Blonding is more than just “going lighter”—it’s an artform that can create striking, fashion-forward, and lived-in looks. If you’ve ever dreamed of achieving the perfect Teddy Bear Blonde, the glow of Champagne Blonde, or the allure of Silver Blonde, you’re in the right place.
At Ugly Duckling Color, we’re all about empowering you to confidently recreate salon-quality blondes from home.
Below you’ll find 12 iconic blonde transformations, each including:
- The exact shade formula (using Ugly Duckling products)
- Techniques inspired by our education videos
- Pro tips to ensure flawless, lasting results
The Golden Rule: Start at Level 10
Every one of these blonde looks requires a clean, consistent base. This means pre-lightening hair safely with an Ugly Duckling bleach to a pale yellow Level 10.
To achieve safe and effective lighting, take your time, and do it well. No shortcuts please.
You will need a very quality bleach and you may need different strengths of developer.
When choosing a bleach, we do recommend that you protect your hair by using Brilliant Blondexx bleach with Bond Protect.
When choosing your developer, once again we do recommend Ugly Duckling Premium Developer with Bond Protect.
Use 20 Vol for lifts below 3 levels. Use 30 Vol for lifts above 3 levels.
And always use 20 Vol for applying on the root and regrowth area. Also when you make a second bleach application because you did not get the lift that you wanted with the first application.
The images below show what your hair should look like once finished. Make sure that your hair looks like this after bleaching.
Going Blonde and Covering White Hair
Many women who are looking to go blonde also have white hair.
Is that you? If so, you should consider combining the toner that you choose with the right shade of Color Gel.
This will help you put in some base and give you good white hair coverage as you tone.
You can blend the Color Gel with your toner 50/50. Both should be used with 20 Vol developer.
1. Teddy Bear Blonde
Soft, rich, and creamy—this trend is all about warmth and dimension.
Formula: Mix Ugly Duckling 9.1b (Very Light Cold Ash Blonde) cream based toner with 20 Vol developer in a 1:2 ratio.
On white hair: Add 1:1 Color Gel Very Light Blonde 9N for uniformity.
Technique: Assuming your hair is perfectly lightened from roots to tips, apply on the mid-lengths first, then root.
The root area will take color faster than the mid-lengths.
As for the end, they need the least development time.
Gloss the ends with leftover formula for 5–10 minutes for a seamless blend.
2. Intense Pearl Blonde
This is the ultimate icy, pure blonde with zero yellow. And a look that Ugly Duckling is famous for.
Formula: Ugly Duckling Intense Pearl Blonde toner (100V) + 20 Vol developer (1:2).
If you have white hair, mix with Color Gel 10N.
Technique: Saturate evenly from roots to ends. Watch closely, because this is a powerful toner with lift.
Rinse once you achieve a crisp, platinum tone.
Use Brilliant Blondexx mask for deep conditioning after rinsing to maintain integrity.
3. Platinum Blonde
Chilled, bright, and almost white. This is perhaps the most popular blonde look.
Formula: Ugly Duckling Extra Light Cool Blonde (10.2 toner) + 20 Vol developer (1:2).
Also mix with Color Gel 10N if you have white hair.
Technique: Work in small sections, especially if working over sensitive, freshly lightened hair.
For extra icy brightness, process under a cap using a little indirect heat (for example, using a blow dryer) for the last 5 minutes.
4. Ash Blonde
Cool, soft, and smoky with no brassiness.This is a very wearable look and very popular for those looking for a more natural blonde.
Formula: Ugly Duckling Ash Blonde toner (010A) + 20 Vol developer (1:1 mix).
Mix with Color Gel 9N if you have white hair.
Technique: Apply generously, leave on for at least 15 minutes. This is a liquid toner, so it is very easy to apply. You can either use a mixing bowl or pour it out of an applicator bottle.
If you still see warmth after 15 minutes, you can extend processing up to 30 minutes.
5. Blue Based Blonde
Warm, glossy, and natural-looking—a timeless favorite.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 9.31 (Very Light Golden Ash) + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
On white hair: Mix with Color Gel 9.31.
Technique: Apply like a traditional toner, focusing first on areas that tend to appear cooler.
6. Purple Blonde
Yellow-gold, rich, and softly luminous.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 10.13 (Ultra Light Golden Ash Blonde) + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
On white hair: Add in Color Gel 10.13 for more depth.
Pro Tip: Gloss briefly (up to 10 minutes) for the perfect buttery finish.
7. Champagne Blonde
Elegant, sparkling, and flattering for any skin tone.
Formula: Mix Intense Pearl Blonde (100V) + Pearl Blonde (100P) + a small amount of Ash Blonde (010A) toner in a 1:1:0.2 ratio with 10 Vol developer.
On white hair: Blend with Color Gel 10.21 if needed.
Technique: Apply in long, even strokes for even saturation.
8. Caramel Blonde
Warm, dark blonde with a hint of toffee.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 8.3 (Light Golden Blonde) + a drop of 8.71 (Light Beige Blonde) + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
Technique: Start with roots; work through mid-lengths and ends.
9. Pearl Blonde
Softly iridescent and universally flattering.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 100P (Pearl Blonde) toner + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
Technique: Focus application at the roots, feathering gently downward.
10. Intense Pearl Blonde
Deeper, cosmic pearl for a high-fashion result.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 100V (Intense Pearl Blonde) + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
Technique: Leave to process for a full 20 minutes; rinse once you see an opal-like reflect.
11. Silver Grey
Dramatic, modern, and shimmering silver.
Formula: Ugly Duckling Silver (010B) + a drop of Blue Booster + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
Pro Tip: Add Silver Mask post-rinse for more “metallic” effect.
12. Metallic Grey Blonde
Cool, smoky and sophisticated.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 10.1 (Ultra Light Ash Blonde) + 10 Vol developer (1:2).
Technique: Extend developing up to 25 minutes but check every 3–5 minutes for depth.
Pro Tip: If hair is too warm, add a hint of Silver or Blue Booster.
Aftercare for Blondes
At the end, finish your look with Brilliant Blondexx and Brilliant Blonde Hair Care for luminous, healthy results.
Step-by-Step: Bringing It All Together
1. Bleach Hair to Level 10: Always start with healthy, pale yellow hair. Use Ugly Duckling bleach and developer (with bond protection if needed), sectioning for even lift.
2. Shampoo, Rinse, Dry Towel: Don't skip thorough rinsing. Towel-dry for even toning.
3. Choose Formula & Mix: Select your target blonde from above, then mix toner and developer. Add Color Gel for white hair as required.
4. Apply Toner/Color: Work quickly and methodically, saturating every strand. Always start where hair is most porous.
5. Process: Follow the times and pro tips for each look.
6. Rinse & Treat: Shampoo out toner, then use Brilliant Blondexx and finish with Brilliant Blonde Hair Care range for lasting shine and nourishment.
Extra Tips for Home Blonders
- Always strand test for new formulas.
- Use gloves and high-quality application brushes.
- Keep your hair hydrated between colorings.
- Watch our Ugly Duckling Education Videos for demos of every technique and formula.
- If covering white hair, always add Color Gel for best gray coverage.
Confidently Create Your Dream Blonde
If you follow these steps and formulas—combining your patience and our pro-grade products—you can absolutely achieve “impossible” blondes at home. Want more help? Dive into our education library or reach out for personal advice. Happy blonding!
