“You want to dye your hair blonde?” asked Nasser Halbouni, expert stylist and cutter at Salon Her in Sydney’s Darlinghurst. Sat at the pink, marble bench top in the gallery-like salon I picked up my decorated Maison Balzac wine glass, took a sip of red, and answered, “platinum”. I went on to share my inspiration for the look came from pop culture icons Julia Fox and Gabbriette Bechtel—after all, who wouldn’t want to be part of the unofficial ‘Brat’ pack of 2024!? Halbouni took a moment to inspect my hair and the darkness of my roots before responding.
“You realise this isn’t just a hairstyle, it’s a lifestyle choice,” he said.
Sunken in the plush leather chair, in a room that looks something like I’d save to my ‘house-inspo’ folder on Pinterest, I’d never felt more certain about change—excited, even. But as Halbouni pointed out, good things take time—unless you’re Kim K who claims she went from brunette to platinum in one day.
While I was already on the lighter side, achieving platinum blonde hair requires commitment, “often more dedication than your last relationship,” Halbouni adds. If you’re ready to take the plunge and book in for ongoing sessions, below is his expert advice for dying, and maintaining, platinum blonde hair.
(A personal tip from experience: arrive to your appointment with oily hair if you’re dyeing your roots, it will help to protect from any tender sensations.)
Key Considerations Before Dyeing Your Hair Platinum Blonde:
If you’re aiming for that Gabbriette or Julia blonde look (hi!), it’s crucial to set realistic expectations and understand the commitment involved. To keep your platinum locks looking their best, you should be prepared for multiple appointments and consistent upkeep. Expect your roots to grow back faster than anticipated, necessitating strict six-week appointment intervals. The good news is that you’ll achieve a stunning shade of blonde you’ve likely never experienced before—and you will love the platinum blonde (and hopefully Brat) energy it brings.
10 Essential Tips for Maintaining Fresh & Healthy Platinum Blonde Hair
- Stick With Your Stylist: Consistency is key. Frequent changes in hairstylists can delay achieving your ideal platinum blonde results.
- Avoid Wet Hair Buns: Don’t tie up wet hair, as it can lead to significant damage.
- Upgrade Your Brush: It’s time to say goodbye to that five-year-old handleless antique and invest in a high-quality wet brush to prevent tangling and breakage.
- Use Purple Shampoo Sparingly: Overuse can lead to unwanted results. Follow professional recommendations to maintain the perfect tone. Cosmo’s pick? The Bondi Boost Blonde Baby Shampoo.
- Extend Root Freshness: Use a root spray like Oribe Platinum to keep your roots looking fresh for longer.
- Detox Your Hair: Incorporate a metal detox shampoo to eliminate impurities and keep your blonde vibrant.
- Protect From Water: Sorry to all the summer-obsessed girlies, but platinum blonde hair doesn’t do well with pools and saltwater. If you’re a regular swimmer, apply a leave-in treatment, such as the Hair Treatment Mask by People Haircare, before and after swimming to safeguard your hair.
- Bonding Systems: Use at-home bonding treatments, such as Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, to strengthen and repair your hair.
- Keep Hair Hydrated: Maintain moisture with products like Kérastase Nutritive, designed for dry hair.
- Trust The Process: Follow the advice of your stylist and prioritise hair health to enjoy your platinum blonde look for years to come.
