People have used chemicals and natural ingredients in the name of going blonde pretty much since time began. The list of what has been used to lift and lighten hair is never-ending: from dead animals and their bodily fluids to plants and food. While Celts used limewater to literally bleach their hair white, the Hollywood ideal of a bleach blonde was born with actress Jean Harlow in the 1930s. The first person to be called a ‘blonde bombshell’, Jean inspired women to reach for the bleach – and other household cleaning products – to achieve the perfect platinum. Side effects? Hair loss, scalp damage and potential long-term poisoning.
Both home and commercial colour advanced in the 1950s, and since then it’s been non-stop innovation in the name of safe bleaching. With the advent of technology – particularly modern bonding services and plexes – these days it’s much easier to realise your blonde ambition without compromise.