Nowadays it’s all about the evenness and predictability of the lift—whether you’re creating a shimmery blonde, or pre-lightening for a pastel or vivid result. Stressor number one for every colorist, says Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist and Wella Top Artist Dean Roybal, is getting a predictable and even result. Throw a bond-enhancing formula into the mix, and the predictability gets even more precarious. Until now.

Dean is a big fan of the new WELLAPLEX System, designed to rebuild and strengthen the hair bonds that are degraded during a chemical service. “The unique thing about WELLAPLEX,” Dean explains, “is it matches the pH of all our Wella color and lightening formulas. That’s huge because it doesn’t affect the lifting in terms of timing or developer. That’s a significant benefit for the stylist!”

WELLAPLEX will not impede development, but what it will do is protect the hair, improve porosity and leave the hair feeling strong and healthy—instantly! “This technology is so amazing,” says Dean, “clients feel the difference after the first service.”

WELLAPLEX is a three-part system. No. 1 Bond Maker is a liquid that’s added to the lightening or color formula. No. 2 Bond Stabilizer is applied after rinsing and before shampooing. It secures the bonds that were restored in step one and helps even out the color result. No 3. Hair Stabilizer is designed to be used once a week between salon visits to extend the bond protection action that started in the chair. Dean also recommends the new FUSIONPLEX Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask system for use at home. “It’s a very gentle, lightweight system that supports the Bond Stabilizer,” he says. “It gives hair a really light, silky, airy feeling.”

Another WELLAPLEX bonus? It’s a hair savior when used as a stand-alone treatment, according to Dean. “I have had a client for 10 years with thin, fragile hair that broke off before she could grow any length,” he says. “She wore extensions, we searched for and tried everything. Then I started her on WELLAPLEX treatments and we can’t believe how strong and healthy her texture is becoming. We’ve already taken her from a pixie to a bob, and she is feeling so confident!”

PEARL BLONDE HOW-TOS

These two cool blonde designs are racking up the Insta-love, both supported by WELLAPLEX! Here are the how-tos!

OYSTER BLONDE BY @HAIRXJOJO

“WELLAPLEX does not affect the amount of lift I get whatsoever,” declares Joanne Chung of Mirror, Mirror Salon in Fairfax, VA. “And even after bleaching, my clients’ hair feels strong and shiny. I don’t have to worry about the integrity of the hair. I’m ecstatic Wella came up with WELLAPLEX!”

Formulas:

Lightener: Wella Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder + 40-volume developer + WELLAPLEX No. 1 Bond Maker
Toner 1: Wella Illumina 10/1 + Pastel
Toner 2: Wella Color Fresh Create Pure Violet + WELLAPLEX No. 2 Bond Stabilizer

Natural level: 7

Application: Section the head into four quadrants. Beginning in the back, balayage ½-inch diagonal back sections using a “W” formation on each section. Work up to the top on each side, placing foil between each section. In front, switch to horizontal sections, continuing the “W” balayage formation on each section. Alternate from side to side to prevent one side from processing faster than the other. Process 20 minutes with low heat. Rinse, shampoo and apply Wella Post Treatment to neutralize the hair’s pH. Then apply the Illumina toner roots to ends. Process 10 minutes, rinse and towel dry. Combine Wella Color Fresh Create with WELLAPLEX No 2 Bond Stabilizer roots to ends. Process two minutes, rinse, shampoo, condition and style.

BABYLIGHTS AND BALAYAGE BY @PAINTEDBYRICKY

Ricky Ruiz of Alcheme Salon in San Francisco nails the root shadow/babylights/balayage combo for this edgy blonde look.

Formulas:

Babylights 1: Wella Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder  + 10-volume developer + Wellaplex No.1 Bond Maker
Babylights 2: Wella Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder  + 20-volume developer + Wellaplex No.1 Bond Maker
Balayage: Wella Blondor Multi-Blonde Powder + 30-volume developer + Wellaplex No.1 Bond Maker
Root Shadow: Wella Color Touch 1 oz. 5/1 + ¼ oz. 4/0
Color Melt: Wella Color Touch 1 oz. 9/16 + 1oz. 9/0 + 1 oz. 10/81

Application: Create fine, babylight highlights, alternating the 10-volume and 20-volume lightener. Then create balayage highlights on the “drop out” sections. Process 20 minutes. Rinse, towel dry and apply WELLAPLEX No.2 Bond Stabilizer, roots to ends. Process 10 minutes, rinse, shampoo, condition and towel dry the hair. Apply root shadow formula to scalp area, and “melt” it into color melt formula on midlengths and ends. Process, shampoo, condition and style the hair.

THE WELLAPLEX CONDITIONING TREATMENT

1. Shampoo and towel-dry the hair

2. Combine 60g water + 10g WELLAPLEX No1 Bond Maker + 10g No2 Bond Stabilizer

3. Apply roots to ends

4. Process 10-20 minutes

5. Rinse, shampoo, condition and style the hair.

Get the how-to for a GOT-INSPIRED ICE QUEEN BLONDE

Learn more about WELLAPLEX!