TRANSFORMATION: Rihanna Inspired Red

Madison Gauthier (@lavenderblondie) of Volum Studios located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, has been working with L'Oreal Professional for six years and currently works as a color specialist and Ambassador for L'Oreal Professional within YourSpaceSalons .

This client requested Rihanna's hot red color, so Gauthier "started by analyzing the quality and shaped the hair prior to coloring," she says. "Once the length and layers were in better shape, I applied a L'Oreal Professional 'Color Starter' treatment, a pre-color protective treatment that evens out the porosity of the hair to allow for even color change. Because she had previously pre-lightened her hair at home, I wanted to treat the hair before beginning with my pre-coloring procedure. She began with 1 inch of level 6 regrowth, with pre-lightened level 8 mid-lengths and ends."

Gauthier shares her color steps:

Step 1: Pre-color with L'Oreal Professional Majirel 1 tube of 5.64 with 100mls of warm water. Mix well and apply sparingly on the hair with a sponge.

Step 2: Comb through with a fine tooth comb to ensure excess product is removed. "The result from pre-coloring the hair is a sweaty, slightly damp texture. This is to ensure that a foundation is created, and the colors that were removed in the lightening process were replaced for a long lasting bright result."

Step 3: Blend colors:

Formula 1: Majirel 3/4 tube 6.60 + 1/4 tube Majirel Mix Red with 75mls of 20 volume developer.

Formula 2: Majirel 1/4 tube 6.60 + 1/4 tube Majicontrast Red + 1/2 tube Majirel Mix Red with 75mls of 20 volume developer.

Step 4: Using a brush, apply Formula 1 to the regrowth area.

Step 5: Apply Formula 2 from the regrowth demarcation through the mid-lengths and ends.

Step 6: Process for 35 minutes.

Step 7: Emulsify the color in the shampoo basin, adding a bit of water and massaging the color thoroughly. "This is ensure that stains will be removed from hairline and scalp and the shine will be activated."

Step 8: Rinse and shampoo with L'Oreal Professional Vitamino Color shampoo. Finish with L'Oreal Professional Color Powerdose treatment to seal the cuticle and provide long lasting protection and vibrancy.

beforeNAILED IT!