Pamela Anderson’s Golden Globes Blonde: How Stylists Keep It Glossy

Pamela Anderson’s 2026 Golden Globes look delivered two things hair obsessives love: a striking white-blonde shade and a glossy, polished finish that reads “healthy” under harsh red-carpet lighting. According to coverage from InStyle, her hairstylist John Nollet created a sleek French twist and leaned on a trio of Biolage styling and scalp-focused products to support shine, hold, and a smooth surface. While celebrity product call-outs can easily drift into hype, the underlying techniques are genuinely useful: if you want blonde hair to look expensive (rather than dry or dull), it’s often less about a single miracle product and more about preparation, controlled heat, and the right finishing steps.

Below, we unpack what this moment signals for 2026 hair trends, what matters most for getting that reflective “glass” finish on lightened hair, and what you can practically do at home—or ask for in-salon—without falling into unrealistic hair-growth promises.

Why this red-carpet blonde matters (and what it says about 2026 hair)

Anderson debuted a bright, white-blonde tone paired with a sleek French twist—an elegant, editorial shape that puts the spotlight on hair condition. Up close, up-do styling is unforgiving: any porosity, frizz, or breakage at the hairline tends to show immediately, especially on very light blonde shades where contrast exaggerates texture.

This is why stylists frequently treat pale blonde as a two-part brief:

• Colour outcome: the right tone (cool, neutral, or slightly warm) that still looks believable on skin and brows.
• Surface quality: the hair’s cuticle alignment—how smooth and reflective it appears once dried and styled.

In the UK salon world, many colourists will tell you that maintaining a high-level blonde is a routine, not a one-off appointment. The more hair is lifted, the more attention it typically needs between services to stay glossy and soft.

The technique behind “shiny, healthy” blonde hair

InStyle reports that Nollet used Biolage products including a scalp serum, a thermal setting spray, and a strong-hold hairspray to create the finish. Whether or not you use the same items, the method is the more transferable takeaway.

1) Start with the scalp and roots (but keep expectations realistic)
Scalp serums are having a moment because they support a clean, conditioned base—particularly helpful when hair is worn off the face. Many stylists recommend lightweight, non-greasy scalp products for people who want smoother roots and less “fluffy” regrowth texture under up-do tension.

It’s important to separate comfort and condition from guaranteed growth. Shoppers may say a product “encourages hair growth”, but hair growth is influenced by many factors (including genetics, hormones, stress, and nutrition). A topical scalp product can help optimise the environment—especially by reducing dryness or improving manageability—but it’s not a substitute for medical advice if you’re experiencing sudden shedding, irritation, or patchy loss.

2) Protect and set the mid-lengths before heat styling
A thermal setting spray (or heat protectant with hold) is a classic pro move for sleek styles because it does two jobs: it reduces heat-related stress and helps hair “remember” the shape as you smooth it. For bleached hair, this step is especially valuable because lightened fibres can be more prone to roughness and breakage when overheated.

3) Finish with controlled, targeted hold
A strong-hold hairspray is often the last step in red-carpet hair, but the difference is how it’s applied. Pros tend to mist from a distance, then refine with a brush or hands, rather than drenching the hair. This keeps shine visible and avoids the tacky, dusty look that can dull blonde.

What you can do next (real-world practical): the next time you style at home, try this order—light scalp/roots product (if suitable), heat protectant through mid-lengths and ends, then finish with a fine mist of hairspray in layers. Photograph your result in daylight to judge shine honestly.

How to ask your stylist for a “sleek French twist” finish

The French twist is timeless, but the modern version is less rigid and more luminous—smooth at the hairline, with softness through the body so it doesn’t look shellacked. If you’re taking inspiration from Anderson’s look, the key is to talk about finish just as much as the shape.

• Ask for: “sleek at the front, glossy finish, no crunch, and a secure twist that lasts.”
• Bring context: whether you’ll be dancing, wearing a coat, or dealing with rain—hold choices change based on real life.
• Flag hair concerns: if your blonde feels dry or snappy, ask what prep they recommend before heat (and whether lower heat settings would be wiser).
• Consider a trial: for weddings and events, a quick run-through can confirm placement, tension, and comfort—especially if you’re sensitive around the temples.

If you’re doing it yourself, remember that shine is often about tension control and brush choice. A boar-bristle or mixed-bristle brush can help smooth the cuticle; a fine-tooth comb helps refine edges. A small amount of product goes a long way, particularly on pale blonde where residue shows.

Keeping white-blonde hair glossy between colour appointments

White-blonde shades can look breathtaking, but ongoing care is what keeps them from turning brittle-looking. In UK salons, many colourists structure aftercare around three pillars: moisture, strength, and tone management.

• Moisture: use a conditioner every wash; consider a weekly mask if hair feels rough or tangly.
• Strength and breakage reduction: rotate in a strengthening treatment if you notice snapping, especially around the hairline and nape.
• Heat strategy: reduce temperature and frequency; let hair air-dry partway before blow-drying for smoother results.
• Toning (with restraint): purple products can help counter brassiness, but overuse may leave hair looking greyed-out or dull.
• Water quality: if you’re in a hard-water area, build-up can reduce shine—clarifying occasionally may help, followed by conditioning.

One underrated shine tip: finish your wash with a thorough rinse (and a cool-ish final rinse if you enjoy it). Product residue is a common culprit behind “my blonde looks flat”, and it’s far easier to fix with better rinsing than with extra styling products.

Key Takeaways

• Very light blonde hair shows texture and dryness quickly—gloss tends to come from smooth cuticles and controlled styling, not just one hero product.
• Scalp serums can support a comfortable, well-prepped base, but treat hair-growth claims cautiously and seek professional advice for persistent shedding or irritation.
• For sleek styles, a heat protectant/thermal setting product through mid-lengths and ends can improve smoothness and reduce heat stress.
• Strong hold looks best when layered lightly—over-spraying can dull blonde and make hair look dusty or stiff.
• Your next step: trial the “prep, protect, set, refine” order at home and adjust product amount downward until hair still moves and reflects light.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make blonde hair look shinier without making it greasy?
Use lightweight products in small amounts and focus them where needed: protect and smooth mid-lengths and ends, and keep heavier creams away from the roots. Thorough rinsing and avoiding product build-up also helps blonde look more reflective.

Is a scalp serum necessary for styling an up-do?
Not strictly. Many people find scalp and root products helpful for smoothing flyaways and keeping roots comfortable, but you can still achieve a sleek finish with a good blow-dry, heat protectant, and a light-hold finishing product.

Do thermal setting sprays replace heat protectant?
Some do both, but not all. Check whether the product is designed for heat protection as well as hold. If you’re unsure, prioritise a dedicated heat protectant—especially on bleached or highlighted hair.

Why does my hairspray make my blonde look dull?
Common causes include spraying too close, using too much, or using a formula that leaves a visible residue. Try misting from farther away, applying in light layers, and brushing through gently once set.

What should I ask my stylist if my blonde feels dry after lightening?
Ask about bond/strengthening options, whether your toner or lightener timing could be adjusted, and what at-home conditioning routine suits your hair’s porosity. If breakage is significant, consider a more gradual lift plan.