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4 Options to Consider When Taking Your Client Blonde

Years ago, there were only two ways to create a blonde – bleach and bleach and tone. Now, there are more options, so every stylist can have their way with a blonde. Patrick McIvor, artistic and TechniCulture director for Goldwell and KMS California shares his four options for creating blonde and saving time.

by Chandler Rollins
March 18, 2014
2 min to read


Years ago, there were only two ways to create a blonde – bleach and bleach and tone. Now, there are more options, so every stylist can have their way with a blonde. Patrick McIvor, artistic and TechniCulture director for Goldwell and KMS California shares his four options for creating blonde and saving time.

1. The No Lift, No Developer Permanent Way

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New technology brings new options, so permanent wearability without oxidation can be achieved. Stylists can glaze between foils, creating unique experiences using only the exact amount of color needed, because there is no mixing and no need to transfer the color to a different bottle or bowl when choosing a perfect shade. Stylists can add color, control tone, create shine and choose to be bold and beautiful. 

2. The Express Way

Having the option with a demi-permanent color to process up to 20 minutes to glaze or tone hair is great, having the option in five minutes is even better. In the past, stylists had to either shorten the processing time or try a different product. With products like Goldwell Colorance, it’s possible to have both options, you can create endless variations of blonde depending on application, outcome and time.

3. The Old Way

Actually, there was a way to create pastel blondes. In the past, colorists did what many called 'breaking the base,' this was not intended to create that type of end result. This 'pastel toning' technique was meant for an all over very hi-lift, or more likely a double process blonde who wanted that hot, edgy, pinky, violet or smokey under tone. From Miley to Pink, Michele Williams, Carey Mulligan and Shakira, it’s their interesting tone that makes them stand out as great blondes. For pastel toning try - 20mls H2O + 20mls 6% +20mls of a h/l V or P tone blonde like Goldwell Topchic over pale yellow previous lightened hair for a great pastel blonde.

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4. A Better Way

Today, instead of breaking, RECHARGE. No more 'breaking the base,' recharge blondes with a color treatment such as the Blonde Recharge service and in 5 minutes have the lift break the base and control/enhance the tone while adding shine down the strand.

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