Dirty blonde hair is a medium blonde hue with touches of light brown, including wheat or cappuccino tones. It’s created by introducing darker shades to naturally blonde hair or by lightening brown hair with streaks of lighter blonde. This shade of blonde is incredibly trendy. I’m noticing more and more women consult their colorist about it!
Erin McGrath is a skilled hairstylist and salon owner in The Woodlands, Texas. She provided some tips for women looking to achieve dirty blonde next.
Key Things to Know First
- Keep the hairline vibrant, so you always feel the brightest around your face.
- The dimension can closely match your natural hair color for a more gradual grow out.
- Utilize color-safe shampoos to prolong your hair service between salon visits.
- Dry shampoo or texturizing spray works well for styling. McGrath is a fan of the Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones and Davines Dry Texturizer.
- Bring inspirational photos to the consultation to discuss with your stylist if your desired blonde complements your skin tone and natural hair color.
To assist you in finding your hair inspiration, here’s a photo gallery of the most sought-after dirty blonde hair color ideas.
#1 Lovely Dirty Blonde with Highlighted Strands
A dirty blonde with highlighted strands is a relatively low-maintenance color because the contrast between the highlights and the natural color is not too big. If you want to feel blonder, ask your colorist to leave a bolder blonde money piece around your face and go softer on the blonde highlights on dirty blonde hair around your crown area. That placement will also prolong the time between your color services to 12 to 14 weeks because you will get a softer re-growth.
#2 Breathtaking Dirty Blonde Balayage
Dirty blonde balayage offers an exceptional low-maintenance color option. The warm tones beautifully enhance nearly all skin tones, creating a universally flattering effect. The color placement of balayage on your dirty blonde hair guarantees a smooth grow-out, eliminating harsh lines. This also extends the time between salon appointments. When styling your long dirty blonde hair, consider adding some curls and spraying in some Bedroom Hair by Kevin Murphy for that ideal beachy look.
#3 Subtle Dirty Blonde Highlights for Women Over 70
If you’re a woman over 70, subtle dirty blonde highlights can bring dimension and radiance to your look. They provide a rejuvenating touch to your hair color. Hair highlights are primarily designed to accentuate your face but can also be dispersed throughout your strands for added allure.
#4 Delicious Dusty Strawberry Blonde Locks
Dusty strawberry blonde hair is an excellent choice if you possess a neutral to warm complexion. Coppery balayage highlights introduce depth and radiance around your face.
#5 Messy Blonde Curly Hair
Messy blonde curly hair is perfect for women with thick locks seeking to enhance their curls. The warm shade complements numerous skin tones beautifully. A curl specialist will be the most skilled person to guide you in achieving this haircut and style.
#6 Bold & Deep Dirty Blonde
A deep, dirty blonde hair color is ideal for transitioning from artificial shades to welcoming your natural greys. It would be best to request babylights and a silvery matte toner to achieve darker blonde hues. Prepare to spend several hours in the salon when receiving a full babylight service. To maintain this hue, you will need a purple shampoo and regular salon visits for toners.
#7 Stylish Reverse Dirty Blonde Ombre
A beautifully textured dirty dark blonde hair root to rich brunette tips is an ultra-fabulous style to treat yourself with. Adorn your long dirty blonde ombre hair color with waves to highlight that perfect blend!
#8 Chic Dirty Blonde Pixie with Extended Bangs
Dirty blonde hair color beautifully complements a pixie cut with bangs. If you’re in the mood for a trendy short haircut, consult your stylist for side-swept bangs that will highlight your eyes and bring a fresh twist to this stunning haircut. To achieve this look, blow dry your bangs with a paddle brush and secure them in place with Amika’s Fluxus Hairspray for that soft, touchable finish.
#9 Medium-Length Brunette Hair Adorned with Honey Highlights
Enhance your natural dirty blonde locks with warm caramel streaks for a richer hairstyle that exudes health! The golden tones of dirty blonde paired with highlights create a strikingly vibrant look against dark hair, adding both contrast and depth.
#10 Sun-Kissed Blonde Money Piece on Dark Hair
Consider a sun-kissed blonde money piece on your dark hair if you’re a brunette looking for a fresh look without going too light. The honey blonde hair tone complements a variety of skin tones beautifully. Consult your stylist for a balayage featuring a money piece.
#11 Stylish Dirty Blonde Hair with Lowlights for Women Over 60
If you’re over the age of 60, stylish blonde hair with lowlights is an effortless way to blend out your grey hair. Adding in lowlights allows dimensions and an even and faded grow-out with lower upkeep. Short stylish dirty blonde hair is guaranteed to be very easy to style.
#12 Stunning Dirty Bleach Blonde
A stylish white-as-snow dirty blonde hair dye can bring out the pink in your skin and enhance your hazel eyes, especially if you have blue or grey undertones. Perfect for wavy lobs and layered cuts.
#13 Dirty Blonde Hair with Accents of Purple for Women Over 50
If you’re a woman aged 50 and above, adding purple accents to your dirty blonde hair introduces a playful tone and depth to fashionable colors—a darker hue of purple in highlighting is one of the more subtle choices for dirty blondes.
#14 Effortlessly Chic Dirty Blonde Bob
An effortlessly chic bob is an excellent selection for those seeking a low-maintenance style. Ideal for natural medium and light hair tones, dirty blonde color can be achieved by consulting your stylist for blonde and light brown baby lights. Incorporating a bob haircut will give your hair a full-bodied and polished appearance with minimal effort and upkeep.
#15 Messy Platinum Blonde with Deeper Roots
Consider a metallic hue that complements a warm to neutral complexion when exploring dirty blonde hair inspirations. This shade enhances your hairstyle when illuminated. Ideal for any hair type and length, from a pixie cut to sleek medium-length hair.
#16 Sophisticated Dishwater Blonde Hair Color for Mature Women
Sophisticated dishwater blonde hair is very soft and dimensional with a few pops of bright blonde color. Perfect if you’re a mature woman, dimensional blonde hair is versatile and will create a youthful glow!
#17 Stunning Dirty Blonde Hair with Highlights
Consider dirty blonde hair with highlights if you’re seeking a beachy, sun-kissed, yet low-maintenance hair color. This hue is perfect for women with naturally light brown to dark blonde locks. This vibrant beige tone complements neutral, warm, and cool skin tones. When combined with darker roots, dirty blonde hair with blonde highlights is easier to maintain than traditional highlights.
#18 Soft Ash Blonde on Shoulder-Length Hair
Embrace your inner beach goddess with this soft ash blonde hair, complemented by a shoulder-length cut, smokey roots, and delicate balayage that enhances straight layered hair. This ash blonde style is also ideal for mid-length, thin, fine hair.
#19 Chic Dirty Blonde Ombre with Effortless Waves
A dark to light dirty blonde hair with ombre like this is what everyone desires at the moment. Gorgeous and easy to style!
#20 Authentic Dirty Blonde Shade
Consider an authentic dirty blonde hair color as a change from your typical solid blonde look. Keeping the dirty blonde hair a more organic mix of blonde tones helps give your tired hair a break and allows it to recover. A natural blonde shade is also ideal if you want to switch to a more low-maintenance color. Ask your stylist to match your natural root color to create dirty blonde highlights and lowlights.
#21 Effortless Dirty Blonde
Consider opting for an effortless dirty blonde hair color if you’re a busy woman on the move and prefer to minimize time spent at the salon. The strategic color placement ensures a gorgeous grow-out, and incorporating lowlights adds dimension, making those blonde shades stand out. This cooler, dirty blonde hue will beautifully suit women with warmer skin tones, so don’t hesitate to ask your stylist for added dimension to your blonde.
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