Cool-toned blondes are all about the ashy hues trending this summer-to-fall, but is its spinoff shade, “dishwater blonde,” your perfect match? We tapped top colorists to get the scoop on this understated blonde and find out who it’s best suited for—so you can decide if it’s time to embrace this effortlessly chic hue.
Featured Experts:
- Matt Rez is a celebrity colorist and Moroccanoil ambassador
- George Papanikolas is a Matrix celebrity colorist
What Is ‘Dishwater Blonde?’
“‘Dishwater blonde’ is warm grey in tone, with a green reflect,” explains Moroccanoil ambassador and celebrity colorist Matt Rez. “It has the absence of red and orange tones and for those who don’t want to see any, this color is definitely appealing.”
According to Matrix celebrity colorist George Papanikolas, this shade is known for its natural, understated look. “‘Dishwater blonde’ is a subtle, natural-looking shade of blonde with an understated, slightly ashy undertone,” he explains. “It’s a darker blonde, often with hints of light brown, giving it a muted and earthy feel. The color can vary from a soft, beige-blonde to a cool, almost silvery tone, depending on the lighting and the natural hair base.”
Who Is ‘Dishwater Blonde’ Best For?
A perfect shade to transition into fall, “dishwater blonde’s” ashen and multi-toned colors looks incredible on anyone. That said, it especially complements yellow undertones.
“In my opinion, this shade looks really good on those with olive skin tones and yellow undertones,” Rez notes. “Or those with really fair skin tones that have the yellow undertones still!”
And if you’re looking for a low maintenance blonde, look no further.
“This shade is perfect for those who naturally have this color and want a low-maintenance, effortless look that doesn’t require frequent touch-ups,” Papanikolas says. “It’s a versatile, natural blonde that offers a lived-in, sun-kissed appearance with a touch of coolness.”
Is the Name for This Trend a Miss?
When you have the likes of Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston rocking your color, the name “dishwater blonde” feels a little lackluster. “Dishwater” doesn’t really convey the many layers of color, the highlights and low-lights that lack any warmth. Also called “dirty blonde:’ this color’s less-than-kind names give the impression of a dull or dirty-looking blonde. In reality, these multi-toned looks have a lot more depth than the kitchen sink.
If you’re looking for a nicer name to refer to this trend, consider ‘ash blonde,’ which accurately describes the tone you’re going for.
How to Achieve the ‘Dishwater Blonde’ Hair Color
If you’re starting as a blonde, you’re in luck. “If the hair is blonde, or dark blonde with highlights, then a demi-permanent color in neutral to neutral/ash tones would be used to give the ‘dishwater’ tone,” Papanikolas explains.
That’s not the case for those with darker hair. “If you are starting with darker levels, then this is a very challenging shade for your colorist to achieve. It will also be difficult for you to maintain,” Papanikolas adds. That’s because the key to this shade is its cool tone, which isn’t easy to get to.
“The reason is that when you lighten dark hair with a permanent color, it will give a warm golden-brown finish due to the hair’s natural underlying pigments,” Papanikolas says. “The only way to get past this warmth is to lift and bleach the hair to blonde first, then gloss with the ‘dishwater’ shade.” You’ll also need to “specify to your colorist that you want to eliminate all red tones,” Rez adds.
