Ultimate Guide To Ash Blonde Hair Color

Did you ever imagine “grey hair” or any of its variants becoming a trendy hair color? I didn’t see that coming either. Whoever thought today’s Instagram and TikTok girls would crave “our grandma's” hair color?

The ash blonde hair color.

The world sure moves in circles, and we are loving the color wheel of ash blonde hair. This hair color is trendy, beautiful, and has a cool undertone that speaks sophistication. No wonder celebrities like Kim Kardashian rock this hair color.

If you are considering changing your hair color to ash blonde, this is the guide you need. This guide covers everything you need to make a decision.

Let’s get started!

What is the Ash Blonde Hair Color (How Does the Ash Blonde Hair Color Look)?

If you have heard of ash blonde hair color and are wondering what it is and how it looks, here’s my “unhinged” description:

Think of the ash blonde hair color as a mixture of ash (yeah, the ash from burnt stuff), the regular sun-kissed blonde color, with a mixture of silver. Sounds complicated, but it results in this beautiful color - Ash blonde.

The best way to see the ash blonde hair color is to picture the color of ash with the reflection of sunset light, with a silver-glazed undertone (I hope my description helps😉).

Many people will imagine the platinum ash blonde hair, but the ash blonde color ranges from platinum white to dark grey blonde. Think of it as a spectrum; the specific color you choose depends on factors like:

● Your skin tone

● Eye color

● Natural hair color

● Personal styles

● Accessories/overall look

Ash blonde hair color looks good on almost all skin tones. However, it is usually a great match for people with cool-toned skin.

Interesting details to note about the ash blonde hair color (fun facts)

a. The ash blonde hair color has an interesting range of undertone shades you won’t expect (like grey, green, blue, and violet).

b. Ash blonde falls in the “cool” blonde hair category.

c. Grey and blue are the dominant undertones for ash blonde hair colors.

d. The hue of ash blonde hair becomes slightly muted under the sunlight. The effect of white indoor lights may enhance a cooler tone. It is best to look at the ash blonde hair under natural light before making a decision.

Who is the Ash Blonde Color Good For?

Just as I said earlier, your skin tone, natural hair color, and eye color are factors to consider before choosing the ash blonde color. Let’s consider the details:

a. Skin Tone

The ash blonde is generally believed to suit people with cool undertones because it blends seamlessly with their skin. While that is true, I believe people with warm undertones can still rock ash blonde hair.

Sometimes, contrast is all that is needed to create magic with your look. If you are that daring, you may just be creating a new look.

Nonetheless, if you have cool or neutral undertones like pink or blue, rest assured, the ash blonde hair color will look stunning on you (if you like to play it safe).

b. Eye Color

If you have cool eye color like blue, grey, or warm green, then the ash blonde hair color will pop. The color of your eyes will add vibrance to the hair.

c. Natural Hair Color

You might be wondering, “Does my natural hair color play a role?”

Yes, it does. Even if you wish to dye your natural hair to ash blonde, your natural hair forms the base. Natural light base makes the dying process easy and works better, too. If you have natural blonde hair, it is easy to dye it to ash blonde.

Let’s assume you want to install ash blonde hair extensions like clip or tape-ins, and your natural hair color will affect how the hair looks (especially at the roots).

👉Quick note: You can achieve the ash blonde hair color even if you have naturally brown or black hair. The drawback may be having to dye all your strands. It is easier to achieve the ash blonde hair color with natural dark hair by going to a professional to do the dyeing.

How to Achieve Ash Blonde Hair Color without Bleaching (is it possible?🤔)

Yes, you can achieve ash blonde hair without bleaching. Here are three alternative ways to achieve the ash blonde hair color without bleaching:

a. Wear hair extensions or wig

I know this sounds like ‘arghh’, but this could just be the simple alternative you need. If you haven’t tried wearing color and want to try ash blonde, you can first try this look with high-quality human hair extensions or ash blonde wigs.

Wearing hair extensions like simple closure wigs, clip-ins, tape-ins, etc, is are convenient way to try out the ash blonde hair color without bleaching.

b. Use natural products to lighten your strands (natural toner)

Since you are not open to bleaching your strands, you can opt for natural alternatives to lighten them. Natural products like

1. Tea rinse

Try the chamomile tea rinse. You can do this by brewing strong chamomile and pouring it over your hair to achieve a subtle highlight.

2. Natural honey

Do you know that honey acts as a natural peroxide to brighten your strands over time? Apply honey to your hair, then go in with a hydrating conditioner.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice also brightens hair strands. Applying lemon juice and being in the sun is a great combination to lighten your strands without bleaching.

Important Note: These natural methods are not as effective and won’t automatically make your hair color ash blonde, but they help to lighten it over time.

You can pair these methods with ash blonde hair extensions for a quick result.

If you want to achieve the ash blonde hair color right now without bleaching, this is not the method for you.

c. Use this simple DIY home dyeing method

You can reach an ash-blonde shade without bleach if you first remove the dark dyes, then lighten with high-lift color, and finally tone. Here’s the simplified process:

1. First, remove your old dark dye

You can use a bleach-free color remover to dissolve artificial pigment to help the hair lighten up. Here’s how to get started:

● Apply colour remover up to two times on dry hair.

● Aim for a brassy/light version of your natural shade (this means the dye is gone and you're ready to lighten)

2. Do a Strand Test

Before doing your full head, test your high-lift blonde color on a small section to confirm it can actually lift your now-clean hair to blonde.

3. Apply High-Lift Blonde Color (Not Bleach)

Use a high-lift blonde dye (example: 908 Extra Light Silver Blonde with 40-vol developer).

It lightens natural pigment and adds ash tones. Follow these simple steps:

● Paint highlights section by section

● Keep them soft and blended (not chunky)

● Process for the full recommended time

4. Add Your Base Color

After highlighting, apply a medium or beige blonde color to the roots and mid-sections to ensure everything blends naturally and you don’t get harsh lines.

5. Tone the Ends for Ash

Use an ash or pearl toner on the ends to cancel brassiness and create that soft ash-blonde finish.

How it actually works

You can achieve ash blonde without bleaching by first removing dark dye with colour remover, then using a high-lift blonde dye to lighten, and finally toning to cancel brass and create the ash shade.

Trending Ash Blonde Color Ideas

The ash blonde hair color looks beautiful and sophisticated. However, this hair color has different undertones. The best ash blonde hair for you is one with undertones that match your skin, eyes, and general appearance.

Here’s a list of trendy ash blonde hair colors you can try out:

1. Icy Blonde Melt

This ash blonde hair color has been trending in recent times. The icy effect gives it a warm appeal and some sort of shine. I have noticed this hair color blends well with grey eyes.

2. Ash Blonde Highlights on Brunette

Do you know you must not go full platinum to rock ash blonde colored hair? If you have natural brunette hair, ash blonde highlights will look great on you.

3. Shadow Root Ash Blonde

The shadow root ash blonde gives the right amount of tension and balance to your look. I see it as a perfect blend between the natural hair growing from your scalp and the ash hair color.

4. Pearly Ash Blonde

The interesting thing about this ash blonde hair color is its angled, shiny pearl effect. It has the right amount of pearl glitters that is not overwhelming.

5. Platinum Ash Blonde

Platinum ash blonde is one of the most trendy blonde hairstyles in recent times. We have seen celebrities rock this hairstyle in recent times.

6. Ash Blonde Balayage

If you want to wear ash blonde hair, try the balayage. It is trendy, but daring, plus it looks amazing without trying too much. Don’t you just love how it looks?

7. Silver Ash Blonde Highlights

The silver ash blonde looks like the pearl ash blonde. It shows that shiny glittery effect that uplifts the ash look. The silver effects give it that sunkissed look.

8. Buttery Ash Blonde

If you have natural blonde hair, and you want to try the ash blonde, you can try the buttery ash blonde. This allows you not to go full ash blonde, but still get the shiny effect of the ash blonde brightness.

9. Chocolate Ash Blonde

I love the color blend of this hair. You get to enjoy the natural hair color at the bottom, and the ash blonde color on the body and tips of the hair. This hair color looks amazing.

10. Ash Blonde Babylights

I think one of the best ways to try hair colors is to start with highlights. This allows you to understand if the color will look good on you. You can even try it with a peekaboo before deciding to go full blonde.

Final Take

If you are looking to wear the ash blonde color, you should consider the maintenance effort that it requires. You may need the help of a professional stylist or colorist for proper maintenance and hair’s health.

If it is your first time, you can start by wearing simple ash blonde hair extensions. It is the safest low-risk way to try a new hair color.