Ash icy blonde hair has become one of the most sought-after shades, offering a cool and striking alternative to traditional blonde hues.
This color stands out for its subtle blend of light grays and silvers, giving hair a modern and refined look.
However, achieving and maintaining this color requires careful attention, especially when it comes to choosing the right products and techniques.
Table of Contents
Going ash icy blonde often involves significant bleaching, especially for those with darker hair. The process lightens the hair to a nearly white stage, allowing the cool, grayish tones to shine through.
This step can be harsh on the hair, so it’s essential to prepare properly.
How to Prepare for Ash Icy Blonde Hair
Before starting, a deep conditioning routine is recommended.
Products like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector work wonders in strengthening and protecting hair from the damage that can come with intense lightening processes. Using it before and after the coloring process helps ensure hair remains strong and resilient.
The journey to icy blonde doesn’t end with just one salon visit. Keeping this color vibrant and fresh requires regular touch-ups and proper aftercare.
One of the key challenges with ash blonde tones is the tendency for yellow or brassy hues to creep in over time.
These warmer tones can disrupt the cool, icy look. To counter this, purple shampoo is a must-have.
Shampoos like Fanola No Yellow Shampoo are formulated to neutralize brassy tones, leaving hair looking cool and fresh. Incorporating this into your hair care routine once or twice a week can help maintain that icy sheen for longer periods.
Another important factor in preserving the ash blonde shade is avoiding heat damage.
Excessive use of flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers can cause color to fade faster, and it can lead to breakage.
For those who can’t avoid heat styling, using a good heat protectant is crucial.
Products like the GHD Heat Protect Spray can help shield hair from the high temperatures while locking in moisture. This not only protects the color but also keeps the hair feeling soft and smooth.
Moisture is another concern when maintaining ash icy blonde hair.
Bleached hair tends to become dry and brittle, and the lightening process strips the hair of its natural oils.
To counteract this, using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo is essential.
A product like Redken’s Extreme Bleach Recovery Shampoo is specifically designed to restore moisture and repair damaged hair, making it a great choice for anyone rocking icy blonde locks.
Regular treatments with deep conditioners or masks will also help maintain the integrity of the hair. The Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask is an excellent option for those looking to deeply nourish and hydrate bleached hair.
It provides a rich dose of moisture, leaving hair feeling soft and replenished. These treatments help in keeping hair from becoming too dry or frizzy, which can often happen with lighter shades like ash blonde.
For those who prefer a low-maintenance routine, root touch-up sprays or powders can be a quick fix between salon visits. As icy blonde is typically a high-contrast look, roots can become noticeable fairly quickly. Using a temporary root concealer, such as L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up, can extend the time between appointments and help keep the overall look polished.
These products are easy to apply and come in various shades to match the icy blonde hue without being too harsh or obvious.
When it comes to styling, icy blonde hair looks best when it’s smooth and shiny. A good leave-in conditioner can help achieve that polished finish. The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is a great option, providing heat protection, detangling, and smoothing benefits all in one. It helps maintain the sleek, shiny appearance that complements the cool tones of ash blonde hair.
Photo credits: Neäl Wølf