When you think of ultra-blonde hair, the colour you’re probably thinking of is platinum: a warmer shade with yellowish or golden undertones. Platinum has been the go-to colour for women looking to go white blonde for decades, from ‘50s star Marilyn Monroe to today’s style icons like Gwen Stefani. Platinum hair is a modern-day icon. But what if you’ve already tried platinum and you want a new blonde look? Or you’re going blonde for the first time and want that silvery finish? Say hello to the new kid on the block: icy blonde hair. This cool colour is an ultra-light blonde with silvery undertones which offers a fresh alternative to platinum.
As with all super-light blondes, there might be a little prep you need to do before you dye your hair at home. For example, if you have very dark hair, you might need to take some steps to pre-lighten it with specific lightening products or maybe some additional toning steps afterwards to get the shade just right. Here’s how to achieve the icy blonde look, or dye your hair platinum blonde at home.
If you have light brown or golden blonde hair, there’s no need to reach for the bleach: you can achieve an ice blonde hair colour without it. Simply choose a dye like a suitable light ash blonde shade and you’re ready to go! This route is also how to get platinum blonde hair from golden blonde in an easy step.
In the past, platinum and ice blonde hair were notoriously high-maintenance, requiring you to touch up your roots on a regular basis. Thankfully, using a box dye no longer means ending up with an all-over block colour. One of the risks of dyed blonde hair is the dreaded brassiness creeping in. If yours starts to go that way, apply icy blonde hair toner regularly to keep the dullness at bay and keep your colour fresh. Using a purple shampoo once or twice a week will also help neutralise any unwanted yellowness that might start to appear.
We’ll come right out and say it: White blonde hair is not for the faint of heart. This ultra-light hue is bold, daring, and requires more upkeep than your standard golden blonde. If you’re toying with the idea of trying the striking silvery hue for yourself, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to get white hair, including tips on lightening your hair and how to care for it once you’ve taken the plunge. While achieving white blonde hair does take some work, it’s totally doable-even from the comfort of your own home. All you need are the right tools and a bit of patience.
1. Preparation and what you’ll need
Transitioning to platinum white hair is a process-quite literally!-that may take several bleach jobs to achieve. This is particularly true for anyone who’s starting with hair any darker than a medium blonde. Another reality is that icy blonde hair isn’t exactly low maintenance. You’ll need to touch up your roots every four to six weeks, minimize your use of hot tools, and add brass-fighting products to your haircare lineup to keep your silvery strands looking their best.
2. DIY or pro: choosing products and steps
As we mentioned earlier, achieving an icy white blonde hair color may take more than one bleaching session. For this reason, many choose to leave their transformation in the hands of a professional stylist. If you do decide to DIY it, you’ll want to make sure you have the right products on hand-specifically, a white blonde hair dye or bleach. If you’re starting with dark or medium brown hair, we recommend reaching for a professional lightening system with strong lift and anti-brass conditioning to help ensure your color stays cool. Those starting with a light brown or blonde hue can use an at-home kit designed for icy or platinum levels.
Keep in mind that in some cases, bleaching can leave your hair looking a bit brassy. If you’d like to cool down your hue without lightening it further, you can snag a dedicated anti-brass toner.
3. Aftercare and maintenance for icy blonde
Once you’ve achieved a white blonde hair color, you’ll want to head to the store and stock up on haircare products. Since bleaching always causes some degree of hair damage, we recommend starting with a strengthening haircare system. The three-piece lineup should include a reparative pre-shampoo treatment, a gentle shampoo, and a nourishing conditioner that work together to help reinforce weakened strands from the inside out. Adding a weekly hair mask designed for color-treated hair is a great way to provide extra moisture. To avoid disrupting your hue, pick a formula that’s designed for color-treated hair.
As with any blonde shade, white blonde hair can start to turn brassy over time. To help keep those unwanted yellow tones away, we suggest using a purple toning shampoo once or twice a week. If you’d prefer to tone and condition your hair in a single step, opt for a one-step in-shower toning gloss with a platinum or ice blonde target.
4. Styling options and trends for icy blonde
White blonde hair bridges the gap between pure white and pale blonde, with a slightly silvery finish. For a slightly more subdued take, a champagne blonde shade can work as a softer alternative. Balayage highlights can add a sun-kissed depth, while a vibrant money piece near the face creates a high-contrast, modern look. For those who want dimension without an all-over dye, highlights or a rooted white blonde approach may be ideal.
Fantasy hues are also possible on a white blonde canvas, making it a versatile option for experimentation. If you’re not ready for frequent salon visits, a rooted white blonde can offer a balance between maintenance and impact.
5. A quick, professional overview: the Double Blonding Process
The Double Blonding Process involves first using bleach on the dark parts of the hair to lift to a level 10 blonde, ensuring every strand is evenly treated. The bleaching process should be followed by a toning step to achieve the desired icy shade. The precise formulas and processing times will depend on the products chosen, but the core idea is to lift first, tone second, and maintain with proper care. This method helps create a seamless transition between natural roots and a bright, silvery mid-length to ends.
By mastering the right sequence and products, you can achieve stunning white blonde hair with perfectly blended dark roots that look natural and cohesive.
