From Black to Blonde: How Lisa Became K-pop's Real-Life Barbie

BLACKPINK's Lisa, with her big gorgeous eyes and small face, has become K-pop's real-life Barbie doll, particularly after her iconic blonde hair transformation. Her flawless visuals and striking features have made her a standout figure in the industry, emphasizing her status as a beauty icon.

The evolution of Lisa's signature look, especially her journey from black to blonde hair, has captured worldwide attention. Her ability to pull off various hair colors showcases her versatility, while her blonde aesthetic has earned her the title "queen of blonde hair" in K-pop. This transformation has not only defined her personal style but also influenced beauty trends across the global K-pop community.

Lisa's Journey to Blonde Hair

Before stepping into the spotlight as a global K-pop sensation, Lisa sported her natural raven-black hair, reflecting her Thai heritage. Subsequently, her journey through various hair transformations began with her debut in BLACKPINK, marking the start of her iconic style evolution.

The initial blonde transformation proved groundbreaking, as Lisa experimented with colored tips during her early performances. Her signature look evolved into a platinum blonde style with darker roots, reminiscent of the memorable 'Whistle' era. Throughout her performances, she maintained her distinctive bangs, which became a defining feature of her appearance.

In spring 2023, Lisa unveiled a fresh platinum blonde look on Instagram, complemented by her crisp, signature bangs. The transformation garnered immediate attention, as she shared photos enjoying cotton candy in a park, showcasing her radiant new style. During the promotion of 'Forever Young,' she opted for a blonde shade with subtle orange undertones, letting her hair flow freely.

Fan reactions to Lisa's various hair transformations have been overwhelmingly positive. When she occasionally returns to her natural black hair, BLINKs express appreciation for this refreshing change. Nevertheless, many fans believe lighter colors better complement her features. Her ability to effortlessly switch between different hair colors has earned admiration from the K-pop community.

Throughout her career, Lisa has showcased an impressive array of hair colors, including:

Platinum blonde with blue highlights
Warm brunette with reddish undertones
Black with blonde highlights
Gray-blonde variations

As of 2024, Lisa continues to experiment with her hair color, most recently debuting a lighter shade at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed beneath a hooded corset dress. Each transformation adds another chapter to her ever-evolving style journey, cementing her status as a beauty trendsetter in the K-pop industry.

The Transformation Process

Transforming dark Asian hair into a stunning blonde shade requires meticulous attention to detail. Professional stylists emphasize that achieving Lisa's signature blonde look demands multiple sessions to maintain hair health.

Hair bleaching steps

The journey begins with a thorough assessment of hair condition. Virgin hair, which has never been dyed, responds best to the bleaching process. Prior to treatment, stylists recommend avoiding hair washing, as natural scalp oils provide protection against chemical treatments.

The initial bleaching session starts with applying protective barriers - Vaseline or lotion along the hairline furthermore ears to shield skin from chemicals. The application process follows a strategic sequence, starting from the tips furthermore moving toward the roots, since heat from the scalp accelerates color development.

Monitoring the bleaching process requires careful attention. Stylists check the color progression every 15-20 minutes to ensure optimal results. For dark Asian hair, multiple bleaching sessions spaced two weeks apart help achieve the desired blonde shade without compromising hair integrity.

Maintenance routine

Following the transformation, maintaining blonde hair demands a comprehensive care regimen. Professional stylists recommend:

Using specialized color-safe shampoos furthermore conditioners
Applying leave-in treatments to seal moisture
Incorporating weekly deep conditioning masks
Limiting heat styling to prevent additional damage

Regular toning sessions every two weeks help prevent unwanted yellow undertones. Additionally, experts advise washing hair no more than three times weekly to preserve color vibrancy. For optimal results, rinsing with cool water helps seal the hair cuticle furthermore lock in color.

Between salon visits, bond-building treatments like Olaplex play a crucial role in maintaining hair health. These treatments work at a molecular level, repairing broken bonds caused by the bleaching process. Moreover, professional colorists suggest using blue-tinted products to neutralize orange undertones, rather than purple shampoos which primarily target yellow tones.

The maintenance schedule typically involves root touch-ups every six to eight weeks, as longer intervals may result in uneven color development due to scalp heat variations. Through proper care furthermore regular maintenance, Lisa's signature blonde look remains vibrant furthermore healthy-looking throughout her performances furthermore public appearances.

Impact on Lisa's Career

Lisa's blonde transformation has significantly amplified her presence in the entertainment industry, opening doors to numerous prestigious opportunities across multiple platforms.

Music video appearances

Her latest music video "New Woman," featuring Rosalía, showcases her striking blonde aesthetic against bold themes and catchy tunes. The collaboration, released in August 2024, highlights Lisa's evolution as an artist. In the video, she appears in contrasting outfits—dressed in white alongside Rosalía in black—creating a visually compelling narrative.

Brand endorsements

Lisa's influence in the fashion and beauty realm has grown exponentially. As a global ambassador for prestigious brands, she commands an impressive fee of USD 600,000 per endorsement. Her portfolio includes partnerships with:

Bulgari - Launching the exclusive 'Bulgari Bulgari x Lisa Limited Edition' watch
Celine - Serving as the global ambassador for their Haute Parfumerie collection
MAC Cosmetics - Making history as the first K-pop idol to become their global face

Stage performances

At the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Lisa delivered an electrifying performance that demonstrated her artistic versatility. Making a dramatic entrance on a motorcycle, she performed "Rockstar" wearing a bold two-piece leather outfit adorned with can lid rings. Later in the show, she returned in a sultry cut-out lace bodysuit paired with iconic metallic floral wings to perform "Moonlit Floor".

Her stage presence continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The "How You Like That" performance on SBS's Inkigayo garnered over 9 million views, consequently her "DDU-DU DDU-DU" fancam surpassed 10.7 million views with 536,000 likes. Most notably, her Sydney tour performance featuring "Take Me" and "Swalla" accumulated an impressive 28.7 million views.

Through these achievements, Lisa has effectively positioned herself as a key player in reshaping global music culture. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as evidenced by her recent appointment as Louis Vuitton's newest Global Ambassador and her upcoming acting debut in HBO's "The White Lotus" Season 3.

Creating the Barbie Look

Beyond her musical prowess, Lisa's aesthetic transformation into K-pop's real-life Barbie has captivated audiences worldwide. Her journey from a talented performer to a fashion icon exemplifies the perfect blend of style and substance.

Styling techniques

Lisa's signature Barbie-inspired look combines carefully curated elements. Her makeup routine emphasizes her mesmerizing eyes, often incorporating false eyelashes in small sections to create a doll-like appearance. The look typically features pink-toned makeup, creating a fresh, youthful glow that mirrors Barbie's iconic aesthetic.

For special events, Lisa opts for a sophisticated approach. At the Bulgari Serpenti Sedutton launch, she showcased a "boss babe" moment in a double-breasted blazer dress, keeping her makeup minimal with glossy lips. Her hair styling varies between sleek ponytails and flowing locks, always maintaining her characteristic bangs as the focal point.

Fashion evolution

Throughout her career, Lisa's wardrobe has undergone a remarkable transformation aligned with her Barbie-inspired image. In a recent Instagram story, she embraced the Barbiecore trend wearing a pink cropped sweater paired with a white jacket and blue jeans. Her attention to detail extended to accessories, including a matching pink purse adorned with Barbie and Margot Robbie stickers.

Her fashion choices often incorporate:

Vibrant pink pieces from luxury brands
Coordinated accessories from Celine and Bulgari
Statement pieces that blend edgy and feminine elements

At Paris Fashion Week, Lisa demonstrated her fashion versatility in an all-black ensemble featuring a playsuit, knee-high boots, and an oversized jacket. Her ability to seamlessly transition between casual pink aesthetics and high-fashion looks has established her as a style icon. Most recently, she elevated her Barbie-inspired style with a shibori logo-waistband crop top in bubblegum pink, paired with cut-out-detail faux leather trousers.

FAQS

Curious minds often wonder about the intricacies of maintaining vibrant blonde hair in K-pop. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Lisa's iconic blonde transformation:

How long does a complete hair transformation take? A single bleaching session typically requires 8 to 10 hours to transform dark hair to a lighter shade. For achieving Lisa's signature blonde look, multiple sessions are essential to maintain hair health.

What is the maintenance schedule like? Professional stylists recommend touch-ups every two to three days, specifically for bright colors. This rigorous schedule ensures the hair remains vibrant, as heating tools and frequent styling can affect color retention.

How do stylists manage time during music video shoots? Hair professionals employ strategic scheduling, starting with the member requiring color treatment first. As stated by Park Naeju, "We have two to three hours to work on a group. We start dying the hair of the one person who needs it while others get their hair and makeup done".

What products are used to maintain healthy blonde hair? Senior stylist Issac Nag from You Are My Sunshine salon emphasizes using:

Specialized shampoos formulated for dyed hair
Weekly conditioning treatments
Heat protectants for styling
Leave-in conditioners applied immediately after washing

How often should blonde hair be washed? Experts suggest limiting hair washing to three times per week for dyed hair. This practice helps preserve color vibrancy and prevents excessive damage.

What determines the choice of hair color? According to professional colorists, skin tone plays a crucial role. For individuals with pale or light-tan, cool-toned skin like Lisa, blonde shades are particularly flattering.

How do stylists prevent damage from frequent coloring? Stylists utilize:

Bond-building treatments between sessions
Custom reparative treatments
Regular toning sessions every two weeks
Specialized products for bleached hair maintenance

These comprehensive care routines help maintain the health and vibrancy of Lisa's signature blonde locks throughout her demanding performance schedule.