Kim Kardashian West’s Stylist Shares the Deets on How to Get Her New Silver Platinum ‘Do

When Kim Kardashin West debuted her waist-length silvery blonde locks at the Tom Ford spring/summer fashion show earlier this week, one question was at the forefront of everyone’s minds: Was it real?
As the mommy of two revealed on her app, her new look was, in fact, legit. “I’ve been talking about going blonde again for a long time, and I’m so happy I did!,” she wrote. “I know a lot of people initially thought I was wearing a wig, but it’s my real hair. My amazing stylist, Chris Appleton, dyed my hair and got it to the most perfect, platinum, silvery-white color.”
Appleton (who just so happens to be the same man behind Katy Perry’s platinum transformation), gave some further insight on the hue, saying, “We did the whole long, dark hair for a while, and it’s been a huge trend, but we wanted a whole new vibe — and a drastic change. Platinum is such an iconic look, but we wanted to make sure it wasn’t your average platinum blonde, so we made it silver white to give it more of a modern platinum feel with a cool, unexpected edge.”
View this post on InstagramHow we do #NYFW @kimkardashian #chrisappletonhair @makeupbyariel
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But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the business woman’s new hue: It took at least a week of what she said was “yellow” hair to get the shade just right — and avoid damage. As the stylist concurred in a press release, “It’s a big transformation, and can do extreme damage to your hair if not done properly.”
Now, he’s giving step-by-step instructions on how brunette babes can achieve a similar look with minimal fallout.
To prep your hair for such a structural shock, the reality mogul’s trusted hair guru says you should begin by going heavy on a conditioner like ColorWow Security Conditioner ($23). Like, once a day heavy. “I wanted to maintain the SHINE with Kim, which is why it was important for us to take our time and treat the hair properly.”
Since bleach is pretty taxing on your hair to begin with, Appleton also suggests not doing anything to aid in damage, including using rubber hair elastics and sleeping on silk pillowcase, both before and after your makeover.
What’s more, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations. The fact is, not everyone will look as fierce as Kim KW with uber-blonde hair. “If you are dark, cooler tones look stronger,” he explained. “If you are really fair, warmer tones look nice. It’s very individual.” If you’re in between, or aren’t sure, he recommends trying before you buy with a temporary fix, like a wig.
If you like what you see, or are simply ready to take the plunge, have at it: But note, your color journey won’t end at the salon. Platinum takes WORK. For starters, you’ll likely need to use a special shampoo, like Color Wow’s Security Shampoo ($23) post-dye. “The Color Wow shampoo and conditioner are especially great for blondes as they remove residue from the hair and help maintain a really healthy scalp, so your blonde is really shiny,” he quipped.
From there, you can use the brand’s Coconut Cocktail Bionic Treatment ($24) as a daily leave-in treatment to combat dehydration and rough, raised cuticles and its Dream Coat spray ($28) prior to styling to fight frizz and maintain moisture.
If you must use heat to tame unruly locks, Appleton says it’s best to use a toning spray, like BedHead’s Toning Blonde Spray ($16), as well as Davines’ Nourishing Hair Building Pak ($36) once a week to keep it soft and shiny.
And there you have it! Shiny silver blonde, just like KKW. Excuse us while we book our next salon appointment…
What do you think of Kim K.’s new ‘do? Let us know over @BritandCo.
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(Photo via Bryan Bedder/Getty)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.