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When it comes to hair colors, blonde is always in style. Whether it’s golden highlights or dirty bronde, the color’s appeal is undeniable. Like a touch of red lipstick, blonde hair can ignite the main character’s energy in an instant. Although each season brings new hair color trends, platinum blonde tops the list for fall. Icy, sleek, and edgy, it embodies cool and will set the tone for fall. “Think of it as a striking, cool color that contrasts beautifully with fall fashion,” says Chase Kusero, stylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care.
Admittedly, the daring shade isn’t the easiest to achieve. But if you’ve been wanting to take the plunge, there’s no better time to try it out. Below, we asked three celebrity colorists and hairstylists what you should know before going platinum blonde.
Selected experts
- Chase Kusero is a hairdresser and 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 bleaching
What elements define platinum blonde?
Many blonde variations can create a multi-dimensional look—think golden yellows and creamy buttery shades. But platinum blonde is a different story. Instead of warm undertones, the shade has a distinct icy feel. “Platinum blonde is an ultra-light, almost white shade that lacks warm tones,” says celebrity colorist Min Kim. When you hear that, you might think the color is monotonous, but that’s not always the case. Kim points out that platinum blonde can range from silver to almost white, depending on the color.
Who is platinum blonde suitable for?
Given the boldness of platinum blonde, it’s important to find a shade that suits your complexion. “Platinum suits many different skin tones and eye colors. Be sure to consult with your hairdresser on which tones will look best on you,” says Adrienne Dara, a hairstylist specializing in bleaching. The process of going blonde can be strenuous for any hair type. However, starting with a lighter base can make the process easier. “Naturally lighter hair colors work best because darker hair requires more treatment and maintenance,” says Kim.
What you should ask for in the salon
At your appointment, Kusero recommends asking for platinum blonde with an ashy toner to keep the look cool. Kim says the toner will eliminate any brassy or yellow tones so you can better achieve the icy shade you want. “If you’re aiming for platinum blonde, you’ll need to completely bleach the hair to make it as light as possible,” she says. The process can be hard on your hair, especially if you’re going from one dark shade to another. To keep hair healthy, Kim recommends a pre-treatment like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Metal Detox Leave-in Hair Oil ($35) to protect it from damage.
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Inspirational pictures are always helpful when making a drastic hair change. Luckily, there are plenty of celebrities who have flaunted the platinum trend. From Beyoncé to Rihanna to all three Kardashians, you probably won’t have a hard time finding a good photo. With your celebrity reference, your hairdresser will have a better starting point for the look you’re trying to achieve. “Showing photos ensures that both you and your hairdresser are envisioning the same result,” says Dara.
How to care for platinum blonde at home
Maintaining your new color takes some work. First, you’ll need to visit your hairdresser regularly to touch up and maintain your hair. Kim recommends going to your hairdresser every 3-5 weeks to touch up and tone your roots. The darker your base, the more often you’ll need to visit your hairdresser.
You’ll also need to adjust your daily hair care routine, including the way you wash and style your hair. The first change will be in the shower. Instead of traditional shampoos, consider using a purple option, which will help neutralize yellow tones and control brassiness. “A color gloss shampoo like Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo ($33) can also help maintain the shade between visits,” says Dara.
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As for conditioners, Kim notes that you should opt for moisturizing formulas. “A weekly application of a deep conditioning mask will keep your hair hydrated and healthy,” she says. A thorough bleaching process can weaken your hair, but with the right products and practices, you can maintain your hair’s health. In addition to a new washing routine, you should also minimize heat styling and the use of hot tools to avoid breakage.
