The Reality Behind Perfect Platinum Color
It’s time for a reality check—a platinum blonde reality check. With Instagram and Pinterest making hard-to-achieve colors like platinum look super easy and everyday, @lo_wheelerdavis thought it was time to set the record straight.
So, here it is, the truth about perfect platinum color—it’s hard. It’s hard to create and it’s hard to maintain. According to Lo, about 90 percent of clients (and 75 percent of colorists) can’t pull it off or maintain the shade. But we’re not just saying that—here’s a breakdown of what platinum requires and what clients and stylists should know before attempting to create the challenging shade.
What To Know About Platinum:
- Most clients don’t have strong enough hair to tolerate the aggressive lifting process that platinum requires, and therefore, the result can typically mean breakage or brass for the client. That’s why, for platinum services, the best candidates are natural blondes.
- Only about 5 percent of people (think 1 out of 20) in the U.S., have natural blonde haircolor. That means some clients might need to readjust their going-platinum dreams. This color is not for everyone (we told you this was going to be a reality check!).
- Just like every client shouldn’t go platinum, not every colorist should specialize in it. “If you’re intimidated by these processes or have no desire to specialize…you are not alone! It’s a lot of work,” says Lo. “My advice to you is to not provide this service. It’s not worth the roller coaster ride or stress! Instead, refer and support those who are passionate about platinum and choose to specialize!”
- If a client is still persistent in wanting platinum, even after being told it might not be the best option for them, they should seek a specialist to get the job done right. Otherwise, they’ll compromise the integrity of their hair.
What Platinum Requires:
- Regular touchups—we’re talking once or twice a month. Stylists, that means you need to be communicating this to your client, and clients need to be receptive and commit before deciding to go the platinum route.
- Serious home care—specialty, protein-based treatments or bond treatments will be necessary for most platinum clients. The service can be too harsh on strands if the proper care methods aren’t taken.
- Money, time and lots of patience—seriously, if your clients don’t have the means or the personality to reach platinum and stay there, you might want to consider a less intense color.
More Platinum Details
Platinum by @lo_wheelerdavis
- Her client has naturally dark blonde hair, about a Level 7, and the color process took up to 15 hours, broken up into different sessions.
- Lo retouches the color about every 4 weeks, and treats with Olaplex and Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque.
- Click the beaker for the full formula and HERE for the steps!
Platinum by @jeffreyrobert_
- He recommends platinum clients come in every 5 to 9 weeks to avoid inconsistent blonding results, and especially if the natural level is between 2 and 4.
- “I can’t stress enough how crucial it is for clients to understand that this look is very high maintenance. It takes a certain lifestyle and regular upkeep to really achieve this color,” says Jeffrey.
- Click the beaker for the full formula and HERE for the steps!
Platinum by @roxybeautytouch
- This color took about 5 to 6 hours and cost $650 (price depends on how much regrowth the client has and how dark her natural color is).
- Click the beaker for the full formula and HERE for the steps!
