Last Updated on July 12, 2024
This might surprise you, but platinum blonde isn’t my natural color, or hardly anyone else’s, for that matter. Only 2% percent of people in the entire world are naturally this blonde – so it’s almost guaranteed that if you see anyone with hair like mine, they’re getting help from a bottle.
My hair is part of my signature style. I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way, but it’s a commitment. In addition to coloring it, I regularly style it with heat for events and photo shoots. That means I need to do everything possible to keep it healthy at home.
Bleaching your hair can lead to a few kinds of damage. The strong chemicals in bleach weaken your hair’s natural protein structure, causing it to become more porous and easier to break. And the more you bleach it, the more porous it becomes. Repeated bleaching also saps moisture from the strands, and causes split ends.
The key to keeping bleached hair as healthy as possible is finding the right products to strengthen, bond, and hydrate it. Believe me, I’ve tried a lot of products over the years before landing on a hair care regimen that works best for me, which I want to share.
These are my blonde hair must-haves!
1. My Go-To Shampoo-Conditioner Duo: Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Shampoo and Cicaflash Conditioner
I’ll start with the basics. This shampoo and conditioner set from Kérastase is made specifically for blonde hair. The hydrating shampoo cleans hair gently and leaves it shiny – plus, it contains hyaluronic acid, which reduces frizz. The conditioner moisturizes and detangles, so you just have to run it through your fingers from top to bottom, then wait a few minutes before rinsing it off. You’ll step out of the shower with clean, nourished, softer locks.
2. Liquid Gold for Blondes: Moroccanoil Treatment
Argan oil is called liquid gold for its color and for its value for healthy hair. After towel-drying tresses, I put a few drops into my palms and either comb or brush the product through to the ends. Whether I let my hair dry naturally or use heat, this keeps my hair extra touchable and shiny.
3. A Frizz-Tamer and Heat Protector: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
After a blow-dry, a little of this weightless oil will smooth your strands without weighing them down. When used before styling your hair with an iron or a wand, it adds a barrier layer of heat protection. It also smells fantastic!
4. A Color-Enriching Deep Conditioning: Mask Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Mask with Temporary Coloring: A Splash of Hue
Unless you’re Jennifer Lopez and have an at-home salon and professional hairdresser on call 24/7, you want to go as long as possible between color appointments. This nourishing mask comes in several shades that punch up your color and stretch the amount of time between visits. If you’re feeling playful, you can experiment with one of the different hues besides blonde to add honey, copper, or reddish tones.
5. The Best On-The-Go Pick-Me Up: Bumble and Bumble Blondish Hair Powder
I travel often and don’t always have time to wash my hair, so this dry shampoo for blondes is a lifesaver. It absorbs excess oil, lifts my roots, adds volume, and blends seamlessly with my color. It’s a must to pack in any weekend tote or suitcase.
*Thinking About Hair Extensions? Read This First
A word on hair extensions. I wouldn’t recommend anything that uses tape, keratin bonds, or glue because they pull on your natural strands and weaken them. I advise clip-ins or even a minimal partial sew, which – in addition to being better for your hair – gives you more versatility in terms of styling. But if you are going to use the first type, you’ll definitely need to take extra care of your scalp with tip #6 below.
6. The Ultimate Root-Quencher: Sisley-Paris Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the Scalp
If you regularly bleach your roots or do anything that pulls on them (like adding extensions), it’s important to treat your scalp. Divide your damp or dry hair into three sections and massage in this serum.. It’s meant for ongoing, serious root refreshment.
7. The Best Weekly Maintenance Treatment: Redken pH-Bonder Post-Service Perfector
Whether you get your hair colored by a stylist or go DIY at home, apply this bond-strengthening treatment before you shampoo. Use it once a week or more as needed to prevent breakage and boost shine.
Prioritizing the health of your hair – from your roots to your ends – is the most important part of being a blonde. While the above products may not be cheap, they are my essentials…and we blondes deserve the best!