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MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
Hairstylist and Make-up Artist Cristen Smith created these looks on four separate clients. In each, she explains her color formula/process in order to add depth and dimension to each look.
Hairstylist and Make-up Artist Cristen Smith (Instagram's @cristen_smith) discovered her passion for beauty at an early age and felt that pursuing a career in the beauty industry was something she was born to do. “Enhancing someone’s beauty and confidence increases the passion I have for my job,” she says. MODERN recently discovered this rising star on Instagram through the photo below.

(From left to right) Look 1, Look 2, Look 3, Look 4
To create each of these looks she used Matrix hair color. “I love using Matrix products and color, they give such great results,” she says. “I am a big fan of their demi-permanent Gloss Sync and Color Sync lines!”
LOOK #1: BALAYAGE OMBRE
“I left my client’s natural base to avoid having a lot of upkeep. I used Matrix Light Master with 20 volume to create the highlights. I lifted the hair to a yellow-gold, then toned it with Matrix Color Sync, 8N with 10 volume. I let the hair process for about 8 minutes.”
LOOK #2: BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
“My client came to me with her natural, virgin base! She wanted something different to break up the color, something soft, yet noticeable. I suggested balayage highlights because it was her first time coloring her hair and I didn’t want to overwhelm her with a big change and a lot of upkeep. I used Matrix High Lift Color, UL-A, and I let the hair process for about 30 minutes. No toner was needed.”
LOOK #3: RICH COPPER
“I wanted to create a lot of richness without the color being too vivid or bright. I added in lowlights all over using Matrix Color Sync, 8RC with 10 volume and processed the hair for 20 minutes. I absolutely love these rich, red coppery colors in the fall!”
LOOK #4: DEPTH PERCEPTION
“My client came to me with her natural base which was dull and lifeless. She requested something to add more shine to her hair and make it appear a little darker to create some richness and depth. I applied Matrix Gloss Sync, 5N with 10 volume and processed the hair for 20 minutes.”
RELATED ARTICLE:
By Lauren Salapatek | 04/03/2014 | WWW.MODERNSALON.COM | HAIR-PHOTOS
Cristen Smith posted to MODERN’s #hairdressermagic hashtag recently a picture of a dark haired client (level 3 base color) who wanted something new and bold, yet tasteful. Smith decided to give her client some red violet tones throughout, while breaking up the dark colo ...
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Some more of our favorite looks by Cristen Smith! Check out her Instagram for more information.

"Back to reality & back to work! Had so much fun creating this fierce red ombré!" says Smith.

"Revamped @jessie___martinez 's hair with some soft ombré highlights and big waves!" says Smith.

"Created this dimensional blonde with seamless balayage highlights!" says Smith.

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