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Q&A With George Papanikolas: How to Achieve Healthy, Glowing Color
Matrix Celebrity Hairstylist George Papanikolas' signature technique is Glowlights, a balayage method that creates "lit from within" highlights for a soft, natural and radiant look. For this transformation, Papanikolas incorporated Bond Ultim8 to ensure that post-Glowlights, hair is as healthy and strong as it appears.
Elizabeth Jakaitis・Assistant Editor
1/3
2 min to read
Matrix Celebrity Hairstylist George Papanikolas' signature technique is Glowlights, a balayage method that creates "lit from within" highlights for a soft, natural and radiant look. As with all color techniques, maintaining the integrity of the hair is an important consideration. For this transformation, Papanikolas incorporated Bond Ultim8 to ensure that post-Glowlights, hair is as healthy and strong as it appears.
Here, Papanikolas provides insights into the choices he made to achieve the look and the client chimes in with feedback on how her hair feels after the service.
Q&A WITH GEORGE PAPANIKOLAS
What do you love about combining the Bond Ultim8 system with your signature Glowlights technique?
The condition of the hair feels the same after lightening, plus I don't have to reformulate or add extra processing time.
Can you elaborate on why no reformulation is necessary when using the Bond Ultim8 system?
It doesn't slow down the processing and you don't need to adjust the peroxide volume. The texture also stays the same which is important with freehand Balayage.
How can one get Emily’s look? What should a client ask their stylist for?
I did a combination of free hand Balayage framing her face and natural with Light Master, 40 volume peroxide and Bond Ultim8. I let that process. Then once it's dry, I back combed large horizontal slices framing the face, natural part and end to connect the first step. This gives a soft root highlight gradually getting stronger and bolder at the mids and ends.
QUESTIONS FOR THE CLIENT
How did the Bond Ultim8 system make your hair feel after your Glowlights?
My hair was left feeling even healthier than before the Bond Ultim8 service. It was overall more supple, softer, and even shinier than before. I was pleasantly surprised to find that even my lightened pieces looked as though they had become more fortified.
How do you apply the 3rd step?
I use Bond Ultim8 Step 3 once a week while I am in the shower, before shampooing or conditioning. I apply the product from root to tip and leave on for 10 minutes. Then I shampoo and condition as usual.
Are you happy with the outcome? How did your hair feel?
I am thrilled with the outcome—I feel like I finally have my dream hair color, without compromising the health of my previously un-colored hair.
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