In terms of hair colors, blonde is always in vogue. Whether it’s golden highlights or dirty bronde, there’s no denying the color’s appeal. Like a swipe of red lipstick, blonde hair can ignite the main character energy in a flash. Though each season brings a new crop of hair color trends, platinum blonde is top of the list for fall. Icy, sleek and edgy, it embodies cool and is poised to take over come autumn. “Think of it as a striking, cool-toned color that beautifully contrasts with fall fashion,” says Chase Kusero, stylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
Admittedly, the daring shade isn’t the easiest to get to. But if you’ve wanted to take the plunge, there’s no better time to try it out. Ahead, we tapped three celebrity colorists and hairstylists for what to know before going platinum blonde.
Featured Experts
- Chase Kusero, is a hairstylist and the co-founder of IGK Hair Care
- Min Kim is a celebrity colorist and balayage specialist
- Adrienne Dara is a hair educator and stylist specializing in blonding
What elements define platinum blonde?
Many variations of blonde can deliver a multi-dimensional look—think golden yellow and creamy butter shades. However, things are vastly different with platinum blonde. Instead of warm undertones, the hue has a distinct icy feel. “Platinum blonde is an ultra-light, nearly white shade that lacks warm tones,” says celebrity colorist Min Kim. Hearing this, you may think that means the color is one note, but that’s not always the case. Kim notes that platinum blondes can range from silver to nearly white, depending on the color.
Who does platinum blonde work for?
Given how daring platinum blonde can be, finding a shade that suits your complexion is key. “Platinum can work for many different skin tones and eye colors. Make sure to consult your stylist about which tones are most complimentary to you,” says Adrienne Dara, a stylist specializing in blonding. The process of going blonde can be stressful for any hair type. That said, starting with a lighter base can make the process easier. “Naturally lighter hair colors work best, as darker hair requires more processing and care,” says Kim.
What to ask for at the salon
During your appointment, Kusero recommends asking for platinum blonde with an ashy toner to keep the look cool. According to Kim, the toner will eliminate any brassy or yellow tones to better help you achieve the desired icy hue. “When aiming for platinum blonde, you’ll need to do a full bleaching to lift the hair to the palest level possible,” she says. The process can be harsh on your hair, especially if you’re transitioning from a dark shade. To keep them healthy, Kim suggests doing a pre-treatment, like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Metal Detox Leave-in Hair Oil ($35), beforehand to protect from damage.
Inspirational pictures are always helpful when making a drastic hair change. Luckily, there are plenty of celebrities who have sported the platinum trend. From Beyoncé to Rihanna and all three Kardashians, you probably won’t have a hard time finding a good photo. With your celebrity reference, your stylist will have a better starting point for the look you want to achieve. “Showing photos will ensure both you and your stylists are envisioning the same result,” says Dara.
How to maintain platinum blonde at home
Preserving your new color is going to take some work. For starters, you’ll need to commit to regular salon maintenance for touchups and conditioning. Kim recommends scheduling regular salon visits for root touch-ups and toning every 3–5 weeks, noting that the darker your base, the more frequent your visits should be.
You’ll also need to adjust your daily hair-care routines, including how you wash and style your hair. The first swap will be in your shower. Instead of typical shampoos, you should be using a purple option that will help neutralize yellow tones and control brassiness. “A color gloss shampoo, such as Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo ($33), can also help maintain the tone of your color in between visits,” says Dara.
As for conditioners, Kim notes that you will need to prioritize moisturizing formulas. “Applying a deep conditioning mask weekly will keep your hair hydrated and healthy,” she says. A major blonding service can make your hair weak, but with the right products and practices, you can maintain your hair’s health. Along with a new wash routine, you should also minimize heat styling and the use of any hot tools to protect from breakage.
