13 Insanely Beautiful Ways to Go Blonde This Season
Getty Images1/14One way to handle the winter blues we’re all experiencing right now is to lighten up, hair-wise. You might not think of winter as the time to embrace bleach, but it’s actually the perfect way to emerge from your beauty rut. The only problem? With so many different options out there it can be tough narrowing down the right hue for you. Between platinum blonde, strawberry blonde, and even bronde, there's hundreds of different shades to choose from. We spoke to Rachel Bodt, a senior colorist at Cutler/Redken Salon, about the latest color trends, which celebrities are on her radar for the best blonde, and of course — how to manage your hair once you've made the plunge.
Getty Images2/14Tortoiseshell
Cara's edgy look is one of Rachel's favorites. When discussing some of her go-to celebrity blondes, Rachel says: "Right now I'm loving Jennifer Lawrence's blonde, it's super tricky when you are going all-over blonde but hers is perfect. I'm also loving the color that Cara Delevingne currently has, it's super sultry."
GC Images3/14Sun-Kissed Blonde
Gigi Hadid was one of the first celebrities to explore the makeup-turned-hair trend that is strobing. This involves highlights that are done piece-by-piece to accentuate your best facial features, rather than an all-over blended balayage.
WireImage4/14Bronde
For the girl looking to make a transition to the lighter side, this bronde moment is key. "I always recommend looking at references of people who have similar hair, skin, and eye color — that way it's easy to imagine it on yourself. It's important to choose something that will be flattering for you personally. I always help guide my clients as to why something will or won't work for them," Rachel said.
Getty Images5/14__ Platinum Blonde__
If you're looking to dye your hair a bright platinum shade, bleach is a necessary evil. But just how safe is it to bleach your hair to change your look?
"Bleach isn't as bad as you may think, and it has come a long way. It also all depends on how it is used and choosing the right bleach for each client. Some new bleaching systems even have conditioning agents in them to help nourish the hair, as with Olaplex. Also, you don't always have to use bleach, it just depends on how light you are naturally and how light your goal is. If you don't use bleach you are a little limited but it is possible," Rachel explained.
WireImage6/14Warm Platinum
The shade you choose also depends on how often you're willing to dye your hair. "It really depends on if you are highlight blonde or an all-over blonde... If it's a highlight I say about 8 weeks, if it's a single process or all over it's about 4 weeks."
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage7/14Butterscotch Blonde
Of course with so many hair color trends coming our way at lightning speed, it can be hard to make an initial decision. Some of Rachel's favorites include: "Warm blonde and soft golden beige tones. Also, hair color with lots of dimension and movement — with lightness running through the ends of the hair. To me, that is seamless, modern and timeless."
As far as what's officially out? Rachel says dip-dye needs to go.
Getty Images8/14Golden Blonde
Dyeing your hair takes a lot of dedication if you want to look flawless 24/7. Naturally, not everyone likes making frequent salon trips, but you have to be willing to make some sacrifices. Going light usually isn't recommended for DIY fun.
"If you aren't careful you can really do a lot of damage that could cost you more in the long run. I would say go to the salon for the initial blonde visit and then from there ask the colorist how you can maintain it."
FilmMagic9/14White Blonde
"I am truly obsessed with Olaplex; it leaves the hair in such beautiful condition and allows you to achieve goals without breakage! The after-care products are amazing, too. Also I'm huge into sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners and cleansing conditioners like Purely Perfect or Pureology cleansing conditioner. They help to clean the hair without stripping it of all its natural oils and helps to not dry it out."
WireImage10/14Honey Blonde
Jade Thirlwall's honey blonde shade is great for the girl who still wants to keep some of her deep undertones present.
Getty Images11/14True Blonde
True blonde, as pictured on supermodel Anna Ewers is one of the most natural looking shades of blonde you can choose.
WireImage12/14__ Sandy Highlights__
If you already have naturally light hair, adding some highlights would do just the trick if you still want a little color.
