Color Without Compromise: Blondes Shine with Goldwell LightDimensions SilkLift Strong and Colorance
Are your blondes feeling blah? Give ’em a lift with LightDimensions SilkLift Strong
Sponsored by Goldwell
Macaron Haircolor Formula and Step-by-Step by @shelleygregoryhair
We can remember when @shelleygregoryhair had only a handful of Instagram followers—we were early followers of the Las Vegas-based colorist/stylist because her hair creations were always so beautiful.But everything changed in November 2015 ...
June 24, 2016
1/5
2 min to read
We can remember when @shelleygregoryhair had only a handful of Instagram followers—we were early followers of the Las Vegas-based colorist/stylist because her hair creations were always so beautiful.
But everything changed in November 2015 when Shelley, inspired by a fellow Instagrammer, posted the progress shots of her “candy unicorn” haircolor creation, formulated with Pravana Pastels, and, of course, the glorious “after.”
It wasn’t long before the regrams and media mentions and nearly 50,000 followers came poring in. When @modernsalon regrammed the photo, thousands and thousands of likes and comments piled up fast. We always knew we wanted to track down her step by step for the look—and, at long last, here it is!
“My inspiration was the feeling and visual you get when walking into the Laduree macaron shop in Paris,” Shelley says. “All the pastels and polished surfaces.”
Step 1: Begin by pre-lightening the hair to a Level 10.
Step 2: Mix in seven separate bowls: Pravana Pastels Silver, Too Cute Coral, Mystic Mint, Violet + Clear (1:2), Blissful Blue, Pink, Yellow
Step 3: Apply the violet mixture to the entire base of the hair feathering about 1.5 inches out.
Step 4: Starting from the bottom nape, take diamond- and triangle-shaped sections, alternating the size of the section depending on density (1"-.5"). Apply Embee Meche strips between sections to keep clean (EDITOR’S NOTE: @embee.meche is another Instagram page you should be following!)
Step 5: Paint each section at least 2-3 colors alternating mid-shaft to ends, (Shelley even did a few rainbow strands with all the colors) trying to keep lighter colors where you want the light to reflect (i.e. around the face and ends) and darker where you want depth.
Step 6: Process without heat for 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water and condition.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Color
ColorFest 2026: The Hair Color Formulas and Creative Techniques Everyone Will Be Talking About
Trending, fool-proof, and fantastic formulas.
4 Express Salon Add-On Services That Boost Revenue and Keep Clients Coming Back
Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassadors Carly Zanoni and Brendnetta Ashley share the express color and treatment services helping stylists deliver great results in under 30 minutes while creating new opportunities for client retention and revenue growth.
by Anne Moratto
PRAVANA Expands HydraGloss Line with Two Red-Violet Shades Inspired by the “Cherry Cola” Trend
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
by Staff
Something Special: Amelia Fugitt's Stunning Transformations
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
The Rise of “Naturals”: How Foundational Shades Are Driving Salon Growth
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
by Anne Moratto
Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat: Salon Clients Face a Water Cycle Crisis of Mineral Buildup on Hair
Neutralizing the damaging effects of water benefits the hair from texture to shine to color longevity, and it’s the science behind Malibu C products.
Sponsored by Malibu Wellness
Dazzle With Shiny Haircolor
Craft with confidence, challenge your creativity, work from inspiration. Prepare your chair for every canvas with Moroccanoil's expanded color lines and advanced technology.
Sponsored by Moroccanoil
Step-by-Step: How to Create the Modern Ombre
Create a look of quiet luxury with this modern take on ombré, featuring beautiful dimension and depth with strategic pops of blonde around the face and ends. The initial effect is bright and beautiful, with purposefully placed depth creating longevity as the hair grows out.
From Consultation to Correction: Managing Expectations and Getting Color Right
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
by Anne Moratto
Meet Wella's New BlondorPlex 9 with Built-In Metal Purifier
Meet the next generation of lightening with cleaner lift, less breakage, and built-in Metal Purifier Technology.
Sponsored by Wella
Oligo Professionnel Redefines At-Home Blonde Hair Care with New Blacklight Blonde Science Product Line
Oligo Professionnel, the Montreal-based hair color powerhouse, expands beyond the salon with a new routine-driven system designed specifically for blondes and those with highlighted hair.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Alysa Liu’s ‘Halo Hair’ Takes Gold on the Ice by Kelsey Miller Using Schwarzkopf Professional
Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Alysa partnered with St. Louis–based color specialist Kelsey Miller to elevate her DIY bleach work into clean, high-contrast halo placements.
Pink Is for Everyone: PRAVANA Launches Sugarcoated VIVIDS Shades
PRAVANA Sugarcoated expands the ChromaSilk VIVIDS line with two new pink shades, Juicy and Crush.
The American Blonde: The Look That Traveled the World
Blonde hair is as All-American as baseball, apple pie, and Stars and Stripes forever. And as America approaches her 250th birthday next year, we celebrate the birth of the Global Blonde.
Follow the Formula: Garnet Flame and Cherry Red
Two reds that get raves, these looks were designed using Alfaparf Milano. Get all the steps, processing, and expert tips to add these recipes to your rotation.
by Anne Moratto