Going Platinum (Blonde)?

It seems like lately everyone’s making the jump to platinum blonde. Celebs who used to rock sultry dark locks are now lightening up and opting for a more icy look. So how do you jump on the bandwagon? In this post, I’ll be writing about the steps you need to take to make sure your new platinum style is Hall of Fame worthy.  

So to preface, I’m definitely not going platinum anytime soon. I love writing about first hand experiences so I can give you all the real deal. Unfortunately, the Elsa from Frozen ice princess look definitely won’t suit my dark curly hair. Plus, the fairly extensive aftercare needed doesn’t fit into my VERY low maintenance hair routine. (Shoutout to the Keratin Treatment I had done that makes getting ready in the morning a total breeze). That being said, I can recognize a popular trend when I see one. And I love a good hair transformation picture. So, I’ve done some digging to make sure that you all know how to kill it with your new blonde locks. (No need to thank me.)

Step 1: Do Some Soul Searching

While I love a #transformationtuesday as much as the next person, going platinum blonde might not be for everyone. Lifting color from your hair is a process, and getting the best results won’t happen in one day. Good things come to those who wait. Going platinum and keeping your hair’s health intact is a tricky process. It potentially involves many sessions, a big aftercare commitment, and a high price tag.

Before anything, make sure to ask yourself if you’re 100% positive that you want platinum hair. I wouldn’t try to talk any of you out of a new look, but you don't want to get a couple weeks in and regret your decision. So if you have slight commitment issues, maybe platinum blonde isn’t for you. (Let’s keep in mind that although you may want to drastically change your look, you should still want healthy non-damaged hair afterward.)

If you're still down to turn your locks white-hot, I salute you. Now I’m going to assign you some hair homework.

Step 2: A Little Instagram Stalking Never Hurt Anyone

Instagram is the holy grail of hair inspiration. Even if you’re not an avid user like I am, it’s easy enough to scroll through and grab some ideas for what you’re looking for. Swipe through the #platinum or #platinumblonde hashtags to find some on-trend ideas. 

Platinum blonde isn’t a one size fits all label. There are different tones, add ons like balayage or highlights, and other factors that might change the final outcome of what you’re looking for.

It’s also smart to take your features and complexion into account when choosing a final look. Collect as many ideas in like with the look your going for to have on hand for your stylist. If you have picture references to show your stylist it’ll make your consultation more productive and your final color customized exactly how you want it.

Step 3: Consultation

First off, if you’re unfamiliar with what a consultation is all about, check out my blog about them here! Now is the time when you get to run the ideas you’ve collected by your stylist, and devise your plan for swiping your platinum card. Don’t feel defeated if your stylist tells you it’s going to take more appointments than you were expecting. They have your best interest at heart and don’t want you to end up with any damage from lifting your color too quickly. If your stylist is truly your BFF, they won’t let you destroy your hair by taking out all of your color in one shot.

During this initial visit, your stylist is going to check out the integrity of your hair. All of us have different hair health, so depending on where your hair is at strength wise it may affect your platinum blonde journey. If your hair is more on the damaged side, slow and steady will win the race. If your hair is a little stronger you may be able to get away with fewer treatments. HOWEVER, and I can’t stress enough, this entire process most likely will not be done at once.

Side note: Make sure you take a before picture! There’s nothing better than a drastic transformation swipe post on Insta.

Step 4: Sessions

This step is going to vary for everyone depending on your starting color, but if there’s one point I want to drill home it’s this: You aren’t going to have platinum blonde hair in one go. You will have to visit your salon for multiple lightening sessions that will vary depending on how dark your original color is and your hair’s current health. Each session will act as a stepping stone to gradually lift the color out of your hair. So while your hair is “in progress,” the color of it will vary. I can definitely understand why the uncertainty of leaving your salon with a unknown color is off putting. Just keep in mind that your stylist won’t let you leave the salon looking unpresentable. Your hair is on your head but it also has their name on it. Sending you out the door looking like a brassy mess doesn't benefit either of you.

As I mentioned before, this step does have some variables to it. Multiple lightening sessions will gradually lift color depending on how dark your hair is. Because your stylist wants your hair to look AND feel amazing they’re likely to suggest bond builders like Olaplex or B3. These products prevent some of the damage your hair might incur. They act as an insurance policy for your hair while it goes through  multiple lightening sessions that have the potential to be damaging. Your stylist can mix these directly into the lightener (bleach) so they won’t add any time to each individual appointments.

Step 5: Take Notes, The Rest Is In Your Hands

One downside to platinum blonde hair is the extra at-home maintenance routine you’ll have to get used to. A purple shampoo needs to be incorporated into your routine to ensure that your hair stays platinum and doesn’t get yellow or brassy. Follow up appointments will also be necessary to address any grown out roots or fading. So, ask your stylist how often you should be coming in for a touch up. Make sure follow your stylist's directions to a T to get the longest life out of your platinum hair.

Step 6: Welcome To The Platinum blonde Club

Congratulations! It was a long, hard road but I’m sure it was worth it. So now, here’s where that before picture comes in handy. Shock all of your friends with that amazing before and after pic of how you went from whatever starting color to a total platinum princess. After all, what’s a new hairstyle without the Instagram cred that goes with it?

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Two more platinum blonde beauties by Carmen, and not a split end in sight. With one of our fab stylists and a little patience your hair can look this great, too.

Thank you to our stylist Carmen for giving me the 411 on the steps to going platinum and for the photos of her awesome work. Check out her Instagram page @color_bycarmen for all of her amazing work.

For more information on how to get this service from one of our many talented stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.