How To Get Dishwater Blonde Hair

Known for its incorporation of various shades of darker and lighter blonde into one well-blended look, dishwater blonde hair is essentially dirty blonde hair with a modern twist. From sandy to ash undertones, dishwater blonde hair can be tailored to your preferences and skin tone. This dark blonde hair color borders on the edge of light brown and the process to create the look can require a little patience. That’s why we’re walking you through the process, in addition to sharing tips for caring for your dishwater blonde strands after dyeing them. 

How To Achieve A Dishwater Blonde Hair Color 

As always, there are two ways to go about dyeing your hair: You can either make a salon appointment with a professional colorist or DIY the color at home. If you decide to see a pro, they’ll be able to weave a bunch of different blonde and brown tones into your hair for a customized color. Keep in mind that if you’re starting with a dark base shade, you’ll need to have your hair bleached, and it could take multiple sessions to reach your desired dishwater blonde shade. 

If you’re interested in coloring your hair dishwater blonde at home, your best bet is to go for an all-over wash of color. If you’re not sure exactly what shade will suit you, try out our At-Home Hair Color Concierge to consult with an expert and get personalized recommendations. 

The L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Ash Blonde is a great at-home option because it’s the perfect shade of dirty blonde. The formula provides luminous color and lasts for up to eight weeks without fading. If you’re looking for a color with tons of dimension and shine, the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Light Beige Blonde is for you. It provides a shimmering color with highlights for gorgeous, bold results. To apply hair color at home correctly, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. 

How To Take Care Of Dishwater Blonde Hair 

If you’ve ever colored your hair before, then you know that along with a pretty new hue comes the need for a new hair care routine. Follow these steps to show your dishwater blonde hair some major love.

1. Use A Color-Safe Hair Care System

To keep your colored hair in prime condition, be sure to use hair care products that are safe for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo. This duo is not only safe for color treated hair, but it also addresses the damage that can occur when hair is bleached and colored by strengthening weak hair bonds.

2. Wash Your Hair In Lukewarm Water 

If your first instinct is to dial up the temperature when you’re washing your hair, you might be contributing to hair color fading. Very hot water can not only cause the color to fade, but it can also strip your hair of essential oils, which can make it feel drier. So, next time you wash your hair, be sure to manage the water temperature. 

3. Apply Heat Protectant Before Heat-Styling 

Just like hot water can strip your color and cause damage to your strands, so can using hot tools. In addition to minimizing how often you use hot tools by opting for heatless hairstyles, be sure to always apply heat protectant before heat-styling. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In is great because it protects the hair from heat damage of up to 450 degrees, as well as being extremely lightweight and non-greasy. 

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Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo: iStock