What Color Is Ash Hair Color? We Break it Down.

We all know ashy hair colors are all the rage right now. But what color is ash hair color?

Is it a dark blonde? A cool brunette shade? A light grey?

The answer is… it depends! Ash hair color can be any of those shades, and more. It’s a versatile hair color that can be customized to suit your individual style.

If you’re thinking about trying an ash hair color, here’s everything you need to know, from the best ash hair colors to how to care for your new shade.

Ash Hair Color: In a Nutshell

  • Ash hair color is a cool-toned shade with gray, silver, and blue undertones. It has a natural, understated look.
  • It looks best on people with cool skin tones, lighter complexions and blue/green eyes. Ash works well for brunettes and blondes.
  • Popular ashy shades include platinum ash blonde, light ash brown, and dark ash blonde. Ashy pastels are also popular.
  • It’s a low-maintenance color that doesn’t get brassy easily. Roots are less obvious as it grows out.
  • Use a demi-permanent or permanent dye to achieve it. You can also tone it with purple shampoo.
  • Take care of ash hair by using sulfate-free shampoo, minimizing heat styling, and washing less frequently.

What color is ash hair color?

Ash hair color is one of the most popular cool toned colors. It’s a mix of gray and silver tones gives it a very understated and natural look.

It’s on the cool side of the hair color wheel meaning it has blue, gray and violet undertones.

It’s most popular in brunette or blonde shades and perfect for those with blue or green eyes. It can also help to brighten up your complexion if you have fair skin.

We love it for being so versatile that it can be worn by anyone, in any style.

Whether you are looking for a way to enhance your natural beauty or you are simply looking for a new hair color, ash brings a whole new level of sophistication and flair.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

what color is ash hair color pinterest board

What does the color ash look like?

Tonally, it looks like a light, silvery-gray.

Ash can also be used to describe the color of something that has been burned. For example, if you were to burn a piece of paper, it would turn into a light gray ash.

When people talk about the color ash, they are usually referring to a light shade.

However, there are some darker shades of ash as well. These colors are typically associated with charcoal or soot.

When it comes to hair, the most common ash hair colors are platinum, ash blonde, light ash brown, and dark ash blonde.

But you’ll also find ashy pastel colors are becoming super popular, like ash purple and ash blue.

What color is ash blonde?

It’s a cool-toned shade with hints of gray, silver, and white.

It looks best on those with lighter skin tones and can be achieved with either highlights or an all-over color.

If you have dark hair, you’ll most likely need to lighten it first before going for the ash blonde look.

When it comes to maintenance, ash blonde hair is pretty low-maintenance.

You won’t have to worry about your roots showing as quickly as with other blonde shades. And since it’s a cooler tone, it won’t get brassy over time.

So if you’re looking for a hassle-free blonde, ash is definitely the way to go!

What color is ash brown?

Ash brown is a mid-tone cool brown that works well on people with cooler skin tones.

It has hints of gray and green, which give it a multi-dimensional look. This shade also looks great on people who want to go for a more natural vibe.

Ash brown hair dye is typically used to darken light brown or blonde hair.

However, it can also be used to add highlights to dark brown hair. The final result depends on your starting point and desired outcome.

If you are starting with light brown hair, you will achieve a colder ash brown shade.

If you are starting with dark brown hair, you will achieve a warmer ash brown shade.

If you want to add highlights, the end result will be a beautiful, natural-looking color.

Is ash a warm or cool color?

It’s a cool color that’s perfect for those with cool undertones in their skin.

Cool hair colors are ones like platinum, ash brown, ash blonde, silver, white and gray.

That being said, you can definitely warm up ash hair color with balayage, ombre or highlights.

Warmer shades are ones like copper, caramel blonde, honey blonde and light chocolate brown.

You can definitely play around with it to create different looks.

If you’re not sure whether your undertones are warm or cool, you can use our handy checklist below!

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 colours.
  • The colour yellow does not look good on you.
  • You have blue veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
cool or warm undertones infographic

Would ashy hair suit me?

If you’re still not sure whether ashy hair colors will suit you, you can take our quiz! Just answer a few quick questions to find out the hair shades that will work for you. Just click on the image below!

Which Hair Color Suits Me?

How do I get ashy hair color?

Ashy shades are achieved by using a demi-permanent or permanent hair color with an ash base.

The muted tones in the ash hair dye will help to cancel out any unwanted yellow or orange hues in your hair.

If you are looking for a way to add some dimension, you can also consider highlights or lowlights.

Highlights will add some warm tones to your hair, while lowlights will help to create a more natural look.

How do I tone my hair with ash?

If you’ve ever noticed your hair looking a little brassy, it’s likely because it needs to be toned.

Toning your hair is important to maintain that cool, ashy look.

The best way to tone hair is with a purple shampoo or conditioner.

These products help to neutralize any unwanted yellow or orange hues in your hair.

You can also use a professional toner.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to tone brassy yellow or unwanted orange tones in your hair with ash.

Is the color ash gray or brown?

There’s no denying that the color ash can be a bit of a chameleon.

Depending on the light, it can look brown, gray, or even green. But what is ash gray, really? Is it a color unto itself, or simply a shade of brown or gray?

The answer, it turns out, is a little bit of everything.

It’s made up of various shades which explains why it can appear to change color in different lighting conditions.

Is grey and ash colour same?

No, gray and ash are not the same color.

Ash can appear brown, gray, or even green in different lighting conditions.

Gray is a neutral color that is made up of black and white. It doesn’t have any undertones.

So while they may look similar, ash and gray are actually quite different.

How long does ash hair color last?

How long your hair color will last depends on a few factors.

The first is the type of hair color you use.

If you use a demi-permanent or permanent hair color, it will last longer than if you use a semi-permanent hair color.

Demi-permanent hair color lasts about 3-6 weeks, while permanent hair color lasts up to 8 weeks.

The second factor is how well you take care of your hair.

If you use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, avoid heat styling, and don’t wash your hair too often, your hair color will last longer.

Generally speaking, ash hair color should last 4-6 weeks before it starts to fade.

How do I make my ash hair color last longer?

There are a few things you can do to make your ash hair color last longer.

The first is to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

This will help to preserve your hair color and keep it looking fresh.

The second is to avoid heat styling as much as possible. Heat can cause your hair color to fade more quickly.

If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant.

The third is to not wash your hair too often. Washing your hair strips away the natural oils that help to protect your hair color.

If you can, try to only wash your hair once a week. You can use a dry shampoo in the meantime to freshen up your locks.

Following these tips should help your ash hair color last 4-6 weeks before it starts to fade.

You can also refresh your color using a toner or color depositing shampoo in between colorings.

This will help to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.

Parting words.

We hope this guide has helped you to understand ash hair color a little better.

As you can see, it’s a versatile shade that can be customized to suit your individual needs.

Whether you’re looking for a natural-looking color or something more dramatic, ash is a great option.

Just be sure to consult with a professional hair colorist to find the perfect shade for you!

This article was written and reviewed 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!

  • Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
    Hair Stylist & Color Consultant

    I’m Enza Piazza, your go-to hair stylist and color consultant with over 23 years of professional salon experience bringing vibrancy and life to hair of all hues. My Italian roots from sunny Sicily infuse passion into every snip and color, a passion that’s been recognized with top honor awards including bridal and party hair at the National Hairdressers Federation’s Championships. After training in Surrey, UK’s most prestigious salons including Head Master Academy, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and set up Enza Hair Styling, offering tailored hair care for 13 years, and treating each client like family. Away from the salon, I cherish moments as a proud Nonna to grandson Joseph and as a playful companion to my Jack Russell, Bo.