Whether you’ve dabbled in highlights and are ready to take the next big blonde step or are already a blonde and are just looking to switch up your shade, you’re in luck my friend. I’ve rounded up the 23 most gorgeous shades of blonde—consider it the ultimate blonde hair guide. But don’t just look at the pictures! I’ve also included expert advice from three hair colourists that’ll help you choose the right shade of blonde for your skin tone, care for your blonde hair, and maintain your bright hue for as long as possible (because that ish ain’t cheap).
1. Golden Blonde Hair
Lee says that warm, honey blonde complements those with more olive skin tones. To keep your blonde looking fresh, Lee recommends using the Garnier Nutrisse Color Revivers every two weeks between appointments. The deposit pigments to hair that tone warm and cool blonde shades.
2. Ash Blonde Hair
Colorist Nikki Lee of Nine Zero One salon in LA says those who have skin with cooler undertones look great with ash blonde hair. Just be sure your colourist keeps enough depth so it doesn’t wash you out.
3. “Nirvana Lite” Blonde Hair
Stephanie Brown, NYC master colorist at IGK Soho, says her trendier clients are leaning toward a hair color she calls “Nirvana Lite”, which is a softer, less extreme version of the dark root and platinum ends look we’ve seen in the past. “The root is still darker than the ends, but the ends have a little more dimension and can be anywhere from pale to golden blonde,” Brown says.
4. Off-the-Root Ombré Blonde Hair
For tight curls, Brown recommends an off-the-root to ombré to soften the stripy look of highlights. “Curls can really define and separate the highlights, so that’s why I like more of an ombré or off-the-root look,” Brown says.
5. Champagne Blonde Hair
Bright, champagne blonde? So prettyyyy. Try it root-to-tip with just a little bit of a root shadow in between. Kim Bonondona, hair colourist and owner of Mane Champagne Studio in NYC, says that to keep this color looking bright, you need to visit the salon every two to three months to touch up the babylights as they naturally grow out.
6. Caramel Blonde Hair
If you have more olive or darker skin, Bonondona also suggests trying a caramel blonde. To maintain the health of your hair and prevent your colour from fading, Brown suggests using a hair mask to keep hair strands moisturised and the color rich and shiny.
7. Platinum Blonde Hair
If you’re into the extremes, try this platinum blonde shade with grey undertones. “This colour is highly toned with purple and/or blue toners to keep the look very ashy,” Bonondona says. To keep your strands from turning brassy at home, switch to a silver shampoo.
8. Bleach Blonde Hair
Unlike other intense blondes shades, this bleach blonde doesn’t have to be toned (which makes it a teeny bit less high-maintenance). Bonondona says that it works best (aka looks less yellow-y) if your natural hair is already light to start with.
9. Greige Blonde Hair
A combination of beige and gray, greige hair is another ashy tone and a unique twist on blonde hair. Pro tip: Because heat styling can dull blonde colour, Lee says to always use a heat protectant before blow drying your hair.
10. Blonde Highlights
Brown says classic highlights are still as popular as ever. Use your skin tone as a guide for whether your should be more golden or ashy, or dark blonde or paler blonde. To protect your hair from further damage, Brown also recommends switching to a silk pillowcase.
11. Dark Blonde Hair
For a pretty shade of blonde that requires minimal visits to the salon, Brown says to look to Gigi Hadid and her dark blonde hair. “Think golden beige but also ashy,” Brown says. It’s easy to maintain and looks natural on just about everyone.