HBO’s House of the Dragon has already produced plenty of iconic moments since its premiere, but now the cult-favourite show has gifted us a new hair trend: Targaryen blonde.
Targaryen blonde is, of course, a reference to House Targaryen, the family known for their dragons, questionable familial relationships, and icy blonde hair. The hue has seen a revival after the premiere of the Game of Thrones prequel, which largely focuses on the messy inner workings of the family and their competing claims to the Iron Throne.
With more (hot) Targaryens on screen than ever before—from Princess Rhaenyra to Prince Damon to Prince Aemond—it’s no wonder the colour has taken hold on social media. A new TikTok filter has inspired fans to dye their hair the same icy blonde, and the hashtag #targaryenblonde currently has 1.9 billion views on the platform, which is flooded with users documenting their blonde transformations.
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TikTok content
TikTok content
The colour has also been spotted on some of our favourite celebrities: Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande have all recently coloured their hair platinum. For those who aren’t familiar with Game of Thrones, celebrity colourist Jenna Perry, who has worked with the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, puts it in simplest terms: “Targaryen blonde is winter white blonde,” she says. “It’s as virgin blonde as you can get.”
The switch of the season.
It goes without saying, natural blondes will find it easiest to achieve this style. Colourist Ashleigh Marie calls the shade a “wheaty bleach and tone” but says it can be a “high-lift colour if you’re already blonde naturally."
Regardless of your hair colour, it’s highly suggested that you let a professional handle this dye job, since the shade is difficult to nail. Start by bringing a reference photo so you and your stylist are on the same page. “This will help to set realistic expectations,” says Perry. “Make note that you want an icy, platinum blonde.” Marie also encourages keeping things specific. “Ask for a solid blonde at the root to the ends, either a base and bleach and tone or high lift,” she says. “The overall tone is a neutral warm level 10.”
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Instagram content
Instagram content
As you can probably guess, this intense colour requires some serious upkeep. “Keeping this colour is a very large commitment,” Perry says. “You have to receive touch-ups very regularly to maintain the colour and roots.” To keep things in top shape, Marie suggests maintenance every three to six weeks, max. For darker hair, this timeframe will be closer to three to four weeks. If you’re naturally light, you can stretch it to four to six.
To help refresh your blonde, Marie recommends using Olaplex Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo and Bond Maintenance Conditioner. “It will help repair broken bonds from the lightening process and maintain the integrity of the hair from the roots to tips,” she says.
Perry’s go-tos are the John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. “They are super moisturising, which you really need to maintain the health of your hair if you want to be a Targaryen blonde,” she says. “I also really like Living Proof’s Triple Bond Complex as a once-a-week treatment.”
Ready to become a Targaryen? Shop Targaryen blonde essentials below.
This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
