What colour is this hair and would you alter it?

[hairyusername]

This pics from over winter so it is quite a bit longer now. A bit of a natural wave which I occasionally blow dry. Slightly porous, depends on its mood.

It is in decent enough condition (for me!) so I worry about going lighter as it might wreck it? I have an active, outdoors lifestyle and don't want fuss.

I was pale ashy blonde until middle age, has grown darker since and looks different in every light so will add a few diff pics. I had it bobbed in my 30's and it isn't my best look.
Please don't insult me, I have never liked my hair, and I feel a bit down on myself lately so am after a bit of a self-care boost.... don't know whether to get my hair done or buy some new clothes? (apologies for the hats, they are my most recent pics).

That’s a lovely colour, it looks like the “quiet wealthy” dark blonde all the kids are after

I like the colour, leave it!
It’s hard to advise on a style without seeing the shape of your face or even your hatless head shape.
A trim is always worthwhile though!

Yes that is true, and i will be booking a trim and blow dry soon to start with.
Thanks for sharing tips everyone.

My face is oval, i think.

These pics are in sunlight and from 2022, but they give a better impression of my face type/shape and colour. It goes much darker in winter.

If that's your natural colour you're really lucky! Mine is like that after lots of expensive highlighting! You could easily go blonder, it's exactly the hair colour that can easily be lightened. If you get a balayage it's pretty low maintenance.

This was back when I had a full head of highlights, it was fun but wrecked the texture, lots of snapping, etc. I sometimes miss it but not sure it's strong enough these days to pull it off.

You look so young and I think that’s probably the colour. It’s gorgeous.

Your hair colour is very, very pretty. I would concentrate on condition and cut to show it off to its fullest potential 😀

That is a lovely compliment thank you! I am sat here with a rotten cold, hair the colour of mud with humidity induced frizz-bits around my temples. Could do with some cheering up!

Someone will sure to be along shortly to tell me i look like a decaying Ddog turd

none Of those photos contain what I would describe as highlights. It's very mono and I would have described it as ash grey in the winter photos. From those photos I would suggest some blunt ends with quite a bit of the length chopped off and a bit of a va va voom for the colour.

Ashy blonde. Depending what it’s like at the roots you might add a few brighter highlights? But maintaining it a pain, though it should grow out well. If you need a boost though I’d go for a massage and mani/pedi and leave my hair alone (I have brown hair with reddish tones, at least I did as I started going grey at 17 so have been dying it since then).

@slinkiemalinkiey I agree
I was a colourist/stylist for years and those pics look more full head if anything.

There are amazing techniques nowadays that don't have to do much damage. All chemicals cause some damage. But with the right products hair can look good.

Lovely hair, very natural, definitely blonde but on the darker side. I assume it goes lighter in summer. I’d leave it as it is, if you like the natural country girl look.

I am a bit lost now, do you mean my natural hair pics or the salon ones a PP posted?

The colour is fine. It does look a bit dry though so I'd focus on improving the condition as PPs have said with frequent(ish) trims. How often do you wash your hair? Do you use heat protection? Any styling products? I also have flicky hair unless the length weighs it down, but a run through with straighteners sorts that out. I currently have a blunt bob and love it.

I find it's trial and error with products but consistency is key, i.e. different things work for different people but once you find your holy grail stick with it for a while. I'd personally recommend Amika, Living Proof, Olaplex and Ouai products. I found the Coco and Eve Like a Virgin mask was very good for reviving moisture. The L'Oreal Eight Second Water really worked for me too.

I've spent so much throughout my life I am wary these days of trying anything expensive again.

I use kerastase Nutritive, and their heat defence/blow dry cream from same range.
Oils usually make it limp so prefer creams or sprays.
I wash every 3 days, and blow dry once or twice per week with a parlux and round ceramic brush.

If I leave natural I let it dry in a twist with the kerastase cream on.

This is my shampoo

Nice hair, same mouse brown as mine

You asked for recommendations for a great mask for dry hair, and the products I named are significantly cheaper than salon colouring. L'oreal 8 second water is a tenner. Your hair looks fine, so clearly the Kerastase is fine. I thought you wanted a change/improvement.

Will definitely try that, thanks!
I can't make up my mind, but do worry about the condition getting worse if I colour it lighter.
I will get a trim first and see what she says.