Palm Beach, with its sunny beaches, lush palm trees and iconic Worth Avenue, has long been synonymous with luxury and style. From nights at Buccan to charity galas at the Breakers, the town is also a haven for a specific blonde hair color that has become a hallmark of the area’s chic aesthetic. This sophisticated shade, known as the “Palm Beach Blonde,” is more than just a hair color—it’s a statement.
As the social season unfolds, the ladies of Palm Beach flock to their favorite salons for this signature blonde hair color. Marlena Orlowska, master stylist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, performs hundreds of color services during the bustling season from October to April. Here is how she ensures that each client’s blonde is perfectly tuned to match the Palm Beach lifestyle.
What Sets the Palm Beach Blonde Apart?
According to Orlowska, Palm Beach Blonde is distinct in its blend of sophistication and ease. “It’s not as platinum as a California Blonde and not as low maintenance as a Hamptons Blonde,” she explains. “Instead, it’s a sophisticated blend of tones inspired by the town’s golden beaches and whimsical nature.”
To achieve this look, Orlowska says she combines balayage and foils. “I create a full head of ‘babylights,’ taking each client’s hair pattern into account to ensure the blonde looks as if it’s growing straight from the scalp,” she explains. This technique ensures a seamless transition from base color to highlights. “After, in the lifting process, I like to gloss with sandy or buttery tones, ensuring the color looks natural, shiny and effortless.”
Preserving the Luxury Glow
Maintaining this radiant blonde requires dedication. Orlowska advises that the look, though glamorous, is not low maintenance. “I highly recommend a good consultation with your stylist to understand the upkeep involved,” she suggests. To extend the time between salon visits, she recommends using gloss treatments or a base break to soften regrowth.
For the best results, she suggests scheduling touch-ups every six weeks. “This is when I correct any undertones that might develop from everyday factors such as sun exposure, pool swimming or hot tool styling,” she notes. “At each visit, I use toners and in-salon treatments to keep your hair looking as fresh as your first appointment.”
When deciding between a full color refresh or just highlights, the best bet is to get corrections only where needed. “If maintained correctly, you don’t need a full head of highlights every visit,” Orlowska says. “I advise against it and focus on applying color where it’s necessary.”
Keeping Up Appearances
To keep the Palm Beach Blonde looking vibrant and free of brassiness, Orlowska recommends using Olaplex’s 4P ($30) and 5P ($30). “These products are excellent for neutralizing unwanted color changes,” she explains. “For clients who swim frequently or live in areas with hard water, L’Oréal’s Metal Detox Shampoo ($36) is ideal for preserving both color and hair health.”
For at-home care, Orlowska sends clients home with Paul Labrecque’s Repair line of products, along with Olaplex or K18. “These treatments help protect and maintain the look between salon visits,” she says. As the social season heats up and events fill the calendar, her celebrity and high-end clients can count on their blonde hair color to turn heads wherever they go.
Maintenance Plan
