Ash blonde is a cool blonde with gray or silver undertones and no gold or yellow. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Ash blonde hair at a glance
- Type: Blonde
- Tone: Cool
- Lightening needed: Yes, unless you're naturally blonde.
- Maintenance: High
- Touch-ups: 6 to 8 weeks, with toner refreshes
What makes it different
It looks smoky and modern. Keeping it cool takes effort, because lightened hair naturally turns warm as toner fades.
Who it suits
Fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. It can look flat against very warm or golden skin.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Ask for a cool, ash-toned blonde with no warmth.
- Say light, medium or dark ash.
- Ask how often the toner needs refreshing.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use purple shampoo once or twice a week and book a toner or gloss every 4 to 6 weeks.
Shades and variations
- Light ash blonde: close to platinum.
- Dark ash blonde: smoky and low maintenance.
- Ash blonde balayage: on a brown base.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see ash blonde hair on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
- Platinum blonde hair
- Dirty blonde hair
- Mushroom brown hair
- Ash brown hair
- Silver hair
- All hair color ideas
FAQ
What is ash blonde hair?
Ash blonde is a cool blonde with gray or silver undertones and no gold or yellow.
Who suits ash blonde hair?
Fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. It can look flat against very warm or golden skin.
Do you need bleach for ash blonde hair?
Yes, unless you're naturally blonde.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 6 to 8 weeks, with toner refreshes.
