30 Dark Blonde Hair Ideas We’re Loving for Summer

The jury is still out on whether blondes really do have more fun, but you won’t know until you go blonde yourself. A great way to test the theory is with a dark blonde hair color. This deeper hue sits right at the cusp of brown and blonde and requires less maintenance than brighter, more vibrant hues (looking at you, platinum blonde). Plus, dark blonde is versatile and can flatter a wide range of skin tones and undertones.

If you need proof, we’ve got it. Ahead, we’re sharing 30 dark blonde hair color ideas worth looking into, plus offering some of our best tips on keeping your new hue bright and brass-free.

Is Dark Blonde the Same as Light Brown Hair?

While they may appear similar, dark blonde and light brown hair aren’t quite the same thing. Dark blonde is a dimensional shade between brown and blonde that, like bronde, exhibits characteristics of brown brown and blonde hair. Light brown hair, meanwhile, is brown, pure and simple—just a lighter shade of it than, say, chocolate brown.

Hair undertones also play a role in distinguishing between light brown hair and dark blonde hair. A natural dark blonde hair color will have underlying golden or yellow pigments and may lighten in the sun. In comparison, light brown hair colors tend to be richer and have more of a reddish or bronzy undertone.

What Skin Tone Does Dark Blonde Hair Suit?

Skin tones generally fall into one of three categories: fair, medium, or deep. This refers to the intensity of pigment in your skin, which can change with the seasons (as with a tan). Dark blonde hair can suit any of these skin tones—so long as you pick the right shade for your undertone.

Your undertone, unlike your skin tone, doesn’t change. It’s the underlying tint of your skin, and is typically described as either warm, cool, or neutral. If you’re unsure what undertone you are, head into natural lighting and take a peek at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear greenish, you most likely have a warm undertone. A blue or purplish tint, meanwhile, indicates a cool undertone. If you can’t discern a distinct hue—or your veins are more of a mix of blue and green—you likely have a neutral undertone, which is neither warm nor cool.

Hair colors also have undertones. Generally, the most flattering dark blonde hair color for you will be the one that complements your skin’s undertones (more on that ahead).

Is Dark Blonde Warm or Cool?

Dark blonde hair comes in an array of shades, including both warm and cool tones. The right shade for you is one that complements your skin tone and undertone. Warm dark blonde shades, like rich honey or caramel, pair well with warmer complexions. Cooler shades, such as dark ash blonde and mushroom blonde, likewise pair well with cool skin. If you’re neutral, your undertone doesn’t matter as much—you can pull off most shades with ease (lucky you!)

Keep in mind that no matter the shade, all lightened hair can become brassy with time. Swapping out your go-to shampoo and conditioner for a brass-fighting system like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo and Conditioner can help keep your shade true between touchups.

The 30 Best Dark Blonde Hair Colors

If you’re ready to give dark blonde hair a try, check out these 30 shades to inspire your next color transformation.

1. Dark golden blonde

Dark golden blonde is a great shade for those who want to embrace a sunkissed look but don’t want to commit to the upkeep required of lighter shades. If you’re a natural blonde or have light brown hair, get the look at home with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Dark Blonde. The ammonia-free formula offers 100% gray coverage and is suitable for all hair types and textures.

2. Dark ash blonde

If you prefer cooler-toned hair colors but still want to brighten up your mane, try a silvery dark ash blonde. You can recreate a similar look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Ash Blonde.

3. Dark blonde balayage

Dark blonde balayage is ideal for those who don’t want to commit to monthly touchups. Achieve a natural sunkissed effect with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit in Light to Dark Blonde. This at-home coloring kit features an expert applicator for luminous, naturally blended highlights—without the salon visit.

4. Dark dirty blonde

No, dark blonde is not the same as dirty blonde, but the shades do have some overlap. Dirty blonde tends to skew lighter and more yellow in tone than dark blonde, but you can try a dark dirty blonde to get the best of both worlds.

The brown-meets-blonde shade features a light brown base with wheat-blonde tones woven throughout. Recreate a similar look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Sparkling Amber.

5. Dark beige blonde

Dark beige blonde is another ashy hair color to consider if you’re looking for a cooler-toned dark blonde. The smokey blonde hue is a slightly moodier take on effervescent champagne blonde and pairs beautifully with fair-to-medium cool-toned skin.

6. Dark chestnut blonde highlights

Brighten your natural brown mane and add dimension by adding rich chestnut blonde highlights throughout. This dark blonde shade features a mix of reddish, golden, and dark blonde tones, and it’s gorgeous on those with warmer complexions.

7. Dark blonde ombré

Dark blonde ombré hair is another way to test the waters with a blonde hair color. The hue starts with your natural color at your roots, gradually transitioning to a dark blonde shade at your ends with a gradient effect. Try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach to lighten your ends.

8. Dark sandy blonde

If you can’t get to the beach, getting a sandy, dark blonde hair color just may be the next best thing to get your fix. This versatile hue features a light brown base brightened up with fine, ashy blonde highlights. If you want to DIY your color, try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Blonde to achieve that perfect sandy hue.

9. Dark blonde lowlights

There’s no rule saying you have to go lighter to get a dark blonde hair color. If you have light or medium blonde hair, consider adding depth to your mane—and taking a walk on the dark(er) side—by having your colorist mix in some dark blonde lowlights during your next touch-up.

10. Dark blonde highlights

While dark blonde lowlights are great if you’re looking to go darker, dark blonde highlights can be used to lighten up any shade—from espresso to bronze. It’s another perfect way to ease into trying your hand at a blonde mane without committing to going full blonde.

11. Dark amber blonde

Dark amber blonde features reddish and blonde tones woven together for an inviting, dimensional look (and it’s a great way for natural redheads to flirt with a brighter hue). Get the look at home with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde.

12. Rooted dark blonde

One of the most low-maintenance dark blonde hair colors is a rooted dark blonde. This coloring technique involves blending your (natural) roots with a lighter, brighter shade for a seamless color transition. Because the lighter hue doesn’t start directly at the roots, grow-out is a breeze.

13. Sunkissed dark blonde

If you love the look of naturally sun-lightened strands but don’t have a beach vacation planned (yet), consider adding bright golden highlights to your naturally light brown mane. You’ll be left with a tonal, sunkissed dark blonde hue that’s perfect for warmer weather.

14. Dark honey blonde

Dark honey blonde is the ultimate warm blonde hue. The shade looks good on everyone (seriously!), but it’s particularly flattering on those with warmer complexions. Give the color a try with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Golden Sunset.

15. Creamy dark blonde

If you love a mane full of depth, the creamy dark blonde hair color is for you. This versatile hue is neither overtly warm nor cool, making it an ideal pick for those seeking a more neutral blonde hue. Achieve a similar look at home with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Blonde.

16. Mushroom blonde

In case you missed it, allow us to introduce you to one of the most popular hair color trends at the moment: mushroom blonde. Inspired by the mushroom brown trend, this dark blonde hair color features ashy silver tones woven throughout a slightly deeper, gray-blonde base.

17. Dark caramel blonde

Just like your favorite sundae topper, caramel blonde hair is rich, luscious, and decadent. Go for an all-over dark caramel blonde hue, or simply brighten up a chocolatey brown base with caramel highlights for a hint of brightness without a full color overhaul.

18. Gunmetal blonde

Gunmetal blonde is a dark blonde hair color with an unmistakable silver overtone (hence the name). This in-between color is a great hue for those looking to transition to gray hair, but anyone can rock it—the cool-toned hue is surprisingly versatile.

19. Dark bronde

Bronde, or a mix of brown and dark blonde, has become a classic blonde hair color, particularly for those starting with brunette hair. There are plenty of ways to customize the look, so ask your colorist what the best option for you is. Or, dye your strands at home with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Hair Color in Medium Ash Blonde.

20. Dark blonde money piece

If you don’t want to try an all-over dark blonde shade, dip your toes in with a dark blonde money piece. This technique involves highlighting face-framing strands at the front of your hair to brighten your overall look without highlighting your entire mane.

21. Dark strawberry blonde

Strawberry blonde hair is a shade that toes the line between red and blonde, so it’s a nice choice for anyone who doesn’t want to choose between the two. To keep your reddish blonde hue vibrant between touchups, reach for a toning gloss, such as L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Copper.

22. Reverse dark blonde balayage

A reverse balayage is perfect for those who don’t want to change their base color and are looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle. Rather than having hand-painted dark blonde highlights throughout, opt for dark blonde lowlights to add depth to your lighter base.

23. Low contrast dark blonde

Another way to test the waters of dark blonde hair is with low-contrast dark blonde highlights. With this look, your highlights will only be a shade or two lighter than your base shade, making for a tonal (but not obviously “done”) end result.

24. Face-framing highlights

Face-framing highlights are an excellent way to make an impactful change to your look without a ton of effort. If you’re a natural brunette, dark blonde highlights—think caramel, toffee, or light maple—will both brighten your complexion and bring out the natural warmth in your strands. It’s a win-win.

25. Medium blonde

Natural ultra-light blondes looking to deepen their hue can bridge the gap between bright and dark with a neutral-toned, medium-blonde shade. Use an at-home dye like L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Light Blonde to see how you fare with a slightly darker blonde tone.

26. Dark blonde babylights

Babylights are ultra-fine highlights designed to mimic the way blonde hair naturally lightens in the sun. While anyone can achieve this summery look, we love how wheat-colored babylights play with natural dark blonde hair.

27. Multi-tonal dark blonde

If you’re looking for a dark blonde hair color that will give your mane a shiny, metallic glow, ask for multi-colored highlights. A mix of golden, honey, caramel, and maple tones will create a multi-dimensional effect that shines—especially in the sunlight.

28. Buttery dark blonde

This natural-looking, beachy balayage features a dark blonde base woven through with reflective, hay-colored highlights. This beachy shade does err slightly on the warmer side, but if you find your color becoming brassier than you’d like, reach for a purple shampoo and conditioner to help neutralize unwanted warmth.

29. Grungy dark blonde

Grungy dark blonde is an edgy alternative to the salon-perfect blonde balayage. The lived-in look features intentionally dark roots with lighter, brighter ends, and the end result is distinctly rock-and-roll. Opt for a dark silvery-blonde hue for an extra cool (pun intended) twist on the trend.

30. Bronzed dark blonde

If you’re torn between dark blonde and brown, keep in mind that you don’t have to make a decision—you can rock both shades. This bronzy blonde hue is gorgeous on tanned or naturally-warm skin, and can easily be tweaked with the addition of highlights or lowlights.

Next Up: What Causes Brassy Orange Hair and How Do You Fix It?

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris