Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde Review: From My Personal Experience

I’ve always been on the hunt for a hair dye that delivers a natural, vibrant look without breaking the bank or my hair’s health.

Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Color Cream in 9A Light Ash Blonde caught my eye with its promise of cool-toned, salon-quality results at home.

After trying it myself, I’m convinced you should grab a box too—it’s a game-changer for anyone craving a fresh, ashy blonde that blends seamlessly with your natural tones.

In this article, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, offer maintenance tips, and compare it to other brands to help you decide if this is your next hair color must-have.

My Experience With Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde

Opening the box of Clairol Nice’n Easy 9A Light Ash Blonde felt like unwrapping a little gift for myself. The packaging was bright and inviting, with clear instructions that didn’t leave me scratching my head. I’m no stranger to at-home hair dye, but I’m also not a pro, so I appreciated the straightforward process.

The kit included a color blend formula, activator, and a color-seal conditioner, plus gloves that actually fit my hands—small wins matter! Mixing the dye was a breeze; I poured the color blend into the activator bottle, shook it up, and was ready to go.

Applying the dye was where things got real. My hair is naturally a medium blonde with some stubborn gray strands creeping in, and I was hoping for a cool, ashy tone to brighten my look. The non-drip formula stayed put, which was a relief because I’ve had my share of bathroom disasters with runny dyes.

I parted my hair into sections, applied the color from roots to tips, and let it sit for 25 minutes, as recommended for non-gray hair. The scent was floral and surprisingly pleasant—no harsh chemical whiff stinging my nose.

After rinsing, I used the color-seal conditioner, and my hair felt silky, not like the straw-like texture I’ve gotten from other dyes. The result? A gorgeous light ash blonde that looked multidimensional, with subtle highlights that caught the light beautifully.

It wasn’t too light or too dark—just a natural, cool-toned blonde that made my skin look brighter. The grays were mostly covered, though a few peeked through, which didn’t bother me much. Over the next few weeks, the color held up well, fading slightly but not turning brassy. I felt like I’d just walked out of a salon, and that’s a win in my book.

Pros Of Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde

Natural-Looking Color: The 9A shade delivers a multidimensional light ash blonde with built-in highlights, mimicking the look of a professional salon job. It blends seamlessly with my natural medium blonde, giving a soft, flattering finish.
Easy Application Process: The non-drip creme formula is a dream to work with, staying where you apply it without making a mess. The included applicator bottle and gloves make the process feel foolproof, even for beginners.
Gentle on Hair: Infused with conditioners at every step, this dye left my hair feeling soft and shiny, not dry or brittle. The color-seal conditioner is a standout, keeping my strands smooth for weeks.
Pleasant Scent: Unlike many dyes with overpowering chemical smells, this one has a fresh floral fragrance that makes the experience more enjoyable. No need to air out the bathroom afterward.
Affordable Price Point: At around $8-$10, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to salon visits, which can cost $100 or more. You get salon-quality results without the hefty price tag.
Long-Lasting Up to 8 Weeks: The color holds its vibrancy for nearly two months with proper care, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy folks like me who don’t want frequent touch-ups.

Cons Of Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde

Inconsistent Gray Coverage: While it covered most of my grays, a few stubborn strands remained visible, especially at the front. If you have a lot of gray hair, you might need to leave it on longer or use two boxes.
Slightly Darker Initial Result: The color starts a bit darker than the box suggests, which caught me off guard. It lightened to the promised shade after a week, but the initial depth might surprise some users.
Potential for Brassiness: Despite being an ash blonde, the color can lean slightly warm over time, especially if you’re not diligent with maintenance. I noticed a hint of golden tones after a few weeks.
Limited Product Quantity for Long Hair: If your hair is past shoulder length, one box might not be enough. I barely had enough product to cover my medium-length hair, so long-haired folks may need to buy two.
Scalp Sensitivity for Some: While I didn’t experience irritation, some users report a mild stinging sensation during application. Always do a patch test 48 hours before to avoid surprises.

Maintenance Tips For Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde

Use a Purple Shampoo Weekly: To keep that cool, ashy tone and prevent brassiness, I swear by a purple shampoo like Fanola No Yellow. Use it once a week, leaving it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing to neutralize any warm tones.
Condition Regularly with Color-Safe Products: The included color-seal conditioner is great, but I use it weekly and pair it with a color-safe conditioner like Moroccanoil Color Continue. This keeps my hair hydrated and the color vibrant.
Avoid Overwashing: I wash my hair every 2-3 days to prevent the color from fading too quickly. Use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve the ash blonde hue.
Protect from Heat and Sun: Heat styling and UV rays can dull the color, so I always use a heat protectant spray like Tresemmé Thermal Creations before blow-drying. A hat or UV-protectant spray helps during sunny days.
Touch Up Roots Every 4-6 Weeks: My roots start showing around the one-month mark, so I reapply the dye to my roots only, following the same process. This keeps the color consistent without overprocessing the ends.
Deep Condition Monthly: To combat dryness, I do a deep conditioning treatment once a month with a mask like Olaplex No. 3. It restores moisture and keeps my hair looking healthy and shiny.

Comparison With Other Brands

L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme

L’Oreal’s Excellence Creme in Light Ash Blonde is a solid competitor, but it has its quirks. I found its formula thicker, which made application a bit messier compared to Nice’n Easy’s non-drip creme. The color is vibrant and covers grays well, but it leans slightly warmer, which isn’t ideal if you’re after a true ash tone. L’Oreal’s conditioner is luxurious, leaving hair soft, but the dye’s chemical smell is stronger than Nice’n Easy’s floral scent. It’s also pricier, often retailing for $12-$15, which makes Nice’n Easy a better value for similar results.

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme

Garnier Nutrisse in Light Ash Blonde promises nourishment with its avocado, olive, and shea oil blend, and it delivers on softness. However, the color didn’t feel as multidimensional as Nice’n Easy’s, lacking the subtle highlights that make 9A stand out. Gray coverage was decent but not as thorough, and the dye faded faster, showing warmth after just two weeks. The application is straightforward, but the formula can drip if you’re not careful. At a similar price point, I’d choose Nice’n Easy for its longer-lasting, cooler-toned result.

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color

Revlon Colorsilk in Light Ash Blonde is a budget-friendly option, often under $6, but it feels like you get what you pay for. The color is flatter, without the tonal depth of Nice’n Easy, and it struggled to cover my grays completely. The ammonia-free formula is gentle, but the lack of a robust conditioner left my hair feeling drier. Application is simple, but the dye’s consistency is runny, making it messier than Nice’n Easy. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s fine, but Nice’n Easy offers a more polished result.

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color in Light Ash Blonde emphasizes hair strength with its keratin-infused formula, and my hair did feel resilient post-dye. However, the color skewed darker than expected, almost a medium blonde, and didn’t have the ashy coolness I craved. Gray coverage was excellent, but the application process was more complex, with multiple steps that felt less intuitive than Nice’n Easy’s. Priced around $10-$12, it’s comparable in cost, but Nice’n Easy wins for ease of use and truer ash tones.

Also read: My Thoughts on Ursa Major Go Easy Shampoo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Skin Tone Does Ash Blonde Look Good On?

Ash blonde, with its cool, silvery undertones, is a dream for those with cool or neutral skin tones. If your skin has pink, red, or blue undertones, or if you burn easily in the sun, this shade will complement you beautifully, adding a soft glow. I have a neutral complexion, and the 9A shade made my skin look brighter without washing me out. It can work for warmer skin tones too, but you might need to balance it with warmer makeup to avoid looking too stark.

What Color Does Light Ash Blonde Look Like?

Light ash blonde is a soft, pale blonde with cool, ashy undertones—think silvery, almost platinum vibes without the starkness. It’s not as warm as golden blonde or as icy as platinum. On my medium blonde hair, it looked like a natural, sun-kissed blonde with subtle grayish highlights. The color catches light in a way that feels multidimensional, not flat, making it look like you just stepped out of a salon.

What Is The Difference Between Light Ash Blonde And Ash Blonde?

The difference boils down to depth and intensity. Light ash blonde, like Nice’n Easy 9A, is a paler, brighter shade with a softer, more delicate finish. Ash blonde, often a medium shade, is darker and more muted, sitting closer to a light brown with cool undertones. I chose light ash blonde for its vibrant, airy look, while ash blonde might suit someone wanting a subtler, less bold change.

Is Ash Blonde Good For Over 50?

Absolutely, ash blonde can be stunning for those over 50, especially if you’re dealing with gray hair. The cool tones blend seamlessly with natural grays, creating a sophisticated, low-maintenance look. I noticed my grays looked less obvious as they grew out, almost like intentional highlights. Just be mindful of your skin tone—cooler tones pair best, but a professional consultation can help if you’re unsure.

Conclusion: For Nice N Easy Light Ash Blonde

After weeks of rocking Nice’n Easy 9A Light Ash Blonde, I’m sold on its ability to deliver a natural, cool-toned blonde that rivals salon results. It’s easy to use, gentle on hair, and budget-friendly, making it a no-brainer for at-home coloring. Whether you’re covering grays or refreshing your look, this dye is worth a try. Grab a box, follow the maintenance tips, and enjoy a vibrant, ashy blonde that turns heads.