I don’t think choosing a hair color should be intimidating. But sometimes the sheer number of choices leads to decision fatigue.
You want to have fun with your look, but you also want to make sure it suits your complexion.
So today I’m going to share some easy tips to help you distinguish between the different shades of blonde with less effort and more confidence.
We will cover the “what” and the “how” of ash versus platinum so you can find the color that works best for you.
1. Champagne Blonde
This is another one of my absolute faves. Think of this as a much lighter, airier version of the rosé look, featuring those sweet pink and peach undertones.
It doesn’t lean too heavily into warm or cool territory, but instead blends the best of both worlds for a look that is seriously chic.
2. Dirty Dishwater Blonde
Don’t let the name fool you—this lived-in look is a total vibe.
These terms refer to a darker blonde base that’s effortlessly intertwined with golden blonde and light brown bits.
It’s often a natural shade that gives off that perfect “I just spent my entire summer outside” energy.
3. Platinum Blonde
This shade is hands down one of the most stunning and show-stopping options on the list.
Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have rocked this look, and it just screams high-class (and a little bit sexy, right?).
The secret here is a purple base that neutralizes yellow tones, resulting in that ultra-light, white-looking blonde that we all know and love.
4. Strawberry Blonde
This color is exactly what you’d expect: a dreamy light golden blonde with reddish undertones.
While natural red hair is incredibly rare (we’re talking 1-2% of the population!), you can totally achieve this look by using a warm toner on golden blonde locks.
5. Icy Blonde
If you’re looking for something with a serious cool factor, this is it. This shade usually refers to an extra cool blonde that almost leans into silvery territory.
You get this vibe by toning a very light blonde with a super cool toner.
6. Golden Blonde
This is pretty straightforward—it’s blonde hair featuring those classic yellow or golden undertones.
I love that it results in a more natural tone that pairs so well with dimensional highlights.
7. Ash Blonde
This shade has been having a major moment lately, and it’s honestly easy to see why.
It’s an ultra-chic, cool color that doesn’t have a single trace of gold in it. The blue base color neutralizes orange tones, giving you that perfect icy-cool feel.
8. Blorange
The name says it all here: blonde mixed with orange.
It has such a fun peachy vibe, but true blorange should definitely still feel like a shade of blonde.
9. Honey Blonde
This darker shade of golden blonde is usually achieved through a color process.
It’s such a popular choice for highlights and ombré looks since it can sometimes be a bit too brassy on its own.
10. Pearl Blonde
This neutral yet cool shade is a super fun variation of the classic platinum look.
It’s infused with metallic, pearlescent hues that are just so pretty.
11. Cream Blonde
When I picture this shade, I immediately think of coffee and cream. It blends warm and cool tones together perfectly.
This works so well with balayage, but honestly, it can totally stand on its own too.
12. Sandy Blonde
This shade consists of those gorgeous hazel, cream-colored, or beige undertones.
It should obviously remind you of white sand on a hot summer day (which we could all use right about now!).
13. Buttery Blonde
This is a newer trend I’ve been seeing that mixes a warm blonde base with golden honey highlights.
The result should have a melted feel to it—kind of like hot butter.
14. Bronde
This modern trend seamlessly fuses brown and blonde hair together for a look that is effortlessly cool.
It’s usually created with dimensional techniques like balayage or hair painting.
15. Vanilla Blonde
This shade is a slightly warmer version of light blonde.
It should melt creamy, subtle golden hues right into neutral blonde tones for a finish that is just dreamy.
16. Flaxen Blonde
This is a completely neutral blonde shade without any apparent highlights or undertones.
It should be light—but not white—and shouldn’t have any red, brown, or gold in it.
17. Beige Blonde
I am personally a huge fan of this tone, and I think it’s severely under-utilized!
This magical shade mixes warm and cool tones together to create an overall ashy look that is just perfection.
18. Caramel Blonde
This color leans more toward a light golden brown or dark blonde and looks amazing as an accent color.
It’s such a great choice if you’re adding highlights to naturally dark hair since it helps conceal those unwanted warm tones.
19. Rosé Blonde / Rose Gold Hair
Okay, I am officially obsessed with this color. If we’re being real, I’m a sucker for anything rose gold, so this one is right up my alley.
The color should mimic a glass of rosé wine with that pinkish, peachish hue of blonde.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide inspires you to find the perfect shade that fits your personality!