Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesWhile many turn to light therapy lamps to combat seasonal mood changes, I prefer scheduling a session with my trusted colorist, Rita Hazan. Dubbed "the queen of blonde," Rita runs a prestigious salon in New York City and counts celebrities like Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé among her clients. During my recent highlight appointment, we chatted about parenting challenges (toddlers, right?) and, naturally, Beyoncé's striking new blonde look showcased at the Beyoncé Bowl (a halftime performance during NFL Christmas Gameday, now available as a Netflix special).
"We opted for an ivory blonde with rich dimension," Rita shared, noting that Beyoncé wanted to stay within the platinum Cowboy Carter aesthetic while introducing a fresh twist. "I blended several blonde shades to achieve a warm, multidimensional ivory tone." Curious about how Rita maintains Beyoncé's hair so vibrant, healthy, and free of brassiness despite years of frequent coloring (both for this article and my personal benefit), I eagerly asked for her expert tips.
Make At-Home Gloss Your Go-To
For blondes like Beyoncé who can’t visit their colorist for a professional gloss, Rita suggests using an at-home gloss designed to protect and maintain hair color. Recognizing the demand for such a product, Rita developed her own gloss, allowing her clients to enjoy her brass-fighting expertise even outside the salon.
"I designed my gloss to be completely user-friendly, unlike other at-home options that can be messy and stain surfaces," she said. "The foam stays in place, and you can apply it as often as needed. It’s simple to use but delivers powerful results."
While no blonde desires brassy tones (those unwelcome warm hues, like orange), Rita emphasizes that hair color naturally evolves. "Initially, it’s vibrant and light, then it softens and settles into a more natural look. Like a great pair of jeans, it improves with time. Truly good color should enhance as it ages."
Do a Deep Treatment Twice a Week
You’ve likely heard the phrase, ‘everyone has the same 24 hours as Beyoncé.’ If she can fit this treatment into her schedule, so can we. Rita advises incorporating at-home conditioning treatments once or twice weekly. "Seek out deeply nourishing ingredients such as jojoba or olive oil in your hair treatment to enhance hydration and shine, combined with proteins to strengthen and repair. Inspired by the needs of countless clients, I developed a straightforward two-step remedy to maintain hair health between salon visits."
Beat the Heat
"It’s easy to forget when you’re in a hurry to style your hair, but never skip a heat protector, especially for color-treated hair," Rita emphasized. "Think of it like moisturizer for your face—this single step can prevent damage and color fading, particularly if your hair is thinning."
Have One Super-Healthy Hair Day Each Week
We all overuse hot tools (blow dryers, flat irons, curling wands, etc.), but Rita insists that avoiding heat for just one day a week can significantly improve hair health. "That one day can prevent your color from looking dull," she explained. "Opt to dry style your hair, or if it’s freshly washed, gently pat it dry with a hair-specific towel that minimizes breakage."
Only Use Products for Color-Treated Hair
"The market is flooded with hair styling products, but investing in color-preserving formulas, combined with a gloss, can keep your hair looking salon-fresh," Hazan explains. You don’t have to take our word for it—just take a look at Beyoncé’s flawless blonde as evidence of these tips’ effectiveness. See my Beyoncé-inspired, Rita-enhanced hair below, which continues to lift my spirits this winter.
Heather Muir Maffei