Why Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s ‘old money blonde’ has a timeless appeal

Courtesy FX/Disney+

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style has long embodied elegance and sophistication. With Love Story reigniting interest in her romance with JFK Jr, her signature ‘old money blonde’ is back in the spotlight, with Google searches for her hair soaring by 2060% in the past month alone.

Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify, says the appeal lies in its quiet luxury: a refined, effortless blonde that looks polished without trying. As Carolyn’s timeless aesthetic resurfaces, this classic shade is fast becoming the salon request of the season.

From 90s minimalism to timeless luxury 

“Blonde hair held a strong presence throughout the 1990s; Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s refined, understated shade became synonymous with minimalist luxury, while Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green cemented a softer, sunlit blonde as part of the era’s beauty blueprint.

“Today, blonde has evolved into something softer and more tailored, with modern tastemakers like Princess Kate and Cara Delevingne opting for warmer, seamlessly blended tones. While the finish feels more contemporary, the essence remains the same: polished, refined and undeniably classic.

“The Bessette ‘old money blonde’ is all about balance. It combines rich amber undertones with golden blonde highlights to create depth, warmth and dimension. 

“The result is a luminous colour that feels both polished and timeless. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to transition from bleach blonde. While regular heat styling and colour treatments can take their toll, healthy hair is still achievable. The key is consistency. 

“A dedicated care routine that focuses on hydration, repair and protection will help counteract damage and keep blonde hair looking its best long after you leave the salon.”

Maintaining ‘old money blonde’ hair

“Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo, as these shampoos are less harsh on both your hair and scalp, effectively removing product build-up while keeping your hair moisturised without stripping its natural oils.

“Opt for a hydrating conditioner that contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, keratin, or argan oil. Conditioners help reduce frizz, prevent tangles, and replenish moisture.

“Oils like coconut, amla, jojoba, and argan are also excellent for hair care. Some can even be left in overnight and washed out in the morning to add moisture and strengthen your hair.”

Limit heat styling

“Try to avoid frequent heat styling, as this can weaken your hair and make it prone to breakage. If you must use heat, remember to use a heat protector. Always apply before using styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons.

“When using heat products, use the lowest temperature possible, and avoid using the maximum heat setting. Instead, use the lowest temperature that achieves your desired results. This reduces excessive heat damage. Also make sure to air-dry your hair when possible to minimise heat exposure.

“Instead of styling your hair right after a shower, you can also use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle wet hair.

“Avoid tight hairstyles, and try to keep your hair loose, as tight ponytails or braids can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.

“By combining these habits, you can reduce the damage caused by frequent styling and keep your hair looking a healthy elegant shade of blonde.”