The “Carolyn Bessette Blonde” is Back: How a 90s Icon is Shaping Fall 2025 Hair Trends
Forget fleeting micro-trends. A hair color revival is brewing, and it’s rooted in the effortlessly chic aesthetic of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Experts predict “Carolyn Bessette blonde” will be the shade to watch this fall, driven by the upcoming release of Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story and a nostalgic yearning for a simpler, more refined beauty standard. But this isn’t just about recreating a look; it’s a reflection of broader cultural shifts and a desire for a more natural, lived-in approach to color.
The Enduring Appeal of a 90s Muse
Even decades after her tragic death, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy remains a style icon. Her influence extends beyond fashion, deeply impacting beauty standards. Unlike the heavily contoured and sculpted looks dominating today’s social media, Bessette-Kennedy favored a more understated approach. Her blonde hair, masterfully crafted by Brad Johns, wasn’t about perfection; it was about a sun-kissed, natural radiance. “She understood the power of less,” says fashion historian Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell. “Her beauty was about confidence and authenticity, qualities that resonate deeply with today’s consumer.”
Brad Johns: The Architect of an Icon
Brad Johns, the celebrity colorist behind Bessette-Kennedy’s signature shade, isn’t surprised by the impending revival. “The 20-year-old girls nowadays—their mothers were blonde because of Carolyn,” he explains. Johns, who also styled the hair of Christy Turlington and Kate Moss, pioneered a “chunking” technique to create a beachy, dimensional blonde that felt both sophisticated and effortless. This wasn’t a uniform, all-over color; it was strategically placed highlights designed to mimic the natural lightening effect of the sun.
Beyond Nostalgia: Why This Trend is Different
While 90s revivals are common, this particular trend feels different. It’s not simply about replicating a look; it’s about embracing the philosophy behind it. Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking low-maintenance beauty solutions and colors that enhance their natural features. The “Carolyn Bessette blonde” aligns perfectly with this desire. “People are tired of the constant upkeep required by many blonde shades,” explains hair color specialist Stephanie Brown. “This look is about working *with* your natural color, not against it.”
The Seasonal Approach to Blonde
Johns advocates for a seasonal approach to achieving the “Carolyn Bessette blonde.” “That kind of blonding has to be done over time,” he advises. “Lighter in the summer, and tone it down in the fall.” This gradual process not only minimizes damage but also creates a more natural, believable result. It’s a far cry from the instant transformations often seen on social media, emphasizing a more holistic and sustainable approach to hair color. Byrdie’s 2024 hair color trends also highlight the move towards more natural-looking shades.
The Impact of *American Love Story* and the Controversy
The buzz surrounding Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story is undoubtedly fueling the trend, but the controversy surrounding the show’s depiction of Bessette-Kennedy’s style is also playing a role. Many viewers have criticized the show’s portrayal of her wardrobe and hair color as inaccurate and unflattering. This backlash has, ironically, sparked renewed interest in the *real* Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her iconic look. The desire to see the authentic style recreated is strong, driving demand for the original shade.
What This Means for the Future of Hair Color
The resurgence of the “Carolyn Bessette blonde” isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a sign of a broader shift in beauty preferences. Consumers are increasingly valuing authenticity, naturalness, and low-maintenance solutions. This trend could pave the way for a wider embrace of more subtle, dimensional hair colors and a rejection of overly processed, artificial looks. It’s a return to a more classic, timeless aesthetic – one that prioritizes effortless elegance over fleeting trends.
What are your predictions for the future of blonde hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
