What is Barbie blonde?
Put simply, Barbie blonde is the lightest shade of blonde possible. “If you are able to achieve that, this color has the potential to look amazing on just about anyone,” says Tiffanie Richards, master colorist at Louise O’Conner Salon. “Barbie blonde tends to be in a range between pale gold and neutral tones, making it extremely easy for all skin tones to wear.”
With that said, various undertones complement different colors better, says Caleb Backe, a hair expert for Maple Holistics, and Barbie Blonde is no exception. “Its combination of warm and cool tones appears to be most suited for people with warm or neutral skin tones,” Backe says. “Warm or neutral complexion tones with yellow or olive undertones might enhance the Barbie Blonde hair color's warm and cool blend. Light eye colors such as blue or green can help to bring out the brightness of the blonde and create a stunning contrast.”
Individuals who have cool or pink undertones in their skin should avoid this hair color, Backe warns. “This is because the Barbie Blonde shade's warm and cool blend might clash with cold undertones, creating a washed-out or unnatural appearance,” Backe says. “Also, people with particularly dark skin tones may discover that the blonde hue does not match them as well since it creates too much contrast between skin and hair.”
Those with extremely pale skin could feel washed out with such a light color, adds Richards. “The lightness of the skin and the hair may blend together creating a very flat affect,” she says.
What do you need to know about this color?
First off, Barbie blonde isn’t going to be as budget-friendly as some other shades, like darker shades with brunette tones. “This color will typically be in the higher price range,” Richards says. “The application is tedious and needs to be done precisely to avoid damage. This can be achieved with highlights, a base and highlights, a bleach and tone or a single process high lift color.”
If your hair already has a ton of damage or is on the much dryer side, Barbie blonde may also not be a great choice until your hair is healthier. “Barbie Blonde is a light shade of blonde, thus it may be necessary to bleach or lighten your hair before applying the color to attain the desired effect,” Backe says. “Bleaching or lightening can cause harm to your hair. Additionally, before beginning the color process, express your hair goals and concerns to your stylist. Your stylist may advise you on the best technique to obtain the Barbie Blonde color, as well as any dangers or obstacles that may arise during the procedure.”
What will maintenance look like?
If you go Barbie blonde, it’s important to know two things: you’ll be visiting your salon more often and quality conditions and masks are a must. Barbie Blonde is a high-maintenance hair color because blonde tones require constant maintenance to preserve their vitality and avoid brassiness, Backe says. “To maintain your hair looking its best, you may need to visit the salon on a frequent basis for touch-ups or toning treatments. A purple shampoo can help to tone down any brassiness that may develop in blonde hair, including Barbie Blonde. To keep your hair color fresh, use it once or twice a week. Keep in mind that using heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons can further damage bleached or lightened hair, thus a heat protectant spray is recommended to minimize damage and avoid breakage. Additionally, if you have dry or damaged hair, a leave-in conditioner can assist to nourish and hydrate it between washes.”
Richards also praises the effect a good purple shampoo and conditioner can have on bleached hair and is adamant about the fact that Barbie blonde needs major hydration. “This color is achieved by bleaching, in some cases a high lift color can be used,” Richards says. “Either approach will be at least slightly damaging to the hair. To maintain the health and integrity of the hair and color you will want to invest in a great conditioner.”
If you’re curious to see yourself with Barbie-bright hair, talk to your colorist about what’s achievable on your hair — and what you own upkeep will look like.