The Internet Is Going Crazy Over Teddy Bear Blonde Hair

Teddy bear blonde is a hair color as familiar and inviting as your favorite plushie. A pro colorist breaks down what you need to know.

By Leann Garofolo

Update Date: 15 Aug 2024

What Is Teddy Bear Blonde?

Teddy bear blonde hair refers to a warm, soft shade of blonde that resembles the traditional color of a plush toy bear.

“Teddy bear blonde is a perfect balance of warm hues with light shades of caramel and blonde to create very dimensional results,” Olson notes. It’s often associated with a natural, sun-kissed look: Along with golden blondes, it’s sometimes punctuated with warm to neutral tones of chocolate, amber, or brown.

How Do You Get Teddy Bear Blonde Hair?

One of our favorite things about teddy bear blonde hair color is how customizable it is. We recommend consulting a licensed colorist to determine which iteration of the hue is realistic for your current base color so that you can achieve the look with minimal damage. Your hairdresser will also consider your skin tone and undertones to ensure your chosen color will make your complexion pop versus washing it out.

As far as formulas for teddy bear hair color go, Olson swears by applying a Redken Shades EQ hair gloss over highlights or a balayage to give her clients’ manes a sumptuous glow. For a quick crash course, Shades EQ is a professional demi-permanent dye that enriches your color, tones your strands, and leaves hair soft, shiny, and conditioned for up to a few months. Plus, the demi-permanent color gradually fades out over time, so there will be no harsh regrowth between touch-ups.

How To Maintain Teddy Bear Blonde

The right at-home haircare routine can help keep your teddy bear blonde hair looking fresh and vibrant long after you leave the salon. First, Olson recommends stocking your shower with Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate line. This six-piece collection helps strengthen and repair damaged hair while providing protection against color fading.

Next, she advises swapping in the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream once a week to help remove the impurities that can detract from hair’s shiny reflection. Last, be sure to always apply a good heat protectant before blow-drying or heat-styling your hair to keep your color from dulling (among Olson’s favorites is Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment).

3 Teddy Bear Hair Color Ideas To Try Now Looks to Try Now

Ready for some inspo? Here are three low-maintenance teddy bear blonde variations to show your stylist at your next appointment.

Teddy Bear Blonde Balayage

As Olson mentioned, a teddy bear balayage is a great way to give your mane a lived-in look. This hand-painting method results in a gradual ombré effect (typically, darker roots with lighter ends), allowing you to stretch the time between root touch-ups.

Multi-Tonal Teddy Bear Blonde Curls

While teddy bear hair color is traditionally warm, we love how weaving in a few cooler highlights can help give your curls a multi-dimensional look. Use Redken’s Hydrating Curl Cream to moisturize and define your ringlets so that your striking color can take center stage.

Teddy Bear Blonde With Money Piece

If you want extra lightness, pair your teddy bear blonde hair color with a money piece. This chunky, face-framing streak can help accentuate your features, make your hue look more “expensive,” and add brightness to your color, all without the need for a full head of highlights.

Next Up: 7 Hair Gloss Transformations for a Vibrant Hair Color