Best way to go light ash blonde from virgin dark blonde

I just got my hair cut into a short pixie cut. It looks very dark now. My hair is natural dark blonde. I want to be light ash blonde. I know if I go too light it will turn orange. Can I use ash hair color & toner or do I bleach? I've never bleached it before. My hair is too short to spend a lot of money at the salon. Can I get good results at home?