Matrix celebrity stylist George Papanikolas describes his technique for achieving a high lift blonde without damaging the hair.

“LightInsider lets me do an on-scalp application, and it’s perfect for double-processed blondes,” Papanikolas says. “The goal for stylists who want to achieve this color should be to get the necessary levels of lift without compromising the hair.”

FORMULA AND APPLICATION:

Natural level 7, dark blonde with regrowth, and pre-lightened midlengths and ends

Formula 1: One sachet Matrix LightInsider Lightening Booster Powder + 3 oz 20-volume ColorInsider Oil-Cream Developer + 1 tube LightInsider Lightening Conditioning Cream

Formula 2: 1 oz Color Sync 10P + 1 oz Color Sync 8P + 2 oz 10-volume Matrix Cream Developer

Formula 3: 2 oz Color Sync SPV + 2 oz 10-volume Matrix Cream Developer

1. Section the hair into even quadrants. Apply Formula 1 to the regrowth, using fine horizontal sub-sections. To ensure even coverage, cross-check by taking vertical sections. Process at room temperature to a level 10 pale yellow, or for up to 50 minutes. Rinse, cleanse and towel dry.

2. Take a zigzag parting around the parietal ridge and secure. This is Section 1. At the bottom point of each zigzag, create a diamond. These diamonds are Section 2. The remaining hair below parietal is Section 3. Starting in Section 2, take a 1/8-inch diagonal slice on the lower front side of diamond, and place it on foil. Apply Formula 2 from scalp to ends. Work on a diagonal until complete, then repeat on left side.

3. Return to the right side and repeat the process in the next sub-section. Then repeat on left side. Continue until all diamond sections are complete.

4. Then apply Formula 3 to all the remaining hair. Process 20 minutes or until desired result is achieved. Rinse, cleanse and condition.

Haircolor: Derrick Rutherford
Styling: Jamie Stevens
Makeup: Maud Laceppe
Photography: Benjamin Lennox

 

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