How do you take your tea? With a touch of milk? Regardless of your beverage preferences, that familiar cool-toned hue is finding its way to beauty via the rise of “milk tea hair.” Like many hair trends, you can credit Kate Middleton for this one: Steven Picciano, Goldwell National Artist and owner of Glass Beauty Bar, said he started noticing a larger client request after the Princess of Wales started going lighter. “Milk tea is trending on the tail of the blonde hair obsession, but lots of skin tones call for a cooler finish,” he says. “Milk tea hair is the cool-toned answer to the bronde hair color trend.”

Despite its niche, playful name, this is turning out to be one of the most accessible, versatile hair color trends of the moment. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about milk tea hair, including how to get the look and who it’s best for.

What Is “Milk Tea” Hair?

“Milk tea hair is a soft, creamy beige blonde inspired by the color of milk tea,” says hairstylist Jennifer Thomas, who owns Jennifer Thomas Salon in Beverly Hills. “Beige is created by blending gold and violet tones. The gold keeps the hair looking healthy and dimensional, while the violet gently softens extra warmth so the final color looks neutral, silky, and elegant. Without that small amount of violet, you don’t get that true milk tea tone.”

The soft, creamy hair color sits right between warm and cool. “Think beige, taupe, and light ash tones that look natural and smooth, not icy and not yellow,” says Joico global blonde specialist Olivia Thompson. “It has a muted, blended finish that feels effortless and modern.” 

One of the reason milk tea hair is gaining steam (pun intended) is because of its soft appearance. “Milk tea hair has a way of making hair look healthier and shinier, especially when paired with the right care routine,” Thompson says. “It never looks harsh and it always feels current.”

About the Trend

“Milk tea hair has reached peak popularity thanks to its relatable, charming name,” Thomas says. “When you think of milk tea, you picture something soft, pretty, and delicious—and people love wearing colors that evoke that same feeling in their hair. Today’s trends are all about tone-on-tone color, and milk tea hair is the perfect reflection of that. It’s soft, blended, creamy, and feels very current. We’re embracing it because it’s beautiful.”

Another reason milk tea hair is trending is because it’s attainable. “Most clients desire to go lighter at some point, and milk tea allows colorists to meet your request without compromising the depth they know your skin tone needs,” Picciano says. 

Plus, milk tea hair looks polished without being high-maintenance. Thompson explains that the shade grows out well, looks great in everyday lighting, and stays soft when cared for properly at home. “It feels elevated but still very wearable,” she says. 

How to Get the Look

Milk tea hair looks good on almost everyone because it’s soft, accessible, and adaptable. “You can wear it slightly lighter or slightly deeper,” Thomas says. “It gives blonde a polished, creamy look without harsh contrasts or high-maintenance upkeep. The key is choosing a beige tone you feel comfortable with and making sure your makeup supports the look. When transitioning into milk tea blonde from a very different color, sticking to neutral or smoky makeup tones helps everything blend together for a cohesive finish.” 

You’ll want to keep your coloring in mind when determining the right milk tea hair for you. “Milk tea works beautiful for dark to medium brown hair for clients who have olive or yellow undertones,” Picciano says. “Cool on cool creates harmony and softness. However, if you have very pink undertones or warm skin, milk tea hair might clash and cause you to need a change in your foundation. Warmer undertones should lean into bronde, warmer-finish hair color.”

The Final Takeaway

Milk tea hair is a versatile, incredibly wearable shade, so it makes sense why so many are turning to it. If you’re intrigued by the trend, just be sure to have a conversation with your colorist to find the right hue for you and make sure you’re on the same page. “Let your colorist know you want something soft, blended, and easy to maintain,” Thompson says. “Ask for a creamy beige tone that sits between warm and cool, not yellow and not silver. It also looks best when the hair is healthy and hydrated. Milk tea hair really shines when it is cared for correctly.”