How-To: Dimensional Brunette with Extensions

As a colorist, it can sometimes feel like blonde finishes steal the show.  As editors, we, too, are often memorized by beautiful blonde blends, but we were recently stopped in our tracks when we stumbled upon a multidemensional brunette finish from Ulta Beauty Design Team and Artist Connective member Cristina Rodriguez.

The New York City stylist consistently posts swoon-worthy videos and photos to her page, but when we saw this color work also came with great tips, we just knew we had to ask Rodriguez for more details.

Watch Rodriguez demoing her favorite techniques to make clip-in extensions stay in place:

 

As part of Ulta's Design Team, Rodriguez gets to collaborate on photoshoots, educate at hair shows and serve as one of the faces of Ulta. Nick Stenson, Ulta VP of salon services and trend, and Ammon Carver, Ulta chief artsit director, formed the team, which includes 15 members who serve as brand ambassadors. Each member receives mentorship, education and exposure, such as training and stage experience.

"The design team is like a family," Rodriguez says. "It pushes my creative limits while also giving me the confidence to know I'm surrounded by people who want me to succeed. It has connected me to opportunities bigger than I could have imagined."

Get the color details for this dimensional brunette:

"Nora was a level 9 blonde baby light/balayage combo," Rodriguez says. "She wanted to go darker, but instead of tinting all the way back to her natural level 5, I only glossed her down to a level 7. This not only makes for a beautiful dimensional color, but also allows the process of making the hair lighter next summer that much easier, gentler on the hair. Global gloss using Redken Shades EQ Gloss 7GB and 7N equal parts. I started at the nape leaving her front pieces to be processed last for a subtle glow around the face."