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 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.
#2: 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.
#3 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.
#4: 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.
#5: 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.
#6: 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.
#7: 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!
#8: 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.
#9: 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.
#10: 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.
#11: 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.
#12: 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.
#13: 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.
#14: 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.
#15: 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.
#16: 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.
#17 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.
#18: Light Ash Blonde
An integration of such gorgeous naturals, beige, and blondes go together in this wavy light ash blonde balayage masterpiece.
#19: 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!
#20: 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.
#21: 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!
#22: 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.
#23: 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!
#24: 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.
#25: 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.
#26: 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.
#27: 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.
#28: 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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