Staci Laskowski (@hairby_staci) of Riot Hair Lounge, Delray Beach, Florida, had some concerns when client Jeanette came in looking for a change. "She has been using box dye RED RED for 2 years and came to me wanting a natural looking ombré," says Laskowski. "She is Vietnamese so her cuticle is very resistant and tight giving me the obvious jitters going into this."

Here she shares the HOW TO:

Step 1: Start by lifting her 1 inch off the root to the tip with Schwarzkopf Igora Royal, Olaplex and 40 volume. Process for about 25 minutes. Rinse well and dry.
Step 2: Then apply Rusk Elimin8 from root to ends. "Even though her base was virgin she has such a tight cuticle. She wanted her new base to be lighter and this helped open her up a little." Cover the hair lightly with a loose bag and process for 30 minutes. Rinse.
Step 3: Soap cap with Schwarzkopf bleach and 20 volume for 5 minutes "so any remaining direct dye in her hair didn't cause her to darken." Dry the hair.
Step 4: Color melt starting at root using equal parts Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 6.12 and 6.32 20 volume, mid-shaft: 7.0 and 6.1 Olaplex and 20 volume and Ends:  Igora Royal lightener, Olaplex and 30 volume. Rinse in stages to avoid over processing.
Step 5: Tone with Schwarzkopf Vibrance  1oz. 9-1 and 1/4 oz. 5.1 with 6 volume.
Step 6: Finish with Olaplex no.2 and a cut and blow dry.



 

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