Two of Maxine Salon’s sought-after Colorists, Leslie Shores and Stacie Dybala, weigh in on the girls who really have the most fun – blondes!

How does one achieve a perfect blonde?

L: I start with skin and eye tone and a client’s natural hair color to determine whether to go cool or golden. If they have a light natural level we can go pretty light and still keep the hair healthy. With brunette hair it is usually best to stay within a golden, buttery tone. I really like to customize the blonde for each individual client depending on the aforementioned and the client’s personality! I might use foils, Balayage or all-over color. The perfect blonde can be a natural Balayage look, Giselle type highlights or a Gwen Stefani bold bleach tone.

S: My latest tip: If you have dark hair, platinum highlights might not be the best option. Try a softer honey color instead. Also, try not to fight warmth so much. That soft golden tone is what is going to give you shine, if you ash out too much your hair will look dull and dry.

Which celebrities capture the perfect blonde?

L: I always think of Reese Witherspoon, Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow, Giselle & Marilyn Monroe.

S: I personally love Blake Lively’s hair. It compliments her perfectly. She can go a little bit lighter or darker but always staying within what looks good with her skin tone.

What's the best way to treat blondes at home?

L: I always recommend a blue-pigmented shampoo for clients to use once a week. Blue shampoo should not be used more than once a week because the blond color can get a blue hue to it. For other days of the week, I suggest Kerastase Bain De Force shampoo and Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner or Silk Bloom Shu Uemura Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps keep blonde bright even for golden blondes and can also prevent brassiness. Blondes should opt for a scrunchy (yes they are still sold today!) over a ponytail holder that might wreck lightened hair.

S: Make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner; if you have any breakage use a protein based shampoo and conditioner to make your hair stronger. Shu Uemura Silk Bloom shampoo and conditioner are strengthening and extremely smoothing and moisturizing. Clients with fine damaged hair should use Kerastase Bain Force Architect shampoo and conditioner which are strengthening but don't weigh the hair down. And use a heat protecting styling product. The more you protect blonde hair from the blow dryer and flat iron/curling iron, the less breakage the hair will have.

Are there any styles that happen to work better with blonde hair than other colors?

L: I love retro waves on Blondes like Blake Lively and Marilyn Monroe, A high Bun, A pompadour like Gwen Stefani, Choppy bangs, a head necklace, & Braids of course!

S: I love soft textured styles on blonde clients. The color is meant to be soft, so it really looks its best if your style is soft too. Any type of braid or updo looks great on blondes because it accentuates the natural dimension that highlights give you.