Ash Blonde Vs Platinum Blonde, What's The Difference?

Do you want to switch up your hair color but you're stuck between ash blonde and platinum blonde shades? Not to worry, here's an easier way: follow this guide. Watch the battle unfold as we assist you in selecting the best blonde shade that will suit you.

Blonde is a popular hair color among ladies. But that makes it one of the most stressful colors as well. With so many varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to go through them to find the perfect shade that fits your skin.

In this article, we'll consider the differences between these two amazing blonde shades - ash and platinum, and help you decide on the one that's more perfect for you.

Does that sound great? If it does, keep reading this post.

What Is Ash Blonde?

The ash-blonde is a popular blonde shade with blue, silver, and pinkish undertones. It's characterized by its darker tone, making it known as the “cool” blonde, and considered to be a good choice for people with warm undertones and fair skin tones.

This cool blonde is low maintenance since it's more toned down than the platinum blonde and not as bold as the other. That makes it the perfect shade if you want a light hair color but do not want the traditional blonde. The subtle undertones will give it a nice, ashy look without being too bright. And because it's not too bright, you can easily manage it without stress.

What Is Platinum Blonde?

The platinum blonde, however, is a light shade of blonde without any warm undertones. Instead, it is a shade of white, the lightest shade of blonde you can find. This blonde is characterized by its whitish or silver appearance, making it very stylish, and popular among celebrities.

Also, it's a very flattering shade. For people with fair skin or cool undertones, it's an excellent choice. But because of its icy look, it's very high-maintenance, and you will need frequent touch-ups, unlike the ash-blonde shade.

Differences Between Ash Blonde and Platinum Blonde

Although the differences between the ash and platinum blonde are limited, these differences will go a long way in helping you decide which of them to choose. So, let's see these differences here.

1. The Shade

The first noticeable distinction between these two blondes is with the shade. While the platinum blonde is very light, the ash blonde is cool-toned. It means the ash-blonde is darker than the platinum blonde and not as loud as it is.

2. Their Undertones

Another difference is in their undertones. The ash-blonde has cooler undertones, with subtle blue, silver, and purple ones. However, the platinum blonde doesn't have any of this. It's a shade with no warm undertones, just more whitish in appearance.

3. Level of Maintainance

When it comes to maintenance, these two blondes are very much different. The ash-blonde requires little maintenance since it's cool-toned. On the other hand, the platinum blonde requires a lot of maintenance. This is due to the color, and not to make it brassy. But that's unlike the ash-blonde, which gives you a more practical choice for everyday wear.

4. Cost

Another difference between the ash-blonde and the platinum blonde is the cost. Achieving the ash-blonde and maintaining it is more budget-friendly than with its counterpart. The platinum blonde requires more products and visits to the salon, making it more expensive.

Choosing Between the Ash and Platinum Blonde

The ash-blonde and platinum blonde are two shades that suit people with different skin tones. While it's intertwined, the platinum blonde will complement people with cool skin tones and fair skin. But for the ash blonde, it will be beautiful if you have a neutral skin tone. That's because it will look harmonious with your skin. Still, those with cool skin tones can choose ash-blonde hair as well.

How to Get Ash Blonde Hair?

To achieve ash blonde hair, you can choose to go to the hair salon or dye it by yourself, but we recommend you visit a professional stylist to do this for you, if you want to try by yourself, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Bleach Your Hair

1. If you have dark natural hair, you need to get your hair to a blonde shade of around 9/10 level. Start by mixing your bleaching powder with level 20 peroxide. Do this thoroughly, then set aside.
2. Use a towel to protect your clothes by placing it on your neck. Then, wear gloves on both hands for protection.
3. Divide your hair into sections to make the application easier. You can go with four sections or whatever you're most comfortable with.
4. Now, with an applicator brush, apply the bleach mixture to ½ inches (1.3 cm) sections of your hair. Move from the ends and work your way upwards, making sure you leave the roots for the last.
5. After the application, wear a cap to cover your entire head and wait for it to process for an hour. Once an hour is complete, wash your hair well and dry it.

Step 2: Apply the Color

1. Combine equal parts of level 10 peroxide with light ash blonde hair color. You'll be mixing them properly together.
2. Next, section your hair again and apply the mixture to your hair. You are simply repeating what you did with the bleach.
3. Wear a plastic shower cap once complete, and wait for the number of minutes as instructed on the hair color box.
4. Move to the rinsing part after the time recommended has elapsed. You should use lukewarm or cool water to rinse. Then, dry your hair afterward.

Step 3: The Toning Stage

1. Start by mixing 1 part purple hair dye with two parts conditioner.
2. Use your applicator brush to apply the mixture evenly to your hair after dividing it.
3. Then, wear a shower cap once more.
4. You are to wait for about 30 minutes before rinsing out your hair.

How to Get Platinum Blonde Hair?

Here are the steps that will take you through achieving platinum blonde hair at home.

Step 1: The Bleaching Part

1. Before you start to bleach, wash, and dry your hair. Then apply Vaseline around your hairline, the nape of your neck, and around your ears. It is to protect your skin from the products you are about to use.
2. Start to part your hair in sections before clipping each in place. Mix your cream developer and bleaching powder, then wear your gloves.
3. Once you've worn your gloves, apply the bleach at the back using an applicator brush. Wrap each section up with a foil to keep them away from each other afterward.
4. But while you apply, leave 1 ½  inches from the root. You'll be working on your root after you're done with your entire hair. Also, make sure you avoid massaging the bleach on your scalp.

Step 2: Let it Sit and Rinse

1. With a shower cap, cover your entire hair and wait for about 40 minutes. You can also use a clear plastic bag or foil if you don't have a shower cap to cover your hair.
2. Once the time is complete, check on your hair to see if it has turned a pale yellow shade. Then, rinse out the bleach with a pH-neutralizing shampoo. We'll advise you not to keep the bleach over an hour on your hair. It can be dangerous.

Step 3: Complete the Process

Now that your hair is pale yellow, add toner or dye to color it. If you love natural platinum, simply dye your hair with a 20-volume developer and a natural platinum mixture.

Since your hair is already bleached, this should work perfectly. Next, leave it for about 25 minutes. And that's it.

If it's a pale silver platinum you're going for, use 20 developers and platinum dye. Like the natural platinum, leave it for about 25 minutes as well.

What If I Don't Want To Bleach and Tone My Hair

Yes, you have. As we all know, dying hair can damage your hair, especially the bleaching parts. If you don't want to dye your hair but get the perfect ash blonde or platinum blonde hair color, you can consider add premium blonde or ash blonde hair extensions or buying a human hair wig with ash blonde color and platinum blonde color, they are pre-colored and easy to wear.

How to Know the Best Blonde for You?

It's always hard to pick between two shades that you love. We get that. However, when it's time to make a choice, consider picking what suits you more and is compatible with your skin, eyes, and what you love.

The ash-blonde is darker, giving you a “cooler” vibe. On the other hand, the platinum blonde is more eye-catching and will offer you a brighter transformation. This contrast makes them suitable for different skin tones and eye colors.

In case you're wondering why we use eye color and skin undertones to determine the best shade for you, it's because they help dictate what will look flattering, complement your appearance, and enhance your facial features.

So, here's a quick breakdown of our recommendations based on your undertones and eye color.

• The platinum blonde will make a good choice for those with cool undertones. Its icy shades will look harmonious with cool undertones, giving you a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
• The ash-blonde, on the other hand, will be an excellent option if you have warm undertones. That’s because the gentle warmth it has will surely complement your skin perfectly.
• Light green or blue eye colors will make the platinum blonde hair color pop. So, opt for that shade to complement your eyes if you have any of those eye colors.
• Those with neutral undertones are more at an advantage since they are at liberty to choose any blonde shade they want. So, go ahead and choose.
• You can add depth to your appearance by wearing the ash-blonde hair color if you have darker eyes. It'll make you look intriguing.

But these are our suggestions. You are free to choose whatever blonde you want. However, make sure you rock it confidently.

So, in your opinion, which of these blonde shades do you think win? Let us know in the comment section below.