Ash Blonde

Ash blonde is cool-toned sophistication — a smoky, beige-grey blonde with no warmth or brass, the antithesis of golden. It's sleek, modern and quietly expensive.

Keeping ash truly cool is a toning game. Here's how the ash is achieved and the purple-and-blue routine that fights warmth between salon visits.

How to get the look

1. 1

   Do a strand test and prep your hairline with barrier cream.

2. 2

   Mix dye with the right developer and apply with a tint brush, root to tip.

3. 3

   Process for the recommended time, then rinse until the water runs clear.

4. 4

   Tone if needed and finish with a color-safe mask.

What you'll need

Hand-picked products — tap to shop on Amazon or Google Shopping.

• Hair dyeLOreal Excellence Ash Blonde hair dye
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• Developer 20 volLOreal Oreor 20 volume developer
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• Tint brush & bowlFramar tint brush and bowl set
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• Glovesnitrile hair dye gloves
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• Sectioning clipsDiane sectioning hair clips
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• Barrier creamFramar pink barrier cream
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• Purple shampooFanola No Yellow purple shampoo
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Your step-by-step product routine

Use them in this order for the best, longest-lasting result.

1. 1

   Test first. 48 hours before, do a strand test and a skin patch test — non-negotiable, especially over previous colour.

2. 2

   Protect. Apply a barrier cream (Framar) around the hairline and ears, and always wear gloves.

3. 3

   Mix. Mix the dye (L'Oréal Excellence) with the correct developer (20 vol) to the ratio on the box.

4. 4

   Apply. Section with clips and paint with the tint brush, root to tip, fully saturating each piece.

5. 5

   Process. Time it exactly — over-processing damages hair and skews tone. Then rinse until the water runs completely clear.

6. 6

   Tone & seal. Tone or use a purple shampoo (Fanola No Yellow) if needed, then lock in shine with a colour-safe mask.

Pro tips

• Always strand-test before committing to a big change.
• Tone at home with a colour-depositing conditioner between visits.
• UV-protectant spray stops the sun from fading your shade.
• A weekly bonding mask fights brassiness and breakage.

How to make it last

Treat freshly-coloured hair gently for the first 72 hours and build a colour-safe routine.

• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps tone vivid 2× longer
• Cool rinses — hot water bleeds colour out
• UV spray or a hat on bright days
• Weekly bonding or colour mask

Common mistakes to avoid

• Going several shades lighter in one sitting.
• Using a clarifying shampoo that strips fresh tone.
• Washing brand-new colour the same day with hot water.

FAQ