"This was a huge transformation," says Cassandra McGlaughlin (@CassandraPlatinum) of Platinum Salon, Tampa, Florida. "It took 8 hours! I want to share all the details about why I chose to do this in one sitting. I feel these colors get the most flack on social media."

Here she shares the backstory:


"My guest came in with her hair all tied up in a bun. She lets its down and its past her behind and JET BLACK! I knew her goal was to get to a platinum blonde. I feel like in these types of services the best course of action is to under promise and over deliver. The reason I decided to continue the service is because my guest had NO previous color on her hair (100% virgin) and she was willing to cut quite a bit of length off. She had no budget  for time or money (I’ll touch on charging too). I worked with 2 assistants and originally only had 4 hours booked, so I had to use my assistants to maintain my original schedule. As far as charging, I’m a big believer in charging appropriately for color services. My rule of thumb is averaging about $100 per hour for color corrections. That ensures that my  time and product is covered.  It’s so important to charge in a way that you don’t have to compromise the steps that you need to have successful color service. I began the color service by taking about 7 inches of length off. I needed to have a shorter canvas to work on in order to maintain my pace and let the hair process evenly."

Step 1: Apply Paul Mitchell SynchroLift Ultra Quick Blue Powder Lightener and 30 volume in 1/4” horizontal sections starting at the nape. Foil packet each section, working with an assistant to maintain a quick pace. Don’t apply directly on the scalp. Allow to process until level 7 then apply SynchroLift and 20 volume at the scalp. Let all process to a level 9.

Step 2: Rinse and apply Paul Mitchell Super Strengthener for 10 minutes. Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde.

Step 3: On dry hair, using the same sectioning as the first application, apply SynchroLift and 20 volume scalp to ends. Apply in 1/2” sections and use a foil overlay instead of packets. Again, use an assistant for speed.

Step 4: Process until no yellow pigment is left.

Step 5: Repeat Step 2.

Step 6: Tone with equal parts Paul Mitchell Ultra Toner Platinum and Ash on damp hair until you achieve an icy cool blonde. Shampoo.

Step 7: Tone a second time with PM Shines equal parts 9a 9v and clear. Shampoo with Marula Rare Oil Replenishing Shampoo and deep condition with Marula Rare Oil Replenishing Masque.

Maintain with 5 week retouches, toning and deep conditioning treatments.

 

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