To be perfectly honest, I love platinum blonde hair. It’s so exquisitely bright and exciting; an instant head-turner. But then I laid my eyes on ash blonde hair and got just as thrilled. Both hair colors are so beautiful, and they’re pretty similar. This begs the question – what’s the difference?
Ash and platinum blonde are both lovely shades of blonde. Although they’re both bright and spunky, they’re not the same. Ash blonde is a bit darker due to absorbing light and has undertones of purple, blue, and silver, while platinum is the brightest blonde that reflects light.
If you’re heading to the salon dreaming of becoming a blonde bombshell, but can’t decide between ash and platinum blonde, don’t worry – plenty of people find themselves in the same predicament.
The best way to know which blonde shade is right for you is to know the difference between the two – and that’s exactly what we’re discussing today!
Contents
What is Ash Blonde Hair?
Ash blonde hair got its name from the somewhat ashy appearance. It’s vibrant and light blonde, but it’s not white. Instead, it has apparent undertones of several mystical colors, including blue, purple, and silver, giving it its unique color cast.
What is Platinum Blonde Hair?
Platinum blonde is known for being incredibly icy, almost white. Its brightness is undeniably spectacular, and there are no undertones, making this shade more of a “one trick pony” – while still being referred to as high style.
Top 5 Differences Between Ash and Platinum Blonde Hair
Okay, ladies, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for – it’s time to discuss the differences between ash and platinum blonde hair. Let’s dive into the top five differences that distinguish these two amazing shades.
1. Ash Blonde Has Colorful Undertones
The most significant dissimilarity between ash and platinum blonde hair is that ash blonde has a colorful undertone exuding purple, blue, and silver. You won’t find these same undertones on platinum blonde, which means ash blonde tends to have more overall depth and dimensions.
2. Platinum Blonde is the Brightest Shade of Blonde
If you want to be the “ultimate blonde” and unleash your inner Marilyn Monroe, you should undoubtedly opt for platinum blonde hair. Why? Because platinum blonde is the absolute brightest blonde hue, one step away from white.
(Tip: Since platinum blonde is such a complex and potentially damaging hair color to reach, I always recommend having it done by a professional. The last thing you want is an odd hue or your hair falling out!)
3. Ash Blonde Absorbs Light, Platinum Blonde Reflects Light
Ash blonde is more readily available to absorb light thanks to its undertones. This can make ash blonde appear a bit darker, especially under certain types of light. Platinum, on the other hand? It reflects light, giving it some impressive shine that looks fabulous in any light.
4. Ash Blonde Can Be Incorporated with Other Shades
Ash blonde is excellent for blending. So, if you have ever dreamed of an ombre, sombre, or balayage hair color with sprinkles of blonde, you can rest assured ash blonde will look remarkable.
OK, so nobody said you couldn’t blend platinum blonde; it’s your hair, queen – do what you want with it! However, you have to remember that platinum hair isn’t as blendable as ash blonde, and it might not look as good or “natural.”
5. Platinum Blonde is Labeled as “High Style”
If you look in a magazine such as Vogue or Elle, you’re more likely to see platinum blonde than ash blonde. There isn’t really any rhyme or reason for this. Platinum blonde has simply become an icon in the fashion and beauty industry, and it won’t be falling out of the spotlight anytime soon.
With that said, if you’re looking for a hair color that screams “fashionista on board,” opt for platinum blonde over ash blonde.
FAQs
Platinum and ash blonde are both great color options to revitalize your appearance, and now you know the differences between the two, so you can choose the one that’s right for you! Do you want to learn even more? Here are a couple of FAQs to check out.
What level of blonde is ash blonde?
Ash blonde is a level 7, while platinum blondes are 10+. As you can see from these numbers, ash blonde isn’t too far off from platinum. However, platinum is clearly much brighter than ash blonde.
Does platinum hair make you look older?
It’s a common misconception that platinum hair makes you appear older. This isn’t the case! It has more to do with your skin tone. Platinum blonde hair looks best with cool skin tones. If you have a warm skin tone, platinum blonde may not mesh as well, leaving you with an older appearance.
Is platinum blonde just white?
Although platinum blonde is as close to white as one can get, platinum blonde is not just “white hair.” It’s impossibly light and bright, but there is still some pigment in the hair.
Ash and Platinum Blonde Are Similar, But Not the Same
Ash and platinum blonde are both wonderful colors to consider when going blonde. If you want something with more colorful undertones and depth, choose ash. If you want the brightest blonde you can get your hands on, platinum blonde is the only way to go.
Do you like ash or platinum blonde better?
