Different woman with chestnut brown hair colours

February 11, 2021 Article 41 Stunning Chestnut Brown Hair Colours for 2021

April 22, 2016 Article Your guide to getting blonde highlights

50 Best Ash Blonde Hair Colour Ideas for 2021

All the inspiration you need to go ash blonde.

All Things Hair | April 8, 2021

1 / 0

Ash blonde hair is a cool-toned shade of blonde, in contrast to warmer, golden blonde shades. Ashy blonde comprises of different grey, silver and icy white hues and can incorporate root shadows, balayage and highlights to create darker or lighter looks. And, if you’re looking for a new way to rock lighter locks, you’ll be glad to know that this hair colour is shaping up to be 2021’s shade of choice.

To help you make the right ash blonde hair decision, we’ve gathered the best looks that we could get our hands on. From light ash blonde to dark ash blonde hair colours, get inspired by these gorgeous hues, below.

True Ash Blonde

Ash blonde hair: Street style shot of woman with sleek ash blonde hair, wearing all black with sunglasses — This is how you wear ash blonde hair like a street style star. Credit: indigitalimages.com

You don’t have to be a street style star to pull off ashy blonde hair. But, if you do want to get snapped by a fashion photographer, we suggest you give this classic, cool shade a whirl, stat.

Creamy Ash Blonde

This shade is a great one if you’re looking to freshen up and brighten your blonde. Ask your colourist to blend the light creamy shade with darker lowlights to help give it more dimension, for a more natural result.

TRESemmé Ash Blonde Colour Enhancing Mask

Go to product

Editor’s tip: As beautiful as it is, ash blonde hair does require quite a lot of maintenance to prevent it from becoming warm and brassy. The TRESemmé Ash Blonde Colour Enhancing Mask is formulated with colour pigments to tone the hair and boost your blonde, so it’s great to use in between salon visits. Best of all, it’s also enriched with a UV filter and argan oil, so you get the blonde-brightening benefits but also the deep conditioning effects of a hair mask.

Rapunzel Ashy Blonde Hair

Ash blonde hair: Shot of woman on the street with long ashy blonde hair, wearing a long line black coat with jeans and white trainers outside — Rapunzel would seriously approve. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Want to take your long hair to the next level? Getting a mixture of ash and pearly blonde tones, like this street styler, will give you an ethereal winter goddess vibe and make all your outfits pop.

Ashy Balayage

This true ash blonde lies just between blonde and silver, giving the look an almost metallic effect which is just stunning.

Ash Blonde Hair With Bangs

Shot of street style model with long ashy blonde hair and full bangs, wearing winter clothing and posing outside — Ashy blonde hair with full bangs look extra stylish. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Bangs are having a major revival. And, whether you’re questioning if you should get them or wondering how they’ll look on ash blonde tresses, let this mega-babe show you how it’s done.

Dark Ash Blonde With Honey Tones

Shot of woman with long dark ash blonde hair with honey tones, wearing black shirt with borg jacket outside — Hello, honey! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

For a sweeter, girl-next-door take on this colour, you can’t go wrong this beauty’s dark ash blonde hair, which has warming honey tones to it.

Dark Ash Ends

Woman with shoulder length dark brown hair with ash blonde ombre, wearing a grey puffer jacket with micro glasses outside — Did someone say subtle? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If you’ve got dark blonde hair and want to take your hue to the next shade, try going for ash blonde highlights (specifically at the ends) to create dimension.

Ice Blonde Balayage

Who says you have to keep the Ice Queen vibes just for winter? We think this ash-toned blonde colour would look great all year round!

TRESemmé Violet Blonde Shine Shampoo

Buy Now

Editor’s tip: Feeling inspired? Before you go blonde, make sure to invest in a colour-specific shampoo and conditioner like the TRESemmé Violet Blonde Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

This duo will help nourish and enhance the vibrancy and shine of your strands to keep it looking bright and healthy.

Ponytail With Ash Melt

Side shot of woman with short dark to ash blonde hair styled into , wearing a beige coat — This ash blonde melt is great for brunettes. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

With ash blonde hair, everyone’s invited to the party (yes, we’re talking to you brunettes out there!). Just look at how this street styler shows off her dark to ash blonde melt: in a low ponytail, complete with pearl accessories.

Ash Blonde With Lilac

Woman with chin length ash blonde bob with lilac wash, wearing an emerald green suit and holding a purple bag outside — Ash blonde hair + lilac tones = match made in hair heaven. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Thinking about getting a bit more experimental with your colour? Sticking to an icy ash blonde base and incorporating lilac babylights throughout your mane, like this, is a subtle yet fun way to do it.

Sleek Medium Ash Hair

Ash blonde hair: Side shot of woman with medium ash blonde straight bob with pearl hair clip on the street — A smooth medium ash blonde hue looks amazing with a pearl accessory. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

A fashion-forward twist on typical dirty blonde, this ashy variation will look stunning on every skin tone.

Ash White Hair

Woman on the street with shoulder length straight ash blonde hair, wearing plaid scarf with mint green blazer outside — This lighter hue shines under the sun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Give yourself the ultimate makeover with this statement ashy white blonde hue. The mix of warm bleach blonde and cool ash tones in this shade make it perfect for year-round wear.

Ashy White Bob

Woman with bright ash blonde bob with micro fringe, wearing a black blazer with white shirt — Because you want a hue that’ll dazzle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Hop on the micro fringe trend this year with this ashy white bob. This bold look isn’t for the fainthearted, either way, there’s no arguing how chic it looks.

Buttery Ash Blonde

close up shot of a street style model with a natural blonde roots melted into a ashy blonde hair colour, wearing a white suit jacket and sunglasses, posing outside — This how you brighten up your naturally blonde strands. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Attention butter blonde-devotees: ash blonde hair highlights are an understated way to enhance your natural hue. And, one glance at this example will make you want to follow suit.

Sandy Ash Blonde

Under the impression you can’t mix warm and cool tones together? This tousled sandy, medium ash blonde is here to show us how perfect this combination really can be.

Ashy White Tones

One of the good things about ashy toned blondes is that they allow you to go ultra light without it looking as harsh as traditional platinum.

Sandy, Ashy Balayage

close up shot of a woman with a beachy ash blonde shoulder length haircut, wearing grey top and posing in a hair salon — This beachy ash blonde has got your name all over it. Credit: Instagram.com/bescene

Dark roots? Don’t be afraid to keep them that way. In fact, getting this sandy, ashy balayage done up high towards your dark roots will give you a more highlighted, sun-kissed look. Credit: @bescene

Choppy Pixie With Ash Blonde Tones

street style shot of a woman with silver ash blonde choppy pixie haircut, wearing drop earrings and big sunglasses, with white top and jacket while posing on the street — This choppy pixie is all you need to get yourself street style-ready. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

This combination of choppy, punky layers and a grunge-inspired ash hue give an edgier twist to the ash blonde look.

Long Pixie With Warm Ash Tones

close up shot of woman with an ash blonde wavy long pixie, complete with a side-swept fringe, wearing black and posing in a salon — Whoever said a pixie haircut and ash blonde hair doesn’t work, clearly didn’t see this. Credit: Instagram.com/sarah_louwho

If you prefer warmer ash tones, let the gradual mix of tints in this long pixie hairstyle wow you. This lovely shade makes your hair perfectly suited for any season — so need to worry about it ever looking dull. Credit: @sarah_louwho

Nordic Blonde

ash blonde: front facing image of a woman with short platinum blonde hair, wearing blue and posing outside — Go platinum with this super blonde hue. Credit: Dvora

Is there a hidden rock chick inside you that’s just dying to come out? Why not bite the bullet and opt for a super light ash blonde look?

It will totally transform your tresses and add an edginess to any outfit, meaning you’ll be one step closer to living like a rock star.

Platinum Pixie

ash blonde: close up shot of woman with short, choppy Nordic blonde hair, wearing black and posing on a the street — Go for white, bright hair with this ‘do. Credit: Dvora

Thanks to the current obsession with all things Scandinavian, ice-white blondes are back in business. Best suited for those with fairer complexions, this pale hue will accentuate blue or green eyes for a striking look.

Golden Ash Blonde

close up shot of woman with an ash blonde a line hair cut, wearing a red top and posing in a salon — Tempted to go ash blonde and get a cut? Try this. Credit: Instagram.com/hairshaftbelle

Keep things interesting by getting this ashy golden hue and a brazen A-line haircut. The best way to style it? To sleek-perfection, of course, especially if you want to give off runway vibes. Credit: @hairshaftbelle

Ash Bronde Bob

close up shot of woman with side swept ash blonde bob hairstyle, wearing black sunglasses and a white shirt, posing in a hair salon — Did someone say double tap-worthy? Credit: Instagram.com/romeufelipe

There’s no need to say goodbye to your favourite bronde hair colour just yet, because ash bronde hair does exist. And guess what? The colour looks double tap-worthy with a textured bob haircut. Credit: @romeufelipe

TRESemmé Day 2 Volumising Dry Shampoo

Buy Now

Editor’s tip: When it comes to creating textured hairstyles, like this one, a bit of dry shampoo, such as the TRESemmé Day 2 Volumising Dry Shampoo is all you need to give you the roughed-up texture this look requires.

After you have used this wonder product in your mane, use a medium-barrel curling tong to add extra movement, and then you’ll be ready for your close-up.

Ash Blonde for Warm Hair

side view of a woman outside with blonde wavy hair in a half up half down style — Try this cool ash blonde hair colour with a touch of warmth. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Blessed with strawberry blonde hair? If you fancy a bit of a change, try adding a few cooler light ash blonde highlights through your mid-lengths and ends.

It will give your ‘do a fashionable twist, while giving it a natural glow.

Classic Icy Highlights

ash blonde: back of a woman's head with blonde wavy highlighted hair, complete with a festival hair accessory — You can’t go wrong with these icy highlights. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

For a subtle seasonal update, highlights make the perfect addition to any ‘do. They’ll brighten your current tone and accentuate any layers that you have, plus make your tresses seem more 3-dimensional and full of life.

Take the above look as a prime example: with its ash blonde colour, hair will look a million times cooler when teamed with a set of tousled beachy waves.

Pearl Blonde

Ready to make your princess hair dreams become a reality? Upgrade dull or brassy shades by opting for a pearl blonde look with ashy undertones for a ‘do that shimmers and shines, but is still subtle enough for everyday wear.

Bright Blonde

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that ash blonde sounds like it looks dull, but in reality, it’s one of the most radiant colours around (we hope we’re proving that to you!).

Palm Painted Blonde

ash blonde: close up shot of woman with long wavy blonde hair, wearing all black and posing on the street — We heart these bright wavy blonde tresses. Credit: Dvora

Contemplating going light ash blonde but worried you’ll struggle with the upkeep? The palm painting technique has already been dubbed the new balayage because the colour is painted in chunky sections and applied free-hand to eradicate any harsh lines, which means your regrowth won’t be obvious.

Vanilla Ash Blonde

close up shot of woman with vanilla-inspired wavy ash blonde hair, wearing white top and posing against a white background — If love you vanilla ice cream, you’ll love this. Credit: Instagram.com/michellemethod

Fade darker shades into this dreamy, nude vanilla blonde that is awash with bright ash tones, and you’ll make your mane seriously conversation-worthy. If you do try this, don’t forget to send us a picture. Credit: @michellemethod

Ash Babylights

close up back shot of a woman with ash blonde babylights in her dark blonde hair, wearing a blue top and posing against a white background — These ash babylights are giving us mane envy. Credit: Instagram.com/its_anjelaa

Not sure about getting regular ash blonde highlights? Then we’ve got the perfect solution: ash babylights.

These super-soft highlights are a subtle way to add depth and dimension to your mane, all with the added bonus of looking natural. Credit: @its_anjelaa

Metallic Ash

Adventurous blondes: this metallic, dark ash blonde was made for you. With touches of grey, silver and smoky ash, this style is sure to make you stand out. Credit: @lanateam.hair

Icy Ash Blonde Melt

close up shot of woman with medium, icy ash blonde hair, wearing black top — It’s getting chilly in here! Credit: Instagram.com/xoxohairbyclare

Let’s face it: colour melts look amazing on sleek strands. This vibrant ashy, grey-blonde is a winner in our book, plus we love the grungy roots coming through. Credit: @xoxohairbyclare

Packshot of the TRESemme Colour Shineplex Serum

Sulphate-free

TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Serum

Buy Now

Editor’s tip: Give your coloured tresses a major dose of TLC with the TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Serum, which is designed to provide frizz control and leave your mane feeling soft.

Iced Latte Hair

close up shot of woman with dark roots and long ash blonde hair, wearing black and posing outside a hair salon — Iced latte hair, don’t care! Credit: Instagram.com/lanateam.hair

This iced latte-inspired hair colour is just another reason to love ash blonde hair. It’ll keep you looking cool in the summer and brighten up your complexion in the winter, too. Credit: @lanateam.hair

Loose Braid With Ash Hair

back shot of woman with ash blonde silver hair fashioned into a loose plait, wearing white crop top and jeans while posing on a beach — The best way to show off ash blonde hair? With a loose braid, ofc! Credit: Instagram.com/emilyrosehannon

If your go-to look is braids, you have to see this lush, loose plait complete with a gorgeous ashy blonde hair colour. Talk about #hairgoals! Credit: @emilyrosehannon

Ash Blonde for Brunettes

side view of a woman with shoulder length brown ombre hair and ash blonde colour tones — This ombre is perfect for experimenting with dark ash blonde hues. Credit: Dvora

While we love classic ash blonde hair, this ombre style proves that it suits darker locks, too! Lighten up deeper tones with hints of dark ash blonde for a soft and flattering effect.

Face-Framing Highlights

ash blonde hair colour: front view image of a woman laughing with blonde wavy hair colour, wearing white and posing on the street — This style combines ash blonde colour with warmer hues. Credit: Dvora

Sometimes less really is more – and this is particularly true when it comes to face-framing highlights. Only applying medium ash blonde colour to the front sections of your locks will work to open up your face and gently accentuate your features like a dream.

Dirty Blonde

ash blonde hair: close up shot of woman with medium and light ashy blonde hair, styled into waves, wearing white top and smiling — We think these medium ash blonde tones are perfect.

Sitting somewhere between medium and light ash blonde on the hair colour spectrum, dirty blonde hues are a great option for those who don’t want the faff of maintaining a bleached, platinum look.

Tortoiseshell Blonde

ash blonde: back of a woman's head with blonde hair twisted up into a tuck hairstyle, wearing low-cut bardot top and posing outside — This tortoiseshell look is simply stunning. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

If you’re torn between multiple hair colours, know that you don’t have to pick just one. Tortoiseshell hair combines a blend of medium ash blonde, caramel and toffee tones to create a multi-dimensional hue that’s totally unique to you.

Icy Root Melt

The darker root trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and it’s no wonder as it’s such a good low-maintenance option for blondes. Your colourist will paint your root area with a slightly darker hue, making it less obvious when your roots start to grow through.

Ash Blonde Ombre on Dark Hair

Front view of a woman with ombre hair, red lipstick and sunglasses — Not sure ash blonde hair is for you? Try this first. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Brunettes, you too can ease yourself into the trend with a dark to light ombre hair look.

By doing so you’ll completely freshen up your style, without causing as much damage as an allover bleach session. Think light ash blonde hair at the tips and you’re ready for your close up.

Ashy Blonde Hair in a Ponytail

back shot of woman with ash blonde ponytail, wearing white top with hair bow in it, posing against a neutral background — Another way to show off ash blonde hair? With a ponytail, ofc! Credit: Instagram.com/maggiemh

If you can’t decide on which ash blonde hair colour to pick, looking at this ash blonde, textured ponytail will get you excited about all the future styling opportunities you’ll have with this shade. Credit: @maggiemh

Universal Dark Ash Blonde

close up shot of woman with dark roots and ash blonde blend melt, wearing black top and posing outside — Ash blonde is universally flattering, so no need to feel FOMO. Credit: Instagram.com/serayah

Want to go lighter but worried it’ll clash with your skin tone? Then take inspiration from this Instagrammer’s caramel blonde look, complete with ash tones. Credit: @serayah

Pink Ash

Paired with cool-girl shaggy layers, this pretty pink ash is the hue you need to try if you’re a big fan of the rose gold hair trend. Credit: @lucyrobyn_makeupartist

Smoky Ash Sombre

ash blonde: back shot of a woman with long smoky ash hair, curled at the ends, posing in a studio — This subtle shade will leave them guessing. Credit: Instagram.com/hairbyjayleen

We’ll admit, we love ombre, and we love it more when it’s done in a subtle way.

Here, this beauty rocks a natural-looking smoky ash sombre hue, that is work-appropriate and so far from boring. Are you ready to do the same? Credit: @hairbyjayleen

Ash Grey With Lilac Tones

front image of a woman with long grey coloured hair - ash blonde — Try out these grey hues to mix up the look. Credit: Dvora

Fancy doing something a bit different? Grey hair is all the rage across social media right now and opting for an ashy tone will make it easy to pull off in real life too. Excuse us while we make that salon appointment now.

Mushroom Blonde

If you’re currently a brunette, this mushroom-inspired hue could be the perfect entryway to ash blonde.

Root Stretch

Note how the dark roots give this look a more natural and lived-in feel.

Ashy Beige

It’s easy to see why this universally-flattering neutral shade is proving so popular.

Balayage Bob

We love how this bright balayage bob has different light and dark ribbons of colour running through it. The contrast helps to give body and interest to this shorter style and proves you don’t need long hair for balayage to transform your hair.