While blonde hair always tends to be in style, it appears that this summer the beloved hair color is having even more of a moment than usual. But, it’s not just any shade of blonde that’s trending—try ”Barbie blonde.”
The hair color, which pulls inspiration from everyone’s favorite childhood doll, has been on the rise lately, particularly amongst those in Hollywood. Kim Kardashian’s a fan. Pete Davidson, too. Lorde recently jumped on board. And, even Ryan Gosling has taken the plunge and gone Barbie blonde.
And with all the anticipation surrounding Greta Gerwig’s upcoming live-action movie adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Gosling, we don’t see this hair color trend dying down anytime soon.
That’s why The Tease spoke to Wella Professionals Brand Ambassador and Chief Blonding Officer Zach Mesquit for expert tips on how stylists can achieve Barbie’s iconic blonde look with their clients.
“Barbie and blonde are synonymous. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve had clients ask for ‘Barbie blonde,’” says Mesquit, who’s dabbled with blonde hair himself. “Barbie is such an iconic feminine character, and her signature platinum blonde is what makes her who she is. I love it!”
So, what does it really take to achieve Barbie blonde hair on your clients? According to Mesquit, regardless of color or texture, the approach is ultimately going to be the same.
“I lift the hair to a clean level 10 blonde using Wella Professionals BlondorPlex Multi Blonde Dust-Free Powder Lightener,” he explains. “I always lift slowly using a low volume developed for the best results. True ‘Barbie Blonde’ is a level 10 lift with no toner. Wella Professionals Shinefinity is the perfect glaze to top off that color, giving it that extra shiny Barbie look.”
As much fun as channeling your inner Barbie (or Ken) will no doubt be for your clients, it’s important that they know exactly what they can expect after their very first color appointment. Mesquits suggests telling them to be prepared for a long appointment initially and for regular touch ups every 3-5 weeks. He also says that your clients can expect to get a lot more attention with their Barbie blonde hair color. “It’s a very attention-grabbing color,” he states.
With that being said, Mesquit does have some advice for anyone debating dying their hair.
“There’s no difference at all in the advice I would give a man vs as a woman when it comes to going blonde,” he says. “The same rules apply to anyone. Be gentle with bleached hair because it’s fragile, don’t heat style often, and use hydrating products—but nothing that contains protein which will cause breakage.”
Speaking of products, Mesquit couldn’t help but share a couple of his personal favorites for at-home blonde maintenance.
“Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray for whenever you are styling with heat. This product is formulated to nourish your hair and to protect it, while also smoothening it for a flawless shiny result.” he suggests. “Wella Professionals ColorMotion+Shampoo, Conditioner, and Structure+Mask to help lock in and protect that beautiful “Barbie blonde” color.
For even more of Mesquit’s blonding tips and hair advice, be sure to follow @thezachmesquit on Instagram. And, for the latest from Wella Professionals, make sure to follow @wellhairusa on Instagram.
