Ever since women in the Ice Age started sprouting blonde hair in order to stand out and attract potential mates, people have been obsessed with having lighter locks. Luckily, instead of waiting around for evolution to get its act together, all we have to do in our modern times is pop into a local hair salon for some bleach. The hard part now isn't deciding to go blonde, it's deciding what type of blonde you want to be.

Because there are so many shades of blonde hair colors out there, we decided to put together an image gallery featuring different blonde looks on real women. These looks were created by stylists on our site, who detail why they like each color and discuss upkeep requirements. Hopefully, these images will inspire you to go brighter during your next salon visit.

1. Babylights and Balayage

Designed by Mindy S. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? I love using this technique on my gals that want to feel super blonde and bright.

Best for: Because this color has a combo of warm and cool tones, it's good for all fair- to tan-based skin tones.

Upkeep: Because we are incorporating foils, this look needs touchups every 6–8 weeks

2. Neutral-Toned Balayage

Designed by Mindy S. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? Because the client used to foil her hair but switches to balayage for its low maintenance ability!

Best for: This is a neutral-toned blonde that is great on [most] skin types.

Upkeep: Every 3–6 months, with a toner touchup in between.

3. Soft Sun-Kissed Balayage

Designed by Mindy S. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? It's a great way to introduce virgin-hair clients into color.

Best for: It's flattering on all skin types because of the customization in toners.

Upkeep: This look is also low maintenance and is touched up at your convenience.

4. Blonde Highlights and Babylights

Designed by Mindy S. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? This is a great look combining foils and modern painting techniques.

Best for: The tone is both warm and cool, which plays up all skin types.

Upkeep: This look does require some maintenance, typically every 6–8 weeks.

5. Blonde Balayage with a Root Drop

Designed by Rebecca C. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? It gives the client a more natural look that is easier to maintain.

Best for: Clients that have warmer skin tones like brown-eyed/golden skin or olive skin tones.

Upkeep: Very minimal. We color-matched her roots to a similar color [to her natural hair] ... . The only upkeep would be a new custom toner about every 8–10 weeks and then her balayage whenever she wants it brought up or re-lightened.

6. Full Babylights with a Root Smudge

Designed by Alyssa Z. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? The babylights create a seamless and dimensional blend from her natural root color to her previously highlighted blonde ends.

Best for: Medium to light skin tones and naturally light brown to blonde hair

Upkeep: This look can be lower maintenance than traditional highlights. ... I suggest clients come in every 10–12 weeks to keep their blonde looking bright.

7. Classic Babylights

Designed by Sarah C. at Bristle + Grace

Why do you like it? It is very natural and gives the client an overall softer look while being lower maintenance.

Best for: This specific blonde looks best on someone who has more cool-toned skin. 

Upkeep: The upkeep for babylights is low maintenance; as the fine highlights grow out, it gives the overall hair a subtle look with no lines of demarcation.

8. Bright Blonde Babylights

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? Because it's a bright blonde with lots of dimension

Best for: Almost any skin tone can rock this blonde, but it's most easily achieved on naturally light hair.

Upkeep: If you're naturally blonde, this is a very low maintenance look. If you're brunette, you'll be in your salon about every four weeks.

9. Babylights with Gold Iridescent Lowlights

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? Because of the beigey blonde and the subtle pops of lowlights

Best for: This is a flattering color on most skin tones, especially those with warmer complexions.

Upkeep: This look can be done with a deeper root so the maintenance can be minimal, usually every 6–8 weeks. Some can stretch it longer.

10. Colored Root with Highlights (Custom Colored Extensions)

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? Because of the natural-looking root and bright blonde ends

Best for: Any skin tone can wear this color because the base is colored to look natural to the guest.

Upkeep: Between 4–8 weeks depending on how dark your natural color is

11. Highlights and Babylights

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? Because of all the different blend of blondes

Best for: This color looks great on deeper skin tones.

Upkeep: If your natural [color] is on the lighter end of the scale, it can be lower maintenance, but typically you'll be in a six- to eight-week range.

12. Deep Root and Full Balayaged Ends

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? I absolutely love this look and the deep color at the root.

Best for: Everyone, you can alter the warmth and coolness to complement anyone.

Upkeep: This has super low upkeep for brunettes because the dark root looks intentional.

13. Balayage and Babylights on a Deep Root

Designed by Alisha M. at Color Love by Alisha

Why do you like it? Because of the bright pops of blondes and deeper root

Best for: This blonde looks great on all skin tones and can be cooled and warmed up.

Upkeep: [Depends on the root]

Final Thoughts

"The best advice I can give to someone thinking about going blonde is to think about upkeep, what are you comfortable with," stylist Alisha says. She adds that it's important to pick a look that fits your schedule and budget, and says that you may have to be a little patient if you're looking to make a drastic change from dark to light.

"Think about hair health," she says. "You want to do it in a healthy time frame and [with] a trained professional. Blonde can go bad very easily, and a good stylist is a must!"

What to Know Before You Go

Before you head off to the salon, take a peek at our guides below:

Not Convinced You Should Go Blonde?	What Exactly is Balayage?
Browse our hair color gallery for other ideas.	We define common hair-color terminology.

Are You Washing Your Hair Right?	Should You Get a Pixie?
A pro gives shower tips for all hair types.	Let our short-hair gallery inspire you.