Summertime and blonde hair go together like Taylor Swift and red lipstick. When the sun shines and the air smells of sea salt and sunscreen, it only feels right to sport an equally sunny hair color. But blonde, in all its glory, works year-round. When autumn weather rolls in, a deeper, moodier shade works best. Enter ash blonde. Like the icy platinum shades that ruled the runways during fashion week or the Targaryen-inspired hue, ash blonde embraces cooler tones. It takes on a mysterious vibe perfect for fall and winter. Ahead, we chatted with two stylists and color experts about the trendy shade, including what to ask your colorist for and how to find the best version for your skin tone.
Featured Experts
- Philip Foresto is a colorist and the owner of Salon Icon in Nashville
- Dailey Greene is a stylist and the owner of H2 Salon
What is ash blonde?
Blondes often utilize golden tones to add warmth and depth to the final shade. Butter blonde and old money blonde are two strong examples of this. With ash blonde, though, the focus is completely different. Instead of gold or sun-kissed tones, colorist Philip Foresto says the shade has absolutely no warmth. “Ash blonde favors the darker side of the blonde spectrum rather than a rich golden hue,” he says. Stylist Dailey Greene adds that the shade appears to have cooler tones like green or blue versus orange and red.
The lack of warm tones gives the blonde an ash-like cast, but that doesn’t mean it’s one note. As Foresto explains, it’s not as simple as a light blonde. The unique tones of ash blonde make it so desirable—think a blend of creamy and icy blonde hues. Together, these tones create a multi-dimensional color, revealing a shimmery effect when the light hits it.
What shade works well with ash blonde?
Going blonde requires some effort, especially if you’re starting with a contrasting color like brunette or red. In that vein, ash blonde works best for those already sporting a shade of blonde. “If you’re looking to achieve a blonde with an icy or silvery tone, ash blonde is a good option,” says Foresto. The pro notes that those wanting a cooler-toned shade are also great candidates. “Silver jewelry wearers are perfect for this type of blonde,” he says.
Since this shade has more neutral undertones, ash blonde also works well with varying complexions. However, it’s essential to adjust the tone of your color. For deeper complexions, a hue with darker roots and undertones may be ideal. “It depends on the tone and the level of the hair. You don’t necessarily have to be blonde to have an ashy, cool tone, as there are cool browns as well,” says Greene.
What should you ask for at the salon?
Whether you’re heading to the salon for a new color or refreshing your shade with highlights, it’s a good idea to bring pictures with you. However, the pros note photo examples are extremely important when going ash blonde. “Two people can look at the same picture and see two totally different things, especially when it comes to a colorist. Bringing a photo helps weed out uncertainties that can get lost in translation,” says Greene.
“This hair color depends on as little warmth as possible, if not none at all,” adds Foresto. He explains that specifying this to your colorist is essential to ensure that you leave with a true ash-blonde hue.
How do you maintain ash blonde at home?
To preserve your new shade, you’ll need to adjust your general hair care routine. Adding a purple toning shampoo is recommended to keep your blonde shade fresh. Hair masks and deep conditioning treatments will decrease the risk of dryness and breakage. Greene notes that bond-building shampoos and conditioners such as K18 and Olaplex can go a long way in maintaining your color.
Outside of your wash routine, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your ash blonde doesn’t fade. “Glossing and toning in between appointments at the salon can be beneficial for the longevity of your style,” says Foresto. Additionally, he recommends adding a bonding treatment, such as Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate ($38), to your routine to maintain the health of your hair. Limiting the use of hot tools is another easy step to put in place. “Heat should always be used in moderation to prevent damage, but it’s even more important with lighter colors like ash blonde,” says Greene.
