David Bellemere
Full disclosure: I love platinum hair. And the reason why? Because every single cool girl has it…including ELLE.com’s very own Justine Carreon. But if you are new to the land of blondes, you might have a few questions before you dive, tips first, into a giant vat of (toned) bleach.
For example, how does one find that *perfect* shade of blonde? First, consider your own specific skin tone and undertone. (A good colorist can help you make that determination.) “Then they can help you choose the ideal shade of blonde,” says explains Redken brand ambassador and celebrity colorist Cassondra Kaeding, whose clients include Rita Ora, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Olivia Munn, and Olivia Culpo.
But, before you race to the colorist chair, here’s something I tell everyone considering the icy-white shade: No one ever said bleach was a conditioning treatment. Which is to say: It’s damaging, no matter how you slice it. “The process of lightening or bleaching hair is damaging, regardless of it’s texture,” explains Vice President of Technical Design and Education at Madison Reed, David Stanko. “Bleach changes the hair’s texture because it swells the cuticle or plumps the strand. If your hair is super-fine, it may look fuller because of this effect, but it will still be dry. Coarse hair will also be drier and more porous, so it will hold more water when it is wet, which will increase blow-drying time.”
Bleaching is a commitment—to deep conditioning, to touch-up appointments, and to longer styling time. But the rewards? Well, we’ll let the pictures speak to that.
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Cara Delevingne
Between bleached-blonde buzzcuts and edgy bobs, it’s pretty hard not to imagine model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne as one of the original platinum blonde icons.
Solange
All hail Solange’s platinum-washed afro. This is the perfect example that all textures can play with this statement shade—and win.
Taylor Swift
As a natural blonde, Taylor Swift has a *bit* of an advantage for being able to amp up her color to “Bleachella” heights with more ease than her raven-haired counterparts.
Jada Pinkett-Smith
Is it us or is actress and “Red Table Talk” host Jada Pinkett-Smith aging backwards? In her own words, “this Sandy blonde drip” she used to rock in the ’90s looks damn good on 2019, too.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has dabbled in many shades throughout her career, but nothing thrills her little monsters more than when she pops up as a ice-queen blonde.
Mary J Blige
This 48 year-old Capricorn queen has been rocking shades of platinum from the jump. Mary J. Blige can 100 percent hands down give us the “411” about making light blonde work on skin of color.
Lillie Mae
Alt-country singer and fiddler-meets-guitarist Lillie Mae may have ended up with a mohawk-like pixie by accident, but her platinum blonde shade is pure magic.
Christina Aguilera
Platinum blonde veteran and high-note slayer Christina Aguilera has a surprising vice for her almost-white strands: Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo, that she admits she uses just like her daughter Summer (aw!).
Mindy Kaling
Do blonde have more fun? Ask Mindy Kaling. She was anxious to find out the answer when she debuted this drastic departure from her natural hair color at the 2019 MET Ball.
Andrea Riseborough
This edgy ice-blonde bob (as seen on actress Andrea Riseborough) is professional enough for the office and cool enough for a rock show.
Siobhan Bell
This DJ-turned-beauty entrepreneur knows a think or two about good wigs. FYI, Siobhan previously had a collection of dip-dyed hair and this frosty unit solidifies her expertise.
Ava Max
Best known for her eccentric signature the”Max Cut“(one side chopped as a short bob and the other left long and loose)—and infectious pop hits—Ava is also committed to that platinum hair life.
Stefflon Don
Keep up if you can, the “Hurtin’ Me” rapper loves to change her hair color as much as her mood. Yep, Stefflon Don keeps her 2M followers on their toes daily waiting for her to debut new lewks.
Kris Jenner
Kris, is that you? The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch took a page from her daughters’ book and pulled the ultimate switcheroo with this blonde bob. We see you girl!
Demi Burnett
Bachelor in Paradise’s Demi Burnett’s natural shade incorporates touches of icy blonde highlights paired with honey undertones for a very wearable hue.
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz took her signature braids one step further with platinum blonde. Her ashy tint complements the golden undertones of her complexion.
Nikita Dragun
Dubbed as the “The Mother of Draguns,” beauty guru Nikita Dragun teamed up with Bellami Hair to create her very own collection of wigs. And yes, there is an ice blonde version available inspired by Khaleesi.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett’s pink undertones benefit from a golden platinum hair color.
CL
CL’s natural roots peak through her bright white platinum, helping to frame her face.
Kristen Stewart
Forever hair crush Kristen Stewart opted for platinum a shade lighter than her fair skin tone.
Soo Joo Park
Soo Joo Park is the OG blonde asian. The tint of her platinum has varied over the years, but we’re especially fond of this creamy, golden hue.
Cynthia Erivo
Broadway babe Cynthia Erivo plays up the golden undertones of her deep complexion with a flattering, golden-white platinum.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams keeps her super-shiny hair in a cool, ultra-white shade.
Elle Fanning
If you’re not in the market for a lewk, try this casual version of platinum: Elle Fanning’s warm blonde.
Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.
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