When Hardik Pandya stepped onto the field for Asia Cup 2025 with a short, textured top with a low fade sandy-blonde hairstyle, he took his style game a notch higher. Why? Because it’s obviously a bold colour to sport and demands maintenance like no other hair colour. The colour is softer than platinum, warmer than ash blonde, and somehow perfect for Indians who want a bold change without going full bleach. Pandya is not the first celebrity to have gone through this transformation; celebrities like Arjun Rampal and Pratik Babbar have also gone platinum blonde in the past. Does it sound like something you’d want to try? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who Should Get Sandy-Blonde Hair

This kind of hair colour is not for everyone but if you fit the bill mentioned below, you’ll be able to pull it off

• Skin Tone Compatibility: Sandy blonde tends to flatter medium-warm and olive complexions best. “Sandy blonde works best on medium to wheatish skin tones, common in India. It balances well with undertones and doesn’t wash out the face like icy blondes can,” says Javed Khan, JCBounce Hair Trainer.

• Time and Willingness to Maintain: If you’re okay with frequent salon visits and using colour-specific hair care, this look is feasible. If you’re one of those who prefer low upkeep, it might be too much work.

• Lifestyle Considerations: The top is textured so you’ll likely need styling products to make it look healthy. Also, if you’re exposed to sun, chlorine, or sweat a lot, you’ll need extra care.

• Hair Health and Type: If your hair is already damaged or very dark, doing this will require healthy strands and possibly multiple bleaching sessions. “It works better on healthy, strong hair. If your hair is already weak, dry, or chemically-treated, bleaching can cause breakage,” says Khan. He further suggests starting with highlights or balayage instead of going global blonde if you’re hesitant. “It gives a trendy lift without being loud or too much,” he adds.

What to Tell Your Hairdresser

To get the finish that Pandya is showing off (or something close), here are the key things to say and clarify with your hairdresser before you get in the chair:

1. Show Pictures And Clarify Shade

Bring several photos of the exact sandy-blonde tone you have in mind clicked in proper lighting. “In India, not every stylist is experienced with men’s global colours or lighter blonde tones. So, instead of just saying ‘Sandy Blonde’, show reference pictures like that of Pandya’s. It’s a warm sandy blonde that is neither too golden nor too platinum,” explains Khan. Also show the style: fade on the sides, textured top rather than straight smooth.

2. Bleach + Toner Plan

Since natural Indian hair is darker and has warm underlying pigment, you’ll need bleaching, may more than once, plus a toner to adjust tone or remove unwanted warmth or brassiness. Discuss this with your hairdresser in advance so that there are no surprises later. “Ask if your stylist will first lighten (pre-lighten/bleach) your hair to a pale yellow and then tone it down with a sandy blonde shade. Make sure to mention you don’t want brassiness (orange tones), which is common in Indian dark hair after lightening,” says Khan.

3. Talk About Hair Strengthening

Ask for in-salon repair treatment, bond-building treatments if they use high lift bleach, maybe a gloss or glaze at the end to seal cuticles. " Ask more questions like home care and treatments and how’s the hair elasticity will be," says Deepak Jalhan, Creative Director, Looks Prive.

4. Maintenance Cost & Time

Ask how often touch-ups are needed and keep in mind how much money it will take to maintain it. "It’s a job to maintain this colour as one needs to use good and more hydrating products which add shine and smoothness, colour protection, sun and heat protection as in this climate it can get naturally oxidised and get brassy," adds Jalhan.

Maintenance Tips

Once you have the look, you’ll need some tricks to keep it looking sharp. “Maintenance in India is higher because of heat, pollution, and hard water.Root regrowth will show in 3–5 weeks since Indian hair is naturally dark. Be ready for frequent salon visits,” says Khan.

You will have to maintain a proper hair and colour care routine. This will include using toning shampoos like purple or silver. “Use sulphate-free shampoo, deep conditioners, and heat protection sprays. Water with chlorine and minerals can fade blonde quickly, so a water filter for showers helps,” he adds. Remember that it’s not a one-time cost but an ongoing commitment of time and money till you decide to get rid of it. “If you travel, sweat, or play outdoor sports like Hardik, keep in mind blonde hair can get duller faster under the sun,” he concludes.