This Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Inspiration Is Calling Your Name

Updated on 1/16/2023 at 3:15 PM

Platinum, icy, sandy, strawberry — the list of blond hair-color variations goes on and on, but dirty-blond hair is by far one of the most popular. It's the shade often associated with surfers and beachgoers who have sun-kissed highlights from hours spent in the water — except with dirty-blond hair dye, there's no ocean required.

The dirty-blond hair mixes light brown and blond hues to create a medium hair color that's super natural-looking and easier to maintain than a brighter color, such as platinum or icy blond. Both those who are existing blonds and brunettes looking to dye their hair blond are good fits for the effortless-looking color. It can be achieved by lightening the overall hair color with dirty blond highlights (if you're a brunette) or adding cooler brown tones to your hair if it's already light. Whether you achieve dirty-blond hair with highlights, dirty-blond balayage, or dirty-blond hair with lowlights, the end result is still the same: beautiful, laid-back color.

No matter what season we're in, dirty-blond hair is a great option for anyone looking for something with very little maintenance. Like with all blond hair colors, you can use a purple shampoo to help cancel out any brassy-orange tones that develop in the color, but it will need far fewer touch-ups and professional toning treatments than a platinum hue.

Ahead, find more dirty-blond hair inspiration to take to your stylist.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

This dirty-blond hair looks so natural, no one will be able to guess you went to the salon for it.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Sofia Richie's dirty-blond hair features a darker root to create some contrast. This also makes it easy to hide regrowth.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

If you need any proof of how good dirty-blond hair can look on curls, here it is. The contrasting blond and brunette tones make your curl pattern really stand out.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

This lob haircut with a dirty-blond hair color features lowlights that add contrast.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty-blond hair can lean more brunette if that better suits you.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty-blond balayage is a super-easy way to instantly elevate your look.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty-blond hair looks great with the ombré hair-coloring technique, as seen here on Ciara.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty-blond hair with highlights of bright blond and light brown can add some dimension to your straight hair.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

All hair types and textures look stunning with a dirty-blond hair color.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty-blond highlights are an easy way for you to tweak your natural hair color without having to dye your whole head.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

For a look that's extra low maintenance, try dirty-blond balayage that starts a few inches down from the roots.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

To really lean into that effortless, beachy look, style your dirty-blond hair in loose, messy waves.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

Dirty blond hair color doesn't have to be regulated to just the summer months. It looks chic peaking out from a scarf and hat in the winter, too.

Dirty-Blond Hair-Color Idea

If your starting base is blond, you can go a long time between salon visits with dirty-blond hair.