44 Ash Blonde & Platinum Blonde Hair Ideas to Try in 2026

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Introduction

Ash blonde and platinum blonde hair have a cool, modern magic that few other colours can match. Ash blonde brings a soft, smoky, muted glow that flatters almost every skin tone, while platinum blonde delivers a bold, icy statement that turns heads everywhere. Together, they cover every mood — from understated elegance to full-on glamour — and they work beautifully on short cuts, long waves, curls, braids and buns alike.

In this guide, you will find 44 original ash blonde and platinum blonde hair ideas, each with styling notes, maintenance tips and advice on who the look suits best. Whether you want a low-commitment balayage, a dramatic platinum pixie or a soft ash blonde bob, there is a design here for you. Read on, save your favourites, and take your chosen look to your colourist with confidence.

1. Classic Ash Blonde Bob

The classic ash blonde bob is timeless for a reason. Cut to chin length with a clean, even line, it frames the face beautifully and lets the cool, smoky ash blonde shade do all the talking. It looks polished without trying too hard, and it suits straight hair best, where the even colour and sharp shape can shine.

This cut is wonderfully low maintenance once the colour is in place. Ask your stylist for a cool-toned ash blonde with no warmth, and keep it fresh with a purple shampoo once a week. A quick pass with a flat iron and a drop of shine serum is all it takes to keep this bob looking salon-fresh every single day.

2. Platinum Blonde Pixie Cut

A platinum blonde pixie cut is bold, chic and surprisingly versatile. The icy white-blonde shade makes the short, textured layers pop, while the cropped shape shows off your cheekbones and jawline. It is a statement look that feels modern, confident and effortlessly cool.

Styling a pixie is quick and simple. Work a pea-sized amount of texturising paste through damp hair, then tousle it into place with your fingers for a soft, piecey finish. Because the hair is so short, regrowth shows quickly, so plan root touch-ups every four to five weeks to keep the platinum bright and even.

3. Ash Blonde Balayage on Long Hair

Ash blonde balayage on long hair is one of the most flattering ways to wear this shade. The colourist hand-paints cool ash blonde through the lengths, leaving the roots naturally darker, so the colour grows out softly with no harsh line. The result is dimensional, sun-kissed hair with a cool, smoky edge.

This look is perfect if you want ash blonde without constant salon visits. Balayage only needs refreshing every eight to twelve weeks, and it looks even better as it grows out. Style it with loose waves to show off the blend, and use a colour-safe shampoo to keep the ash tones from turning warm.

4. Icy Platinum Blonde Lob

The icy platinum blonde lob, or long bob, sits perfectly between short and long. Falling just at or below the shoulders, it has all the polish of a bob with the styling freedom of longer hair. The icy platinum shade gives it a high-fashion, editorial feel that works for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Wear it sleek and straight for a sharp, modern look, or add soft bends through the ends for movement. Because platinum is a high-lift colour, regular toning is essential to stop brassiness creeping in. A weekly purple mask and a heat protectant before styling will keep the icy tone bright and the hair healthy.

5. Ash Blonde with Dark Roots

Ash blonde with dark roots, also called a shadow root, is the cool girl's answer to low-maintenance blonde. The roots are kept dark and blended down into cool ash blonde lengths, creating a soft, lived-in gradient. It looks intentional and modern, never unfinished.

This style is ideal if you love blonde but hate frequent root appointments. The dark root means regrowth blends in naturally, stretching the time between salon visits to ten weeks or more. It also adds depth and contrast, which makes the ash blonde ends look even brighter by comparison.

6. Platinum Blonde Curtain Bangs

Platinum blonde curtain bangs soften the boldest blonde shade with a gentle, face-framing touch. Parted in the middle and swept to each side, the bangs blend seamlessly into long icy layers. The look is romantic and retro-inspired, yet completely current.

Curtain bangs are forgiving as they grow out, since they simply become longer face-framing layers. Blow-dry them with a round brush, curving the ends away from the face, for that effortless sweep. Pair them with loose waves and the platinum shade looks softer, more wearable and beautifully dimensional.

7. Ash Blonde Beach Waves

Ash blonde beach waves are the ultimate relaxed summer look. The cool, sandy ash tone paired with tousled, undone waves gives hair a fresh, seaside feel all year round. It is casual and carefree, yet the ashy colour keeps it looking polished rather than messy.

Create the waves with a large-barrel curling wand, curling alternate sections in opposite directions, then brush through gently and finish with sea salt spray. The lived-in texture hides regrowth well, making this one of the easiest ash blonde styles to maintain between appointments.

8. Silver Platinum Blonde Sleek Straight Hair

Silver platinum blonde worn sleek and straight is pure glamour. The mirror-like shine of perfectly straightened icy hair shows off the cool silver tones at their best, and the look feels luxurious, expensive and ultra-modern. It is a favourite on red carpets for good reason.

To get this finish, blow-dry hair smooth with a paddle brush, then run a flat iron through in small sections. A lightweight shine serum or glossing spray adds that glassy reflection. Keep the colour silver, not yellow, with regular toning, and always use heat protection to protect the delicate lightened hair.

9. Ash Blonde Money Piece Highlights

Money piece highlights place the brightest ash blonde right at the front, framing the face with two bold, light strands. The rest of the hair can stay darker, which makes the face-framing pieces pop even more. It is a clever way to brighten your whole look without lightening all of your hair.

This style suits almost everyone because the bright pieces lift the complexion and draw attention to the eyes. It grows out gracefully too, since the lighter front sections simply soften over time. Ask your colourist for a cool ash tone rather than a golden one to keep the money piece looking fresh and modern.

10. Platinum Blonde Curly Hair

Platinum blonde curls are a show-stopping combination. The icy shade catches the light in every curl, giving the hair incredible dimension and movement. Whether your curls are natural or created with a curling wand, platinum makes each curl stand out beautifully.

Lightened curly hair needs extra moisture, so deep conditioning is non-negotiable. Use a rich hair mask weekly, scrunch in a curl cream while damp, and let curls air-dry or diffuse on low heat. The result is bouncy, healthy-looking platinum curls with shine in every ringlet.

11. Ash Blonde Ombre

Ash blonde ombre creates a beautiful gradient from dark roots to cool ash blonde ends. Unlike balayage, which is painted in soft sweeps, ombre gives a more defined transition — but the ash tone keeps it soft and sophisticated rather than stark. It is a striking look that still feels wearable.

Ombre is wonderfully low maintenance because the roots are your natural colour, so there is no regrowth line to worry about. The ends need the most care, as they are the lightest part, so use a purple shampoo and a leave-in conditioner to keep them bright, soft and free from brassiness.

12. Platinum Blonde with a Lavender Tint

A whisper of lavender over platinum blonde is a dreamy, fashion-forward twist. The soft pastel purple sits over the icy base, catching the light with a cool, iridescent glow. It is subtle enough for everyday wear but special enough to feel unique.

The best part about a lavender tint is that it is temporary. It usually washes out over a few weeks, fading back to pure platinum, so you can try it without a long-term commitment. Use a lavender colour-depositing conditioner to top it up at home, and enjoy the soft, ethereal colour while it lasts.

13. Ash Blonde Shag with Layers

The ash blonde shag is all about texture and attitude. Choppy layers, feathered ends and a wispy fringe give the hair loads of movement, while the cool ash shade keeps the retro cut feeling fresh and modern. It is the perfect choice if you like your hair to look effortless and a little undone.

A shag looks best when it is not over-styled. Scrunch in a texturising spray, let it air-dry, and let the layers fall where they want to. The cut does most of the work, so this is a great low-effort style that still looks intentional and cool.

14. Platinum Blonde Braided Crown

A platinum blonde braided crown is a romantic, regal style that turns long icy hair into a work of art. Two braids are wrapped around the head and pinned into place, creating a halo effect that shows off the platinum shade from every angle. It is perfect for weddings, festivals and special occasions.

This style works best on second-day hair, when there is a little natural grip to hold the braids. Loosen the braids gently with your fingers for a softer, fuller finish, and pin any loose strands with bobby pins that match your hair colour. A light mist of hairspray keeps the crown secure all day.

15. Ash Blonde French Bob

The ash blonde French bob is short, chic and impossibly elegant. Cut to jaw length with soft bangs and gently curved ends, it has a Parisian charm that never goes out of style. The cool ash blonde shade adds a modern edge to this classic silhouette.

This bob is best worn with a little natural texture rather than pin-straight. Let it air-dry with a touch of styling cream, or tuck one side behind your ear for an asymmetrical touch. It is a confident, grown-up cut that suits women who love a polished but unfussy look.

16. Platinum Blonde High Ponytail

A platinum blonde high ponytail is sleek, powerful and instantly glamorous. Pulled high and smooth, the icy blonde tail catches the light beautifully, and the lifted shape elongates the face. It is a red-carpet favourite that works just as well for a night out.

For the sleekest finish, brush the hair up with a boar bristle brush, secure it tightly, then wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Add soft waves to the tail for extra volume, or keep it poker straight for a sharp, editorial look.

17. Ash Blonde Highlights on Brown Hair

Ash blonde highlights on brown hair are the perfect introduction to cool blonde. Fine, cool-toned highlights are woven through a dark brown base, adding brightness and dimension without a full colour change. The contrast is striking but the overall effect is soft and natural.

This is an ideal first step if you are nervous about going blonde. The highlights grow out softly, the maintenance is minimal, and the cool ash tone stops the brown base from looking flat. Ask for a mix of fine babylights and slightly bolder ribbons for the most natural, dimensional result.

18. Platinum Blonde Wet Look Waves

Platinum blonde wet look waves are pure evening glamour. The hair is styled into defined waves with a high-gloss, just-out-of-the-water finish that makes the icy blonde look liquid and luminous. It is a bold, editorial style made for parties and photoshoots.

Create the waves with a curling wand, brush them out into soft S-waves, then smooth a strong-hold gel or gloss serum through the lengths. The key is shine, so finish with a glossing spray. This look is high impact but surprisingly simple once you master the wave pattern.

19. Ash Blonde Wavy Lob with a Side Part

An ash blonde wavy lob with a deep side part is effortlessly flattering. The side part adds volume at the roots and creates a soft sweep across the forehead, while the shoulder-length waves keep the look relaxed and feminine. The ash blonde shade gives it a cool, modern finish.

This cut suits almost every face shape because the side part can be adjusted to balance your features. Style it with a large-barrel wand for loose waves, then tousle with your fingers. It is a versatile, everyday style that also dresses up beautifully for evening.

20. Platinum Blonde Blunt Cut

The platinum blonde blunt cut is sharp, confident and ultra-modern. Cut to one clean length with no layers, it creates a strong, graphic line that makes the icy platinum colour look even more striking. It is a minimalist style with maximum impact.

A blunt cut needs healthy ends to look its best, so regular trims every six to eight weeks are essential. Wear it straight for the full graphic effect, or add a slight bend at the ends for softness. A shine spray enhances the sleek, polished finish.

21. Ash Blonde Mushroom Blonde Blend

Mushroom blonde is the muted, smoky cousin of ash blonde. It blends cool ash blonde with soft light brown and grey undertones, creating a rich, dimensional colour that looks almost like the cap of a mushroom. It is subtle, sophisticated and wonderfully unique.

This shade is perfect if you find pure platinum too bright but still love cool tones. The multi-dimensional blend means regrowth is barely noticeable, and the colour looks different in every light. It suits medium-length hair best, where the blend of tones can really show.

22. Platinum Blonde Hollywood Waves

Platinum blonde Hollywood waves are old-school glamour at its finest. Large, polished, uniform waves cascade over one shoulder in a style made famous by the golden age of cinema. The icy platinum shade makes the vintage look feel fresh and modern.

To create Hollywood waves, curl all sections in the same direction with a large-barrel wand, let them cool completely, then brush through with a soft bristle brush until they merge into one smooth wave. Set with a flexible-hold hairspray and a shine mist for a flawless, camera-ready finish.

23. Ash Blonde Half-Up Half-Down

Ash blonde half-up half-down is the perfect balance between polished and relaxed. The top half is pulled back away from the face while the rest flows freely in soft ash blonde waves. It shows off the colour beautifully while keeping hair out of your eyes.

This style works for almost any occasion, from a casual day out to a wedding guest look. Twist or braid the top section for extra interest, or keep it simple with a small claw clip. Add loose curls to the loose lengths to show off the dimensional ash blonde tones.

24. Platinum Blonde Space Buns

Platinum blonde space buns are playful, fun and full of personality. Two buns sit high on either side of the head, with the icy blonde shade making the style pop. It is a festival favourite and a great choice when you want your hair to feel light and carefree.

Space buns are easy to create on medium to long hair. Part the hair down the middle, twist each side into a bun and secure with elastics and pins. Leave a few face-framing strands loose to soften the look, and add glitter or hair accessories for a festival-ready finish.

25. Ash Blonde Low Bun

An ash blonde low bun, or chignon, is the definition of quiet elegance. Gathered low at the nape of the neck, the cool ash blonde hair looks smooth, refined and timeless. It is a go-to style for weddings, work events and any occasion that calls for polish.

For a soft, romantic finish, leave a few wispy strands loose around the face and gently loosen the bun with your fingers. For a sharper look, smooth everything back with a brush and a little gel. Either way, the ash blonde shade keeps this classic style feeling modern.

26. Platinum Blonde Messy Bun

The platinum blonde messy bun proves that effortless can still be beautiful. The icy blonde hair is loosely gathered into a soft, undone bun, with strands escaping naturally around the face. It is the perfect off-duty style that still looks intentional.

Messy buns work best on hair with a little texture, so add dry shampoo or texturising spray first. Twist the hair loosely, pin it in place, then pull out a few pieces to soften the shape. It is a five-minute style that looks like you spent far longer on it.

27. Ash Blonde Long Layers

Ash blonde long layers are a classic for a reason. Long, flowing layers add movement and shape to the hair while the cool ash blonde colour adds depth and dimension. The layers stop long hair from looking heavy and flat, and they make styling so much easier.

This cut is incredibly versatile. Wear it straight for a sleek look, wavy for softness, or curled for glamour — the layers will move beautifully in every style. Ask your stylist for long, blended layers that start at the chin or below to keep the length looking full.

28. Platinum Blonde with a Fringe

A platinum blonde fringe, or blunt bangs, adds a bold, fashion-forward edge to icy blonde hair. The straight fringe frames the eyes and gives the whole style a striking, graphic quality. Paired with medium-length platinum hair, it looks chic and confident.

A fringe needs regular trims to keep it sitting just above the brows, and it works best on straight or slightly wavy hair. Blow-dry it with a small round brush, rolling it under slightly, for a smooth finish. The platinum shade makes the fringe a real focal point, so keep the tone bright with purple shampoo.

29. Ash Blonde Textured Pixie with an Undercut

An ash blonde textured pixie with an undercut is edgy, modern and full of character. The top is left long and textured while the sides are cut close, creating a bold contrast. The cool ash blonde shade softens the edgy shape and adds a fashion-forward finish.

This cut is perfect if you love short hair but want something with more personality than a classic pixie. Style the top with texturising paste, sweeping it to one side or tousling it forward. The undercut needs tidying every three to four weeks to keep the shape sharp.

30. Platinum Blonde Mermaid Waves

Platinum blonde mermaid waves are long, flowing and utterly dreamy. The very long icy hair falls in soft, loose waves past the shoulders, catching the light like water. It is a fantasy-inspired look that feels magical yet surprisingly wearable.

To create mermaid waves, use a three-barrel waver or a large curling wand, working through the hair in sections. The key is softness — brush the waves out gently so they blend into one flowing mass. A shine serum adds the glossy, mermaid-like finish.

31. Ash Blonde Braided Ponytail

An ash blonde braided ponytail combines the polish of a ponytail with the detail of a braid. The hair is pulled back smoothly, then braided down its length, showing off the cool ash blonde shade in every twist of the braid. It is neat, sporty and elegant all at once.

This style is great for the gym, for work, or for a smart-casual day out. Smooth the top with a brush and a little gel, secure the ponytail high or low, then braid and tie off the end. Pull the braid gently at the edges to make it look fuller and more textured.

32. Platinum Blonde Sleek Bob with a Centre Part

A platinum blonde sleek bob with a centre part is minimalism at its most striking. The precise middle part and the smooth, glassy finish create a symmetrical, editorial look that lets the icy platinum colour take centre stage. It is sharp, modern and endlessly chic.

This style demands a smooth finish, so blow-dry with a paddle brush and finish with a flat iron. A shine serum is essential for that glassy reflection. Keep the parting crisp and the ends blunt for the full graphic effect.

33. Ash Blonde Feathered Layers

Ash blonde feathered layers bring a soft, retro-inspired softness to cool blonde hair. The layers are cut to flick outwards at the ends, creating a feathered, airy effect that moves beautifully. The ash blonde shade keeps the vintage-inspired cut feeling current.

Feathered layers suit medium-length hair best, where the flicked ends can really show. Blow-dry with a round brush, flicking the ends outwards, for the classic feathered finish. A light-hold hairspray keeps the movement without weighing the layers down.

34. Platinum Blonde Top Knot

A platinum blonde top knot is sleek, practical and effortlessly stylish. All the icy blonde hair is gathered into a neat bun on top of the head, lifting the face and showing off the bright platinum shade. It is a favourite for busy days, workouts and summer heat.

For a polished top knot, brush the hair up smoothly, twist it into a bun and pin it securely. For a softer look, leave a few strands loose around the face. The platinum colour makes even this simple style look striking and deliberate.

35. Ash Blonde Loose Curls for a Wedding

Ash blonde loose curls are a romantic, timeless choice for a wedding. The soft, cool-toned curls fall gently over the shoulders, looking elegant in photos and beautiful in person. The ash blonde shade photographs wonderfully, with no warm tones to clash with white or ivory.

For a bridal look, curl the hair with a large-barrel wand, let the curls cool, then brush through gently for soft, loose waves. Add a delicate hair accessory or a veil comb to complete the look. A flexible-hold hairspray keeps the curls in place from ceremony to last dance.

36. Platinum Blonde Fishtail Braid

A platinum blonde fishtail braid is intricate, bohemian and beautiful. The detailed fishtail weave shows off the icy blonde shade in every strand, creating a textured, dimensional braid that looks far more complicated than it is. Worn over one shoulder, it is romantic and eye-catching.

Fishtail braids work best on long hair with a little texture. Add texturising spray first, then divide the hair into two sections and weave small pieces across. Gently pull the braid apart at the edges for a fuller, softer finish that shows off the platinum tones.

37. Ash Blonde Sombré

Ash blonde sombré, or soft balayage, is balayage at its most subtle. The colour melts so gently from natural roots into ash blonde ends that it is hard to tell where one shade ends and the other begins. It is the most natural-looking way to wear ash blonde.

Sombré is ideal if you want a sun-kissed effect without obvious highlights. It grows out beautifully, needs toning only occasionally, and suits every hair length. Style it with soft waves to show off the gentle gradient, and enjoy a look that always looks effortless.

38. Platinum Blonde with Icy Toned Shine

Platinum blonde with an icy toned shine is all about the finish. The hair is toned to a pure, cool white-blonde, then polished to a high-gloss shine that reflects the light like ice. It is the brightest, cleanest version of platinum, and it looks absolutely stunning.

Keeping this shade icy requires regular toning with a blue or purple toner to neutralise any yellow. A gloss treatment at the salon every few weeks adds shine and seals the colour in. At home, a purple shampoo and a shine serum will keep the icy tone and the glossy finish going strong.

39. Ash Blonde Wavy Shag

The ash blonde wavy shag is a relaxed, rock-inspired take on the shag cut. Tousled waves, choppy layers and a curtain fringe combine with the cool ash shade for a look that is effortlessly cool. It has volume, texture and movement in every direction.

This cut is made for air-drying. Scrunch in a sea salt spray or mousse, let the waves form naturally, and shake the hair out at the roots for volume. The shag grows out well too, since the layers simply get longer and softer over time.

40. Platinum Blonde Short Crop

A platinum blonde short crop is bold, minimalist and incredibly chic. The very short length puts all the focus on the icy blonde colour and on your face, creating a confident, high-fashion look. It is a style that says you are not afraid to stand out.

Short crops are surprisingly easy to style. A little texturising paste or pomade is all you need to shape the hair, and the whole routine takes minutes. Regular trims keep the shape sharp, and root touch-ups keep the platinum bright and even.

41. Ash Blonde Dutch Braids

Ash blonde Dutch braids are neat, sporty and full of detail. Two braids run from the crown down each side of the head, with the cool ash blonde shade making every twist of the braid visible. It is a practical style that looks polished and pretty at the same time.

Dutch braids are perfect for active days, festivals and holidays, since they keep the hair secure and out of the way. Braid on slightly damp hair with a little styling cream for grip, and pull the braids gently at the edges to make them look fuller. They also make beautiful waves when taken out the next day.

42. Platinum Blonde Voluminous Blowout

A platinum blonde voluminous blowout is big, bouncy and full of glamour. The hair is blow-dried with maximum volume at the roots and soft, flipped ends, giving the icy blonde shade incredible body and shine. It is the ultimate salon-fresh look.

To recreate a blowout at home, blow-dry the hair in sections with a large round brush, lifting at the roots and curling the ends under. A volumising mousse applied to damp hair helps the volume last, and a cool shot from the dryer sets each section. The result is bouncy, shiny platinum hair with serious wow factor.

43. Ash Blonde Face-Framing Layers

Ash blonde face-framing layers are one of the most flattering styles you can ask for. Shorter layers around the face soften the features, draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, and add movement to the hair. The cool ash blonde shade makes the layers look bright and dimensional.

This style works on almost every hair length and face shape, because the layers can be customised to suit you. Wear the hair straight to show off the clean layers, or wavy for a softer effect. It is a subtle change that makes a surprisingly big difference to your whole look.

44. Platinum Blonde Glass Hair

Platinum blonde glass hair is the ultimate in sleek, shiny hair. The hair is cut to a sharp length and styled so smoothly that it reflects light like glass, with the icy platinum shade looking almost metallic. It is a high-fashion, editorial look that feels incredibly luxurious.

Achieving glass hair takes patience. Blow-dry the hair completely smooth, then flat iron in small sections, finishing with a shine serum or glossing spray. Regular trims keep the ends sharp, and a purple shampoo keeps the platinum cool and bright. The result is hair that looks like liquid silver.

Conclusion

Ash blonde and platinum blonde offer endless ways to express your style, from soft, lived-in balayage to bold, icy platinum cuts. The 44 ideas in this guide cover every length, texture and occasion, so whether you want a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, there is a look here that will suit you. The key is choosing a shade and a cut that fit your lifestyle, your skin tone and how much maintenance you are happy to do.

Before your appointment, save your favourite designs from this list and show them to your colourist. Talk about your hair history, your budget for upkeep, and how often you are willing to visit the salon. With the right colourist, the right toner and a good purple shampoo at home, your ash blonde or platinum blonde hair will stay bright, healthy and beautiful for months to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ash blonde or platinum blonde better for warm skin tones?

Ash blonde is usually the safer choice for warm skin tones, because its cool, smoky shade balances warmth in the complexion without clashing. Platinum blonde can also work, but it is a much bolder contrast, so ask your colourist for a slightly softer, icy platinum rather than a stark white blonde. A face-framing money piece or balayage is a good way to test a cool blonde before committing to a full colour.

How do I stop ash blonde and platinum blonde hair turning yellow?

Yellow tones appear when the toner fades and the natural warmth underneath shows through. Use a purple shampoo once or twice a week to neutralise yellow, and book a toner refresh at the salon every four to six weeks. Avoid chlorine, which can turn blonde hair green or brassy, and always use a heat protectant, because heat styling can also push blonde tones warm.

How often does platinum blonde need root touch-ups?

Platinum blonde usually needs root touch-ups every four to six weeks, because the regrowth line is very visible against the bright blonde. If you prefer less maintenance, ask for a shadow root or a platinum balayage, which blends the regrowth and can stretch appointments to eight to ten weeks. Short hair shows regrowth faster than long hair, so your cut affects the schedule too.

Does going platinum blonde damage your hair?

Going platinum involves lifting the hair to its lightest level, which can weaken it if done carelessly. A skilled colourist will lift gradually, use bond-building treatments, and advise you on aftercare. At home, use a deep conditioning mask weekly, avoid daily heat styling, and get regular trims to remove damaged ends. With proper care, platinum hair can stay healthy and strong.

Can I get ash blonde hair without bleaching?

It depends on your starting colour. If your hair is naturally light brown or dark blonde, your colourist may be able to achieve ash blonde with a high-lift colour and toner alone. Darker hair will usually need some lightening first, but techniques like balayage or highlights only lighten selected sections, so the damage is far less than a full bleach. Always have a consultation first so your colourist can assess your hair.