HOW-TO: Black Opal Look for Naturally Dark Hair

Inspired by glimmering Indonesian black opal, these Kadus mermaid shades add a pop of color to naturally dark hair.

 

FORMULA & APPLICATION

Natural level 5

 

Formula 1: 1 oz Kadus Professional True Blonde with 2 oz 20-volume developer

Formula 2: 2 oz Green Pearl Mix Tone with 4 oz 6-volume developer

Formula 3: 1 oz Green Pearl Mix Tone + 1 oz Intense Gold Mix Tone with 4 oz 6-volume developer

Formula 4: ¼ oz Intense Pearl Mix Tone + 1 oz Violet Red Mix Tone + 1 oz Clear Mix Tone with 4½ oz 6-volume developer

 

1. Use Formula 1 to pre-lighten back-to-back partings. Start at the nape and work up the head, applying the formula to backcombed hair. Seal partings in foil. Leave natural hair between pre-lightened partings, as desired.
2. Repeat on both sides. Start above the ear, and work up to the apex, leaving out a fine top veil of hair. Process 55 minutes, rinse, shampoo, condition and dry completely.
3. Return to the nape and apply remaining formulas to the pre-lightened sections. Apply Formula 2 to the base area, then color the mid-lengths and ends by alternating Formulas 3 and 4.
4. Move to the bangs, divide into three subsections and take 1/8-inch partings. Working from the bottom up, apply Formula 2 to the first subsection, Formula 3 to the second one and Formula 4 to the third one. Again, leave natural hair between sections. Process 25 minutes, then shampoo and condition.

 

Hair and photographer: Kenneth Collins

Makeup: Sarah Rodriquez