6 Best Ash Blonde Hair Dyes For Gorgeous Hair in 2024.

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It’s smokey, it’s sexy, it brightens up your day as well as the top of your head, ash blonde is climbing the hair color charts right now as the must-have cool toned blonde of the moment. But which is the best ash blonde hair dye you need to get the look at home?

In Ash Blonde hair at home|How to get the cool blonde look, we told you all you need to know becoming a gorgeous blonde goddess and whether it’s the right color for you.

Now we’re here with the best box blonde hair dyes you need to ice up your life.

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TOP PICK!

L’Oreal Superior Preference, Light Ash Blonde Hair Dye.

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, Light Ash Blonde, Pack of 2, Hair Dye

Best for: True cool ash color

This is the coolest of the hair dyes on the list. Lots of the reviews said it cooled down warm tones so we tried it on light blonde balayaged hair that was starting to show brassiness.

It is a little runny to apply but the color results are well worth it. It gave us an even, cool blonde balayage color without a hint of brass!

Pros

  • Gives an even, cool light hair color without a hint of brass
  • Smells nice
  • Simple to apply
  • Long lasting color when used with shampoo for colored hair

Cons

  • Runny so can get messy while applying

What Color is Ash Blonde Hair?

Ash blonde hair color is a gorgeous shade that falls somewhere between light blonde and silver.

It’s a cooler, more muted tone compared to other blonde shades. It’s a popular hair color choice for those with cool skin tones who want a fresh and modern twist on the classic blonde look.

It’s different from platinum because of it’s distinct grey undertones. It doesn’t have to be super light, but your hair will need to have a light base color to achieve it.

It also looks fantastic with dark roots for a grown-out effect and right now light ash blonde highlights, ombre and balayage looks are so on trend.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

light ash blonde hair color ideas pinterest

Can I dye my hair ash blonde at home?

There are some fantastic ash blonde box dyes out there that will get you the cool look at home.

However, how well they’ll work for you will depend on the color your hair is now.

If your current hair color is darker than blonde– your hair will first need to be lightened before you can color it. Especially if you have your heart set on a lighter tone.

This will involve using bleach so have a chat with your hairdresser to check your hair condition is up for it.

You can also check out our guide, How to bleach your hair at home.

If your current color is light blonde or lighter – you’re good to go. Unless you’re going for dark ash blonde, you need super light hair to achieve this color at home.

Make sure you read the advice on the box you choose carefully to match it with the color your hair is now.

Which is the best ash blonde hair dye?

Once your hair is the right base color, these are our top picks to get the gorgeous ash blonde effect you’ll love!

Always remember to do a strand test!

#1 Garnier Olia Light Ash Blonde Hair Dye

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye, 9 1/2.1 Lightest Ash Blonde, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Features & ingredients:

  • Olia uses an exclusive 60% oil blend with natural flower oils to achieve brilliant, radiant color results.
  • It visibly improves and restores hair as the oils help to smooth roughness.
  • Hair is hydrated, silky, and 3x shinier.

Reviewers say:

“I have light brown hair and this color makes it an ashy blonde color. I’ve had loads of compliments on it! Five stars!!”

“This is such a nice natural looking color. I used it a few weeks after bleaching my hair and it still looks great. It was super easy to use and I’m really pleased with the results.”

“Such a beautiful, natural looking blonde shade. Whenever I want to brighten my hair up and feel new, I use this dye. It makes me happy.”

Our experience:

This smells lush! The cream was easy to apply and a good, non-drip formula so we didn’t dye our sink too.

We couldn’t see much difference when our hair was wet, but on drying, soft ashy highlights began to show that gave a soft silvery effect.

This isn’t one for a dramatic color change but the color does look lovely and our hair feels soft. 

If you have hair longer than shoulder length, you’ll need two boxes.

Best for: Subtle hues.

#2 John Frieda Precision Foam Color Hair Dye, Extra Light Natural Blonde

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Light Natural Blonde 9N

Features & ingredients:

  • This is a thick, rich foam that penetrates strands for deep color saturation. 
  • Locks in rich color, giving you fade-resistant, salon-quality results.  
  • Achieving flawless, natural-looking results at home has never been quicker or easier.
  • Fade-Resistant, Salon-Quality Color.

Reviewers say:

“This is by far the most awesome ash blonde box dye I have ever used – and believe me, I have tried every color under the sun!”

“I’ve colored my hair for years, my hair is down to my shoulders and wavy so prone to frizz.

The dye washed out easily and the end result was perfect, an all over, even color, no ginger bits, no white bits, very natural.”

“I was quite nervous that this would turn my hair dark grey. So glad that I was wrong! The color turned out perfect! A gorgeous light ashy tone.

It blended my new growth with the old highlights! I am so happy I found an at-home hair dye that works!” 

Our experience:

It’s official. We love John Frieda Precision Foam hair dye.

The best thing about it is the Precision Foam which is a hair dye innovation in itself. We found it so easy to apply and because it’s not a liquid, it doesn’t splash everywhere. 

This color is a beaut light ashy shade and it’s great for thick hair as the foam really penetrates your hair.

Because of this, the color lasts and it’s one of the best for that.

Best for: Lasting color.

#3 Clairol Nice’n Easy, Medium Ash Blonde. 

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye, 8A Medium Ash Blonde Hair Color, Pack of 3

Features & ingredients:

  • The nicest and easiest way to refresh your look from the comfort of your own home.
  • Our breakthrough hair color crème has conditioners built into every step
  • Ensures that hair maintains its soft, silky, smooth feel throughout the coloring process. 
  • 100% grey coverage with real natural looking tones & highlights while being kind to your hair.

Reviewers say:

“Wouldn’t dream of using another dye now I’ve found this!! I live in Spain, and my hair gets frazzled by the sun. I’m a very cool blonde, and Nice n Easy helps me keep it that way!”

“This color is a match for my natural color with no brassiness. It is very easy to use and the conditioner that comes with it is excellent. It leaves your hair super soft & silky.”

“My dark mousey color hair came out more of a subtle soft blonde, but it looks really nice. People keep complimenting me on my hair cut, but I haven’t had it cut! Goes to show how natural it looks.”

Our experience:

For a cool dye, this one has slightly warmer tones than some of the others on this list.

This made our platinum locks a slightly darker color.

It’s a very natural shade however, with no yellow or orange tones. The overall effect was a less bright and darker ashy blonde. 

Best for: Darker ash with warm hints.

#4 Revlon Colorsilk, Light Ash Blonde.

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color with 3D Gel Technology & Keratin, 100% Gray Coverage Hair Dye, 80 Light Ash Blonde, 4.4 oz (Pack of 3)

Features & ingredients:

  • The lightest ash blonde.
  • Delivers natural, long lasting color and shine.
  • Enriched with silk proteins to leave hair in better condition.A combination of pigments and conditioners that provide natural looking & multi-dimensional results.
  • Ammonia Free Permanent Color for 100% Gray coverage:

Reviewers say:

“Definitely the best hair dye I’ve ever used. Any other dyes turn my hair grey. It did lighten my hair and isn’t brassy at all.”

“Pleased with the results, not too light for the summer and no brassy tones. Covered grey really well and left my hair soft and shiny.”

“My natural hair color is brown but I’ve been bleaching it for a while. I still had some yellowish blonde in my hair then I used this and now my hair is fairly close to the color on the box. “

Our experience:

The color on the box is really bright blonde and when we applied it, it was very purple!

But the results were lush – it’s not as bright as platinum but it’s not far off. It gave our light hair a cool, creamy tone.

There was a little brassiness at first but it was toned down with a fab purple toning shampoo. Go for this for a luscious lighter look.

Best for: Brighter blondes. 

#5 L’Oreal Preference Infinia, Light Ash Blonde Hair Color.

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, Light Ash Blonde, Pack of 2, Hair Dye

Features & ingredients:

  • Luminous color full of reflects.
    A translucent gel formula.
  • The new precious oil drop intensifies natural tones of your hair color.
  • Up to 100% grey coverage.

Reviewers say:

“I bought this ages ago & apprehensive but pleasantly surprised by result. No warm tones & thankfully didn’t turn green! Overall good result :-)”

“I have always used this color, it smells absolutely beautiful! The only downfall I have with it is that’s it’s so runny, it gets absolutely everywhere! But other then that it’s fantastic.”

“Amazing hair color. Very vibrant. Simple to apply. If a shampoo for colored hair is used then the color is pretty long lasting and does not fade easily.”

Our experience:

This is the coolest of the box dyes on the list.

Lots of the reviews said it cooled down warm tones so we tried it on light blonde balayaged hair that was starting to show brassiness.

It is a little runny to apply but the color results are well worth it. It gave us an even, cool light hair color without a hint of brass!

This is the best one for us to get the look at home.

Best for: Light ash color

#6 Clairol Age Defy Permanent Hair Dye, Light Ash Blonde.

Clairol Age Defy Expert Collection 9A Kit, Light Ash Blonde

Features & ingredients:

  • Fights the seven signs of ageing hair: Stubborn greys, lacklustre color, coarseness, frizz, unruly hair, dryness and breakage.
  • 100% long lasting grey coverage
  • The perfect solution to restore your color.
  • With conditioning technology that delivers strong, colored hair to help turn back time. 

Reviewers say:

“As a hairdresser I use professional colors but I have got to admit that this was brilliant coverage was great. I would highly recommend this product and will definitely use it again.”

“My hair feels a lot smoother and sleeker and smells lovely afterwards. My hair is untangled after dyeing it. With other box dyes it feels very dry afterwards, but I didn’t have that with this one.”

“The color achieved is extremely natural and looks great, my hair looks lovely and glossy too which is an added bonus. I have had compliments about the color too!”

Our experience:

This is the best hair dye on the list for grey coverage.

It’s a darker shade verging on light ash brown so make sure your base color is not too dark or you’ll end up a brunette.

Our hair felt in really good condition after dyeing with not a grey in sight.

Best for: Great grey coverage.


TOP PICK!

L’Oreal Preference Infinia, Light Ash Blonde.

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, Light Ash Blonde, Pack of 2, Hair Dye

Best for: Light ash color

This is the coolest of the hair dyes on the list.

Lots of the reviews said it cooled down warm tones so we tried it on light blonde balayaged hair that was starting to show brassiness.

It is a little runny to apply but the color results are well worth it. It gave us an even, cool color without a hint of brass!

Best ash blonde hair dyes at a glance.

Hair dyeLooks likeBest forBuy it now
Garnier Olia Light Ash Blonde Hair Dye

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye, 9 1/2.1 Lightest Ash Blonde, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Subtle hues.
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Hair Dye, Extra Light Natural Blonde

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Light Natural Blonde 9N

Lasting colour.
Clairol Nice’n Easy, Medium Ash Blonde.

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye, 8A Medium Ash Blonde Hair Color, Pack of 3

Darker ash with warm tints.
Revlon Colorsilk, Light Ash Blonde.

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color with 3D Gel Technology & Keratin, 100% Gray Coverage Hair Dye, 80 Light Ash Blonde, 4.4 oz (Pack of 3)

Brighter blondes
L’Oreal Preference Infinia, Light Ash Blonde Hair Dye.

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, Light Ash Blonde, Pack of 2, Hair Dye

True cool ash colour.
Clairol Age Defy Permanent Hair Dye, Medium Ash Blonde

Clairol Age Defy Expert Collection 9A Kit, Light Ash Blonde

Great grey coverage.

Buyer’s guide: How to choose the right ash blonde hair dye for you.

Selecting the right ash blonde hair dye for you can be challenging, especially for newcomers to hair coloring.

Here’s what to watch out for to help you fine the right ash blonde hair dye for you:

Hair Type and Texture

Not all ash blonde hair dyes work well with every hair type and texture.

If you have fine hair, you may want to opt for a lighter ash blonde shade that won’t weigh your strands down.

If you have thick or coarse hair, you may want to choose a darker ash blonde shade that can add depth and dimension to your locks.

If you have curly hair, you may want to avoid ash blonde hair dyes with strong chemicals that can damage your hair and make it frizzy.

Instead, look for natural or organic ash blonde hair dyes with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera.

Skin Tone

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an ash blonde hair dye is your skin tone.

Ash blonde can look great on cool, neutral, and even some warm skin tones, but it’s crucial to pick the right shade to avoid looking washed out or too yellow.

If you have cool skin with pink or blue undertones, go for a light or platinum ash blonde hair dye with silver or violet tones.

If you have neutral skin with a balance of warm and cool tones, you may want to try a true ash blonde hair dye that’s not too warm or too cool.

If you have warm skin with yellow or peach undertones, you may want to opt for a golden or honey ash blonde hair dye that can complement your skin without clashing with it.

Semi-Permanent or Permanent Dye

Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to go for a semi-permanent or permanent ash blonde hair dye.

Semi-permanent dyes are temporary and can last for up to 6 weeks, while permanent dyes are long-lasting and can stay on your hair until it grows out or you recolor it.

If you’re not sure if ash blonde is the right color for you, you may want to try a semi-permanent dye first to see how you like it.

If you’re committed to ash blonde and want a bold and lasting look, you may want to choose a permanent dye.

Keep in mind that permanent dyes may require more maintenance and upkeep than semi-permanent dyes, as they can cause more damage to your hair and require more touch-ups.

Strand Test

Before applying any hair dye, it’s important to do a strand test to avoid any allergic reactions, damage, or unexpected results.

Simply take a small section of your hair, apply the dye as directed, and wait 24 to 48 hours to see how your hair and skin react to it.

If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation, don’t use the dye.

If you like the result and there’s no damage, go ahead and apply the dye to your whole head.

Doing a strand test can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run so don’t skip it!

How to dye your hair at home.

Ash blonde hair dye FAQs

Does Ash blonde hair dye cancel out orange?

The answer is: maybe!

It depends on the level of orange in your hair, and how light or dark you want your new shade to be.

If your hair is heavily Orange-tinted and brassy, you might need to pre-lighten it before using an ash blonde hair dye.

This will help to ensure that the final result is more close to your desired shade.

And if you’re looking for a super light ash blonde, you might need to use a bleaching kit first, followed by an ash blonde toner or hair dye.

Can I put ash blonde box dye on bleached hair?

Despite what some people may think, you can totally put blonde box dye on bleached hair!

In fact, it can actually be a great way to achieve the ash blonde hue you’re after.

Just keep in mind that because your hair is already bleached, the color will likely turn out a bit more intense than it would on unbleached hair.

But if you’re looking for a super-pigmented ash blonde shade, then box dye is definitely the way to go.

Just make sure to follow the instructions on the box to ensure you get the best results. And as always, be sure to do a strand test first to be on the safe side.

Can you dye ash blonde over yellow hair?

The good news is that it is possible!

In fact, ash blonde is one of the best colors to use for covering up unwanted yellow tones.

The key is to choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your current color. This will help to neutralize any yellow tones in your hair and give you the perfect cool blonde shade.

Is ash blonde hair dye bleach?

Technically, it’s not bleach, but it may as well be!

In order to achieve that perfect ash blonde shade, stylists have to lighten the hair to a very pale base color first and then add in a toner to cancel out any remaining warmth.

The end result is a beautiful, cool-toned shade of blonde that looks amazing on just about everyone.

And while it may not technically be bleach, it can still be pretty damaging to your locks if you’re not careful.

So if you’re thinking about trying this trend, be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

How long will ash blonde hair last?

There’s no easy answer to how long this lush hair dye color will last.

It depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the dye, how often you wash your hair, and whether you use products that contain sulfur (like shampoos and conditioners).

However, there are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your fabulous new color.

First, avoid washing your hair too often. Over-washing can strip away the dye, leaving your locks looking dull and faded.

Second, use cool or lukewarm water when you do wash your hair. Hot water can also cause color loss.

Finally, invest in some good quality color-safe hair care products. Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated and bleached hair.

Parting words.

If you’re looking for a new hair color that looks good on all skin tones and is easy to achieve at home, ash blonde might be your answer.

We’ve compiled the best products out there so it’s easier for you to decide what kind of product will work best with your own unique needs. All you have to do is try them out. Good luck!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!