GOING FIERCE: "The Oracle"

Theodora Raptis (@theodoraraptis) an apprentice at Avalon West Salon and Spa, Stratford, Ontario, Canada, inspires us by saying "as a new artist in this growing world of hair, I've become fascinated with pushing my boundaries. I am constantly nurturing my creativity and technical skills towards the art of manipulating hair."

Well bravo Theodora! This transformation that we found on Instagram (after she tagged "modernsalon) says it all.

Here she shares the details:                                 

"My lovely guest Nicole came in with very long previously colored hair. Working with about 6 inches of regrowth, red undertones and slight banding, I was excited for her transformation. After one year of letting it grow out she wanted something fierce. This transformation took 7 hours from start to finish."

Step 1: Section out a veil, bringing it into a slight "v" shape at the crown. Isolate.

Step 2:  Section the remaining hair into three large areas. Apply L'Oreal Professionnel Blond Studio lightener with 30 volume and Olaplex and a blue intensifier. "This will help neutralize the warmth we would inevitably reach." Focusing on one section at a time, generously apply from root to end, covering with foils to keep the heat. Move quickly through each section, re-mixing fresh product for maximum strength. 

Step 3: While processing, apply 1-1 Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Blue Black mix to the veil, root to end. Process for 30 minutes. 

Step 4: After processing everything, carefully rinse the black first with cooler water. After an overall shampoo, apply Olaplex step 2 treatment to towel dried hair for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Follow the entire lightening process three times, using the same structure and formula. Process each time for 45 minutes under foils, each time completing a second step Olaplex treatment for 5 minutes on towel dried hair. 

Step 6: On the third and final lift, tone with Schwarzkopf "Blondme" Ice, Lilac and 7 volume for 20 minutes "neutralizing most of the warmth and clearing the pallet for color."                

Step 7: Dry the hair and section into a similar fashion. Customize a blue direct dye created by mixing Sparks Color and Pravana. "As I usually customize all my fashion colors, my goal was 4 shades of intense blue. I diluted with clear for my softer pastel tones around the face." Working from the nape upwards apply root to ends blending the color downwards with hands. Once all sections are complete, wrap the hair with plastic wrap and processed for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Throughly rinse in cool water. Do not shampoo, but condition to close the cuticle.