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Carly Gillam (@hairbycarlygillam), an artist at Strawberry Blonde Salon in Charleston, SC,  specializes in color - specifically balayage. "I love balayage because I feel like an artist," she says, "and every client is a new canvas. 'Beachy' hair is my inspiration everyday. Tousled, natural, seamless, sun kissed, etc.. I can create all these things using the balayage technique and that's why I love it so much. I am so passionate about what I do and nothing makes me happier then making someone feel beautiful."

MODERN found and loved this transformation. Here Gillam shares the how-to:

Backstory:
My client came in and had grown out highlights and her hair was a yellowish, dark blonde. She wanted to be as light as possible but also have it as low maintenance as possible. She requested "pearl blonde".

How to:
Formula A: L'oreal Professionnel Platinium Plus Lightener 1/2 30 vol + 1/2 40 vol + Olaplex
Formula B: Redken Shades EQ 1/2 9v + 1/2 clear + drop of Violet

Step 1: Start on heavy side in the front and diagonal back sections. Balayage most of the hair while erasing and blending previous highlights. Do this throughout the whole head. Process 30 minutes. Rinse.

Step 2: Tone with formula B. Start toner on the roots and let sit for one minute. Then pull through the ends and let sit for one more minute. Rinse.

Step 3: Apply Olaplex number 2 and let sit for 5 minutes. Shampoo, condition, style, then wallah!

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