
Get the Formula: Sweet Treat and Toning Tip
Hair artist Skyla Kuykendall creates lived-in color with Paul Mitchell lightener and the Demi.
Matrix U.S. Artistic Director Danielle Keasling shows how progressive the SoColor line can be, demonstrating multiple finishes on two very different models—one with a more classic and luxe finish, and one with a fun, fashionable look.

Luxury comes in all shapes and sizes. Even the most commercial client can be tweaked for a fun finish, and your fashion client can be styled for a more traditional look. The salon pro, armed with the perfect products, tools and techniques, can make inspiring beauty a reality for any client.
“SoColor is sometimes looked to as a conservative hair color,” says Danielle Keasling, Matrix U.S. artistic director, Matrix global design team, “But it can be progressive and full of creative options.”
Keasling set out to show how progressive the line can be, demonstrating multiple finishes on two very different models—one with a more classic and luxe finish, and one with a fun, fashionable look.
“We created something more on-trend with the very popular technique, strobing,” Keasling says. “By adding a fashion-forward touch to a conservative look we were able to bring interest to model Skye’s beautiful features.”
This technique, used on pale blonde wefts, offers a fresh opportunity to a conservative client. “The placement can be bold or soft depending on color choice and the number of panels you create,” Keasling adds.
Once the hair color is perfected, the hair is prepped with a classic luxe cut for a polished finish. “To achieve a look that is fresh on midlength hair, I love to use dry-cutting techniques,” she says. “This allows me to see the layers where they live—giving the guest instant satisfaction with her new layers and cut.”
Model Skye has fine, dense hair and is growing out her hair, so Keasling created a cut that was friendly to that situation yet helped her achieve a look that would still hold strong for the next couple months until her length catches up.
Keasling gave movement to the hair by creating disconnected layers using different cutting techniques.
“This actually makes the hair look thicker overall.” Point cutting, texturizing and blending are key techniques used for this more traditional finish.
CREDITS
Hair: Danielle Keasling
Assistants: Jen Miaczynski, Viktoriya Yeremchuk
Photographer: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup artist: David Maderich
Fashion stylist: Rod Novoa
Manicurist: Narina Chan for Essie
PRODUCTS AND TOOLS
Color: Matrix SoColor and ColorSync
Shampoo and conditioner: Matrix Biolage RAW Recover
Bond Builder: Matrix Bond Ultim8
Hair extensions: HairUWear Professional Clip-Ins
Styling products: StyleLink Volume Builder, StyleLink Airy Builder, StyleLink Gloss Booster, StyleLink Volume Fixer Hairspray, all by Matrix
Blow dryer: Sam Villa
Round brush: YS Park
Finishing brush: Nicholas French Polishing Brush
Curling iron: Hot Tools Pro
Razor and shears: CBC Chrystofer Benson Collective
Makeup: GrandeBROW, GrandeLASH, GrandeLIPS

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