If the constant barrage of icy blonde hair on your social media feeds has convinced you to finally take the plunge and see if blondes have more fun—we don’t blame you. Blonde is one of the most versatile colors in the hair world, making every complexion look a little bit brighter and transitions beautifully into other shades. If blonde hair color is on your mind, there’s only one question to ask yourself: Which blonde?
With a spectrum ranging from dark to light and warm to cool, there are a million shades of blonde to choose from—but which one is best for you? We gathered the most searched-for shades of blonde on the internet to help guide you in the right direction with the ultimate blonde hair color chart. Whether you want strawberry or ash blonde, you’re sure to find the right shade for you.
What are the different shades of blonde hair?
When it comes to choosing a blonde hair color, the possibilities are endless. From cool-toned shades like ash blonde and platinum to warm-toned hues like honey, caramel, and golden, there’s a ton of shades to choose from—all which can be tailored to fit your skin tone, desired level of maintenance, and budget.
What shade of blonde is right for me?
If you’re thinking of going blonde, the hair color world is basically your hair dye oyster. While we can’t reach through your screen and give you a personalized consultation, there are a few factors that should influence any blonde decisions you make.
Skin Tone
A hair color is only as good as the skin tone it’s flattering! If your skin has cool undertones (you’ll see blue veins on the inside of your wrists), lean towards icy shades. Those with warm undertones (you'll see green veins) should head that direction with your color.
Maintenance Level
Salon pros tell us the color they create is only as good as the products their clients use at home and the touch-up appointments they schedule. If your end goal is dramatically different from your natural color, expect to need fresh color every six to eight weeks (or even sooner).
Hair Health
Blonde hair’s evil twin is bleach, the substance stylists use to lift the natural pigment from your strands and create those gorgeous shades we love so much. However, bleach is inherently damaging, meaning your color may come with an impromptu haircut if you have damaged or weak ends.
If you’re worried about losing length, check in with your stylist ahead of time to make sure you’re on the same page about realistic color goals. You should also plan to add products like Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery Shampoo and Extreme Bleach Recovery Lamellar Water Treatment to your at-home routine. These products are formulated to repair and strengthen ultra-sensitive, damaged hair that has received lightening or highlighting services. Want to learn more about caring for blonde hair? Click here for our guide.
The Trendiest Blonde Shades To Try Now
Photo Credit: @i_run_with_scissors406.
Sunkissed Blonde
You know that toasty, post-sun feeling on your skin after you’ve spent hours at the beach? Sunkissed blonde gives your complexion that perfect summertime warmth anytime of year. Your colorist will give your mane the perfect blend of highlights and lowlights to ensure your hue is as beachy and natural-looking as possible.
Photo Credit: @johanna_creativeheadz.
Pearl Blonde
This ashy, iridescent take on blonde is high maintenance but if you’re looking for a blonde hue that’s extra flashy, this is the perfect choice for you. Add a shine serum like Pureology Hydrate Shine Max Serum to your routine to keep your hue looking shiny and frizz-free.
Photo Credit: @mandaharsche.
Dark Ash Blonde
If you want your blonde shade to look a little more moody, ask your colorist about dark ash blonde. If you’re a natural brunette, this smoky, cool-toned shade will look stunning when applied with the balayage technique.
Photo Credit: @leandrogabanno.
Golden Blonde
Golden blonde is universally flattering—adding a low-maintenance bronze warmth to any skin tone. If you want a hue that’s even more low-maintenance, opt for golden highlights.
Photo Credit: @zedhairandbeauty.
Ash Blonde
Ashy hair colors have risen in popularity over the last few years, winning us over with their chilly gray undertones and laid back vibes. In the wild (or on the city streets), ash blonde is recognizable because of its silvery reflects.
With this shade, your biggest concern will be fighting brass and maintaining that cool finish. Invest in a toning shampoo like Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo to help keep your ash shining bright.
Photo Credit: @ramontgarcia.
Dirty Blonde
The word “dirty” may not conjure up images of a winning hair color, but dirty blonde is the exception to the rule. This blend of light brown and dark blonde hues can run either cool or warm, depending on your complexion, and will exponentially up your chic factor. As an added bonus, dirty blonde is one of the more low-maintenance shades of blonde on the spectrum.
To make dirty blonde work for you, ask for a dark blonde base color with brighter highlights throughout. If you naturally have a medium blonde shade, you’re in luck! This is the easiest hair color you’ll ever have.
Photo Credit: @_hairbynella.
Dark Blonde
If you’ve ever tried platinum hair, you’re fully aware that it’s basically like being married to your local salon. Drop the commitment for a blonde shade that doesn’t require as much maintenance—and what’s prettier than dark blonde? This caramel-influenced hue is a chic play on the return to natural-looking hair colors we’ve been seeing all year.
Want to make sure your dark blonde hair doesn’t run too warm? We don’t blame you. Pick up Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed So Silver Purple Shampoo to help keep those yellow tones at bay.
Photo Credit: @timursta.
Strawberry Blonde
We’re extremely picky when it comes to hair color—some might even call it demanding. If you’re like us, combine the all the best of red and blonde into one magnificent shade: strawberry blonde. The color brings coppery depth to bright blonde, resulting in a shimmery, multidimensional final look that’s just dreamy on olive and fair skin.
Photo Credit: @husseinsalehhair.
Honey Blonde
It doesn’t get much more angelic than honey blonde hair, a shade that basically looks like it was ripped from the pages of a storybook. The silky, warm color suits fair complexions and reminds us of pure summertime.
Ready to try blonde hair color for yourself? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Total Results So Silver Purple Shampoo
A shampoo for banishing brass and restoring brightness to blondes and grays.
Total Results So Silver Nourishing Conditioner
A nourishing conditioner that hydrates and smooths dry, brittle and damaged color-treated hair.
Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo
Shampoo for lightened, cool blonde, bleached, or gray hair.
Blond Absolu Cicaflash Conditioner for Blonde Hair
A lightweight conditioner that instantly restores and hydrates blonde hair.
Extreme Bleach Recovery Shampoo
A recovery shampoo for damaged, ultra-sensitive bleached hair
