25 Natural Platinum Blonde Hair Inspiration Photos

Platinum hair, also known as the lightest shade of blonde possible, has been popular for decades. The thing is, not everyone looks good in super blonde hair, and very few people actually boast this shade naturally past childhood. It's always best to get this color done in a salon because doing it at home can cause even more damage to hair than you would receive normally. This standout hue can really transform a look, but it does require upkeep.

We talked to the masters for you. Enter expert colorists Alexe A and Joey Perrotti, who told us everything you need to know about what you can expect from the platinum color. The first thing you should know is platinum blonde isn't one standard color but comes in a variety of cool, warm, and neutral shades and tones. This seems quite logical, but really, who knew? (Now we do!)

Meet the Expert

If you're already blonde, going platinum starts at your roots. If you have a naturally dark base, your hair needs to be pre-lightened the other way around, which means getting the ends and the middle of the hair lighter first before bleaching the roots.

According to Perrotti, one of the main reasons platinum is so hard to maintain is because the heat source from your scalp helps lift the regrowth. However, if the root is too far off of the scalp it will not lift evenly.

Platinum Blonde Hair

Choosing a Shade: "What you have to keep in mind is the client’s skin tone. Ideal skin tones are usually fair, medium, or a yellowish tint. A client’s eye color and lifestyle are also important to keep in mind." Joey Perrotti says.

Maintenance Level: It's definitely a high-maintenance look. Alexe says it's probably the hardest to maintain and warns your roots will start showing after about two to three weeks. Don't go longer than six to eight weeks without a full-on touch-up.

Similar Shades: White, Pastel, and Silver Blonde.

Price: $200 for pre-lightening and toning, plus roots start at $70, though prices vary depending on the salon.

Whether you're using this gallery of platinum blondes to determine if the look will flatter you, if you're just generally curious about the shade, or you're looking for celeb hair inspiration, it's all rounded up below—from at-home maintenance tips to touch-up timelines, plus how your hair will fare in the long run.

Keep scrolling to learn all about these icy-blonde looks and what you can expect at the salon.