Vanilla Chai Is the Chicest, Low-Maintenance Hair Color

What is it about warm weather that makes us want to go blonde? Fortunately,  there are a ton of ways to lighten up your locks — including platinum, strawberry, and golden, to name just a few. But lately, we’ve been seeing a ton of folks popping up on social media with a shade they’re calling  “vanilla chai latte.” It’s warm and multitonal, with lowlights that look like milky coffee, and highlights resembling the foam on top. Influenced yet? Before you call up your colorist, here’s everything you need to know about the trending hue. Consider this your vanilla chai latte cheat sheet.

What Is Vanilla Chai Latte Blonde?

Vanilla chai blonde contains rich shades of blonde that all sound pretty delicious. “The color is multidimensional shades of cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla,” Schwarzkopf artistic ambassador Patricia Elness says. “The overall effect is natural-toned hair color with a blend of warm [hues].”

Vanilla chai blonde looks good against a lot of skin tones, but Elness says that it’s especially stunning on folks with warm undertones. “[It] can be flattering for a wide range, but the rich, warm [colors] of the chai latte shade can complement and enhance these natural tones,” she explains. If you’re cool-toned, Elness notes, you might want to go for a cooler or ashier blonde more suitable for your complexion. 

What To Ask for at the Salon

You could straight-up ask for “vanilla chai latte” blonde, but your colorist might like a little more specificity. Elness suggests bringing pictures of the look with you to your appointment so you can ensure you’re on the same page. It helps to be able to talk about the color, too. Make sure you’re describing the warm tones, Elness says. We like the yummy-sounding words she uses above — cinnamon, caramel, vanilla — as descriptors “Describe the desired [effect]: warm tones blended together for a multidimensional look,” she adds.

How To Care for Vanilla Chai Latte Hair

As with any other hair color, aftercare is important if you want your blonde to remain vibrant for as long as possible. Eventually, you’re going to have to wash your hair (colorists say you can wash right away but most of us don't do that), and when you do, you should make sure you’re using a shampoo that’s going to keep your color intact. “Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner,” Elness advises. Of course, she’s partial to Schwarzkopf’s Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner, but you can also use your favorite products for color-treated hair.  

Ease up on the hot tools with this hair color, too. “Limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as excessive heat can cause color fading and damage to your hair,” Elness says. “If you do use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant.” CHI’s Thermal Iron Guard has been a fan-favorite for years and works well on a lot of different hair textures. 

If the color does fade, take heart: One of the best things about vanilla chai latte hair is that it still looks pretty as it grows out. “[It] tends to be very subtle and forgiving compared to more dramatic hair colors,” Elness explains. “Because [the] color incorporates natural-looking tones like cinnamon, caramel, and nutmeg, the roots blending with the existing color can create a soft, lived-in effect.” 

This is especially great if you’re the set-it-and-forget-it type when it comes to your hair. “When the roots grow in, the transition between the natural hair color and the chai latte hues is usually less noticeable,” Elness shares. “This results in a low-maintenance style that still looks great as it grows out — a good choice for those who prefer a hairstyle with minimal upkeep.”