"The reason why ash tones remain top choices for Asian girls is because they brighten their complexions without making their skin tones look too warm."
"Ash shades — think ash grey with subtle, dusty highlights or ash brown with pastel tips — will come with more variations this year," said colourist at the Bangkok-based salon Beauty Library, Toyah. "The reason why ash tones remain top choices for Asian girls is because they brighten their complexions without making their skin tones look too warm. Out of all the ash tones, brown and grey have long been the most popular because they work in all occasions and settings. They also require fewer bleach sessions to get the desired results from a dark brown/black base. Having a bit of variation added in will allow them to express a bit more of their personality — projecting a fun, lively look."
She adds that, while these ashy colours work best for fair, cool skin tones, "a good colourist can always help find the right shade of ash for you. There are three shades of undertones for ash brown: purple, green, and blue, for instance, so there's bound to be something for everyone."