The Difference Between Blonde and Blond: What You Need to Know
When it comes to hair color, the terms "blonde" and "blond" are often used interchangeably, but did you know that there is a subtle difference between the two? Understanding these differences can help you better communicate with your stylist and achieve the exact blonde shades you desire. Whether you’re considering going blonde or just curious about the nuances of the terms, this guide will explore everything you need to know about blonde vs. blond.
At our salon, we pride ourselves on our expertise in blonding services, and part of that expertise includes understanding the subtleties of blonde hair and all its variations. Keep reading to learn more about the distinction between blonde and blond, how each term is used, and which one might be right for you.
What is Blonde?
The term "blonde" is typically used when referring to women's hair color. It's the more widely accepted and commonly used spelling when talking about blonde hair in general. The word describes hair that is light in color, ranging from pale yellow to golden, platinum, and even ash shades. The blonde hair spectrum is vast, and whether you have warm golden blonde hair or cool platinum blonde hair, this term will most likely be used to describe your shade.
Examples of Blonde Hair:
Light Blonde: Often described as pale and soft, light blonde hair is commonly seen with very fair complexions.
Golden Blonde: Warm and rich in tone, golden blonde has a sunny, yellowish hue.
Platinum Blonde: A cooler, almost white blonde shade that’s very light and chic.
Strawberry Blonde: A reddish hue mixed with blonde, this color is a unique, warm variation.
Why Use "Blonde"? The spelling "blonde" is used because the word follows traditional English language conventions where adjectives describing women are often made feminine by adding an “e.” Therefore, in most cases, "blonde" refers to hair color associated with females.
What is Blond?
The term "blond" is used to describe men's hair color, or for gender-neutral usage, it refers to blonde hair in a more general sense. While it may seem that "blond" is simply a shortened version of "blonde," it is used to describe the same hair color. In many languages, including French and Spanish, the word for blonde hair has no gender distinction, which is why English speakers sometimes use "blond" when referring to men's hair.
Examples of Blond Hair:
Dark Blond: A deep, earthy blonde that leans more toward a light brown shade.
Ash Blond: A cooler, more neutral-toned blonde that is neither too warm nor too yellow.
Honey Blond: A warm, golden blonde, often described as a deeper, richer shade.
Why Use "Blond"? While "blond" can be used for both men and women, it’s most commonly used when referring to male hair color. It’s the gender-neutral form that still refers to the same light hair color that can range from platinum to golden to ash tones. In cases of gender-neutral or androgynous hair color references, you might see "blond" used more frequently.
The History Behind the Terms "Blonde" and "Blond"
The distinction between blonde and blond comes from the history and evolution of the English language.
The term "blond" comes from the Old French word "blund" or "blond", which means light-colored or fair, describing fair-haired individuals.
The evolution of the word “blonde” as a feminine form happened in the 19th century when language usage was often gendered.
In modern times, English speakers have followed this tradition, using blonde for women and blond for men, though the difference is subtle and the two words are still often used interchangeably in everyday conversation.
How to Choose the Right Term for Your Hair
In practice, both blonde and blond can refer to light-colored hair, so it’s ultimately up to you which term you prefer to use. However, understanding the subtle difference between the two will help you express yourself more accurately when discussing your hair color with your stylist or when searching for blonde hair services.
For Women:
If you are a woman with light-colored hair, you're most likely referring to your hair as blonde. For example:
“I want to go platinum blonde.”
“My natural blonde hair is getting darker.”
For Men or Gender-Neutral Hair:
If you're a man, or you simply prefer gender-neutral terms, blond is your go-to. For example:
“He has dark blond hair.”
“I want to try a more ash blond look.”
Popular Blonde and Blond Hair Shades
To help further guide you, here are some popular blonde and blond hair colors:
Blonde Hair Shades for Women:
Platinum Blonde: A very light, almost white blonde that requires regular maintenance.
Golden Blonde: A warm, rich blonde with golden undertones.
Strawberry Blonde: A mixture of blonde and red tones, creating a unique peachy-pinkish hue.
Ash Blonde: A cooler, more neutral blonde with silvery undertones.
Caramel Blonde: A warm, golden blonde with caramel highlights for added dimension.
Blond Hair Shades for Men:
Dirty Blond: A darker, more natural blond with a mix of brown and blonde tones.
Honey Blond: A warm, golden blonde, often seen on men who want a more subtle, sun-kissed look.
Platinum Blond: A bold, icy, almost white shade of blonde.
Dark Blond: A deeper shade of blond, often transitioning into light brown.
Maintaining Your Blonde or Blond Hair
Whether you're rocking a blond look or blonde hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant is key to maintaining that fresh, glowing look. Here are some tips for maintaining your blonde or blond hair:
1. Regular Toning:
Blonde hair can be prone to brassiness or fading over time. Regular toning treatments can help maintain your desired hue and neutralize yellow or orange undertones. Ask your stylist about blonde toners to keep your color fresh.
2. Hydration is Key:
Blonding processes can leave hair more porous and prone to dryness. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish moisture and maintain a shiny, soft look.
3. Heat Protection:
When styling your blonde or blond hair, always use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and preserve the integrity of your color.
4. Regular Touch-Ups:
To keep your blonde looking flawless, make regular salon visits for root touch-ups or color refreshers to avoid any visible regrowth and to keep your color vibrant.
Book Your Blonding Appointment Today!
Now that you understand the difference between blonde and blond, it’s time to book your next appointment and achieve the perfect blonde or blond look! Whether you're aiming for a cool platinum blonde, a rich honey blond, or a bold balayage blonde, our expert colorists are here to guide you every step of the way. Book your appointment today and let us help you achieve a beautiful, glowing hair color that will turn heads!