Maintaining Platinum-Blond Hair Is Probably More Expensive Than You Think

Platinum-blond locks will forever be the cream of the crop when it comes to show-stopping hair colors. Though variations of this extreme shade come in and out of fashion, from dynamic "pearl blond" to warm buttercream blond, you'll always get away with a clean platinum blond. The only caveat? Keeping up this shade is more expensive than most people realize.

"Maintaining platinum-blond hair can be quite pricey due to the extensive process involved," says Jennifer Korab, the creator and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, and owner of Revival Barber Shop. "Overall, the cost reflects the time, expertise, and specialized products required to achieve and maintain this striking, high-maintenance color." In an exclusive conversation with Glam, Korab reveals that this color is so costly because it "requires regular salon visits for touch-ups, specialized treatments to keep the hair healthy, and high-quality products to prevent brassiness."

It's difficult to pin down the exact cost of going platinum blond, since this heavily depends on where you live and the kind of hair you have. But to give you an idea, the actual bleaching appointment can cost up to $400 and you'll need to return for the same treatment around every eight weeks to keep it up. If you have particularly dark roots or your hair grows quickly, you might also have to factor in root-only touch-ups in between your bleaching appointments, which can cost up to $350 a pop. Then come the at-home maintenance tools, which can cost over $50 per product. Basically, if your heart's set on platinum-blond locks, you'd better get your credit card ready.

Depending on the state and color of your hair before you begin the bleaching process, you'll likely need multiple sessions at the salon just to get to your desired platinum shade, before the maintenance even begins. "Achieving this shade often requires multiple bleaching/lightening sessions to lift the natural color, which can be harsh on the hair and to avoid damage," Jennifer Korab tells Glam exclusively. "Regular touch-ups are essential to keep the roots from showing, contributing to ongoing costs."

Additionally, Korab shares that bleaching can create the need for high-quality treatments, either at home or at the salon, to defend against the damage that going blond can cause. Along with these protective treatments, you'll also have to invest in products designed to maintain your color. "To keep the color vibrant and avoid unwanted brassiness, specialized purple or silver shampoos and conditioners are used, which are generally more expensive than standard products," Korab explains, adding that clients are so determined to achieve this color for the "dramatic look and the fashion statement" that "they don't fully realize the ongoing costs involved."

‌For many people, the ongoing time and financial investment required for platinum-blond hair is a deal-breaker. But luckily, there are a few alternatives that will give you a similar platinum vibe but without the severe cost. "Light ash blond provides a cool, bright look but requires less frequent touch-ups and isn't as harsh on the hair," Jennifer Korab reveals exclusively to Glam, also recommending the warmer and more natural Champagne blond which doesn't require as much bleaching. While ash blond is ideal for those with a cool skin undertone, warm-toned "earth blond" is the perfect alternative for people with warm undertones. 

"Techniques like balayage, highlights, or ombré can blend lighter ends with darker roots, reducing the need for constant root touch-ups and making the overall maintenance easier and more affordable," Korab suggests, adding that dirty-blond hair offers the same benefits thanks to its darker tones that negate the need for frequent salon visits. "These options can still achieve a striking appearance while being more manageable and cost-effective in the long run."