Beyond blond
Celebrities go platinum
WHEN Karlie Kloss
turned heads at last week’s Met Gala, it wasn’t because of her 40-inch legs or tuxedo minidress. The supermodel flaunted a gleaming, new platinum bob.
The influencer has joined the ultrablondes, a growing list of peroxide-happy stars, ranging from Elizabeth Banks and Kristen Stewart to Zoë Kravitz and Allison Williams.
“It’s definitely trending,” says Aura Friedman, colorist at the Sally Hershberger salon in NoMad, who lightened Williams’ mane. “It automatically gives you that cool factor.”
While the iconic hair color has long been associated with sex appeal — think Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield — today’s celebs give it an edgy twist. Instead of a classic Champagne shade, many are opting for icy hues with hints of blue, rosy tints or flesh tones. To heighten the drama, A-listers are chopping their pale locks into lobs or buzz cuts, such as Cara Delevingne’s chin-length crop and Katy Perry’s sassy pixie. “There’s a platinum for everyone,” says Friedman. Of course, all that cool comes at a cost. For one, patience is required. “[It] can take up to eight hours,” says color specialist Marie Robinson, who counts Michelle Williams and Scarlett Johansson as clients at her namesake salon in the Flatiron district. She says time-consuming touch-ups are usually needed every four to six weeks for those born brunette.
Then there’s the expense of gentle high-end products. “[Bleaching] is rough on your hair,” Kravitz told Allure magazine earlier this year. “I’ve had full braids fall out.”
Friedman recommends using bond-building treatment Olaplex ($28) before, during and after processing; Christophe Robin’s regenerating mask with rare prickly pear-seed oil ($71) once a week; Robin’s antioxidant cleansing milk with four oils and blueberry ($38); and Shu Uemura “Essence Absolue” oil ($69) to nourish parched follicles.
“Your hair will be so dry, it doesn’t need to be washed more than once a week,” explains the colorist, who advises sleeping on a smooth, silk pillow case and blotting wet hair.
Still, color chameleon Kylie Jenner knows about the damage first hand. So when Donatella Versace ordered her to go platinum for the Met Gala, she knew what to do.
“When Donatella wants you to go blonde . . . you go f - - king BLONDE,” Instagrammed the makeup mogul.
Her wig was beyond the pale.