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How To Get Ash Blonde Hair, Plus 50 Hues To Show Your Colorist

Ash blonde hair is never a bad idea! Read on for everything you need to know about the shade, plus 50 ways to try it for yourself.

Keeping up with the latest hair trends is a lot like discovering new beauty products. Just when you think you’ve found your favorites, new and exciting formulas have magically appeared upon digital and in-store shelves. This also happens when it comes to different shades of blonde. The second you think you picked your all-time favorite hue, you discover a brand new shade on Insta. 

While ash blonde hair color has been a mainstay in the cool-toned family, so many new variations keep popping up, each one totally worth adding to your “must try” list. Today we’re discussing all things ash blonde hair, including what it looks like, which skin tones can pull it off best, and how to take care of it. We’re also showcasing 50 of our favorite ways to try the look, from silver ash blonde hair to dark ash blonde hair and beyond. 

What Is Ash Blonde Hair Color?

The word ash gets thrown around quite a bit in the hair world—but what is this so-called “ash” we’re talking about? And what actually qualifies as ash blonde hair? Long story short, ash hair colors are cool-toned hues with undertones of gray and white. (Think about the color of actual ashes!) 

Ash blonde hair can range from platinum white to dark blonde, but it always has those cool undertones. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ve got warmer tones, which is where hues such as honey and caramel blonde fall.

Who Does Ash Blonde Look Good On?

Whenever choosing a new hair color, it’s a good idea to consider your skin tone. You want to select a shade that complements your complexion. Typically, cool-toned shades—including all types of ash blonde hair—look best on people with cool undertones and fair skin

Not sure how to determine your skin’s undertone? Look at the veins on the underside of your arm. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If your veins appear green, you likely have a warm undertone. 

With the above said, there aren’t any super hard or fast rules about who can rock ash blonde hair. A professional colorist can tweak any hair color to suit your skin tone. So, if you want to live that ash blonde hair life, go for it! 

How Can I Get My Hair Ash Blonde? 

If you’re feeling ready to delve deep into ash blonde hair color, you’ll definitely want to head to a seasoned colorist who can help you nail the look. These cool hues are tricky to pull off on your own, so put down the box of ash blonde hair dye and call your stylist stat. 

To achieve a gorgeous mane of ash blonde hair, your colorist will likely need to use bleach to help lighten some or all of your hair. This is true whether you’re going for all-over light ash blonde hair or just a few ash blonde highlights on brown hair. After lightening, the colorist will be able to give your hair an ash blonde hue via professional dye and toners. Redken ShadesEQ are in-salon glazes that subtly manipulate your hair color to infuse warm or cool tones. The Ash Gold series is new to the Redken ShadesEQ family, and they really lean into the fusion of cool and warm to help achieve that striking ash blonde color. 

As time goes on, touch-ups will, of course, be necessary, and your colorist will also likely recommend routine hair gloss and toner services between appointments. These can help keep your ashy strands brass-free and cool.



How To Care For Ash Blonde Hair

So, you finally have the ash blonde hue you’ve been dreaming of…now what? To maintain those cool tones and keep your hair feeling healthy and strong, you’ll want to adhere to a solid hair care routine

Begin with a shampoo and conditioner like the Redken Color Extend Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair and Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair. This gentle, anti-fade system cleanses while strengthening and keeping your strands fresh and vibrant. You can also add a purple toning shampoo and conditioner to your weekly or bi-weekly routine to help fight off any unwanted brassiness. We recommend the Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair and Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Conditioner.

If your ash blonde strands are feeling the damaging effects of bleach, incorporate a weekly hair mask like L'Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Resurfacing Golden Masque into your routine. This editor-approved formula instantly nourishes and restores weakened hair, leaving it softer and shinier. 

How Would I Look With Ash Blonde Hair?

After all this talk of icy, cool shades, it’s only reasonable to be left wondering how you’d look with ash blonde hair. If you’re hoping to take ash-blonde for a no-commitment spin, try it out using one of our favorite virtual hair color makeover apps.

The 50 Best Ash Blonde Hair Ideas To Try Now

There’s no one-size-fits-all shade of ash blonde hair. But no matter your skin tone or desired level of maintenance, there’s definitely a shade that will work for you. Read on for (more than) a few of our favorite ash blonde hair ideas for all skin tones and hair types. 

Good hair day by @hairbylexidawn.

Light Ash Blonde

If you spent your teenage years spray tanning and have never met a blonde hair treatment you didn’t like, then light ash blonde is for you. The cool-toned shade adds near-white and silver notes to your ‘do, updating the bright blonde hair color you’ve held onto for years.

Good hair day by @zunnyhair.

White Ash Blonde Hair

Speaking of bright tones, white ash is a shade that’s seen a dramatic uptick in popularity. It’s like the cool girl’s platinum, especially when applied as highlights over a dark ash hue or worn with visible roots.

The contrast between the icy shade and a dark base is striking. All you need is a vampy matte lipstick to complete your Instagram goddess look—trust us, you’ll be eager to show this hair color off.

Good hair day by @coleydoesmyhair.

Holographic Ash Blonde Hair

Hot on the tail of mega-trends like rainbow and pastel hair, holographic strands have hit in a big way. The reflective technique requires hair stylists to hand-paint color onto a glass plate before transferring it to the hair in sections—much like the traditional screen printing process. The result is a reflective, ashy white-purple mane that’s absolutely jaw-dropping. Summer hair, here you come.

Good hair day by @erin.boha.

Platinum Ash Blonde

While white ash blonde hair is often seen in highlights, ombre, and balayage, platinum ash is striking as a full head of hair. It’s not often we recommend a single shade for the entire head, but this stunning color is the grand exception to the rule.

Ash Blonde Hair Balayage

One of the reasons ash blonde hair is so flattering is its ability to play nicely with almost any other hair color. And that’s why ash blonde makes a fantastic balayage color. As a hand-painted highlight all over the head, ash blonde adds serious high points to your mane.

It’s key to keep platinum as bright and cool as possible, so make sure you’ve thoroughly noted your stylist’s hair care instructions before getting up from the salon chair.

Good hair day by @rochellegoldenhairstylist.

Beachy Ash Blonde

Ash blonde hair looks amazing with beachy texture. Use a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Wind Tossed Texture Finish Spray to give your mane that effortless texture—even when there’s no beach in sight. 

Good hair day by @hair.by.agnesforsberg.

Ash Blonde With Dark Roots

For those not sold on constant root touch-ups, let us introduce you to ash blonde with dark roots, your new best friend.

Good hair day by @hairbykaitlynbrown.

White Ash Bob

Why are you carrying all that extra length around, girl? Just snip it off! Combine those fresh, gorgeous ends with bright ashy color for a show-stopping look.

Ashy Blonde Lob

Short strands and a blonde color are a match made in heaven. These brilliant highlights, in particular, will totally brighten any winter day when paired with a dark base.

ash blonde hair

Cool Ash Blonde Hair

We recommend this shade to the ladies who already have some experience maintaining brass-free locks. To keep cool ash looking fresh, you should be ready to commit to a full hair care routine. That includes using a purple toning conditioner, such as the aforementioned Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Conditioner.

ash blonde hair

Honey Ash Blonde Hair

Like a speck of white on a painting, a bright honey blonde hair color creates the illusion that there’s more depth to your hair than really exists. The result? Your hair will look thicker without any extra work (or extensions).

ash blonde hair

Caramel Ash Blonde Hair

Trade dark strands for a flattering caramel shade with hints of ash blonde throughout.

ash blonde hair

Crystal Ash Blonde Hair

When it comes to balayage, we’re fairly obsessed with the shade crystal ash. The color made the rounds of social media last year and involves a gradual transition from medium ash brown to very bright, ashy white ends.

ash blonde hair

Pearl Ash Blonde Hair

Unlike white ash blonde, this close cousin is about finish rather than shade. Pearl ash is a shimmery, luminescent shade with an ultra-cool silvery hue. It’s especially striking against very pale and medium skin tones.

ash blonde hair

Dark Ash Blonde Hair

We call this shade dark ash blonde, but you also may know it as light ash brown. There’s very little difference between the shades, which combine a beige-y nutmeg base with light ash top notes.

ash blonde hair

Dirty Ash Blonde Hair

Dirty ash blonde is a surprisingly wearable color. Like dark ash blonde, it brings in notes of medium brown while still maintaining pristine coolness. It’s a shade made for medium and medium-dark skin tones.

ash blonde hair

Golden Blonde Ash Blonde Hair

As with all very light hair colors, golden ash blonde hair requires regular maintenance to stay bright. If you’re a blonde veteran, that’s no added inconvenience for you.

ash blonde hair

Platinum Ash Blonde Hair On Darker Complexions

Against darker complexions, platinum ash blonde hair is striking and modern.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair On Olive Skin

Make olive skin look its most gorgeous with a customized ash shade.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair On Tan Skin

Whether you have medium skin or have just been spending a lot of time in the sun, you’ll love the way ash blonde hair color looks against your complexion.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair With Honey Highlights

Instead of just going honey, ask your stylist for an ash blonde shade that just barely has hints of honey throughout. You’ll get a stunning, reflective finish.

ash blonde hair

Strawberry Ash Blonde Hair

This ultra-cool hue combines a light red with ash blonde, creating a rich blonde that’s made for fair and medium skin. Because it’s such a stunner, we love this look for all hair lengths and textures.

ash blonde hair

Blue-Tinted Ash Blonde Hair

If you’ve experienced bleach-related hair damage and are trying to salvage what’s left of your hair with a lob, we suggest adding some spice with an unexpected pop of color. Here, we’ll even make the decision easy for you: Pastel blue is the way to go.

ash blonde hair

Pink-Tinted Ash Blonde Hair

You thought we were just going to leave it at a single pastel shade? Not a chance. This cool rose shade is all the best parts of the pastel trend, without any of the harsh neon hair color influence.

ash blonde hair

Chocolate Ash Blonde Hair

Bright blonde hair isn’t for everyone, nor is it your only option for cool-toned hair. For something darker, we love the look of chocolate blonde ash.

ash blonde hair

Brown Ash Blonde Hair

Natural brunettes, this one’s for you. If you’re thinking of giving this shade of brown ash blonde hair a try, make sure your stylist places a few bright highlights throughout for maximum movement and depth.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair Ombre

For everyone on the hunt for a sleek way to try out a new color, ash blonde ombre is our best recommendation.

ash blonde hair

Smoky Ash Blonde Hair

When blended with ashy blonde hair, silver turns into a moody, smoky hair color that’s unforgettable.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair With Brown Lowlights

If you’re hoping to go lighter for summer but aren’t set on a full head of blonde, brown lowlights are the right choice for you. It’s modern and chic without becoming excessive. It also looks picture-perfect framing tan or dark skin.

ash blonde hair

Rose Gold Ash Blonde Hair

Fact: We are truly and utterly obsessed with rose gold ash blonde hair. Second fact: We very rarely see people actually wearing it. If you’re interested in being a follicular rebel, then rose gold is the right shade for you.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair On Fair Skin

On fair skin, ash blonde is summer-appropriate and totally beachy.

ash blonde hair

Long Ash Blonde Hair

Let those ashy inches flow, baby. Of course, if you’re embracing lots of length, you may want to invest in liter bottles of your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

ash blonde hair

Ash Blonde Hair With Brown Highlights

Pairing an ashy blonde base with a brown balayage treatment, this hair color idea allows you to take ash a little darker while still remaining a blonde.

ash blonde hair

Short Ash Blonde Hair

Here’s another reminder that ash isn’t only good for long hair. Shorter hair looks equally lovely in cool tones.

ash blonde hair

Fringe With Ash Blonde Hair

 Why not try a fringe with your ashy hair color?

Good hair day by @hellocindeee.

Ashy Charcoal-Influenced Waves

Great news: Blonde highlights can very easily be turned into ashy charcoal strands. To add drama when you’re done with having light hair, make gray your next big move.

 

Good hair day by @narina_sarkisyan777.

Super Subtle Ash Blonde Balayage

Not everyone wants their hair color to make them look like a whole new person (this is one of the reasons having a salon consultation is so important). This super subtle balayage is perfect for refreshing your look without parting with what makes you, you.

 

Good hair day by @jordangabeeee.

Extra Long Ash Ombre

When it’s too cold to do anything else in the winter, grow out your hair! All those extra inches are dramatic and gorgeous.

 

Good hair day by @cindyadielssontopstylist.

Silver Ash Blonde Hair 

Add a flash of silver to your ‘do for a whole new take on highlights.

Good hair day by @definedbymaddie.

Champagne Ash Blonde

We usually reserve a glass of bubbly for special occasions, but champagne blonde can be enjoyed at any time of year. This variation of ash blonde is shiny, dimensional, and flattering on so many skin tones. 

Good hair day by @dominiquenicolebeauty.

Gray Ash Blonde Hair

While we’re on the subject of cutting-edge color trends, let’s talk about gray-blonde ash. This shade is one of our favorites for the year because it’s an updated approach to the muted gray hair that’s been so popular.

Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.

Ash Blonde Pixie

Ash blonde hair paired with a pixie cut makes just as much of an impact as longer strands. This cut and color combo is a great option for women over 50

Good hair day by @thebrassparlouryeg.

Blush Ash Blonde

Pink hair is huge right now, but if you don’t want to try a full head of pink, consider blush blonde. This ash blonde hue offers the slight tint of color you desire without all the maintenance of a traditional fashion hair color. This is one of our favorite picks for fair skin tones. 

Good hair day by @pati.rodrigz.

Ash Brown With Ash Blonde Highlights

Give your ash brown hair brightness and dimension with a few ash blonde highlights. This subtle change makes a big difference, we promise! 

Good hair day by @jenny_hardy_.

Greige

Greige is 2022’s hottest hair color, combining warm beige with cool gray. Basically, you get the best of both worlds. 

Good hair day by @leysahairandmakeup.

Ash Blonde Hair Curly Hair 

Whether you’re rocking your natural texture or creating ringlets by hand, ash blonde hair looks striking with curly strands. 

Good hair day by @ericmichaelhair.

Dark Ash Base with Pearl Ash

If you have naturally dark strands but want to play with ash blonde, opt for this look that combines a dark ash base with pearl ash. Hello, contrast! 

Earl Gray Ash Blonde

Here’s another option for those of you starting with a darker base. Have your stylist lift the color slightly and add an earl gray tone throughout. 

Good hair day by @dominiquenicolebeauty.

Smokey Ash Brunette

If you’re unsure about going blonde (at least not yet), this smokey ash brunette is an excellent gateway. Ask your colorist to incorporate baby-fine silver-white strands throughout. Over time, you can add more and gradually go blonder.

Good hair day by @cevindufen_hair_makeupartist.

Cream Soda Ash Blonde

This creamy take on ash blonde is perfect for all seasons, while the balayage approach allows your hair to grow out nicely. 

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