Golden Hour Hair: How to Make Your Locks Insta-Ready with the Perfect Sunset Glow
There's something magical about the golden hour – the short window of time right before sunset or just after sunrise when the world is bathed in a warm, glowing light. For photographers and content creators, golden hour is the ultimate time to capture radiant, dreamy photos. But what many don't realise is that this lighting doesn’t just elevate your surroundings; it also works wonders for hair, especially warm-toned hues. Whether you’re rocking golden blonde hair, a subtle auburn or a playful strawberry blonde, golden hour enhances those rich, warm shades, making your locks look effortlessly sun-kissed and glowing. So how do you get your hair golden-hour ready? We've got the tips (and some perfect shades to try out) to make your mane shine in the setting sun.
Why is Golden Hour so popular?
So, what is Golden hour? What started as a simple Instagram trend has now become a selfie staple. Golden hour is the short period when the sun is low on the horizon, casting a soft, warm light that’s flattering for both landscapes and portraits. The direct overhead sun that happens during midday can create harsh shadows and unflattering contrasts, but golden hour’s gentle light is perfect for selfies, content creation, and showcasing your hair's natural beauty. This warm glow is particularly complimentary to rich, warm tones like golden blonde, strawberry blonde, or cinnamon balayages, enhancing the depth and dimension of your colour.
This unique light makes it easier to achieve those Instagram-worthy photos without the need for heavy filters or editing. It’s no wonder photographers and influencers swear by it.
How to Use Golden Hour Glow to Enhance Your Hair Photos
- Positioning is key: For the ultimate glow, position yourself so that the sunlight is facing you, allowing the light to filter through your hair. This creates a beautiful halo effect, particularly with lighter tones like Peaches & Cream or Golden Blonde.
- Play with shadows: While you want to avoid harsh shadows, golden hour light allows for softer contrasts that can add depth to your hair. Use the light to highlight the natural movement and texture of your hair, particularly with waves or curls.
- Go for natural waves: Loose, beachy waves work best with golden hour photos because they catch and reflect the light at different angles. Try curling your hair in different directions to add dimension, especially with multi-tonal colours like Cinnamon Swirl Balayage.
- Amplify the shine: Apply a light hair oil or Moisturising Silky Hair Spray before your shoot to make your hair glisten in the light. It’s especially effective with darker tones like browns and dark blondes, adding that healthy, glossy finish.
The Perfect Hair Extension Shades to Capture Golden Hour Magic
Golden hour is the perfect time to highlight those warm, rich blondes and fiery reds, making this transitional time between summer and autumn an ideal moment to update your hair colour. Here at Cliphair, we have 6 stunning shades inspired by the golden hour glow to choose from:
- Golden Blonde: A timeless shade that glows beautifully during golden hour. The natural warmth of golden blonde hair shines when kissed by the setting sun, giving your hair that effortless, radiant glow. This shade is also gorgeous when added to warm brunette colours to create autumn inspired balayage. Try with Tape In Hair Extensions for a more permanent colour change!
- Strawberry Blonde: If you love a soft red undertone, strawberry blonde is perfect for transitioning from summer into autumn. The golden hour light enhances those reddish hues, making the shade appear even more vibrant and sun kissed.
- Autumn Spice: Rich, spicy tones like autumn spice bring warmth and depth to your look as the weather starts to cool. The deep reds and browns in this colour really come to life in golden hour light, making your hair look luxurious and vibrant. Try adding our Wrap Around Ponytail to your tresses for added volume and length!
- Peaches & Cream: This soft blend of peachy blonde and light blonde highlights works well with golden hour lighting, enhancing the delicate pastel tones and giving your hair a romantic, dreamy effect.
- Lightest Brown: For those who prefer a subtler, more natural look, the lightest brown shade offers a soft, sun-kissed hue during golden hour. This colour works well for anyone wanting to keep things low maintenance yet striking.
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- Cinnamon Swirl Balayage: Balayage lovers, this one's for you! The rich caramel and cinnamon tones in a balayage look are amplified by golden hour light, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the multi-dimensional colours in your hair.
For more guidance on finding the perfect blonde hair shade, check out our detailed guide on blonde hair extensions and which shade is right for you.
Transitioning from Summer to Autumn: Introducing Red and Warm Tones
As we say goodbye to the last warm days of summer and step into the cooler, cosier autumn season, it’s the perfect time to experiment with warmer, redder tones. Start with lighter, summery hues, and gradually introduce deeper, richer reds. These shades not only compliment the changing seasons but also look incredible in golden hour lighting, making your clip in and permanent extensions pop with warmth and vibrance.
If you're unsure which red shade best suits your skin tone, you can refer to our complete guide on red hair extensions to find the perfect match.
Perfecting Your Golden Hour Look: Final Tips
- Clip-In Hair Extensions: For a fuller, more dramatic effect, try using clip-in hair extensions. These can add length and volume, which will make your golden hour photos even more striking. The good news is you can choose from a range of Remy hair extensions that blend seamlessly with your natural hair, including our Seamless Range or Ultra Volume Clip Ins for extra drama.
- Texture and Volume: A little volume goes a long way. Use a volumizing spray to lift the roots and give your hair some bounce. Whether you have permanent hair extensions or clip in extensions, this will help blend your natural hair with the extensions for a flawless look.
- Dress the Part: Complete your golden hour look by wearing warm-toned clothing to compliment your hair colour. Think neutrals, peaches, and cosy, soft browns that pair perfectly with your glowing locks.
Conclusion
Golden hour is more than just a time for great lighting, it’s an opportunity to showcase your hair in its best possible light. With the right colour and some smart styling tricks, you can create sun-drenched selfies and stunning content that’s sure to turn heads. Whether you're rocking golden brown hair, a rich cinnamon balayage, or a sweet, playful red, your locks will be glowing!
Here at Cliphair, you can choose from our wide range of premium human hair extensions and hydrating haircare. Our clip in hair extensions and professional hair extensions are available in 12 luxurious lengths and over 65 stunning colours, including a variety of shades of golden blonde hair. All of our extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair and can be wash, brushed, cut and styled just like your natural locks!
