Melissa Grace Smith (@sweetmelissagrace) is inspired by the soft, natural color creations of Johnny Ramirez, the ombre's of Guy Tang and the gorgeous celebrity colors of Tracey Cunningham.

She began to cultivate her artistry and passion for advanced color techniques by reading and watching educational materials on Modern Salon and YouTube and using what she learned in real life experience.

"Instagram has been such a valuable tool to inspire, be inspired and showcase creativity," she says. "My client wanted to be closer to her natural level 7 hair with blended highlights but didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize the integrity of her hair because she was only willing to trim one inch," Smith shares.

GET THE LOOK

Previous level: Goldwell Max Reds 7RR (looked great, but client wanted change)

STEP 1: Extracted as much artificial pigment as possible using Pravana's Color Remover 2 times with heat.

STEP 2: Performed a highlight strand test to determine if the hair would lift to a desirable shade and remain a desirable texture.

STEP 3: Gave client a full highlight with traditional placement and medium weave using Goldwell OxycurPlatin with 20 volume developer.

STEP 4: Applied Goldwell Topchic 8RP 10 volume to stretched roots, Goldwell Colorance 8RP with Colorance developer to midshaft and Goldwell Colorance 9PV to ends. "No trim necessary, my client was thrilled!"

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