Grace Van Patten’s Colorist Says This Shade for Sunlit Coast Vibes
As summer fades and we step into the golden hues of autumn, the world of hair color is buzzing with fresh, warm trends. While classic shades remain eternally chic, this season invites us to explore more nuanced and captivating tones. Lately, the focus has shifted toward rich, sun-drenched shades like Biscoff bronde and luminous golden-hour brunette—colors that feel both sophisticated and wonderfully inviting.
But the most exciting shifts often come from artistry. We recently caught up with celebrity colorist Jacob Schwartz, whose clientele includes icons like Bella Hadid and Margot Robbie. Schwartz is known for creating transformations that are not just about pigment, but about storytelling—and his latest creation perfectly exemplifies this philosophy.
Schwartz developed golden strawberry blonde for actress Grace Van Patten. This shade isn’t merely a change in tone; it’s a masterful blend of warmth and delicacy, offering a vibrant freshness that effortlessly bridges the gap between summer brightness and autumnal depth. Instead of leaning into fiery copper or deep red tones, this color embraces a honeyed blonde overtone, lending a soft, luminous quality that feels simultaneously rich and understated.
The inspiration behind this beautiful hue was deeply personal. Schwartz sought to create a shade that felt authentic to the character’s narrative while offering a modern, elevated interpretation of strawberry blonde. He drew his aesthetic from a soft, sunlit East Coast atmosphere touched by subtle Irish influences, resulting in a color that balances delicate strawberry tones with warm gold. The result is hair that feels timeless, nuanced, and incredibly luxurious.
Schwartz believes the true magic of personalized color lies in supporting a story rather than creating a costume. By focusing on authentic warmth, he achieved a look that felt effortless, believable, and aspirational all at once. This vision highlights how strategically placed light and shadow can define a character far more effectively than any harsh formula.
The Art of Layering for Dimension
Achieving such dimensional depth requires an approach built on layering rather than relying on a single heavy formula. Schwartz’s technique is a masterclass in building color from the foundation up. He began by establishing a rich golden-honey base using Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal, creating the perfect canvas for warmth without sacrificing softness.
To introduce the desired vibrancy and movement, he strategically added brighter elements. This involved carefully incorporating products like BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+ alongside Igora Vario Blond Super Plus to place luminous pieces throughout the hair. These precise highlights ensure natural movement and subtle contrast, preventing any one area from overpowering the overall effect.
The final, crucial step was customizing the tone with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance. This product allowed Schwartz to layer soft golden, honey, and delicate strawberry hues, creating depth and translucency. The result is a color that looks naturally multi-tonal, beautifully dimensional, and incredibly radiant.
Keeping the Golden Glow
A color as stunning as golden strawberry blonde deserves dedicated care. As Schwartz notes, the biggest pitfall is forgetting maintenance; professional color demands the same level of commitment between appointments as glowing skin does.
To maintain this luminous finish, he recommends embracing touch-ups every six to eight weeks with a refresh of Igora Vibrance gloss. This quick service revitalizes the warmth and shine in just minutes, restoring that enviable luster without requiring a full re-color.
Beyond salon visits, the health of the hair is paramount. Schwartz strongly advises avoiding extremely hot water, which strips color faster, and encouraging clients to incorporate nourishing treatments weekly. By protecting their hair with quality products designed for color-treated strands—such as Redken Acidic Color Gloss Set or Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Bond Repair Treatment—individuals ensure their beautiful, multidimensional shades remain vibrant, reflective, and true to the original artistic vision.
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