Paul Anthony Kelly Is Cosplaying as a Blonde

Paul Anthony Kelly is a brunette. That much is fact. Whether he was playing JFK Jr. in Love Story or pulling up to the Met Gala, that rich chocolate brown lid has become part of the package. Well, not anymore.A few months after the hit FX series came to an end, Kelly’s already moved onto his next project, American Horror Story: Penthouse. While filming in NYC’s Washington Square Park yesterday, the Canadian actor was spotted with a head of bleach blonde hair.BG048/Bauer-GriffinAnd yeah, it’s a big departure. The usual slicked-back style is still there, but the color completely changes the vibe. Gone is the dark brunette. In its place is a bright platinum that feels part ’90s rockstar, part off-duty model. Though, as Instagram comments proclaim, it’s probably a lace-front wig. But if you’re already thinking about taking a screenshot before your next haircut, we caught up with Marlon Hawkins, artistic director at London salon Brooks & Brooks, to find out exactly how you can get the color for yourself. First thing’s first: this isn’t a quick job.“Achieving this kind of bleach blonde look is quite a lengthy process, but the end result is incredible,” Hawkins tells GQ. “We start by applying the color through the lengths and ends of the hair, allowing this to develop before carefully working through the roots. We then apply a toner to create a bespoke shade that complements the look you're trying to achieve.”Getting to this shade is only half the battle. According to Hawkins, keeping the hair healthy throughout the process is just as important. “When lightening the hair, it’s important to remember that bleach can affect the condition of the hair, so we always use bond-building treatments and nourishing products throughout the process to help maintain hair integrity and keep it looking healthy.”And once you’ve gone blonde, the upkeep begins. “Regular toning appointments in the salon are the best way to keep unwanted yellow or brassy tones at bay,” he says. In other words, the warm, orangey-yellow tinge that bleached hair naturally starts to pick up over time. “At home, the L'Oréal Professionnel Paris Vitamino Color Spectrum Purple Shampoo is a great option for maintaining a cooler blonde tone. It helps neutralize unwanted yellow tones and keeps the hair looking luminous between visits.”L'OrealVitamino Color Spectrum Purple ShampooIf you’re planning to walk into the salon with a photo of Kelly saved on your phone, Hawkins says it’s worth keeping your expectations in check. “Everyone’s hair is different, so the journey to achieving a specific color can vary from person to person,” he says. “Our priority will always be maintaining the health and integrity of the hair. The best results come from trusting the process, listening to your colorist’s advice and working together.”Wig or not, one thing’s certain: If bleach blonde wasn’t already back on your radar, it probably is now.A version of this story originally appeared in British GQ.