currently among the most-requested colors at Haug. “There’s something sophisticated about shades like this thanks to the balance of depth, which highlights warm undertones without a trace of brassiness,” said Haug.
“Teak” brunette looks set to be increasingly popular this winter.
A more flaxen shade like Middleton’s works best on those with a brunette base, adding warmth and dimension. With that in mind, Haug suggests requesting balayage, a freehand hair coloring technique that lightens strands without using foils and looks a little more natural compared to traditional highlights. “Ask for honeyed tones that sit within two levels of your brunette base, as these will lend the richest, most natural-looking dimension without any harsh contrast,” said Haug.
The finishing touch should be a shine-enhancing hair gloss to blend the blonde tones seamlessly into the brunette strands. “And if you’re covering grays, a permanent tint combined with baby lights—essentially thinner, more subtle highlights—builds the same multi-tonal base,” said Haug.
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Kate Middletons New Honey Hair Color for Fall
1 What is Kate Middletons new hair color
Shes now sporting a honey blonde shadea warm goldenblonde tone that sits between light brown and blonde
2 Why is it called honey hair color
Because the shade mimics the warm golden tones of honeyrich glossy and slightly amber
3 Why is everyone talking about it for fall
Honey blonde is warm and cozy which suits the autumn season perfectly Kate debuted the look right as fall styles are trending
4 Is honey blonde the same as caramel blonde
Not quite Honey is lighter and more golden while caramel is deeper and more brownbased
5 Who does honey blonde suit best
It flatters most skin tones but it looks especially good on warm and neutral undertones
6 Can I get this color if I have dark brown hair
Yes but expect a multistep process Your stylist will likely need to lift your color first which may take more than one session
7 Will honey blonde damage my hair
Any lightening can cause some dryness Ask your stylist about bondbuilding treatments and use moisturizing products at home
8 How do I maintain honey blonde between salon visits
Use a colorsafe shampoo avoid washing too often and book a gloss or toner refresh every 46 weeks
9 Does honey blonde go brassy
It can since its a warm shade A purple or bluetoned toning mask helps keep it balanced
10 How do I ask my stylist for this color
Bring photos of Kates new look and say you want a warm golden honey blonde with a natural dimensional finish
11 Whats the difference between honey blonde and strawberry blonde
Honey leans golden strawberry has red and pink undertones
12 Can I try honey blonde with a box dye
Its risky especially on dark hair A professional colorist gives more accurate even results
13 How often will I need root touchups
Usually every 68 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows and how light you go
14 Is honey blonde lowmaintenance
Moderately Its more forgiving than platinum but the warm