8 Dark Ash Blonde Hair Ideas. Find The Right One For You.

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Dark ash blonde hair is a cool-toned, on-trend hue that’s grabbing all of our attention right now.

There’s no doubt it’s having a bit of a moment thanks to some seriously gorgeous celebrities, like Kendall Jenner and Lily Collins, who have been rocking the ashy blonde look.

If you’re thinking of joining our obsession, you’re in the right place!

We’ve got everything you need to know about this beautiful hair color, from what dye to use, whether you need to bleach your hair first, and how to look after it. Plus, we’ve got some great style ideas for you too.

We know that making a change like this can be daunting, but trust us – it will be worth it!

This trendy shade is perfect for those who want to add a little edge to their look without going too bold. And luckily, it’s a relatively low-maintenance color that can be achieved with either hair dye or highlights.

Is it right for you? Let’s find out!

8 Best On-trend Dark Ash Blonde Hair Ideas

#1 Dark ash blonde balayage

The blonde Balayage technique is perfect for those who want a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.

The darker roots help to give the illusion of depth and dimension, while the light ends create a beautiful contrast.

Plus, this style is low-maintenance and easy to grow out! Go for a dirty blonde balayage for a cool, understated look.

#2 Dark ash blonde ombré

Ombre is a trendy style that is achieved by gradually lightening the hair from root to tip.

Dark dirty blonde ombre with ashy tones and shadow roots is a great way to add some intrigue and interest to your look!

#3 Ashy blonde Highlights/Babylights

Highlights or babylights are the perfect way to add some texture, dimension and depth to your hair.

It also allows you to experiment with different shades without commitment!

Go for highlights for a more dramatic look, or try layers of babylights for a more subtle effect.

#4 Dark ash blonde lowlights

The lowlight technique is similar to highlights, but darker colors like chocolate brown, beige blonde or ash brown are applied to a lighter ashy blonde base.

It’s a great way to add some richness and darker shades to your look! Team champagne blonde with dark dirty blonde or strawberry blonde with caramel blonde for richness and warmth.

#5 Dark ash blonde color melt

A color melt is perfect for those who want a seamless, blended, natural blonde look.

The colorist will apply several shades of hair color to the hair, then use a brush to blend them together.

The result is a beautiful, natural-looking dark blonde hair color.

#6 Dark ash blonde sombre

The sultry sombre style is achieved by graduating the hair from dark to light.

It’s a softer, more subtle take on dark blonde ombre look that creates a soft and gentle transition of color. If you have natural dirty blonde hair, dark ash blonde tones will blend perfectly for this look.

#7 Root stretch

Root blur or shadow root is a technique that’s perfect for those who want to rock dark roots without any harsh lines.

The colorist will apply a dark shade of hair color to the roots, then blend it out into the lighter ends.

The result is a soft, natural-looking gradient that grows out effortlessly!

#8 Flamboyage.

Flamboyage is a technique that’s similar to balayage, but the color is applied using sticky strips to control the postioning of the color.

The result is a beautiful, natural-looking gradient that’s perfect for those who want a sun-kissed look!

What hair color is dark ash blonde?

Dark ash blonde is an on-trend hair color that’s basically a darker version of ash blonde.

It’s achieved by adding more neutral or ash tones to the mix. Think of it as a dirty blonde with a little bit more oomph.

The result is a hair color that is both flattering and low-maintenance. Plus, it looks great on just about anyone.

We love it for being a versatile color that can be worn by all skin tones and works well with both light and dark eyes.

It’s also a pretty low-maintenance hair color, as it’s darker tones mean it doesn’t require frequent touch-ups.

So, if you’re looking for a new hair color that is both stylish and easy to care for, this may be the perfect option for you.

Check out the latest looks on our Dark Ash Blonde Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.

dark ash blonde hair color collection pinterest board

What is the difference between dark blonde and dark ash blonde?

It can be hard to tell the difference between a dark blonde hair color and a dirty blonde hair color, especially since they’re both on the darker end of the blonde spectrum.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right shade for you.

Dark blonde is a warm shade with golden undertones. It’s a warm color that can add dimension to your hair. If you’re looking for a subtle change, a dark blonde hue is a great option.

Dark ash blonde is a cooler shade with gray undertones. If you want a more dramatic change, dark ash blonde is the way to go. Keep in mind that it can be difficult to achieve if your natural hair color is on the darker side.

You’ll also need to think about what kind of maintenance you’re willing to put in.

Dark blonde hair requires more upkeep as it’s more susceptible to brassiness.

Finally, consider your skin tone. If you have a cool skin tone, ashy tones will probably be your best bet. But if you have a warm skin tone, dark blonde could be the way to go. 

What skin tone does dark ash blonde suit?

This hair color is flattering on a wide range of skin tones, from cool to warm.

It’s a great way to add some dimension to your look, and can be easily achieved with a box dye or at-home hair color kit.

If you have cool undertones in your skin, it will give you a beautiful, icy effect.

If you want to go even cooler, try pairing it with an icy blonde like platinum blonde highlights.

For those with warmer undertones, blending dark ash blonde with sandy blonde or bronde will give you a rich and glowy look.

To really make your skin pop, try adding some light brown highlights or brunette lowlights.

Of course, the best way to figure out whether it’s right for you is to experiment with different shades and see what works best with your complexion.

If you’re not sure what your undertones are, just use our handy checklist below!

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is pink or pale.
  • You blush easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
  • The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
  • You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.

If you have warm undertones:

  • You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
  • Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
  • You might have freckles.
  • You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades better.
  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
cool or warm undertones infographic

Will dark ash blonde hair suit me?

If you’re still unsure whether this shade will flatter you, you can take our quick quiz!

Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colours most suit you.

Click on the image below.

Which Hair Color Suits Me?

Can you go from dark brown to ash blonde?

Going from dark brown to blonde can be a big change, but it is definitely possible!

First, you will need to lighten your hair with bleach. This can be a tricky process, so it is important to make sure that you do it safely and cautiously.

Once your hair is light enough, you will then need to tone it with an ashy color. This will help to neutralize any unwanted yellow or orange tones.

Finally, you may need to use a purple shampoo to keep your hair looking its best.

Overall, going a shade or two lighter than your base color is a process that requires some knowledge and experience.

However, with the right products and techniques, it is definitely possible to achieve the luscious blonde locks you desire!

Can I put dark ash blonde on gray hair?

Good news! The simple answer is yes, you can!

In fact, it can be a great way to cover up those pesky gray hairs and give your hair a fresh, new look.

The cool ashy tones will help to minimize the appearance of any unwanted yellow or brassiness in your grey hair.

Light blonde shades can also help to brighten up your complexion and give you a fresh, youthful look. So think about adding some fresh cool blonde highlights that will blend well with gray roots.

So if you’re looking for a new hair color that will complement your gray hair, this is definitely worth considering!

Do I need to bleach my hair to go dark ash blonde?

The answer is: it depends!

If your hair is already light brown or a dark blonde shade, you can probably get away with a box dye without bleaching first.

If your hair is darker than light brown, you’ll likely need to use bleach to lighten it before applying the dye.

Of course, bleaching your hair can be a risky proposition, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.

Keep in mind that bleaching can be damaging to your hair, so make sure to use a quality bleach and follow the instructions carefully.

Also, be sure to use a deep conditioner after bleaching to help restore moisture and strength to your hair.

With a little care and patience, you can achieve the perfect hue!

Can I dye my hair dark ash blonde at home?

The answer is…maybe! It really depends on your starting point and what you’re hoping to achieve.

If you’re starting with medium brown hair or dark hair, you’ll likely need to use a bleaching kit first to lighten your strands before applying blonde hair dye.

But if you’re starting with lighter hair, you might be able to get away with using a dark ash blonde box dye at home. There are a load of blonde hair shades and products you can buy to get the look.

Just keep in mind that getting the perfect shade can be tricky, so you may want to consult with a hair colorist or stylist in your local salon before taking the plunge.

Make sure you match the color of your hair now with the chart on the side of the box dye. You may need to get a lighter shade depending on how dark your base color is.

And always do a strand test first to make sure there are no nasty surprises!

Watch and learn: How to dye your hair dark ash blonde.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to dye your hair at home from black to dark ash blonde.

Will dark ash blonde cover orange brassy hair?

The good news is that this cool color can help to cancel out orange tones in your hair.

The darker ashy tone will help to neutralize unwanted oranges and reds, leaving you with a cool, flattering shade.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a very specific shade.

If your hair is more on the orange side, you might want to consider a darker shade, such as espresso or chocolate brown.

And if your hair is more on the yellow side, you might want to consider a lighter shade, such as honey blonde or light ash brown.

Ultimately, the best way to find out if this shade will work for you is to consult with a professional colorist. They can help you choose the right tone for you!

Will dark ash blonde cover red hair?

If your red hair is more on the orangey side, then darker ash blonde will probably cover it just fine.

However, if your red hair is more of a deep, rich red, then it’s going to be a little harder to cover up.

In that case, you might want to consider dyeing your hair a darker shade of blonde, such as golden blonde or honey blonde.

Depending on the shade of red you’re starting with, you may need to pre-lighten your locks before achieving your desired result. 

But if you’re set on ashy color, then go for it!

Does dark ash blonde fade?

All hair colors will eventually fade, but luckily this is definitely one of the more resistant shades.

It’s great for those who want a low-maintenance color that will last!

If you’ve used permanent hair dye, then your color should last anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

If you’ve used semi-permanent hair dye, then your color will typically last around 2-3 weeks.

But your lifestyle and how well you care for your hair will play a big part in how long your color lasts.

How do I care for dark ash blonde hair?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dark ash blonde color from fading too quickly.

First, be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for color-treated hair.

These products will help to protect your color and keep it looking fresh for longer.

Second, avoid washing your hair too often. Every time you wash your hair, some of the color will inevitably fade.

So, if you want to keep your color looking its best, try to wash it only 1-2 times per week.

Consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask on occasion. These will help to hydrate and nourish your hair, which will in turn help to prevent your color from fading too fast.

Finally, a good toner like a purple shampoo will keep brassiness at bay and your color ashy. Use it no more than once a week as they can be quite drying.

Parting words.

So, now you know everything there is to know about dark ash blonde hair!

Whether you’re considering this shade for yourself or you’re just curious, we hope this article was helpful.

Thanks for reading!

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!