Get Icy Bright Platinum Hair at Home with This Straightforward Tutorial.

Who’s ready to go full-blown ice queen?! As a lifelong brunette, platinum hair was never really on my radar. Give me sunny balayage or buttery bronde any day, right?

But after one loooong year of quarantining and watching my beige brown completely loose its luster, I decided it was finally time for a fresh, cool-toned reinvention.

I wanted hair that was blindingly brilliant and high-impact – the type of edgy yet glam hue that would instantly elevate any look and brighten up my whole vibe.

So I took the icy plunge into the world of platinum blondes…and I’ve never gone back. to brunette!

If you too have been craving that “wow” factor hair makeover to transform you into a showstopping modern-day Marilyn, this is your complete guide to becoming a stunning platinum goddess from yours truly and our resident hair colorist Enza Piazza.

We’re breaking down what this icy hue is all about, how to tell if you can pull it off, the at-home process that will SAFELY lighten your hair, and all the after-care must-haves. Grab an ice cold bevvy and get ready for some chilling platinum inspo!

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The 411 on This Icy Blonde Hair Color

In Enza’s expert words, true platinum hair is “an ultra-light, bright, and radiant blonde without any hint of warmth.”

It’s an icy, near-white hue with cool, sunny blonde and dimensional ashy tones that immediately brightens your features and makes an edgy yet elegant statement.

Much like the luxe and precious platinum metal itself, this shade is high-contrast, high-impact, and completely uncompromised in its cool, crisp allure.

“Platinum is the boldest and brightest of blonde hues,” notes Enza. “It has been a red carpet, runway, and ‘It’ girl staple for decades because it creates such a striking, head-turning effect while still going with any style or vibe.”

Whether styled in glam vintage pin curls, sleek glass-like strands, or more modern undone texture, platinum hair is that showstopping blonde shade that instantly amps up your entire look.

Check out the latest platinum looks over on our Platinum Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.

Is This Icy Hue Your Perfect Match?

Of course, while platinum is undeniably gorgeous, it’s certainly not the most universally-flattering or low-key shade.

Those with very warm, golden-olive undertones may look a little washed-out and sickly trying to pull off such an icy, cool-toned hue.

In general, platinum blondes tend to look best with a cooler complexion that has more of a pinkish undertone.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy tricks to determine if your complexion and undertones are better suited for this frosty blonde:

• Wrist Check: Peek at the veins on your wrist – if they’re more of a bluish purple shade, you likely have cooler undertones that can rock platinum no problem. But greenish blue veins mean warm undertones that may clash.
• Lippie Litmus Test: Take a peek at what makeup shades suit you best, especially lipstick! If you find yourself gravitating towards pinks, berries, and blue-based crimsons, you’re probably a cool-toned babe. But if brown nudes, warm corals, and orangey-reds are more your vibe, you’re likely too warm for an icy platinum ‘do.
• Jewel Tones: The colors you’re naturally drawn to can also indicate your undertones. If platinum or silver jewelry pieces are your faves and really make your skin glow, you’ve got the green light to go platinum!

At the end of the day though, the main factor is how the shade makes you feel. As Enza says, “Platinum is a bold, powerful hue, but if it makes you feel confident and glowing, you’ll definitely be able to pull it off!”

…Okay, who’s ready to take their strands to the next level? Here’s exactly how to get and maintain platinum perfection at home!

Can You Even Dye Your Hair Platinum Blonde At Home?

I won’t lie, getting the platinum blonde look at home is not as simple as other home hair processes. The results are pretty dramatic and irreversible so you need to go slow and steady and choose the right method for you.

If you have blonde hair and lighter, you need to use bleach to lighten your hair to almost-white to get the desired shade. Color can’t lighten color so you need to remove all of the colour pigments in your hair before you dye it the cool blonde color of your dreams.

If your hair is darker than light blonde, you’ll definitely need to do more than one bleaching process to get the shade you’re after.

More bleaching means more damage so space out these sessions to give your hair time to recover in between.

Prepping for Platinum

Since platinum hair is essentially white blonde, getting there requires some serious lifting power – especially if you’re starting darker than a light golden blonde.

We’re talking heavy-duty bleaching action to remove all those warm pigments and get your strands to that brilliant, dimensional pale-ash canvas.

And you know what that means…inevitable dryness and damage awaits without the proper prep work.

That’s why doing weekly moisture-replenishing masks and treatments is an absolute must in the 4-6 weeks leading up to your platinum process.

Slather on a rich, reparative hair mask or hot oil treatment to restore elasticity and fill in those parched cuticles.

You’ll also want to minimize any further chemical services or heat styling that could leave your strands in a compromised state.

Another smart move? Investing in a bond-enforcing treatment like Olaplex, K18, or Cureplex to strengthen and protect the inner hair structure from all that heavy bleach exposure headed your way.

Think of it as a tiny little insurance policy for your strands!

If after all that pampering, your hair still feels dry, overly porous, or compromised, it may be best to put your platinum dreams on pause or at least manage your expectations accordingly. (I had to go back to coloring my hair as the platinum process frazzled it eventually).

Strands that are already brittle and damaged won’t respond well to such an intense bleaching process. But healthy, “virgin” hair? You’re cleared for platinum liftoff, baby!

How to Dye Your Hair Platinum

Feeling prepped and ready to finally take the icy plunge at home? Let’s do this!

Since lifting that much pigment out can be a marathon process, expect to spend at least 4-6 hours (over multiple sessions if needed) getting to your dream platinum hue. And of course, you’ll want to be properly stocked with all the right supplies:

• Quality bleach powder and developer– Enza recommends a blue or violet toned powder combined with a 20 or 30 vol developer to counteract any brassiness.
• Applicator tools – You’ll need brushes, bowls, foils, and gloves to make application easier and get seamless, even coverage.
• Sulfate-free shampoo – A cleansing shampoo will be crucial for removing all that brassiness-causing bleach buildup.
• Toner – Using a violet or pearl toner regularly will keep your new platinum strands looking bright and beautifully ashy.
• Bond repairer – Doing a bond treatment after lifting will help repair some of that bleach damage before it gets worse.

Once you have all your tools assembled, it’s time to get to work!

Step 1: Sectioning and Bleaching

To kick things off, you’ll want to start by sectioning out your hair into manageable, thin subsections. This will ensure you get even, comprehensive coverage when applying the bleach.

Using a rattail comb, clip up the top layers and begin applying the bleach mixture from roots to ends on the bottom sections first.

Work in very thin, meticulous layers, painting the bleach on carefully and avoiding any chunky or overdone application.

This gradual, patient process is key to lifting your color evenly without causing hot spots or over-processing.

Allow the bleach to process, checking the color every 5-10 minutes.

You’ll want to let it develop until you reach that perfect pale, buttery-yellow base – no bright white or orange tones allowed! Once you’ve hit that ideal pale blonde, it’s time to rinse.

Step 2: Resetting and Repeat

After rinsing out the initial bleach, you’ll likely need to let your strands rest and recover for 2-3 days before doing any additional lightening.

This reset period allows your hair’s structure to stabilize a bit before subjecting it to more intense processing.

When you’re ready, repeat the same careful sectioning and application process, doing 1-2 more full-head bleaching sessions as needed to lift your color all the way to that brilliant, dimensional platinum.

Remember to keep a close eye on the development and avoid over-processing at all costs!

Step 3: Toning and Glossing

Once you’ve achieved that pale, almost white blonde base, it’s time to tone and gloss your new platinum locks.

This is a crucial step for neutralizing any remaining warmth or brassiness and getting your color to that icy, ash-blonde perfection.

For the toning phase, you’ll want to use either a violet or pearl/beige toner. These cool-toned formulas will counteract any lingering yellow or gold tones, leaving you with a beautifully bright, clean platinum finish.

Carefully apply the toner according to the package directions, letting it process for the recommended time.

After rinsing out the toner, follow up with an intensely nourishing, semi-permanent gloss or glaze.

These reconstructive treatments not only deposit fresh color, but also help smooth the cuticle, reinforce bonds, and add incredible shine.

“The gloss is so key for platinum hair because it instantly revives the icy, multidimensional effect while also providing deep conditioning benefits,” she explains. “It’s a must for maintaining that salon-fresh brightness and vibrancy.”

Watch & Learn: DIY Platinum Tutorial

Here’s a great video tutorial we’ve used over the years that shows you exactly how to get platinum hair step by step SAFELY at home.

Patience and Proper Aftercare Are Musts

I can’t stress this enough – achieving flawless, long-lasting platinum hair at home is a true marathon, not a sprint.

It requires tremendous patience, care, and the right products to protect your strands through the heavy lifting.

But with the right prep, processes, and post-color regimen, you can absolutely get stunning, salon-quality platinum perfection in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Just remember to take your time, avoid over-processing, and load up on those strengthening, moisturizing treatments before, during, and after. Your hair will thank you – and so will your jaw-dropping new icy blonde look!

Expert Insights

“Really focus on doing your bleach sessions in stages spaced out over multiple days. This allows your strands a bit of recovery time in between instead of doing it all at once, which could lead to scary breakage or a haystack texture.”

Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant

How to Care for Platinum Blonde Hair

Congrats, you’ve made it to the icy platinum promised land!

But as dreamy as that brilliantly bright, ashy blonde looks, maintaining this ultra-cool hue takes some special care and the right product arsenal.

Since bleached platinum hair is at high risk for dryness, brassiness, and damage, protecting the health and tone of your new color is key.

First up, get acquainted with the magic that is the at-home toning gloss or glaze.

These super-nourishing, semi-permanent glosses refresh that icy blonde perfection while imparting tons of shine and moisture. Do one at least every 4 weeks or as often as needed to keep warmth at bay.

Speaking of shampoos, you’ll definitely want to make the switch over to a purple or silver shampoo and conditioner duo.

These color-depositing formulas are specifically designed to neutralize brassiness and keep your platinum locks looking bright, multidimensional, and deliciously icy.

“Purple shampoo is an absolute must for maintaining platinum tones,” says Enza. “It really helps prolong that cool, dimensional finish while also providing some much-needed moisture.” Just be careful not to over-do it, as too much purple pigment can leave hair looking dull or ashy.

Another key swap you’ll want to make? Your regular hair moisturizers for ultra-nourishing, bond-repairing treatments and masks.

Think products packed with proteins, amino acids, and ceramides to reconstruct those broken bonds from all the bleaching trauma.

You’ll also want to minimize damage from hot tools as much as possible. Over-styling platinum strands with heat can cause major dryness, breakage, and warmth.

When you do need to blow dry or use hot tools, always use a heat protectant spray and keep tools on lower settings.

Finally, get acquainted with the dry texture sprays, pomades, and volumizers in your arsenal. Since platinum locks can easily fall flat and look limp, these grit-enhancing products will help amp up body and piecey texture.

Just avoid any that are drying or cause major product buildup.

There you have it – all my top platinum hair tips and essentials for keeping your pearly blonde Icy and bright all summer long! Who’s ready to take the plunge into icy cool blondeness?

Platinum Blonde Hair FAQs

Will going platinum blonde damage my hair?

Bleaching is bad news for your hair as the processing dries it out and can turn it into a frizz factory. The best thing to do is prepare your hair for harsh treatment by giving it some love in the run up to becoming a platinum princess.

Smother it in a penetrating deep conditioning mask to replenish moisture and restore hair elasticity.

Take a look at the health of your hair too. If it is dull and lifeless and breaks easily, bleaching your hair might not be right for you. Have a chat with your hairdresser about your options.

Which is the best platinum blonde hair dye?

If you’re ready to be an ice-white blonde goddess, here are the best hair dyes you need to get the look at home!

Read more about each one in our best platinum blonde hair dye reviews.

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

Our Research & Review Process

To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.

We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.

Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.

This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.

As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!