Platinum Hair Color Ideas That Will Change Your Whole Look

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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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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.