Dirty blond, or dirty blonde, refers to a hair color that falls between blonde and light brown. The spelling of the word "blond" without the "e" is a nod to the French origins of the word, while the addition of "dirty" indicates a mix of this particular hair color with darker shades. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be /ˈdɜrti blɒnd/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and the "o" in "blond" pronounced as a short "o" sound.
Dirty blond is a term used to describe a specific shade of blond hair color characterized by a mixture of blonde and darker tones, often with a hint of brown or ash tones. The term "dirty" in this context does not imply a negative connotation, but rather refers to the slightly darker or more muted appearance when compared to the traditional, bright blond shade. Dirty blond hair is often described as being neither fully blond nor fully brunette, but rather a blend of both.
This hair color typically appears as a light to medium shade of blond that has been naturally lightened by exposure to the sun or various environmental factors. It is common for dirty blond hair to have scattered natural highlights or lowlights, creating a more dynamic and textured look. The specific tones of dirty blond can vary, ranging from warmer, golden hues to cooler, ashier tones.
Dirty blond hair is often associated with individuals who have fair to light skin tones, although it can still be seen in those with medium to darker skin tones. The term "dirty blond" is predominantly used in Western cultures to describe this specific hair color, and it has gained popularity in recent years due to its natural and effortlessly stylish appearance.
The term "dirty blond" is derived from two separate words: "dirty" and "blond".
The word "dirty" has its roots in the Old English word "dirtig", which meant unclean or soiled. Over time, "dirty" came to refer to something that is impure, soiled, or less than clean.
On the other hand, the word "blond" comes from the Old French word "blund" or "blont", which meant fair-haired or light-colored. It has its origins in the Late Latin word "blundus", which referred to a yellowish color.
When these two words are combined, "dirty blond" refers to a hair color that is a mixture of dark blond and light brown, appearing somewhat dull or muddied compared to a more vibrant, bright blond color.