21 Dark Blonde Hair Color Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Look

It’s still to be determined whether blondes really do have more fun, but if you’re curious whether a blonde hair color could be just what you need to spice up your life, you’ve come to the right place. Rather than commit to a high-maintenance, platinum blonde hair color, consider trying just the opposite — a deep, dark blonde hair color. Not only will this mane makeover let you test the aforementioned theory, it’ll also make trading your current hair color for a blonde alternative easier. Ready to switch up your beauty look? Below, we’re sharing 21 dark blonde hair color ideas for you to choose from.

Is Dark Blonde the Same As Light Brown Hair?

While they may seem similar, light brown hair is not the same as a dark blonde hair color. Dark blonde is a shade between brown and blonde, and it usually encompasses hues of both colors, while light brown hair is just a lighter shade of brown hair. 

Is Dark Blonde Warm Or Cool?

Dark blonde hair can be warm or cool, and it’ll depend on your preference and what hair dye you use. If you want warmer hair, try a golden shade of dark blonde, and if you want cool hair, go for ash tones.

The 21 Best Dark Blonde Hair Colors

Once you’re ready to give dark blonde hair a try, check out one of these hair color ideas for inspiration.

1. Dark Golden Blonde

For the look of a sunny golden blonde mane but with minimal upkeep, we recommend trying this rich, dark golden blonde hair color. Dye your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Dark Golden Blonde to get the warm shade at home.

2. Dark Ash Blonde

Give a dark blonde hair color a try with an ashy, dark blonde shade. The cool undertones of this hair color are perfect for someone that doesn’t want a hue that’s too warm. To get the look at home, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Ash Blonde.

3. Dark Blonde Balayage

If you’re a fan of blonde hues that won't require constant touch-ups, you’ll love this one. Get a dark blonde balayage with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit in Light to Dark Blonde, will allow you to keep your base color and have beautiful, hand-painted dark blonde highlights throughout.

4. Dirty Blonde

If you’re wondering if dark blonde is the same as dirty blonde, the shades are different, but they do have some overlap. Dirty blonde tends to skew lighter and more yellow in tone than dark blonde, but you can turn the shade into a dark dirty blonde. The brown-meets-blonde shade features a mix of dark, wheat blonde tones throughout the hair for a dimensional, low-maintenance hair color that’s easy to pull off if you’re a natural brunette. Try the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Very Light Natural Blonde and Light Golden Brown to get the look.

5. Dark Beige Blonde

Dark beige blonde is another ashy blonde hair color to consider. The cool, ash blonde hue resembles a dark champagne blonde. To DIY the hue, grab the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Dark Beige Blonde.

6. Dark Chestnut Blonde

Who said chestnut had to be reserved for brown strands? If you love the warm chestnut color, we see no better mane makeover for you than dark chestnut blonde. The color features a mix of deep red and dark blonde strands mixed throughout a chocolatey brown base.

7. Dark Blonde Ombré

Dark blonde ombré hair is another way to test the waters with a blonde hair color. Whether you have black, brown, or red hair, the color will be stunning on you. 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 Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach to lighten your ends.

8. Dark Sandy Blonde

If you can’t get to the beach, getting a dark, sandy blonde hair color just may be the next best thing to get your fix. Sandy blonde hair features a light brown base brought to life with dark, ashy blonde pieces. Dye your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Blonde.

9. Dark Blonde Lowlights

There’s no rule saying you have to go lighter to get a dark blonde hair color. On the contrary, you can use a dark blonde hue to take a walk on the dark side. If you have a light or medium blonde hair color, consider adding depth to your mane — and going a bit darker — by having your colorist mix in some dark blonde lowlights, or try the shade at home with the L’Oréal Paris La Petite Frost in Creme Caramel.

10. Dark Blonde Highlights

Speaking of dark blonde highlights, they can be used to lighten up any shade — from espresso to bronze. They’re another perfect way to ease into trying your hand at a blonde mane without committing to a full head of blonde hair.

11. Dark Amber Blonde

If you’re torn between blonde and red hair, you’re in luck. A dark amber blonde hair color may be just what you’ve been looking for. This hair color involves a dark blonde base and a mix of red, copper, and blonde highlights for a mane that’s full of dynamic colors. Try a mix of the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Power Copper, Deep Burgundy Brown and Ultra Cool Blonde.

12. Rooted Dark Blonde

One of the most low-maintenance dark blonde hair colors is a rooted dark blonde hair color. A rooted hair color is just what it sounds like: Your natural hair color at the roots seamlessly transitions into your new hue using a smudging technique with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Ash Blonde.

13. Sun-Kissed Dark Blonde

Love the idea of a dark blonde hair color but want to add a bit of light and warmth into the mix? Look no further than a sun-kissed dark blonde hair color. The color involves a dark blonde base that’s brightened with sunny golden and caramel blonde highlights. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Golden Blonde and Champagne Blonde to dye your hair at home.

14. Dark Honey Blonde

Dark honey blonde is the ultimate warm blonde hue. The shade looks good on everyone, but it’s particularly flattering on those who want to bring out their beautiful warm undertones. To give the color a try, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Dark Gold Blonde to dye your mane.

15. Creamy Dark Blonde

If you love a mane full of depth, this one’s for you. This hair color's dark blonde base is painted with creamy, champagne blonde highlights for a stunning contrast of hues. Use the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Champagne Blonde to get the dimensional color.

16. Mushroom Blonde

In case you missed it, allow us to introduce you to one of the most popular hair color trends: mushroom blonde. Inspired by the mushroom brown trend, this dark blonde hair color features ashy, gray tones that mimic the hues of the fungi.

17. Dark Caramel Blonde

This hair color looks just as good as your favorite sweet treat tastes. A warm, dark caramel blonde hue is particularly flattering on those with medium and dark skin tones. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Light Golden Brown.

18. Blonde Roast Hair

For a dark blonde hair color that’s inspired by your favorite morning beverage, we love blonde roast hair. This hair color features a mix of cool brunette and dark blonde tones for a color that unmistakably resembles the caffeinated beverage it’s named after. L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Light Beige Blonde and Bronzed Brown.

19. Dark Bronde

This 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 Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Blonde and L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Hi-Lift Ash Brown.

20. 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 that doesn’t want to choose between the two. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde to make the dark blonde hair idea a reality from home.

21. Dark Blonde Money Piece

If you don’t want to try an all-over dark blonde shade, we have just the color option for you. Add a trendy accent to your mane with a dark blonde money piece. This technique involves highlighting face-framing strands in the front of your hair to brighten your overall beauty look without highlighting your entire mane.

Next: 10 Hair Color Trends That Will Be on Repeat in 2023

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Mirna Jose, Hair Assistant: Keila Rivera, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Zlata Semenko