Is that sunshine we see outside our window? Summer is finally ... on the horizon!

And with the season's somewhat late arrival comes the annual client rush to lighten up for a fresh, striking summer 'do. But just how light does your client want to go? Golden? Platinum? Use your keen stylist judgment on what would best complement your client's skin tone, lifestyle and, of course, color maintenance routine, but do consider the latest trend for blondes: going beyond platinum for a white-hot look.

Gwen Stefani has been rocking the look since the early '90s--with a few experiments with bright colors and tips here and there--but here are a few recent celebs who have taken the high road to a highly noticeable walk on the lighter side.

Karen O

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman is back with a radically different look--blonde. Formerly an ebony brunette for most of the 10 years we've known her, Karen lightened up for only the second time in her life. She told Pitchfork she was blonde once in her 20s and her mother "never forgave her." She finally took the plunge again after some insistence from her stylist, Mike Potter, last summer and admits she hasn't touched up her roots as much as she'd like.

Salon tip: Maybe roots aren't such a bad thing? Check out this how-to on a new runway trend MODERN spotted on platinum blondes with dark regrowth.

Ke$ha

In a surprise to no one, Ke$ha has changed up her hair, once again! After updating her oft-changing look recently to a more golden blonde shade, she's back to a striking platinum status with this heavy-fringed look and even more outrageous--but surprisingly chic--looks.

Salon tip: This seems like something Ke$ha would like--how to add some minty fresh color into your platinum blonde client's new look.

Miley Cyrus

Miley has been leading the way lately in daring, edgy fashion and hair, and her fresh color is no exception. She most recently went the way of the blue-blonde on top of her crop--though she insisted on Twitter that it was "platinum"--keeping her sides more of her natural brown. Of her new look, she also said, "I think I've finally found out who I am, and it changes every freaking day, as you can tell."

Salon tip: Miley didn't go headfirst into her blonde journey by switching from her darker locks immediately to her currently platinum--it was gradual, thank goodness. Here are some tips for giving your client both cool and warm tones.

Sky Ferreira

Young Madonna lookalike, anyone? The young singer often channels her edgy attitude through color experiments with her light blonde locks, including incorporation of purple, green and even gray. It's roughed up, it's usually a bit dishevelled and it works for her.

Salon tip: Good product suggestions are key for your blonde clients. Consider repair lines, like this one from AG Hair, as take-home suggestions.