What Is a Platinum Card—and Do I Need One?
If you’ve ever dreamed of going all-over blonde in one go—or fixing a patchy, uneven bleach job—you’ve probably heard the term “platinum card.” But what is it, exactly? And how do you know if it’s right for your hair?
At Thomas West Salon in downtown Chicago, Allen Wiggs specializes in color transformations, and platinum card services are one of the most powerful tools in his kit. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
Summer in Chicago: sunlight, movement, and contrast. One cool blonde, one rich brunette—each a reflection of personal style and season-ready confidence. Allen can make your look possible
So, What Is a Platinum Card?
A platinum card is a technique where every single hair is lightened in foils, from root to ends. Unlike balayage (which is hand-painted for a natural look) or partial highlights (which leave some of your natural color), a platinum card gives full saturation—a completely even lift across the entire head.
It’s the safest, most controlled way to go dramatically lighter in one session, especially if:
You have dark or previously colored hair
You’re correcting uneven blonde or bands of color
You want a platinum, icy, or high-lift result
Platinum Card vs. Bleach & Tone: What's the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse the two, but there’s a key difference:
Bleach & Tone: Lightener is applied directly to the scalp, all over, without foils.
Platinum Card: Foils are used for precision and even processing. Each section is carefully separated, which helps avoid hot roots, breakage, and uneven lifting.
The foil method allows for more control, better lift, and less damage, especially on thick or previously processed hair.
Is a Platinum Card Right for You?
You might be a good candidate if:
You’re ready for a dramatic transformation
You want to correct previous color work
You’ve struggled with patchy or yellow blondes in the past
You’re going for an all-over platinum or light, uniform blonde
Not sure? Allen offers consultations to evaluate your hair’s condition, your goals, and the safest path to your dream blonde.
What to Expect
Platinum card appointments are intensive and highly customized. Expect:
A longer appointment (expect at least 3–6 hours depending on hair)
A personalized toning plan
Aftercare recommendations to keep your blonde strong and shiny
This is a specialized service—and one of the reasons it’s so important to work with an experienced colorist like Allen, who takes both your vision and your hair’s health seriously.
Ready to Go Blonde the Right Way?
If you’re craving that bright, seamless blonde—or trying to fix a DIY bleach gone wrong—Allen’s got you. Located at Thomas West Salon in the Mart, just steps from the Brown Line, his chair is open for transformations.