Going blonde: Why the platinum look is back

May 01, 2011 6:49 AM by Christina Caldwell

Posted in Beauty & Style / Hairstyles & Hair Care / Hairstyles

Blonde On
Blonde

Through the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s, platinum blonde hair was in fashion, popularized by the celebrities of the day who teased, sprayed and further damaged their ultra-blonde locks. The mid 2000s brought the rise of the brunette, wherein normally blonde celebrities dyed their bright mane dark, sultry colors. But that trend was short lived. Going platinum is back in style. Here are a few reasons why.

Platinum blonde hair

Blondes are rare

In nature, that is. Hollywood starlets might strut around bragging about their natural golden locks, but the truth is that being a natural blonde is quite rare. A 2002 hoax German study even claimed that blondes would be extinct completely by 2202! Though that might not necessarily be true, women have been erring on the side of caution with a bottle of bleach. Since the shade is so rare, it is considered beautiful. Platinum blonde hair is the rarest of the rare.

Celebrities made the switch

Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga went from jet black styles to the lightest end of the spectrum -- platinum. Hair trends are heavily influenced by celebrities, who we look to as role models and style icons. When they change, our sense of what's "in" changes with it. Lady Gaga goes for a more futuristic, edgy platinum look, while Aguilera takes it in the direction of past Hollywood screen sirens.

Photo credit: L.Gallo/WENN.com

It was seen on the runways

Just like fashion trends, hair trends start on the runways of New York, Paris and Milan fashion weeks. Balenciaga, Derek Lam and other designers dyed model's hair to strut down the catwalk in 2011 to complement otherwise dark, heavy designs. The contrast of light hair with dark, edgy clothing is a classic look. Fall 2011 is all about biker-meets-hot-Baywatch-babe chic.

Old Hollywood glamour is back

Actresses and celebrities have been trying to successfully bring back the Marilyn Monroe for years, without overdoing the retro aspect. Going platinum is the perfect combination of old Hollywood glamour and young, less-stylized looks. If you want to try this look yourself, take the job to your colorist. Platinum is a look that's tough to pull off on your own, since you'll need intensive color treatments, especially for dark hair. When you're done, just a touch of black mascara, reddish blush and red lipstick will complete the look.

Platinum is versatile

Whether you want to be a glammed-up punk rocker or a classic beauty, platinum blonde locks give you the option. The rest just depends on your personal styling, so squeeze into that form-fitting red knock-out number or your favorite t-shirt and jeans. The platinum look allows you to be whoever you want to be.