Find your perfect blonde shade – HairstyleCamp
The moment you decide to go blonde you are faced with a host of decisions you didn’t even know existed. One of them is which shade of blonde to choose. Deciding between warm blonde vs. cool blonde is much easier when you know the main differences between the two.
In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison of warm and cool shades of blonde. Ultimately, we recommend the ideal type of blonde based on skin tones and hair undertones.
What is a warm blonde shade?

Warm blonde shades have a golden, red or orange undertone. Some of the shades that fall under the warm blonde spectrum include strawberry blonde, honey blonde, dirty blonde, buttery blonde and golden blonde.
What is a cool blonde shade?

Cool blonde tones refer to hair with ash/grey, blue or purple tones. A cool blonde may appear pearl, ash or platinum.
What does cool blonde and warm blonde hair look like?

Cool and hot blondes look very different. Warm blondes look bright in natural light. Their red, orange and yellow undertones reflect light, resulting in a vibrant look.
Cool blondes, on the other hand, look darker. This dark look can be confusing, especially when looking at a lighter shade like platinum blonde. However, the blue and purple undertones absorb natural light instead of reflecting it.
The differences between warm and cool blonde
Understanding the difference between warm blonde and cool blonde is key to choosing a color that suits your skin tone and undertones.
shadow
Both warm and cool blondes occur on a color spectrum based on the undertones. Cool blondes have blue or purple undertones, resulting in platinum, ash, pearl and natural blonde. Ash blondes Can change from silver to gray.
Whereas Hot blonde has copperRed or golden undertones that give a vibrant shade to the hair color.
You can tell warmer blondes from cooler blondes based on how they behave in natural light. Warmer blondes look lighter, while cool blondes look darker.
tone
Warm blondes work well for people with warm undertones, while cool blondes work well if you have cool undertones. You can determine your undertones by the color of your veins.
Those with warmer undertones have greenish veins, while those with cooler undertones have veins that appear bluish or purple. You can also test your undertones using silver and gold jewelry. Gold jewelry looks good on warm undertones, while silver looks better on cooler undertones.
skin tone

Both warm and cool blondes are beautiful. However, when placed on a skin tone, they may not be the best for different people. Cool blondes work well with cool skin tones, while warm blondes work well for warm skin tones.
When choosing a blonde color based on your skin tone, you need to consider the makeup you’re wearing. If you prefer warmer makeup, go for a warmer blonde, and vice versa.
Fair-skinned and medium-toned women can pull off a variety of warm and cool blondes. However, warm blondes work best with olive skin tones.
Dark skinned women can pull off cool and warm blondes, provided they match them with their undertones. If you have warmer undertones, go for warm blondes. Go for cool blondes if you have cool undertones.
process

Hair stylists classify hair into ten levels, with one being the darkest black and ten being the lightest blonde. Stylists prefer to lift a maximum of four levels per session to avoid damaging your hair.
Warm blonde colors Easier to get than cool blondes like platinum or gray. These blondes are easier to achieve because the hair often has an orange or yellow tint.
However, going cool blonde often requires bleaching your hair white, then dying it the desired shade.
Due to the intense process involved in going blonde, it is recommended to get professional help with your hair. If you have colored hair before, go to a colorist who has worked with hair like yours.
maintenance
Because they have different shades, the products required for maintenance Blonde hair color To be different. At the salon, your colorist will add toner to warm blondes to enhance their color and shine.
Hotter blondes fade into a light yellow or a deep orange shade. The previous warm color can be restored using a golden toner shampoo.
Cool blondes fade faster than warmer blondes. When they fade, they may appear dull and lifeless. These blondes also have a higher chance develop a brassy undertone.
Therefore, you should use a purple shampoo on cool blonde hair to keep its color for a long time. Purple shampoo neutralizes any bronze or yellow tones in your hair.
Whether you choose a warm or cool blonde, you need to take care of your hair to keep it healthy. You will need to use color safe products and keep your hair moisturized so it can last longer.
You will also need regular conditioning treatments to repair your hair from the damage it undergoes during the coloring process.
Sun bleaching is also a concern when wearing warm or cool blonde hair. To counteract its effects, use UV protected hair styling products.
cost
Blonde hair is high maintenance, whether it’s warm or cool. Being blonde requires a lot of product, especially with darker hair. It can also take several sessions spread over months to lighten your hair enough without damaging it too much.
On average, going blonde will cost you between $180 and $250, depending on your hair color and the amount and length of your hair. It can be expensive to go from black dyed hair to black virgin hair if you have darker hair.
You’ll need regular touch-ups at your roots every four to six weeks to cover the new growth. Keep in mind that maintenance costs for blonde hair increase during the summer due to exposure to chlorine and sunlight.
Color to match
Whether you’re going for warm blonde versus cool blonde, the color will determine the best match for balayage or highlights. Warm blondes work well with brown colors, while cool blondes work well with red and orange highlights.
Basic color
Your hair color (dyed or natural) determines whether to get warm or cool blonde. Light yellow base colors work well with warm blondes.
If your hair is naturally warm, it’s much easier to go a warmer blonde, as the warm tones will be highlighted. Conversely, cool blondes work well with darker base colors.
Here is a quick overview of warm blonde vs cool blonde:
feature | hot blonde | cool blonde |
tone | It has a golden, coppery, reddish hue | It has bluish or purple hues |
skin tone | Best for warm undertones, tanned skin and olive skin | Best for porcelain skin and cool undertones |
process | faster to achieve | It takes longer to achieve |
maintenance | Golden toner shampoo | Purple shampoo |
cost | Starting at $180 | Starting at $180 |
Color to match | Brown highlights | orange or red highlights |
Basic color | light | darker |
So, cool or warm blonde: which one should you choose?
Ultimately, the choice between warm blonde vs. cool blonde depends on your skin tone and undertones. Choose warm blondes for warm undertones and cool blondes if you have cooler undertones. You can also rock warm or cool blondes if you have a neutral undertone.
Common questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about warm blonde vs cool blonde.
No. Some warm blondes, like light golden, are lighter, while dark gray blondes are cool blondes. The undertones in the blonde hair will determine whether it is warm or cool, despite its lightness.
Yes. You can lighten your hair to remove the yellow, orange or red undertones that add warmth to your hair. Next, tint your hair with a blue or purple shine to give your hair cool blonde undertones.
Baby blue is a neutral shade with both warm and cool undertones. This is the perfect shade for those who want a natural blonde look.