In short: in a shade like 7.1, 8.1 or 9.1, the first number is the level (how light) and the .1 is the tone: ash, a cool, blue-based reflect that neutralises warmth. So 7.1 is a medium ash blonde, 8.1 a light ash blonde and 9.1 a very light ash blonde. This guide explains the ash family, what each shade does, and how to formulate and maintain it.
Written for salon professionals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and complete the recommended tests before any colour service.
What "ash" means in hair colour
Ash is a cool tone built on blue (and sometimes green) pigment. Because blue sits opposite orange on the colour wheel, ash shades counteract the warm, brassy and orange tones that appear as hair is lightened — which is why ash is the go-to for cool, neutral blondes. In professional shade numbering, ash carries the .1 reflect. For how the whole code system works, see our hair colour numbering guide.
7.1, 8.1 and 9.1 explained
The number before the dot sets how light the shade is; the .1 keeps it cool. Reading up the levels:
| Shade | Level | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Medium blonde | Medium ash blonde — a cool medium blonde that holds back warmth |
| 8.1 | Light blonde | Light ash blonde — cooler and brighter, good for controlling gold |
| 9.1 | Very light blonde | Very light ash blonde — a pale, cool blonde for high-lift work |
| 10.1 | Lightest blonde | Lightest ash blonde — the coolest, palest end of the scale |
You'll also see double-ash shades such as 8.11 or 9.11, where the second 1 means an intensified ash — used when hair pulls warm and needs extra neutralising power.
Who each ash blonde suits
- 7.1 medium ash blonde: a wearable cool blonde for clients who want warmth kept in check without going very light.
- 8.1 light ash blonde: brighter and cooler, ideal where hair tends to pull gold or for a fresh, neutral light blonde.
- 9.1 very light ash blonde: for high-lift and pre-lightened hair that needs a cool, pale finish.
- Double-ash (x.11): for stubbornly warm or yellow hair that needs maximum neutralising.
Neutralising brass with ash
Warmth shows up as hair lightens: darker bases reveal red and orange, mid-blondes pull gold, and the palest levels show yellow. Choosing the right ash level for where the hair sits — and stepping up to a double-ash when needed — is how you keep blondes clean. Ash can be applied as a permanent colour, a demi or a toner, depending on whether you're colouring, refreshing or glossing.
Formulating and toning ash blonde
The professional lines we stock cover every ash approach:
- Permanent ash (grey coverage, lasting cool blondes): the .1 ash shades in L'Oreal Majirel, INOA and Wella Koleston Perfect Me+.
- Demi, gloss and toners (cool down, refresh, add shine): Wella Color Touch, Wella Shinefinity and L'Oreal Dia Light for glossing and toning ash between full colours.
- Lightening first: high-lift ash (9.1, 10.1) often starts with a clean lift — see our bleach and lightener guide.
Keeping ash blonde from fading warm
Ash tones are the first to wash out, and as the cool pigment fades the underlying warmth returns. To hold it:
- Purple or blue toning shampoo to top up cool pigment between visits (purple for yellow, blue for orange).
- Colour-safe, sulphate-free care to slow fade.
- A salon gloss or toner refresh every few weeks to revive the ash without a full colour.
- Heat protection and gentler styling to reduce colour loss.
Frequently asked questions
What does 7.1 mean in hair colour?
Level 7 (medium blonde) with a .1 ash tone — a cool, medium ash blonde that neutralises warmth.
What's the difference between 7.1, 8.1 and 9.1?
They're all ash, just at different levels: 7.1 is medium blonde, 8.1 light blonde and 9.1 very light blonde. The higher the number, the lighter the result.
What does the .1 mean?
It's the ash reflect — a cool, blue-based tone that counteracts warmth, brass and orange.
What does a double number like 8.11 mean?
The second 1 intensifies the ash, for hair that pulls warm and needs extra neutralising.
Is ash blonde good for covering grey?
Permanent ash shades can cover grey, but very cool, light ash shades may need mixing with a natural base for full coverage — always follow the brand's mixing and coverage guidance.
What neutralises orange or yellow in blonde hair?
Blue neutralises orange and violet neutralises yellow, so an ash (.1) shade or a blue/purple toner brings warm blondes back to cool.
Shop professional ash blonde colour
Browse professional hair colour at trade prices — permanent ash shades, demi and gloss toners and lighteners from Wella, L'Oreal, Schwarzkopf and more. Trade-only, with fast UK delivery.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
