More and more clients are popping up who want natural-looking color with a little oomph and low maintenance. For Kyle Locklin, stylist at Aurelio Salon in Howell and Toms River, NJ, nature served as inspiration.

"[My client] was level 6 with level 7 and 8 highlights, but her natural base was a level 5," Locklin says. "She wanted minimal upkeep, so I thought about the colors in the monarch butterfly, and it inspired me."

Get the color: Monarch butterfly rooty ombre

Formula 1: Goldwell Top Chic 5nn with equal parts 10 volume
Formula 2: Goldwell Oxycur 10 and 20 volume
Formula 3: Glaze for midshaft; Goldwell Colorance 8BA
Formula 4: Glaze for ends; Goldwell Colorance 9BA

STEP 1: Apply Formula 1 as a regular retouch, then dramatically fan the color down into the midshaft.

STEP 2: Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute color and ensure everything is blended smoothly.

STEP 3: Weave out hair to be lightened using a board (or back of hand) and paint Formula 2 onto hair using a V technique.

STEP 4: Use leftover Formula 1 and feather it into lightener to avoid harsh lines.

STEP 5: After processing, shampoo with Goldwell Color Fade Stop Shampoo.

STEP 6: Glaze with Formulas 3 and 4 on midshaft and ends, respectively, for a smooth, gradient look.


Image: Thomas Bresson

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