When Taylor showed off her icy, edgy new colour on the May cover of US Vogue, she looked hot. She then followed with a snap of herself at Coachella music festival with the caption: Bleachella.
Before you take the platinum plunge like Taylor, Miley and JLaw, read on. You don’t want to get noticed for the wrong reasons, do you?
Do not try this at home!
As a rule, when bleach is involved, you need to see a pro. If you’re ever changing your hair shade by more than two shades, a hair expert is the only one who should be doing it for you to preserve your hair’s condition. They also need to know what other treatments like relaxing, straightening or even colouring you may have done that could cause breakage. If you’re on any medication, reveal that too. It can change your hair colour, so be upfront about everything.
Platinum takes commitment
First off, it’s going to take time in the salon. It’s best to make the transition over a few months so that you can increase your highlights until you have the desired colour. But if not, you’re going to be in the stylist’s chair for hours. It means applying bleach to sections of hair, rinsing, applying more, rinsing and doing that on repeat until all your strands are done. Finally, your stylist adds a toner. Then, there’s the aftercare. Your roots are going to be noticeable so you can’t skip a touch-up – it’s recommended to go every four weeks, five at a push. If you gym or swim regularly, it will affect your shade. Lots of sweating and washing can mean more visits to the salon for intensive treatments.
It’s not for everyone
If you’ve dyed your hair black, this is going to be a challenge. No matter how much bleach you apply, that shade clings and may leave an orange cast. If your hair is baby fine or incredibly coarse, avoid it too.
Your hair changes texture
This is going to take getting use to. Bleached hair is porous and fragile and can feel like straw when wet, and spaghetti-like when dry. Shampoo only once or twice a week. Avoid sulphates which can be extra drying and pamper your hair with good conditioners. Treatments are a must! Buy the best hair masks you can afford, then do them at least once a week to help strengthen your strands. Look out for words like moisture, deep condition, repair. Then, get regular in-salon treatments where your stylist can monitor and counteract any further damage.
Slide through the gallery below to see which products our beauty ed recommends.
Taylor is not the only celeb who’s gotten a fresh look recently! Check out Gigi Hadid’s new fringe.
