An ash blonde balayage is a light hair color created using a hand-painted highlighting technique. This technique creates a natural-looking, soft transition and dimension throughout the hair. With slight hints of silver and brown, ash blonde is the go-to hue for women who want a bright and full of contrast yet less overwhelming hair color.
Julianne Hough, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried, and Kate Upton made a beautiful decision by dyeing their strands into this soft, refined shade! It’s the ultimate choice if you want to trade your brunette strands for lighter ones but don’t wanna go all in.
Texas balayage expert Erika Yasmin Portales has been transforming straight and wavy strands into bohemian-inspired ashy manes, and everyone’s swooning over them! Depending on your skin tone, you can opt for a more muted, greyish ash or brighter buttery shade.
You’re also doing yourself a favor by using a balayage, which means less maintenance. To style, easy and rumpled waves or an effortless, lived-in look would work flawlessly with this cool-toned shade.
Are you looking to have your dark roots diffuse divinely into a delicate, lighter shade? Mimic one of these popular looks on the ash blonde balayage and see the difference.
#1: Ash Blonde Money Pieces on a Dark Textured Bob
The placement here is doing all the work. Those ash blonde pieces are concentrated right at the face frame and the very ends, leaving the dark root area almost untouched, which is why it reads so clean against warm and olive skin tones. This is a chin-length bob with razored ends to get that choppy, lived-in texture on what looks like medium-density hair. If your hair is very thick, those ends will puff out instead of falling this way. On fine hair it actually works better than you’d expect because the blunt perimeter keeps weight at the bottom while the internal layers add movement. The color will go brassy fast if your colorist doesn’t tone cool enough at the start.
#2 Ash Blonde Curl Highlights on a Natural Dark Bob
Notice how the ash blonde only catches the outer curl. That’s intentional. The colorist painted individual curl clumps rather than sections, so the blonde reads as light hitting the hair naturally against her deep brown base. This is a shoulder-length cut with dense, tight curl pattern, and the volume sits wide at the cheeks, which works well on oval and longer face shapes. Round faces will feel wider. The ash tone against deep skin is genuinely striking here, cool without looking disconnected. Lifting natural dark hair this far will cause dryness, and curly hair shows damage fast.
#3 Shaggy Ash Blonde Balayage with Wispy Bangs on Warm Skin
The bangs here are doing something worth noticing. They’re cut thin and airy, barely grazing the brow, and they keep the dark root shadow from feeling heavy against her forehead. This is a long shag on medium density hair with face-framing layers that start right at the cheekbone, and the ash blonde balayage is concentrated mostly from mid-length down, staying cool without washing out her warm olive skin. That balance is hard to get right. If your undertone runs pink or cool, this same ash tone will flatten you. The internal layers are heavily razored, which gives all that messy texture its movement, but it also means fine hair will look stringy within a few weeks of growing out. Not a low-commitment cut.
#4 Chin-Length Ash Blonde Balayage Bob on Medium Olive Skin
Notice how the ash blonde pieces are concentrated right at the face frame and through the very ends, leaving the crown almost entirely dark. That restraint is doing all the work here. On olive and medium warm skin tones, going too heavy with ash blonde washes you out, and this colorist clearly understood the limit. The bob itself is a clean, blunt one-length cut sitting just below the chin, with enough internal weight to hold that smooth bend without much effort. Straight to slightly wavy, medium density hair is ideal for this. If your hair is thick and coarse, this shape will puff out at the sides and lose the sleekness that makes it land. The face-framing money pieces were likely foiled rather than painted on, given how precise and opaque they read against that dark base. Oval and heart face shapes wear this length well. Round faces, less so, because the chin-length line hits right at the widest point of the jaw and has no length to elongate.
#5 Cool Ash Blonde Ribbons Through a Warm-Toned Shoulder Lob
The ash pieces here are almost silver, which is a bold call on warm olive skin, and it works because the colorist left enough depth at the root and midshaft to keep the contrast grounded. Notice how the highlights are thicker through the front and thinner toward the back, creating brightness where it catches light naturally without going full blonde. This is a medium-density, straight to slightly wavy shoulder-length cut with long layers and a center part that falls open. Round or fuller face shapes will find the length flattering. The toner will wash out fast. Ash this cool on a naturally warm base demands regular glossing, and skipping it means brassiness within weeks. If you’re not committed to that upkeep, this isn’t your color.
#6 Scattered Ash Blonde Balayage on Long Dark Hair with Warm Brown Skin
The placement here is what makes it work. Those ash blonde pieces are concentrated heavily around the face and then scattered thin through the midshaft and ends, so the dark base still reads as the dominant color. On deeper skin tones, that restraint is everything because going too heavy with ash blonde creates a disconnect that looks costumey. This is long, dense hair with soft face-framing layers and a curtain bang that splits just past the brow. Oval faces will love it. If your hair is fine or low density, this exact approach will fall flat because the effect depends on having enough dark hair between the highlights to create contrast. The toner leans true ash, not silver, not beige, which is hard to maintain on dark hair without it pulling warm within weeks.
#7 Long Curly Ash Blonde Balayage on a Dark Brunette Base
Look at how the curl pattern is doing all the blending work here. The colorist placed ash blonde pieces through mid-lengths and ends on a natural dark brunette base, and because the curls wrap around themselves, the contrast between dark and light reads as dimension instead of stripes. This only works with this much texture. On straight hair, the same placement would look chunky and dated. The density is high, the length is past the collarbone, and that combination with tight curls gives the ash blonde real estate to show without overwhelming the base. If your curls are looser or your hair is finer, you will not get this result. The warm, fair skin here keeps the ash tones from looking flat or grey, which is a real risk for cooler or deeper skin tones with this particular shade. One thing worth noting is the slight warmth left in the root shadow, which tells me this was likely a freehand balayage with careful sectioning to preserve curl integrity rather than foil work that can disrupt the pattern.
#8 Voluminous Ash Blonde Balayage with Layered Curtain Framing on Tan Skin
The layers here are doing all the heavy lifting. Long, face-framing pieces with serious interior layering create that blown-out volume through the mid-lengths and ends, and the colorist kept the ash blonde concentrated on those layers so movement and dimension happen simultaneously. What stands out is how muted the blonde is, almost mushroomy, which is why it works on warm tan skin without clashing. This needs thick, dense hair. On fine or medium density, you will not get this result. The balayage placement starts close to the root around the face but stays lower everywhere else, which keeps regrowth forgiving but means salon visits still run every 10 to 12 weeks for toning alone, because ash tones fade fast and go brassy without intervention.
#9 Soft Ash Blonde Balayage on a Layered Lob with Side-Swept Fringe
The root shadow here is doing all the heavy lifting. That cool medium brunette at the crown melts into ash blonde through the midshaft, and the colorist kept the balayage pieces thin enough that nothing reads chunky or dated. What stands out is how the lightest pieces land right at the ends and around the face framing, which pulls attention upward on fair to light-medium skin tones like this one. Great on medium density hair. On fine hair, this layered lob shape will fall flat within hours of styling unless you’re committed to product. The side-swept fringe is soft and barely there, cut with a razor or point-cut to avoid bluntness, and it works well for oval and heart-shaped faces. Skip it if your face is round and full through the cheeks, because that length hitting right at the jaw will only widen things.
#10 Lived-In Ash Blonde Pieces Woven Through a Deep Brunette on Medium-Warm Skin
The ash pieces here are deliberately kept thin. That’s what makes this work on warmer skin tones where a heavier ash blonde placement would fight the complexion instead of complementing it. Notice how the blonde concentration stays below the cheekbone, with only a few fine ribbons pulled higher, so the dark root area stays dominant and grounds the whole look. This is long, layered, medium to thick density hair with a loose wave styled in, and the balayage was painted in narrow sections to create that woven, dimensional effect rather than chunky contrast. It reads natural in a way that full panels of ash never would on this base level. If your hair is fine, this specific technique will fall flat because you won’t have enough strands to create that layered depth between the dark and light. The cut itself is simple, long layers with a soft middle part, nothing architectural. On a rounder face shape, the length and center part work well to elongate. Keeping the ash toned and not letting it drift warm takes commitment.
#11 Heavily Layered Ash Blonde Balayage on Long Dark Hair with Golden Brown Skin
The face-framing pieces here are doing all the heavy lifting, placed right at the cheekbone and swept outward so they open up the whole face. That placement works best on oval or round shapes because it creates width at the temples rather than narrowing anything. This is thick, dense hair with long butterfly layers that give it that blown-out movement through the midsection. The ash blonde was painted through in thin ribbons over a dark brunette base, and whoever did this was careful to keep the blonde cool without letting it go silver or flat. On golden brown skin, that coolness reads as intentional contrast rather than something that washes you out. If your skin runs pink or very fair, this same tone will fight you. The honest problem with this look is the commitment: getting ash this clean on dark hair means multiple sessions and a toner schedule you cannot skip.
#12 Textured Ash Blonde Pixie Bob with a Cool Root Shadow on Fair Freckled Skin
That root shadow is doing real work here, keeping the ash blonde from reading flat against fair, pink-toned skin. This is a grown-out pixie in that sweet spot between pixie and bob, with heavy point cutting through the top to create that piece-y sweep across the forehead. Round faces carry this well because the side-swept length and volume at the crown create angles where there aren’t any naturally. The density looks medium, maybe even on the thinner side, and the texture is selling fullness it might not actually have. If your hair is thick and coarse, this cut will fight you every morning. The ash tone here leans neutral enough to complement cool undertones and those warm freckles simultaneously, which is harder to land than it looks.
#13 Smoky Ash Blonde Balayage on Long Layers with a Deep Brunette Root on Olive Skin
Notice how the ash tone doesn’t wash her out. That’s because the colorist kept the root dark and deep enough to anchor the whole thing against her olive complexion, and the balayage pieces were toned to a true mushroomy ash rather than a silver that would fight her warmth. This is thick, dense hair with long face-framing layers cut to flip outward around the collarbone, which keeps the weight from just hanging there. If your hair is fine, this exact color placement will look sparse and stripey. It needs density to blend. The saturation of ash gets heavier toward the ends, which tells me this was built over multiple sessions, not a single appointment. That kind of gradual buildup looks natural but costs accordingly. Oval and round face shapes wear this well because the curtain framing opens up the center of the face without adding width.
#14 Ash Blonde Face Frame on a Choppy Collarbone Lob with Warm Tan Skin
The money pieces here are doing all the heavy lifting, and the colorist kept the ash blonde concentrated almost entirely around the face while leaving the mid-lengths and back much darker. That contrast is what makes it work on her warm, medium-tan skin. If you have a similar complexion, this specific placement prevents the ash from washing you out because most of your natural depth stays intact. The cut is a razored lob sitting just past the collarbone with interior layers that give it that piecey, slightly undone movement. Medium density hair. Notice how the curtain bang blends seamlessly into the face-framing pieces so there’s no hard line where the fringe ends and the color begins. On fine hair, this layering pattern will fall flat within hours. Round and heart face shapes benefit from the way those front pieces break up the width at the cheeks.
#15 Ash Blonde Balayage Lob with Bold Face Framing on Deep Brown Skin
The contrast here is doing all the work. That ash blonde sits right against deep brown skin and it reads as intentional, not washed out, because the colorist kept the root area completely untouched for a solid three inches before letting the lightened pieces take over toward the ends and around the face. This is a shoulder-length lob with medium density, slightly textured at the ends with soft waves that keep the blunt perimeter from looking heavy. Notice how the lightest pieces concentrate at the front, framing the jawline, while the back stays much darker and more understated. That placement is deliberate and it flatters oval and heart face shapes particularly well. If your hair is naturally coily or tightly textured, getting this relaxed wave pattern means heat styling every time. The toner will also shift fast, pulling warm or brassy within weeks unless you’re committed to purple shampoo and periodic glosses. This color is not low maintenance on anyone, and on dark natural hair that required significant lifting to reach this level, the upkeep is real.
#16 Blunt Ash Blonde Bob with Seamless Root Melt on Light Olive Skin
The color placement here is doing something quiet that matters: the ash blonde sits almost exclusively on the outer layers, leaving the interior dark, which is why the bob looks full even though the hair itself is fine and straight. That’s intentional. A blunt perimeter at chin length with no graduation keeps the weight line solid, and on a rounder or softer jaw, this exact cut will widen you. Oval and angular faces can carry it without thinking twice. The root melt is tight, maybe an inch, using a cool level 7 ash toned down enough to sit naturally against her dark natural base without any visible demarcation line. If your hair is thick or coarse, this same color will read completely different and lose that airy, piecey separation you’re seeing here. This is a thin-hair win, genuinely.
#17 High-Contrast Ash Blonde Ribbons on a Wavy Dark Lob with Medium-Tan Skin
The contrast here is doing a lot of heavy lifting, and it only works because her skin has enough warmth to keep those cool ash pieces from looking stark. Notice how the colorist kept the ribbons thinner near the root and let them widen toward the ends, which is what gives the placement that organic look rather than chunky highlights. This is a collarbone-length lob with medium density and loose wave, textured with a razor or point-cut at the ends to keep it from sitting too heavy. It flatters oval and heart shapes easily. If your skin runs very cool or pink, this exact ash tone will wash you out. The grow-out on something this contrasted gets noticeable fast, probably six to eight weeks before those face-framing pieces start looking disconnected from the root.
#18 Wavy Ash Blonde Balayage on a Dark Base with Curtain Pieces and Warm Brown Skin
Notice how the ash blonde pieces sit cooler near the face but warm up slightly through the midlengths, which tells me the colorist hand-painted with intention rather than using a uniform formula. That subtlety is what keeps this from washing out warm brown skin. The dark root is deep, nearly black, and the transition happens low enough that you could go three months without feeling desperate for a touch-up. Medium to thick density works best here because the wave pattern needs enough hair to show the contrast between dark and light strands without looking stringy. On fine hair, this much lightening will look sparse. The long layers are minimal and mostly internal, keeping the overall shape full at the ends rather than tapered. If you have a round face, that fullness at the bottom won’t do you any favors.
#19: Stylish Ash Blonde Balayage with Soft Waves
This stunning ash blonde balayage features long, flowing locks with a soft wave that adds movement and texture. The hair appears to be medium to thick in density, allowing for a voluminous finish. This color technique blends lighter ends with a darker root, creating depth and dimension. Suitable for various face shapes, this style complements oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully. Minimal styling is required—just a light mousse or sea salt spray to enhance those natural waves!
#20: Modern Ash Blonde Balayage Bob
This chic ash blonde balayage bob features a shoulder-grazing length with soft, textured ends that enhance movement. Ideal for straight to wavy hair types, it offers a flattering shape for oval and heart face shapes. The balayage technique creates depth and dimension, making it low-maintenance while allowing for natural root growth. To style, use a lightweight mousse for texture and a flat iron for a sleek finish. This haircut is perfect for those seeking a fresh, modern look with minimal upkeep.
#21: Glamorous Ash Blonde Balayage with Cascading Waves
This stunning ash blonde balayage features long, flowing waves that add volume and movement. The hair is thick and healthy, showcasing a seamless blend of lighter tones throughout, perfect for adding dimension. This style flatters oval and heart-shaped faces while enhancing natural texture. For maintenance, consider using color-safe products to keep your balayage vibrant. The unique blend of colors creates a fresh look, making it ideal for those looking to elevate their style with a low-maintenance yet striking color.
#22: Stunning Ash Blonde Balayage with Highlights
This beautiful ash blonde balayage features soft highlights that enhance the model’s long, luscious hair. The layered cut adds movement and dimension, making it perfect for various face shapes. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, this style requires minimal daily upkeep while allowing for effortless waves or sleek styling. The unique blend of shades creates a fresh, modern look that stands out, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to elevate their hair game without overwhelming maintenance.
#23: Ash Grey Blonde
These smoky ash-grey blonde balayage waves mimic icy locks with their inconspicuous tinges. It’s terrific for first-timers in coloring since the roots are untouched.
#24: Cool Toned Ashy Blonde Balayage
If you want a soft, natural look, try a cool-toned ashy blonde balayage. The balayage mixes cool and muted tones for a smooth look. The ash undertones add charm, while the balayage technique adds dimension and movement. People with medium to dark skin tones often find that cool-tone hair dye complements their warm undertones, adding contrast. If you have a lighter complexion, ask your colorist to lighten the blonde to a level 7 or higher. This often provides a more pleasing result.
#25 Frostflow Balayage
Soft waves add movement to this long ash blonde balayage, blending natural dark roots into icy, ash-toned highlights for a smooth, low-maintenance transition. The balayage technique here is ideal for anyone with fine to medium hair density wanting a natural-looking color refresh. This look is especially flattering on round and oval face shapes, as the lighter strands around the face help brighten the complexion. The ash blonde shade works beautifully to cool down warm undertones, but it may require purple shampoo to maintain the tone.
#26: Dark Rooted Ash Balayage for Long Hair
Ash balayage with dark roots on long hair is a striking color blend that looks good on women in their 20s and 30s. When discussing your ash balayage option, request a soft blend for a smooth transition as it grows out. But remember, achieving this ash balayage shade might need several salon visits, especially if you have dark hair originally.
#27: Very Long Thick Hair with Ashy Balayage
If your hair is very long and thick, try adding an ashy blonde tone to add dimension. Adding color to long hair will break up your length and add movement without over layering. Use a purple shampoo at home to keep your color ashy and cool.
#28: Dark Ashy Blonde Balayage
Ashy blonde balayage provides excellent contrast to a dark natural base color. Discuss with your stylist to find the best upkeep plan and home care for your specific hair needs.
#29: Grayish Ash Blonde Balayage
Try this greyish-ash blonde if you are looking for balayage colors for straight hair. This color is fun and right on trend!
#30: Ash Blonde Balayage with Darker Roots
Give this ash blonde balayage with darker roots a try! This look is, for the most part, low maintenance. Using purple shampoo to keep your color cool and ashy will be helpful.
#31: Gorgeous Layered Ash Blonde Balayage
If you want a fresh hair color that suits thick and long hair, consider a layered ash blonde balayage. This look is a combination of cool and muted hues that’ll surely turn heads. Ensure your stylist can mix different shades ranging from ashy white to cool-toned light blonde. They should blend seamlessly with your natural color. This hue works well for various skin tones but enhances those with warm undertones.
#32: Dark Smokey Hair with Ash Blonde Tones
Achieve a chic look with dark smokey hair and ash blonde balayage tones. The contrasting hues create depth and dimension that complement long, thick hair. This hair color is perfect for those who want to add a touch of softness to their dark hair. And you don’t have to commit to a lighter shade fully. Not only does this hair color add elegance, but it’s low-maintenance. This makes it a great option for busy women on the go. Book your next appointment with your stylist immediately to keep your color looking its best.
#33: Long Layered Ash-Gray Balayage
Consider a long layered ash balayage if you want to make a statement. Ash gray balayage is the perfect cool tone, and when paired with your natural root, your hair will blend seamlessly for a painless grow-out. For at-home maintenance, use a purple shampoo to help keep the cool tones longer.
#34: Smoky Ash Blonde Balayage for Long Hair
Look like the ultimate cool girl with smoky ash blonde balayage for long hair. Shiny blonde highlights with an almost silver hue look bold and multi-dimensional. When it comes to maintenance, toning monthly will be necessary to keep tones cool and ashy. Avoid using nonprofessional products at home.
#35: Ashy Waves with Dark Roots
Have the gorgeous hair of your dreams with ashy waves with dark roots. Ash blonde is one of the most sought-after blonde tones but does not flatter every skin tone. Sometimes, ash tones can wash out your skin tones, so make sure it’s the right choice. Darker roots help keep maintenance low for fewer trips to the salon. Get a purple shampoo for at-home use to keep your ashy tone longer.
#36: Brunette to Ash Blonde
The latest brown trend is a lovely balayage brunette to ash blonde ombre! After balayage coloring, heat the curling iron to get the best look out of this fantastic ash blonde hair dye job.
#37: Long Ashy Blonde with Curled Ends
A long ashy blonde hair color with curled ends is a classic cool-girl, chic style. I love the impact of an ashy balayage on long hair, as it creates dimension and shows off the long layers. Dyeing your hair ash blonde is a process, so be prepared to work through many sessions with your colorist to get you as light as you want. Silver or ashy blonde requires lightening your hair to the lightest blonde before toning. Make sure you are using a protein-rich shampoo and conditioner and not using too hot of tools.
#38: Medium Ash Blonde on Long Hair
Here’s a trend that doesn’t only provide cool-toned hair but also offers a cool-girl vibe! Achieve this chic dimension of a medium ash blonde shade by going through a balayage.
#39 Ash Dark Blonde Balayage
This ash dark blonde balayage features a seamless blend of darker roots transitioning into cooler, ashy blonde ends. Ideal for long, wavy hair, this style adds depth and dimension, making it perfect for those with fine to medium hair density. The low-maintenance color minimizes salon visits while enhancing natural waves. However, regular use of purple shampoo is necessary to maintain the ashy tones and avoid brassiness.
#40: Light Ash Blonde
An integration of such gorgeous naturals, beige, and blondes go together in this wavy light ash blonde balayage masterpiece.
#41: Ash Blonde Ombre
Wavy hair seems to fall effortlessly like waterfalls! Much like your hair, rich brown roots transition without effort to become a concoction of brunette to ash blonde balayage, all thanks to this gorgeous technique!
#42: Dark Ash Blonde
Dark roots growing out to be beautifully beige is undeniably a must-try. Waves flow down to complement a dark ash blonde balayage and complete the look.
#43: Ash Platinum
The multiple gray, blonde, and brown colors from the balayage make this platinum ash long inverted blonde bob even more sophisticated! What a chic look, indeed!
#44: Cool Ash Blonde
Light balayage of caramel and blonde colors recreates a cool ash blonde using the balayage technique. The lob looks phenomenal while maintaining a variety, with brunette and blonde colors on display.
#45: Black and Ash Blonde
For a flawless melted effect, a fusion of black and ash blonde will do great on your long hair! Beach waves can bring out more body and volume if you don’t like the sleek and straight style. A loose knot may not be a big deal, but it won’t hurt the look.
There are so many different blonde tones, but if you want something natural, go with a natural tone (not too ashy or warm).
My favorite thing about balayage is its low maintenance. Everyone wants to try blonde, but if you are too scared to go with balayage. After a balayage service, a client needs home care like proper shampoo and treatment. The shampoo is the most important thing for bleached hair (use no sulfate, paraben, or silicon).
People often ask why their hair becomes dry, and the toner fades fast. Most of the time, they use the wrong shampoo. If you use a shampoo containing sulfate/paraben/silicon, no matter how much you treat and put oil, your hair won’t take it because it is already filled with harmful ingredients. Also, I don’t bleach super curly hair types because, after bleaching, the hair becomes extremely dry unless you know how to take of it!
#46: Brown to Ash Blonde Ombre
Made by balayage, this is a stunning brown-to-ash blonde ombre for an idea on your next salon visit. The color melt appears smooth as it complements soft waves on your locks. The mid-length chop will be perfect for keeping your dense hair looking fuller while taking away some weight.
This look is a neutral ash color melt/ombré. What I like about this ash brown balayage is that it is low maintenance enough not to leave much of a line of demarcation as it grows.
Any time the hair is ash-toned, it will automatically be more highly maintained than a neutral or warm color. We left some neutrality to this ash to balance out gracefully with every shampoo. Color depositing or toning shampoo is a good way to prevent color from becoming too warm between salon visits.
#47: Ash Blonde On Dark Brown Hair
Q&A with style creator, Jessica Cerna
Hair Stylist and Colorist @ East of Bali Salon & Spa in Carlsbad, CA
How would you describe this look?
This look is a lived-in beach blonde balayage on brown locks. I love how the ash blonde balayage is so natural and blended.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This ash blonde balayage on brown hair makes for the perfect low-maintenance color. Someone who only comes into the salon 2-3 times a year would be a great candidate. Also, this works for all different hair types.
#48: Ash Blonde to Light Blonde
This balayage color is a dimensional ash blonde with cool and neutral tones. My client was growing out of traditional foil highlights and wanted something less uniform and more natural-looking. I went with a lived-in look for her cut, which is a long bob with loose beach waves for easy styling.
What I love most about this ash blond balayage is that my client doesn’t have to return every three weeks for maintenance because she has a root shadow to blend with the grow-out.
Research your natural hair color and know what to expect after your first appointment. Not all clients will get this blonde, but it is achievable with patience and proper home care products for your hair. A good home regimen will prolong your color and keep it healthy.
#49: Ash Brown and Blonde
I did teasy lights with a color melt on the hair using Redken EQ Shade 3nb for root, 6na and 7v for the middle, and 9t/9v/9gi for the ends. She wanted ash blonde that is not too grey, so I created a natural beige blonde. My favorite thing about this hair is that I could melt colors to give more dimensions and still see the blonde part. If the hair is too short, you don’t see many of the blonde in color melts.
She has tons of hair, so I gave her layers – that way, the hair doesn’t sit flat. Also, cutting the face frame short gives a more open look, and when she ties her hair up, some pieces come out to make her look cute!
The beige color is good for pale or dark skin tones because it’s not too warm or cool. Also, it’s good for people who want something natural or if it’s their first time trying blonde hair color.
It’s very subtle compared to other blonde tones. Many ash tones wash you out when you don’t wear heavy makeup, but with this beige tone, you can wear any makeup or no makeup at all!
Layers are good for someone who has long hair but wants some volume. Front layers will create volume and make your face smaller. I recommend only a few layers for curly hair because it might make it too big (unless you blow-dry it every day) or for people who don’t have much hair. If you add too many layers, it will make your hair look thin.
#50: Smokey Silver Ash Blonde Ice
Q&A with style creator, Rhonda Lopez
Master Stylist/ Balayage Specialist @ Fashion Hair Design Salon in Saginaw, TX
How would you describe this look?
My favorite part about this balayage ash blonde color would have to be the contrast between the light ends and the dark roots. The natural contrast of this model’s dark roots helps to enhance her ends and allow them to stand out more than they would against a lighter base color.
I love to style balayage with a loose wave to bring out some of the texture from the color, especially if the client has a blunt cut like in this look.
The color is smokey ice. Keeping some depth with a smokey grey tone and allowing the icy blonde to brighten up the style, especially since ashy tones can sometimes seem dull when they don’t have anything to contrast against.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I advise them on how high maintenance this color is to maintain since it is a semi-permanent tone. I suggest using a Blue Cool tone shampoo and conditioner to wash their hair.
Schedule toning services every 3-4 weeks to prevent unwanted golden tones from returning.
When styling, using low heat is a must to avoid color fading. Heat protectants and conditioning treatments are a must to keep the hair hydrated. Once your hair is this blonde, it is more prone to drying out, and if not properly moisturized, it can become very dry, brittle, and easily broken.
If you are a smoker, I wouldn’t suggest this color because smoke residue builds up, turning the hair golden faster than normal.
I always get a detailed list of hair processes the client has been through in the last three years. The client in this look came in with her natural virgin hair and has been a client of mine for over five years, which plays a very important role in lifting this desired color. If the client has a dark dye or box dye, I recommend accomplishing this look in sessions. Although it might be possible to obtain the color in one long session, it would not be possible to maintain the integrity of the hair in one session.
Lastly, you should know that it will take time to achieve this look. Be prepared for a full day’s work. I’ve learned that the easiest way to achieve this color is with patience and a lot of time.
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