MENU
SEARCHThe grand prize winners of this annual color competition had the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to work with Paul Mitchell artists to create some beautiful, stop-and-stare hair during a photo shoot.
The talented stylists who capture the Paul Mitchell Professional Color Outside The Lineshair color and styling challenge awards have the exclusive opportunity to be mentored by the artistic leaders of the John Paul Mitchell Systems artistic team. The winners from 2018 recently gathered for their grand prize photo shoot in Los Angeles, where they were cheered on and guided by Creative Director, Lucie Doughty, and artistic team members Colin Caruso, Robert Cromeans, Noogie Thai, and Heather Ka’anoi.
“This opportunity was once in a lifetime, and I am blessed to be a part of it!” National Winner for Natural Makeover, Regan Freeman said. Regan was paired with Paul Mitchell’s Artistic Director for Hair Color Colin Caruso and together they created a beautiful blonde shade with a creative pop of purple pastel to complete the look.
Here are the looks from the winners PLUS their winning formulas.
Heather Ka’anoi, JPMS Artistic Director with Paige Anderson, Best Student Entry Creative Makeover Winner
1)Pre-lighten with one scoop Paul Mitchell Skylight+ 1.5oz.(45ml/g) 30 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer
2)Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Post Color Protect Shampoo, condition and dry hair.
3)Base formula: Paul Mitchell the colorXG 8C (8/34) 1.5oz(45ml/g) +the color XG 10P (10/86) 1.5oz.(45ml/g) + 3oz. (90ml/g) 10 volumePaul Mitchell Cream Developer
4) Dimensional formulas: Paul Mitchell PopXGYellow, Peachy Keen + Orange, Pink Flamingo + Pink. Apply these tones over pre-lightened hair to create a unique, dimensional end-result.
5)Rinse, condition with favorite Paul Mitchell conditioner and style as desired.
Noogie Thai, JPMS Editorial Director with Eva Maliones, Best Student Entry Natural Makeover Winner
1)Use favorite foil placement technique using one scoop Paul Mitchell Synchrolift+ 2 oz. (60ml/g) 30 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer
2)Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Post Color Shampoo and towel dry hair.
3)Refine with Paul Mitchell the color XG10 AA (10/11) 2oz. (60ml/g) + 8 PA (8/81) .5 oz.(15ml/g) + 2.5 oz. (75 ml/g) 10 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer.
4)Lightly cleanse and dry hair. NO conditioner.
5)Place panels of Paul Mitchell PopXGTeal, Blue, and Purple Quartz throughout the pre-lightened hair creating a unique pattern.6)Rinse and condition. Style as desired.
Robert Cromeans, JPMS Global Artistic and Business Director with Myronas, International Winner–Creative Makeover
1)Platinum Card with Paul Mitchell Synchrolift+ 2oz. (60ml/g) 10 Volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer
2)Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Post Color Shampoo and towel dry hair.
3)Refine with Paul Mitchell the color XGUTP (/86) 2oz. (60ml/g) + 2oz. (60ml/g) 5 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer
4)Lightly cleanse and condition with favorite Paul Mitchell conditioner and dry hair.
5)Placed design in hair with Paul Mitchell POP XG Tropical Blue and Peachy Keen individually mixed to a liquid consistency and sprayed on dry hair with airbrush machine.
Regan Freeman, Best National Entry, Natural Makeover Winner
1)Begin in hairline using one scoop Paul Mitchell Synchrolift+2oz. (60ml/g) 10 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer.
2)Once hairline is complete switch to one scoop Paul Mitchell Synchrolift+ 2oz. (60ml/g)20 volume Cream Developer.
3)Shampoo with Paul Mitchell Post Color Shampoo and towel dry hair.
4)Refine with Paul Mitchell the color XGUTP (/86) 2oz. (60ml/g) + 2oz. (60ml/g) 5 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer. Lightly cleanse, condition and dry hair.
5)Create Zig zag cat eye sectioning off top of head.
6)Section out three triangles with widest part toward top of head, point at hairline
7)Paul Mitchell the color XG 10PA (10/81) 1oz. (30ml/g) + Paul Mitchell 8AA (8/11) 2oz. (60ml/g) + 2 dots Paul Mitchell the color XG Violet Intensifier (/066) with 10 volume Paul Mitchell Cream Developer. Place in foils applying conditioner on the base and formula through mid-lengths and ends for a seamless blend. 8)Process for 15 minutes.
Follow Paul Mitchell Professional Instagram page, @PaulMitchellPro for more examples of stop-and-stare hair.
Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Carly Zanoni shares the express color and treatment services helping stylists deliver great results in under 30 minutes while creating new opportunities for client retention and revenue growth.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
Neutralizing the damaging effects of water benefits the hair from texture to shine to color longevity, and it’s the science behind Malibu C products.
Sponsored by Malibu Wellness
Craft with confidence, challenge your creativity, work from inspiration. Prepare your chair for every canvas with Moroccanoil's expanded color lines and advanced technology.
Sponsored by Moroccanoil
Create a look of quiet luxury with this modern take on ombré, featuring beautiful dimension and depth with strategic pops of blonde around the face and ends. The initial effect is bright and beautiful, with purposefully placed depth creating longevity as the hair grows out.
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
Meet the next generation of lightening with cleaner lift, less breakage, and built-in Metal Purifier Technology.
Sponsored by Wella
Oligo Professionnel, the Montreal-based hair color powerhouse, expands beyond the salon with a new routine-driven system designed specifically for blondes and those with highlighted hair.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Alysa partnered with St. Louis–based color specialist Kelsey Miller to elevate her DIY bleach work into clean, high-contrast halo placements.
PRAVANA Sugarcoated expands the ChromaSilk VIVIDS line with two new pink shades, Juicy and Crush.
Blonde hair is as All-American as baseball, apple pie, and Stars and Stripes forever. And as America approaches her 250th birthday next year, we celebrate the birth of the Global Blonde.
Two reds that get raves, these looks were designed using Alfaparf Milano. Get all the steps, processing, and expert tips to add these recipes to your rotation.
Many colorists and blonde specialists have been enthusiastic about Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, creating some of the purest platinum looks in celebration of the pick. Check out some of our favorite Cloud Dancer creations and collections.
To kick off the year fresh, actress Emma Roberts has undergone a major 7-hour color transformation going from Copper Red back to her iconic Iridescent Golden Blonde. The transformation was created by Wella Professional Global Ambassador Nikki Lee.
