Platinum Hair Color Ideas That Will Change Your Whole Look

Ariana Yaptangco
·17 min read

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Among the best hair colors to try in 2025, platinum hair color stands out as one of the boldest and most transformative shades there is. Take it from celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, and Camila Cabello, who have all debuted their own versions of the icy color to signal new eras. If you’re ready to change your look in the new year—but are tired of the regular blonde, brunette, and black shades—platinum blonde is the perfect way to hit a hard reset.

The best part? The versatile shade looks great on pretty much everyone. “Platinum hair color is an incredibly versatile option, with subtle adjustments to the formula depending on your skin tone and complexion,” says Renée Valerie, director of R+COLOR education. “It’s not just for cooler undertones—platinum can create a striking contrast on warmer undertones, resulting in a beautifully balanced look.”

What is platinum hair color?

As for what classifies as “platinum hair color,” Chase Kusero, cofounder of IGK Hair Care, says the shade is “the lightest shade of blonde.” Think: Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. “Characterized by its icy, nearly white tone, it’s often called Scandinavian blonde or Scandi Blonde. It has little to no warmth, often featuring cool undertones like ash, silver, or violet.”

To get even more technical, Jennifer Korab, hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, adds that platinum “is usually considered past a level 10 or 11 blonde.” Despite the lack of warmth, undertones can be changed according to the client. “Platinum could have either warm or cool tones, but it typically appears cooler and whiter,” she says. “Usually the undertone is chosen based off the person’s skin tone, and sometimes there can be hints of blue or silver for the cooler-toned look or for a warmer look the blonde can be a bit more golden.”

What is the difference between platinum hair color and gray hair color?

The biggest difference comes down to finish and undertones. “Platinum is a bright, silvery white tone, whereas gray has a denser, more opaque appearance,” says Valerie. Kusero agrees, adding that platinum is much more “reflective” than gray.

Rest assured, there will be no mistaking your platinum for gray. “Platinum hair color is usually very light and cool toned, appearing icier. A gray on the other hand is more neutral and has a wider shade range as some grays can be more silver or deeper dark gray,” says Korab.

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gray hair ideas Tia Mowry
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There’s such beauty in deciding to let your hair go gray at whatever age it starts to turn. Grays tend to be more wiry, so it’s smart to use a hydrating regimen. [Better Not Younger Silver Lining](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/4iheeJwWD8ieHimHNXBZ4NBBfGZKxaZ1QVs2qkPqDYUq2YyUVcEsBrcVThy2yY8xhL5x4N4UFDuAwBDwLaRo776tRYfBdAfJPac1y4DNBuxENfgMb7MPT25KNX7q3YgBwcSkTBHUrMgQxmDCqdHjHBfeUxdxXj2Yq3rncRqsurihczjVGckV15Es79){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} [Purple Butter Masque for Gray & White Hair](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/4iheeJwWD8ieHimHNXBZ4NBBfGZKxaZ1QVs2qkPqDYUq2YyUVcEsBrcVThy2yY8xhL5x4N4UFDuAwBDwLaRo776tRYfBdAfJPac1y4DNBuxENfgMb7MPT25KNX7q3YgBwcSkTBHUrMgQxmDCqdHjHBfeUxdxXj2Yq3rncRqsurihczjVGckV15Es79){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} will make a great addition to your wash routine; plus, it neutralizes yellow tones so that your silver can shine.
Tennille’s gorgeous curls put the definition of her salt-and-pepper color on display.

Salt-and-Pepper Curls

Tennille’s gorgeous curls put the definition of her salt-and-pepper color on display.
Instagram/@thetenillelife\_
The white strands of this salt-and-pepper color really pop against the dark ones. Anderson recommends his [DPHue’s Brightening Powder](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/7pktVSmKrEAr6cuTCksJwu2P5AX7mRpRHUUWHShUM84mXfpFrQNArVFG9vxpHczwEaVEXVovhtrKF3XFTYVofJVRiHDms5tRntrks6X9QQ5K7iVNSNYESyNCZ5qM3PreSfC2jEqkV1zaVkihseAyS6kihen6ySvaJsvK){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} to “pull out any impurities your silver hair may be holding on to—the results will make your stands super bright again\!”
The beautiful thing about embracing your natural roots is that you can start at any time, like Sarah, here, who is letting her hair grow in naturally.

Growing Out Gray

The beautiful thing about embracing your natural roots is that you can start at any time, like Sarah, here, who is letting her hair grow in naturally.
Instagram/@sarahgrayandtall
The only thing cooler than going gray is doing it with a statement cut like this bold pixie.

Gray Power Pixie

The only thing cooler than going gray is doing it with a statement cut like this bold pixie.
Instagram/@xojalonda
This high-shine, blue-toned gray makes for a nice contrast with Ciara’s glowing complexion.

Blue Gray

This high-shine, blue-toned gray makes for a nice contrast with Ciara’s glowing complexion.
George Pimentel
Andie MacDowell proves that bigger is better with her full gray coils.

Voluminous Gray

Andie MacDowell proves that bigger is better with her full gray coils.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
There’s no question about it, Hilarie Burton is cool AF, but her decision to go gray somehow makes her even cooler. To perfect her silver, she told her hairstylist, “Make me look like a hot witch.” We think it’s fair to say she delivered.
In addition to Nona’s trendy sunnies and necklace, if you look closely, you’ll spot some colored beads in her tumbling curls. Gray is the perfect color to experiment with in terms of accessories because it won’t clash like some other hair colors can.
Keep your bright white looking, well, bright with the help of a purple or blue toning shampoo, says Santo. We like [Dae Violet Hour Shampoo](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/3WVdWb4brEJ3f6GUgjR8U7vSqxCNcbawkGNueJWTztqre8U9AEM49cjFQbHHdmDiAawyr76guRUTseiLtGA8RRiiHeBMmVaLQMQT4vtoNnxfrvjczmavYDTqfPjEVa122YMzfzJ3yqHXJwWzvSoKfkLA6inytEYznehcVnswe1pRLBzrZcjgQ3){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} for nixing brassiness.
No matter what hair color you’re starting with, you can grow out your gray naturally, as Shari is doing here.

Unintentional Ombré

No matter what hair color you’re starting with, you can grow out your gray naturally, as Shari is doing here.
Instagram/@sharisiadat
Whether your natural hair grows in with highlights or not, you can always go to a colorist for some dimension by way of a toner, a gloss, or strategically placed darker or lighter pieces.

Natural Gray Highlights

Whether your natural hair grows in with highlights or not, you can always go to a colorist for some dimension by way of a toner, a gloss, or strategically placed darker or lighter pieces.
Instagram/@k\_growing\_gray
If rocking two-toned hair isn’t your vibe during the growing-out process, cutting hair short and starting fresh is always an option.

Salt-and-Pepper Pixie

If rocking two-toned hair isn’t your vibe during the growing-out process, cutting hair short and starting fresh is always an option.
Instagram/@emilymasonstudios
A trending hairstyle match made in heaven: an angled bob plus gray strands.

Gray Bob

A trending hairstyle match made in heaven: an angled bob plus gray strands.
Instagram/@katedinota
A lot of the purple-toned products for blonde and gray hair are perfect for removing yellow and orange, but you can also give yourself an edgy lavender look like Ginnifer Goodwin’s if you leave it on a few extra minutes.

Purple-Toned White

A lot of the purple-toned products for blonde and gray hair are perfect for removing yellow and orange, but you can also give yourself an edgy lavender look like Ginnifer Goodwin’s if you leave it on a few extra minutes.
Chelsea Lauren
Jourdan Dunn’s dip-dye look for the Met Gala matched her metallic gown perfectly and was complemented by her blue-gray smoky eye. If you take the plunge and go gray, not only will you have a new do, but you’ll have the opportunity to play around with new makeup looks too.
As with highlights, gray hair that has a scattering of white and black strands will really pop when styled into a braid as seen here. Bonus points for the fun printed scrunchie—we like the silk ones from [Slip](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/RLUH3gniSGMDKRHS37XrQQRckrXEhSS2sCmC9NA32EDTJp19njRsp7yJjSeAKrNeAM2mgirFHmdYJR7Ee27qXjQraw2EqpkcKAoA3BQ4iryZYwHCJjZXeKfqtsdKkDa9UjV7NQNdyAnXomXUf2rAgSSfwwnfGfjmXG3cc53sX3PTgXAgZfunBHzMbuCm69Z){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} because they’re gentle on brittle strands.
Because gray hairs tend to be more coarse, they’re more likely to have more texture even if your natural hair was pin-straight. Letting strands air-dry and flipping from side to side allows for major volume and an effortless vibe.
[Extra-long hair](https://www.glamour.com/story/hair-extensions-guide){: target="_blank"} is a statement in itself. Pair that with a white blonde color and you’re going to be turning heads.

White Blonde

[Extra-long hair](https://www.glamour.com/story/hair-extensions-guide){: target="_blank"} is a statement in itself. Pair that with a white blonde color and you’re going to be turning heads.
Instagram/@dimitrishair
Gray hair can have a mind of its own when growing in, as pictured here with the top darker and the bottom lighter, which wouldn’t have been as apparent if it wasn’t styled half up, half down. This look can be a fun one to mimic at the salon too.
Melissa decided to ditch the dye and let her hair grow in naturally without losing any length. The remnants of her brown hair on the bottom adds a little something extra and gives her gray a bit more warmth.

Brown Gray

Melissa decided to ditch the dye and let her hair grow in naturally without losing any length. The remnants of her brown hair on the bottom adds a little something extra and gives her gray a bit more warmth.
Instagram/@downhomewithmel
Kim Kardashian’s all-white lob is super sleek thanks to its pin-straight texture. If you’re heat-styling hair that’s been bleached, be sure to use a heat protectant like [Biolage Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2FTC5bHweKNXncBWru9YWrMKwyqTk8WrGgmhmQd4pp3Szmuq4kTahq2q33MHscMjwYt47Lj59aDLYwpSDqi6aHJ49pQUohZwDxFEmtRgYAqnGJ77wt5kWoF3SUMQk1n8edS8XT51fA6oxXXH25wstg83gHNg9qhMk4WCfZDAtMSK8RJLanazHjWo6cS9R){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"}, which actually offers a hefty dose of hydration too.
We love the look of these gray bangs that frame and brighten up the face.

Salt-and-Pepper Bangs

We love the look of these gray bangs that frame and brighten up the face.
We love how long and luscious these gray strands look, especially with the unique coloring of one side more white than the other.

Lengthy Gray

We love how long and luscious these gray strands look, especially with the unique coloring of one side more white than the other.
Instagram/@gray.and.beyond
When you get your color done, Anderson says the best way to get the most flattering gray for you is by talking to your colorist and creating a plan together.

Ashy Gray

When you get your color done, Anderson says the best way to get the most flattering gray for you is by talking to your colorist and creating a plan together.
Instagram/@cherrychy\_
If you’re on the fence about going fully gray, feel it out with a few strands like Kelly Hu’s face-framing pieces.

Face-Framing Gray

If you’re on the fence about going fully gray, feel it out with a few strands like Kelly Hu’s face-framing pieces.
Unique Nicole
One way to keep dyed gray strands looking modern is by creating a dark, smudged root like on Megan Fox.

Rooty Gray

One way to keep dyed gray strands looking modern is by creating a dark, smudged root like on Megan Fox.
Instagram/@milesjeffrieshair
[Gemini hair](https://www.glamour.com/story/gemini-hair-two-tone-hair-trend){: target="_blank"} is another major trend, and instead of doing a split dye job with two vivid colors, you can do it in a more understated way like with black and white.
In a less literal sense, this is like a take on Gemini hair too, just with the white gray on top and darker black on the bottom.

Gray on Top

In a less literal sense, this is like a take on Gemini hair too, just with the white gray on top and darker black on the bottom.
Instagram/@pipjduma
To amp up her silver buzz cut, Cara Delevingne added in a gold-flecked hairpiece with finger waves that resulted in this futuristic metallic number.

Silver and Gold

To amp up her silver buzz cut, Cara Delevingne added in a gold-flecked hairpiece with finger waves that resulted in this futuristic metallic number.
Steve Granitz
If you’re going gray from a darker hair color, you’re going to have to bleach your hair. Once it’s in that platinum blonde state, you can tone it to make it appear more white. At that point, it’s easiest to dye it more fashion colors like the pink and blue pastel here.
Dixie D’amelio’s almost white super-short cut styled in pigtails is all kinds of awesome.

Platinum Pigtails

Dixie D’amelio’s almost white super-short cut styled in pigtails is all kinds of awesome.
Instagram/@dixiedamelio
There’s no question about it, this hair is pretty much devoid of color, and its striking white appearance makes a bold statement.

White-Silver

There’s no question about it, this hair is pretty much devoid of color, and its striking white appearance makes a bold statement.
Instagram/@bleachlondon
There’s really no style that won't look good with gray hair, but this layered [curtain-bang](https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-bangs-for-your-face-shape){: target="_blank"} look has to be one of our favorites.

Gray Curtain Bangs

There’s really no style that won't look good with gray hair, but this layered [curtain-bang](https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-bangs-for-your-face-shape){: target="_blank"} look has to be one of our favorites.
Instagram/@elisaberrinigomez
Whether you have naturally long hair or not, you can try some clip-in extensions for a fuller look. [BFB Hair](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/5562jUBkjoEKAdfkiDfuz8hQrwmJkS8xNPzQk14BphsTUwy6M41cM8A5AD45pENh63B4k6t8qLyQFUQTYnVVitpr3CKRTxhQWPrbYaPwUTqKk8W1Kuaw6oRBm2dHyGc1NUZiHxdrp1kByHBb3U93aPUU9pBjC7FvFufQt3NMQXKNovehJSAhvFms8Srwkp5uzLVPQhCb5){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"} recently came out with two gray shades, which aren’t always so easy to find.
Money pieces have been growing in popularity because having lighter face-framing pieces helps to brighten the face. If you’re not as naturally blessed with them as Sarah is, they can be done in a quick salon appointment.

White Money Pieces

Money pieces have been growing in popularity because having lighter face-framing pieces helps to brighten the face. If you’re not as naturally blessed with them as Sarah is, they can be done in a quick salon appointment.
Instagram/@sstrange
There’s a subtle warmth to Sau’s hair that sets it apart from the other shades of gray.

Warm Gray

There’s a subtle warmth to Sau’s hair that sets it apart from the other shades of gray.
Instagram/@silverhair.sau
An easy way to tiptoe into the trend is by trying out a few pieces of gray like in Ariana Debose’s bangs. You can always use root cover-up if it’s really not for you.

Grayish Bangs

An easy way to tiptoe into the trend is by trying out a few pieces of gray like in Ariana Debose’s bangs. You can always use root cover-up if it’s really not for you.
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
Winnie Harlowe's black-to-gray ombré look is enough to convince us to give the trend a try.

Gray Ombré

Winnie Harlowe's black-to-gray ombré look is enough to convince us to give the trend a try.
Fred Duval

What skin tones look good with platinum hair color?

Platinum hair color can flatter all skin tones; it just depends on the undertones you choose. Generally, Kusero recommends the following guidelines.

Fair: Cool undertones pair well with icy platinum shades.

Medium: Cool or neutral undertones look great with a soft, icy platinum to balance warmth in the skin. For golden undertones, a slightly creamy or neutral platinum works better.

Deep: Cool undertones shine with ashy or violet-tinted platinum, while neutral undertones look striking with soft, frosted platinum.

What is the platinum hair color process?

All three stylists start with a consultation to discuss hair type, hair color, and goals for the shade you’re trying to achieve.

“I always recommend consulting with your stylist first as the process can be different for each person depending on their hair color and health of the hair, or if you have previously dyed hair color,” says Korab.

Once you’ve done the consultation, the bleaching process begins. Be prepared to make multiple trips to the salon, depending on how much lifting your hair color requires. “Achieving platinum hair is a multistep process that requires lifting your natural color to the palest blonde,” says Kusero.

It’s important not to rush the bleaching process, as hair can be badly damaged by a botched bleach job. “Platinum is achieved by bleaching the hair, and it usually tends to require multiple sessions to get very light to prevent any breakage, Bleaching all at once can make the hair become gummy and even fall out,” says Korab.

How long does platinum hair color take?

According to Kusero, light hair will take one to two sessions, brunette hair will take two to three sessions, and dark hair will take three or more sessions over the course of about several weeks.

After the bleaching process, your hair will be treated with a toner. “Toner is used to remove any brassy tones, and depending on if you want to achieve an icier or warmer look the type of toner varies,” says Korab. “Anytime you are doing intense bleaching I recommend cutting the hair to make sure it stays healthy and to get rid of any split ends that can be amplified with light hair. Additionally, hair care is important with platinum hair. Make sure to use conditioning treatments to keep the hair from drying out.”

What is platinum hair color maintenance?

Sorry to all the low-maintenance hair color lovers, but platinum hair might not be for you.

“Maintaining the integrity and luminosity of platinum hair requires dedication, making it a high-maintenance shade,” says Valerie. “For a polished and chic appearance, touch-ups every four weeks are ideal.”

You’ll also definitely want to invest in new hair products that cater to your platinum hair’s specific needs. “I recommend using a purple shampoo to keep the tone icy, reducing heat as bleach can be damaging and drying, using deep-conditioning masks to help hydration, minimizing hair-washing to retain oils, and ending your shower with cold water,” says Korab. “Extra recommendation: A shower-head filter is beneficial in general. It helps get rid of any harsh contaminants that damage or discolor hair.”

Kusero recommends picking up the IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Purple Toning Drops and Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner to keep your platinum pristine and hydrated. “Mixed Feelings Leave-In Purple Toning Drops are concentrated purple drops that banish brass and instantly tone blonde or silver hair when added to any cream styler. These are great for customizing the level of toning to suit your desired look,” he says.

Ready to take the platinum plunge? Ahead, some of the best platinum hair color ideas for your next salon visit.

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