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Cool-Toned Blond Is the Hottest Unexpected Shade for Summer

Icy is in.

Blond hair isn’t just a popular summer color—it’s the one hue that feels aptly seasonal. From sun-kissed strands to golden-hour hair, blond rules the warmer months and complements the looks of the season. As cool tones are trending throughout beauty people are embracing icier versions of blond. You may already be familiar with cool-toned makeup, but cool-toned blond is the latest trend to surface. According to Pinterest searches for cool-toned dark blond hair specifically surged 843 percent.

Like the makeup look, this blond is all about ashy undertones that create a cool and unique shade. Forget sunny and golden, the vibe here is subtle and distinctly muted. But don’t think for a second that translates into boring. With a diverse range of shades, cool-toned blons can be a flattering option for almost every skin tone. The trick is getting the color blend right. Ahead, we chatted with two colorists to get insight into everything to know about the trend, including what to ask for at the salon.

Featured experts

Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon
Lorena M. Valdes is a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago

What is cool-toned blond?

Undertones are the essence of cool-toned blond and the element that makes the shade unique in a sea of blond hair colors. Instead of golden hues, cool-toned blonds embrace subdued undertone hues, such as ashy, icy and beige. “These tones cancel out warm shades, like yellow and orange, resulting in a more muted, sophisticated color,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon. “Think platinum or soft ash with a pearlescent finish rather than a sunny glow,” he adds. It’s easy to assume that a cool-toned blond may appear washed out and lifeless. However, according to colorist, Lorena M. Valdes cooler shades are well-balanced thanks to the lack of bright tones.

How to get cool-toned blond at the salon

This shade of blond works well on complexions with similar undertones—think neutral peaches and yellows. However, it can be a good fit for warmer complexions when done with the correct balance. At the salon, Cavalcante suggests asking for a cool-toned blond that best flatters your complexion. He explains that those with neutral undertones should stick to an ashy or icy color and avoid any warm, yellow or brassy tones. For warmer complexions, he says the color should be balanced with a root shadow for depth. Highlights are a nice option that allows you to get the look without washing you out. “Balayage with a darker root will help make the color more dimensional and give it a natural appearance,” he adds. Low lights are another option that works with a range of skin tones. According to Valdes, they optimize the cooler tones while keeping them blended for seamless color.

Cool-toned blond maintenance

Like any blond, cooler-toned shades need a regimented hair-care routine. “Purple shampoo is essential to neutralize brassiness while a weekly deep conditioning treatment will help prevent dryness caused by the coloring process,” says Cavalcante. However, minimizing how often you wash is key. “Shampooing too often increases dryness and can strip the color, dulling its shine,” says Valdes. If you tend to use hot tools for daily styling, the pros urge adding a heat protectant to your routine to keep the color fresh and your hair healthy.