Blonding is more than just “going lighter”—it’s a transformation that can create striking, fashion-forward, and lived-in looks.
If you’ve ever dreamed of achieving the perfect Grey Blonde, Intense Pearl Blonde, Blue Based Blonde, or 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 8 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 Grey Hair
Many women who are looking to go blonde also have white ("grey") 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Natural 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.
4. Intense Silver Blonde
Soft, rich, and creamy—this trend is all about a very white blonde which looks natural at the same time.
Formula: Mix Ugly Duckling Intense Silver Blonde (100B) cream based toner with 20 Vol developer in a 1:2 ratio.
On white hair: Add 1:1 Color Gel Very Light Blonde 10N if you have grey hair.
Technique: Assuming your hair is perfectly lightened from roots to tips, apply on the mid-lengths first, then only after that the root area.
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.
5. Blue Based Blonde
Colorists know that adding a touch of blue pigment is incredibly effective at getting rid of yellow and producing a vey pure, white looking blonde.
Ugly Ducking has a range of blue based toners, from level 10 all the way down to level 6.
In this look, we'll focus on 10.1b Extra Light Cold Ash Blonde. It produces a stunning result as you can see.
Formula: Ugly Duckling 10.1b Extra Light Cold Ash Blonde.+ 20 Vol developer (1:2).
If you have white hair: Mix with Color Gel 10N .
Technique: Apply like a traditional toner, focusing first on areas that look warmer, more yellow and more in need of toning.
6. Purple Based Blonde
Purple is highly effective at neutralizing light yellow and this is what you use to produce a platinum blonde.
Formula: Ugly Duckling Natural Violet Blonde 010V + 20 Vol developer (1:1 mix).
On white hair: Add in Color Gel 10N for more depth.
Pro Tip: Leave on an extra 10 minutes to get a really white platinum blonde look.
7. Silver Grey Blonde
Silver Grey is another of our very popular blonde looks.
Formula: Mix Silver Grey with 20 Vol developer.
Make sure that the hair is prelighted to level 10 pale yellow.
On white hair: Blend with Color Gel 10N if needed.
Pro Tip: Do a strand test first. Sometimes very porous hair takes the sliver and blue color very fast. You need to watch the timing on this application to get the right amount of silver grey.
8. Metallic Grey Blonde
If you like grey, but are looking for a slighty darker grey, try this look.
It's very striking and will work even when the hair has only been lightened to level 8 (yellow).
Formula: Ugly Duckling Metallic Grey + 20 Vol developer (1:2).
Pro Tip: Try mixing metallic grey with silver grey if you are looking something in between the 2 colors. You can also do foiled highlights using silbver grey and metallic grey in alternace.
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 Brilliant Blondexx bleach and developer, sectioning for even lift. Make sure you process all the way - don't rinse too soon. It needs to be level 10.
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 to strenthen blonde hair and finish with Brilliant Blonde Hair Care range for lasting shine and final toning.
Extra Tips for Home Blonders
- Always strand test for new formulas.
- Use gloves and high-quality application brushes.
- Keep your hair hydrated between colorings.
- 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!
