Expert tips on how to get, maintain platinum hair with minimal damage

Looks like platinum hair is back in fashion. While model Kendall Jenner sported platinum blonde hair for a show at the Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, singer Taylor Swift chose Coachella for her ‘Bleachella’ moment.

However, given that Indians have darker hair, it is not only difficult to attain similar results, but it can also be damaging in the long run.

Celebrity stylist Sapna Bhavnani says, “I remember when I was in the US, and I wanted to go platinum blonde, no salons would take my request. They all turned me down. It was considered risky to try it on Indian hair.”

Read: Nicki Minaj changes hair colour again, goes ‘platinum’

But Bhavnani didn’t give up. She not only got the look, but has also been maintaining it for the past 10 years. “Now, I colour my own hair. Currently, my hair is silver, which is lighter than platinum. However, I would still not recommend shades like platinum blonde or silver to anyone who has long hair. Go for it if you have short hair, or colour only portions of your long hair. Do not expose all your hair to such an extreme treatment,” says Bhavnani.

Hair expert Ryan D’Rozario is of the opinion that people with frizzy hair or those with thyroid issues should not opt for this treatment. But those with healthy hair can try it out. He says, “A few years back, it would have been harsher on the hair, but nowadays, we have oil-based peroxides, luminous colours and spa treatments that infuse elasticity back into weak hair. Even mild forms of pre-lighteners are available now. So, with such products, the damage can be controlled if the client follows a proper post-treatment regime.”

Read: Braid your way to style: Hair is not supposed to look boring

Your hair will have to endure several rounds of bleaching to get this shade. This bleach can actually rip the protein from your hair’s cuticles, and leave it feeling dry and damaged. Experts recommend the following steps to ensure that your hair is healthy enough to withstand this extreme procedure:

1) Leave your hair uncoloured for three to six months before you plan to colour it

2) Use a regular sulfate-free shampoo three weeks before you colour it

3) A month before the treatment, use a protein hair mask once a week

4) Your hair’s natural oils protect it. Therefore, do not shampoo your hair for 24 hours before the treatment.

— With inputs from Dr Soma Sarkar, dermatologist, and Rakhi Rathod, cosmetologist

Post-treatment care

1) Post the treatment, be prepared to take time out to condition your hair regularly. This way, not only will your colour last longer, but your hair will also recuperate faster.

2) Use a conditioner every time you shampoo.

3)The age-old trick of massaging your hair with warm oil is the best when it comes to gaining back your hair’s lustre and health. Almond, argan, coconut and olive oil are highly recommended.

4) Post the treatment, too, at least once a week, apply a protein hair mask. Home-made masks — a banana and honey mask, or an egg and mayo mask — are known for their deep-conditioning properties.

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