Get the Look of the Summer with Barbie Blonde Hair

Ready for Barbie to take over this summer? Us, too! As well as the fashion, fun and all-pink-everything on offer, Margot Robbie’s Barbie lets one element in particular take centre stage: Barbie’s silky-smooth, platinum-blonde hair.

Tina, a member of our Colour Workshop team, shares how to maintain Barbie’s blonde look, alongside style tips to transform your locks like the original blonde icon.

Book a consultation today to get the Barbie look.

How to go Barbie blonde

Thanks to pop-culture symbols like Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood-blonde hair has always been seen as a glamorous, confident colour. While Barbie’s hair colour has changed as the doll has evolved, sleek, sophisticated blonde shades will help you get that glam look, and make sure heads turn.

Remember, that going blonde isn’t effortless; to make sure your hair stays healthy, you’ll likely need to stagger the colouring process.

The blonder you go, the more upkeep your hair will need. Barbie’s traditional platinum blonde hair will need to be touched up regularly to maintain this bright colour. Tina points out: “it’s important to regularly tone your blonde locks to keep them looking expensive.” We recommend visiting your stylist for a refresh every 4-6 weeks to maintain your look.

However, if you want to try a slightly softer blonde, like Margot Robbie’s take on the shade, you could opt for a more neutral, nude colour that could be easier on your hair (depending on your natural colour). Tina says:

“There are many different techniques to achieving the perfect blonde. Creating a root shadow around the root area is a low-maintenance blonde look that’s trending right now.”

Step One: Decide how blonde you can go

If you’re taking your hair from brunette to blonde, you’ll likely need a few more sessions to lighten your locks without damaging them. Your stylist will help you determine whether it’s possible for you to go platinum-blonde safely, or recommend the best Barbie-esque shade to suit you instead.

Step Two: Choose your full head, balayage or highlights colour

Your hair will be carefully divided, and the toner applied to your locks in sections.

Step Three: Rinse and cleanse

Once your toner has been left to set, your stylist will rinse, shampoo and condition your locks.

Step Four: Blow-dry your hair

Your stylist will blow-dry your hair, so you can step out of the salon with your Barbie blonde hair in full swing.

Learn more about how the perfect blonde colour can be achieved with our colouring services.

Styling your hair like Barbie

Main-character curls

Perhaps one of the most well-known Barbie looks, this timeless, bouncy style swept the red carpet, and we’re here for it. These retro, blown-out curls have plenty of volume, and suit every hair length. To get the biggest curls, use a barrel tong and roller brush to tease out your waves: the more dramatic, the better.

Signature sweeping ponytail

The very first Barbie to be released in 1959 wore her hair in a high pony, complete with a pin-curled fringe – just like Billie Eilish’s look for her Barbie music video here.

To recreate this ‘do, gather your hair in a high ponytail at the crown of your head, leaving your bangs (or an inch or two of face-framing hair) loose. Use a hair roller and blow dryer to curl your bangs towards your face; curling inwards will help you get the same voluminous fringe that Billie’s styled. Secure your bangs with hairspray to keep your shape in place.

For a bouncier pony, wrap the ends of your ponytail loosely around a curling tong to give your lengths a slight wave. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently fan out your curls for Barbie’s signature volume.

Sleek, straight and silky

A great way to show off shiny, healthy hair, keeping things straight and sleek is a classic look. Mist with hairspray to tame any flyaways, and let your colour speak for itself. Tina recommends using moisturising products between salon visits to keep straight locks like this looking thick and shiny:
“Kerastase Blonde Absolu shampoo and conditioner keeps your blonde hydrated and healthy.”

Colourful accessories

These Barbies know how to accessorize. Just like Hari Nef’s jewelled clips here, clips, headbands and even crowns are a quick way to get that glam Barbie feel.

Nodding to ‘70s trends, Margot Robbie’s Barbie wears headbands to accentuate a low-key beehive, or add interest to a sleek, straight-haired look.

Low-maintenance waves

If you want to channel Barbie without the extra effort, laidback beach waves are a perfect way to jump on the trend. Run your straighteners lightly over your hair, twisting them away from your face to flatter your features, and get that effortless Barbie look.

Add a shine spray to give your waves a more polished feel, and keep your ‘do looking thick and healthy. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to smooth any flyaways or frizz.

Whatever look you choose to style this summer, keeping your blonde locks healthy and silky-smooth will help you emulate the classic pop-culture icon. If you’re not sure which blonde shade will suit your skin tone, our blonde hair ideas guide will give you some inspo.

FAQs

What kind of blonde is Barbie?

Traditionally, Barbie blonde is a clean, bright platinum, with one shade of blonde used across the whole head.

Was Barbie originally blonde?

The first Barbie ever created in 1959 had a platinum-blonde ponytail, complete with pin-curled fringe. Since then, though, Barbie’s hair colour has changed multiple times, with brunette, Afro hair and mermaid locks all taking centre stage.