The powerhouse shades from the past several seasons are not necessarily “dye-ing” out, but softer versions are making headway. This gentle variation is a bit more palatable to your conservative clients who might be willing to explore them when the shades are subtle.

“The new muted pastels are a beautiful way to complement any shade,” says Leonardo Rocco, Aloxxi artistic advisor. “These work best on a double-process blonde.” Bob Siebert, Aloxxi national director of education, believes the Aloxxi portfolio allows for unlimited creativity.

“When working with a permanent, demi, semi color or lightener, it’s important to respect the integrity of the hair to deliver beautiful color results and fantastic shine and condition,” he says. “I love that these pastels are a short range, just seven shades, that can be intermixed to create whatever you are looking to achieve. It’s like mixing water colors as a kid, and fun for the clients as they gradually fade. The Ultra Hot colors are also acidic, which is nice when applying to hair that has been lightened.”

The Aloxxi artists put the new subdued pastels and less obvious shades to work as they transformed two models at a recent shoot for MODERN. “Pastels used to be geared to teenagers, but now everyone wants them,” Siebert says.

“Pastel shades aren’t so scary for clients anymore. They’re suitable for just about every client.”

Aloxxi Blue Lightener was used to pre-lighten the base.

“This is my go-to lightener when creating cool pastel blondes,” Siebert says. “I love Aloxxi lighteners as they contain silk protein for strength and protection, and olive oil which keeps the lighteners nice and creamy.” Tones 9P was selected as the toner. “Tones leaves the hair soft, shiny and manageable,” Siebert says. “The line contains meadowfoam seed oil, which is a fatty acid chain that strengthens the hair, perfect for toning pre-lightened hair.”

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.