Women going ‘more extreme’ with bleach to be Barbie blond
Barbie blonds have more fun — just ask celebrity stylist Aura Friedman.
The colorist has transformed her chair at Soho’s Suite Caroline Salon into the ultimate “Barbie Dream Salon” for those who are thinking pink — and platinum.
“I’ve noticed that clients have been inspired by the ‘Barbie’ movie in many ways, especially when it comes to hair color,” Friedman told The Post.
“Barbie blond” is fast becoming summer’s hottest hair trend, despite past declarations that platinum tresses were out or “cheugy,” as Gen Z says.
After more than a year of brunettes reigning, seeing Margot Robbie’s shiny, blond locks on the big screen has the masses once again reaching for bleach.
Friedman, who also colored “Doctor Barbie” Hari Nef’s fiery red hair for the film’s press tour, explained that Robbie is the “perfect blond,” which makes her the “prototype” for the sparkling shade.
Beauty marketplace platform Fresha reported a 508% uptick year-over-year for Barbie-inspired hair salon services and an 83% spike in requests, Women’s Wear Daily reported.
Dallace Walsh, master colorist and owner of Dallace NYC, is “all for” the Barbiecore blond and has also seen an increase in color bookings, with requests ranging from a few more highlights to a totally bleached mop.
“The public gets fascinated, especially if it’s a great look and if it’s something that’s outside of what you’ve been doing,” the salon owner told The Post, adding that sometimes people in a style rut “need some inspiration.”
Of course, the box office “Barbie” boom is not the first cultural phenomenon that has sent hordes of women to the salon, Walsh noted.
The difference is that this time around, blond bombshell hopefuls are going “more extreme” overall.
“You have those that are actually wanting to go platinum blond,” Walsh said. “But even my clients that are just highlighted, they’re now willing to go brighter and blonder.”
It’s not all about bleach, either. While blonds want to go brighter, both NYC stylists reported more requests for coppery ginger. Walsh, who also noted brunettes wanting to go darker, believes this falls in line with Mattel’s uniquely iconic dolls.
“Barbies are generally one color, right?” she said. “They are all blond or all red or all have really dark hair, and it’s very rich and dark. There’s not a lot of nuance around it.”
But before you reach for the box of bleach at home, Walsh warns blond wannabes to go to a reputable salon to ensure they aren’t sacrificing hair health for the sake of chicness.
She recommends a consultation and a strand test before diving in headfirst, which can often take all day or multiple sessions to achieve the desired color.
“Just like Barbie, there’s a color of blond for everybody,” she added.
The blond boom is just another facet of the Barbiecore craze, which inspired brand collaborations and total overhauls of homes and wardrobes.
Mattel mania has audiences tickled pink, arriving at the premiere doused in bubble gum hues after attending their Barbie Land-themed watch parties.
“Movies like Barbie are definitely a moment in time with potential to become a classic,” Friedman said. “Historic box office debuts shape culture in many ways — including hair color — for decades to come.”