Ahhh Ash Blonde hair, the happy marriage of the latest silver trend and an icy platinum blonde.
If you want to color your hair a cool hue that will always be on trend, this is it.
But how do you know if it’s the right shade of blonde for you? And how can you get the look at home?
Achieving the perfect ash blonde hair may seem daunting, but you can achieve the look in the comfort of your own home. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll end up with Instagram-worthy locks in no time.
Sit back, relax, and let us tell you everything you need to know about becoming a gorgeous cool blonde goddess at home.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Know Ash Blonde Hair
- Can I get the ash blonde look at home?
- How to dye your hair Ash Blonde at home Step-by-Step.
- Watch and Learn:How to dye your hair Ash Blonde at home.
- Ash blonde hair at home: 6 top tips!
- How to care for ash blonde hair at home?
- Fixing the Oopsies: Troubleshooting Common Hair Dye Issues
- How to Get Ash Blonde Hair At Home FAQS
- What is ash blonde hair color?
- Can ash blonde color look grey?
- Will ash blonde suit me?
- Do I have warm or cool undertones?
- Which hair colors suit me?
- Which Hair Color Suits Me?
- Will ash blonde dye damage my hair?
- Which is the best ash blonde hair dye?
- What is the difference between ash blonde and light ash blonde?
- Parting words.
- Our Research & Review Process
Getting to Know Ash Blonde Hair
So, you’re thinking about going ash blonde? Great choice! Ash blonde isn’t your typical blonde – it’s like the cool cousin of the classic blonde shades.
It’s a light, breezy blonde but with a twist of grey or silvery tones. It’s not loud or flashy; instead, it’s got this understated elegance that’s totally on-trend.
Now, ash blonde isn’t a one-size-fits-all. There are a bunch of different shades, and each one’s got its own vibe:
Light Ash Blonde
Think of light ash blonde hair as a whisper of grey. It’s super subtle and perfect if you want just a hint of ash.
Dark Ash Blonde
Dark ash blonde is a hue that’s a bit deeper and bolder. It mixes in darker grey shades for a more noticeable ash look.
Ash Blonde Balayage
This is where things get fun. It’s all about blending those ash blonde highlights into your natural hair. It’s perfect for adding a little depth and playfulness.
Silver Ash Blonde
Want to make a statement? This one’s almost like silver and ash had a baby. It’s bold, it’s trendy, and it definitely turns heads.
Beige Ash Blonde
If you’re into something softer and more natural, this is your go-to. It’s got a hint of beige, making it warm and inviting.
What makes ash blonde different from other blondes is its cool, laid-back vibe.
While other blondes are all about warmth and sunshine, ash blonde is more like a misty morning – cool, calming, and totally chic. It’s especially flattering if you’ve got fair to medium skin, but honestly, with the right shade, anyone can rock it.
Ash blonde is also great for adding a bit of contrast, especially if you’ve got darker hair. It’s the reason it’s so popular for balayage and ombre styles – it gives that gorgeous, natural-looking contrast without being too in-your-face.
In short, ash blonde hair is more than just a color. It’s a style statement. It’s for anyone who loves to add a bit of edge to their look while keeping things classy.
Expert Insights
“A good starting point for any hair color change is finding an inspiration photo to use as a reference. If you’re planning on heading to the salon to achieve ash blonde hair, having a picture is a great way to show your colorist exactly what look you’re going for.”
Hair by L’Oreal
Can I get the ash blonde look at home?
Let’s be honest, this can be a tricky color to get yourself at home.
If you want to get this look at home successfully, listen carefully to us, your colored hair expert friends.
If your current hair color is any shade that’s darker blonde– your hair will first need to be lightened with bleach before you can dye it this color. That’s if you have light brown hair, medium and dark brunettes and blacks.
This also includes other on-trend hair colors like violets and blues. You’ll need to remove all color before you can go for this ashy shade.
Color cannot lighten color so unless you already have a super light base, trying to use hair dye is likely to make your hair even darker than it already is.
Check out our advice in How to bleach your hair at home, DIY style for top tips and products you can use to do this.
If the thought of lightening your own hair at home makes you nervous, see a professional. You don’t want to get it wrong!
If your current hair color is any shade lighter than blonde – perfecto. You need a super light base to achieve this hue.
Light-haired peeps are safe to dye your hair yourself. AS LONG AS you read the advice on the box you choose carefully to match it with the color your hair is now.
Some blonde dyes will lighten your hair a level or two but don’t expect miracles.
If you need to go up more than two levels, it’s best to use hair bleach that’s specially made for the job to avoid ending up orange!
Expert Insights
“I wouldn’t recommend trying to lighten your own hair at home as there’s so much that can go wrong. It’s best to see a professional who can tailor the process for your hair color and the condition it’s in.
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
How to dye your hair Ash Blonde at home Step-by-Step.
Ever wish you had ash blonde hair that’s natural-looking and healthy? You might have been hesitant to reach for the dye yourself, thinking it’s too difficult or risky to do at home.
But trust us, you can achieve a stunning ash blonde look without stepping foot in a salon. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to achieve your perfect ash blonde hue, guaranteed!
Step 1: Pick the perfect shade for you
Choosing the right ash blonde dye can feel a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it needs to fit just right. There are loads of brands and types out there, each with their unique shade of ash blonde. Let’s break it down to make your decision easier.
Exploring Different Brands and Types:
- Drugstore Brands: You’ve got your usual suspects here – think L’Oréal, Garnier, and Clairol. They’re wallet-friendly and pretty good for a first-time DIY dye job. Check out our best ash blonde hair dye reviews.
- Salon-Grade Dyes: These are a bit pricier, but if you’re looking for something long-lasting and with more depth, brands like Wella or Schwarzkopf are your go-to.
- Natural and Organic Options: If you’re conscious about chemicals, there are brands like Naturtint or Herbatint that offer gentler, more natural dye options.
Matching the Shade to Your Skin Tone and Current Hair Color:
- Fair Skin: Cooler, lighter ash blonde shades usually work wonders. They complement the light tones of your skin without washing you out.
- Medium Skin: You can go a bit darker. Think along the lines of medium or dark ash blonde to add warmth to your look.
- Darker Skin: Rich, deep ash blondes can look stunning and create a beautiful contrast.
Don’t Skip the Allergy and Strand Tests!
Patch Test: Dyes can have ingredients that might not agree with your skin. Always do a small allergy test 48 hours before. Just dab a bit of dye behind your ear and wait to see if there’s any reaction.
Strand Test: This is to make sure you like the color. Apply a small amount of dye to a section of hair – maybe somewhere it’s not too noticeable. This gives you a sneak peek of how the color will turn out.
Step 2: Prepare your hair
It’s always important to prepare your hair properly before doing any coloring.
Especially when attempting to bleach, you should ensure that you’ve waited at least two days since your last shampoo.
Washing your hair with shampoo strips it of natural oils, leaving your hair more exposed to damage. The healthier your hair is, the more successful your hair color will be.
However, don’t apply any leave-in products before coloring as they might interfere with the pigment’s absorption.
Step 3: Start the bleaching process (if needed!)
If you have dark hair, chances are you may need to bleach it to achieve your desired shade.
To bleach safely and effectively, follow all the instructions provided closely.
Mix your bleach and developer according to the instructions.
Apply the bleach mixture to your hair, starting from the roots, and working your way down.
How long you leave the bleach on your hair will depend on your hair type, color, and desired shade.
Don’t forget to monitor your hair’s condition to avoid any damage and use lashings of hair conditioner afterwards to moisturize your hair and stop it from drying.
Step 4: Apply the Ash Blonde Hair dye
If you don’t need to bleach, apply your chosen shade of ash blonde dye as instructed by the manufacturer.
You can section you hair to make it easier to apply. Begin at the roots, making sure each strand is coated.
You can use gloves to blend the color smoothly or apply dye with a hairbrush.
Make sure to leave the dye on for the right amount of time to allow for better absorption.
It’s best to set a timer to prevent under or over-processing.
After the allotted time has passed, rinse your hair thoroughly, making sure all the dye has been removed.
TOP TIP! Don’t Overlap on Previously Dyed Hair: If you’re just doing a touch-up, apply the new dye only to the roots or new growth. Overlapping can lead to hair damage and color that’s uneven.
Step 5: Follow up with post-coloring care!
After coloring your hair, it’s important to care for it properly.
Avoid heat for a couple of days after (no hairdryer, straightener or curling iron) to prevent further damage.
Apply post-coloring nourishing treatments such as hair masks or leave-in conditioner to protect and strengthen your locks.
Watch and Learn:How to dye your hair Ash Blonde at home.
Here’s a great video tutorial that guides you through how to dye your hair ash blonde at home with some fantastic results!
Ash blonde hair at home: 6 top tips!
- Find an ashy blonde color that matches your skin tone.
- Use bleach, ash blonde hair dye or hair lightener to create the desired look.
- Apply a blonde hair toner to get rid of yellow tones and make it a cooler, platinum-looking shade.
- Make sure you condition your hair after bleaching, as this will prevent breakage and dryness from all the chemicals used in the process.
- Keep using moisturising products after coloring, to keep your blonde locks hydrated and healthy!
- Stay away from heat styling tools – they can fry your hair! If you must use them, be careful not to overheat them or leave them on too long.
How to care for ash blonde hair at home?
Blonde hair can be high maintenance. But the great thing about this color is that it that grows out fantastically.
Dark root styles like root blends and melts are so on-trend and all about the grown-out look.
So, if your roots are darker, you’ll probably find yourself going longer than usual in between colorings.
After you’ve achieved the look you love, you’ll want to deep condition your hair regularly and avoid a lot of heat styling if you can. Particularly if you’ve bleached your hair first.
Your hair will be fragile and more prone to breakage and split ends for a couple of weeks.
When you do heat style, use a heat protectant every time like the ones in Best hair heat protection sprays your colored hair can’t live without.
This can fade and can start drawing red if you have naturally warm tones, so you’ll need to use specially formulated silver and purple shampoos and conditioners to keep the color tip top and prevent any brassiness.
Fixing the Oopsies: Troubleshooting Common Hair Dye Issues
Even with the best prep and care, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned.
Hair Stylist and experience Colorist Enza Piazza tells us that ‘Most hair dye snafus are fixable!’. She’s given us her golden nuggets of knowledge of how to handle some common issues you might face with your new ash blonde hair:
Dealing with Uneven Color:
Roots Look Different: This is common, especially if you’re going from a much darker color. A second application to just the roots might do the trick.
Patchy Color: If some sections are lighter or darker, applying dye to these specific areas can help even things out. Remember to follow the instructions and timing!
Battling Brassiness
- Purple Shampoo to the Rescue: Brassiness can happen when those warm tones start peeking through. A good purple shampoo can counteract those yellow and orange hues. Use it once a week to keep your ash blonde looking cool and fresh.
- Toning Products: Toners are great for fine-tuning your hair color. Choose a toner with blue or purple pigments to neutralize the brassiness.
Expert Insights
“There’s nothing you can do about brassiness if you have underlying warm skin tones. Most brunettes do. They will show up eventually but you can correct them quite easily by toning.”
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
Fixing Damaged Hair:
Deep Conditioning Treatments: If your hair feels dry or brittle post-dye, pamper it with deep conditioning treatments. They help restore moisture and vitality.
Protein Treatments: These can help strengthen your hair. Just don’t overdo it – too much protein can make your hair brittle.
Trimming Split Ends: Sometimes, a little trim is all you need to improve the overall health and look of your hair.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
Major Color Corrections: If you’re struggling with a significant color mishap or want to change your color entirely, it might be time to call in a pro.
Severe Damage: If your hair is extremely damaged, breaking, or falling out, it’s best to consult a professional hairdresser. They can assess the situation and provide the best course of action.
As Enza says, ‘Most hair dye issues aren’t the end of the world. With a bit of patience and the right approach, you can usually get your hair back on track.’
And there’s no shame in seeking professional help – sometimes, it’s the best step towards getting the hair of your dreams!
How to Get Ash Blonde Hair At Home FAQS
What is ash blonde hair color?
Ash is a cool hue with notes of blue, purple and silver.
Ash blonde hair color refers to a very light and almost white shade of cool blonde with distinct grey undertones.
It’s not as bright and icy as platinum, it’s a more of a naturally blonde color. Dirty blonde is another cool blonde shade which is slightly darker, more tonal and blended.
The smokey tone of blonde is incredibly versatile as can hold its own from one season to the next. It looks great on both short and long hair. It doesn’t have to be super light, dark ash blonde looks incredible too. But either way, your hair will need to have a light base color to achieve it.
Although it’s a cool color, it can be warmed up with super hot styles like balayage, ash blonde highlights and ombre which all look look awesome with ash. Blended with light brown shades, grown-out and darker roots, it’s to dye for!
Plus it will take other colors really well, so you can add temporary touches of pink, blue, and purple highlights if your heart desires.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
Can ash blonde color look grey?
Ash colors tend to look darker but how grey your hair will look depends how light your hair is to begin with.
If you’re interested in the silver hair trend but don’t want to fully commit for fear of looking grey, then this hue is the way to go for you. It will give you a warmer grey-blonde tone than it’s sister silver.
Pearl blonde is a creamier blonde tone that’s also a slighter warmer and whiter shade that’s not as grey tonally too.
Will ash blonde suit me?
This is a cool color that’s really versatile but will suit most people with cool tones.
You can warm it up with lowlights, add streaks or dipped ends to add some color.
It’s important to know and understand your own colors to help you decide whether ashy tones would suit you.
And when we say your colors we mean things like your skin tone, eye color and even the clothes you wear – these determine the right shades for you.
Do I have warm or cool undertones?
You can take a look at our check list to help you find out if your undertones are warm or cool!
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden undertones in your hair.
- Your skin tone will be golden, tan or olive.
- You have green veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades.
- You probably have freckles.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You prefer wearing jewel and pastel colors.
- The color yellow does not look good on you.
- You have blue veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
Which hair colors suit me?
We’ve also developed a quick quiz that will tell you which hair colors will most suit you!
From dark ash blonde, to ash blonde balayage and highlights. Answer a few quick questions and find out. Take the quiz!
Which Hair Color Suits Me?
You can also try on some virtual hair colors with the Best app to change your hair color!
Will ash blonde dye damage my hair?
Of course, any hair coloring process will dry out your hair and can turn it into a haystack, particularly if you have to lighten it first with bleach.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t repair it and lovingly bring it back to it’s best again.
Smother your hair in a good deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore your hair with moisture and replenish your locks.
We’d also recommend waiting a couple of weeks and doing an at-home keratin treatment to really smooth and put the goodness back into your locks.
These powerful treatments are particularly good for blondes who bleach their hair as it restores the bonds that give your hair its strength.
Doing this in between colorings will really make a difference to the condition of your hair.
Which is the best ash blonde hair dye?
All hair coloring products are not created equal.
Some don’t have as great of staying power as others. Others aren’t as easy to apply yourself at home.
The danger with blonde of course is that you may even end up orange! Visit our best ash blonde hair dye reviews to find out tried and tested top picks.
What is the difference between ash blonde and light ash blonde?
The main difference between the two shades is the intensity of the ash tone.
Ash blonde tends to have a stronger, cooler ash tone, while light ash blonde is a softer, more delicate version.
If you’re looking for a subtle, natural-looking shift in your hair color, light ash blonde might be the way to go.
But if you want a bolder, edgier look, ash blonde is a great option.
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what will make you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.
Parting words.
It’s easy to get the shade that you really want, but it takes much more than just a box of hair dye.
Beautiful and healthy ash blonde locks take time and care.
We hope this article helped answer some of the questions that were keeping you from achieving this cool blonde at home.
If you’re ready, go for it! You’ll never look back.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
