How to Get Light Ash Blonde Hair Regardless of Your Starting Color

Shreya, transitioning from a ginger or red shade to a light ash blonde can be a challenging process. The key steps involve lifting your hair color to achieve the desired results. Let's break down the process and offer some guidance for your journey.

Understanding Hair Lightening Levels

In order to achieve a light ash blonde, you first need to lift your base hair color to a higher level. This means that if your hair is starting at a dark brown shade, level 3, you will need to lift it to a higher level before attempting to achieve a light ash blonde. The exact level depends on the shade you're aiming for, with level 6 representing a cool ash blonde and level 10 representing a very light, almost white ash blonde. Learn more about lifting your hair color here.

The Importance of Proper Lightening Techniques

Hair goes through stages during the lightening process. If your hair turns a red or golden shade, it typically indicates that it's not light enough. In such cases, you should extend the lightening process by leaving the lightener or bleach on for a longer period. If you don't want your hair to be platinum or very pale, leave it to a hello-gold color, no longer grungy, and apply a deposit-only toner or a semi-permanent or demi-permanent blonde color with a cool undertone. Examples of these include levels 9 or 10 shades with undertones of violet, blue, or silver. Any product that specifies "cool" or "ash" usually fits this description, ensuring your hair remains naturally blonde and does not turn violet or blue. If you desire very light or platinum blonde, you must bleach it to a pale yellow. However, I strongly advise against doing this unless you are naturally blonde or have professional experience in the process. This method is highly damaging and difficult to achieve without proper expertise.

Neutralizing Reddish Phaeomelanin

Individually, hair color can also be affected by phaeomelanin, which is the pigment responsible for red, orange, and yellow shades. Eumelanin, the pigment responsible for black and brown shades, reacts more rapidly to bleach, leaving phaeomelanin behind. Additionally, the proteins in certain hair types can react to chemicals, resulting in an amber cast. If you are starting with a ginger or red shade, you may need to address the phaeomelanin in your hair.

Expert Treatment for Ginger Hair

For those with ginger hair, a deep chelating or clarifying treatment might be necessary to neutralize the phaeomelanin. One such product is the Malibu C Blonde Maintenance Treatment, which is available from beauty supply stores or online. Hair pipes in your home can emit iron or copper, which can cause a ginger or red hue in your hair. This could be the reason your hair is turning ginger.

Professional Care or Self-Maintenance

If you're not satisfied with the resulting color and wish to remove the red or ginger tones, consider consulting a professional stylist. They can use techniques such as toning to neutralize the unwanted hues. However, due to current restrictions, many salons may be operating at limited capacity or closed. Therefore, you may need to wait until non-essential businesses can reopen for a more comprehensive treatment.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a light ash blonde hue depends on your starting color and the desired outcome. Whether you're starting with brown, red, or ginger hair, the process involves lifting the base color, neutralizing the phosphomelanin, and fine-tuning the color with toners or lightening techniques. Remember to be patient and consider professional help when needed. Happy hair journey!