MENU
SEARCHMODERN Facebook fan Drew Noreen was given quite the task when client Jenn Lyles decided she wanted to take her box-colored level 3 hair to an Amanda Bynes-inspired blonde.
MODERN Facebook fan Drew Noreen, a stylist at Arizona's Pucci Salon and artist for The Beauty Agents, was given quite the task when client Jenn Lyles decided she wanted to take her box-colored level 3 hair to an Amanda Bynes-inspired blonde.
"I have naturally thick, dark hair with about 20 percent gray. For a 27-year-old, gray wasn’t an option for me and I was sick of constantly dying it dark to blend the horrible streaks," Lyles says. "My hair grows fast, so for regrowth purposes I always steered away from going too light because I knew maintenance would be challenging. That being said, I was ready for a change. Working in the beauty industry as a communications coordinator for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never really shoved out the cash to have a pro do my hair. From box dye to cosmetology schools-- I can’t remember the last time I stepped foot in a real salon."
It took two days, and two plans, but Noreen nailed it. Here's how he did it.
Client: Jenn Lyles
Starting color: Level 3/4 darkest brown (colored professionally and box)
Target color: level 8 highlighted golden blonde through top with deep auburn underneath
Day One
Original Plan: To gradually lighten the hair over two to three services by doing heavy highlights through the top. Wella Koleston Perfect 6/75 + 15vol. was applied through the bottom, base to ends.
After application and processing time, Noreen took Jenn to the shampoo bowl and began rinsing out the underneath color and pulling the foils. After washing, he noticed that two inches at the base of her hair underneath had lifted to an auburn red while the ends turned almost black. Through the top, the highlights were around a level 8/9 at the base while the midshaft and ends were a level 7, which was expected.
"I went in to do a level 7 glaze that would bring it all together, but within a few minutes the lighter part of her highlights started to turn a drab, ashy tone," Noreen says. "I immediately washed out the glaze as soon as I noticed the unwanted tone. I took Jenn back to my chair and explained to her the situation that had happened, both with the top and underneath sections of her hair. At this point the salon had been closed for an hour so I was challenged with what could be done. I offered for Jenn to come back in the next day where we would approach the process with a new game plan."
Day Two
Final Plan: Soft bleach wash with Wella Blondor lightener, 20 vol, hot water and Oribe Moisture and Control Shampoo through the bottom to lighten the dark ends and prep for new color application. The same bleach washing technique was done through the top to pull out the glaze and bump the pre-existing color to a lighter, golden tone. Equal parts Wella Koleston Perfect 6/75 + 5/75 10vol. was applied through bottom at base first then pulled through ends.
Finished result: "To my surprise, the soft bleach wash bumped the preexisting color and highlights from Day 1 to an almost perfect dimensional, golden blonde," Noreen says. "There was no need to apply a glaze through the top as we added a few more pops of brightness with additional highlights. In the end, we created a beautiful golden, strawberry blonde with a bright blonde highlight and a rich, deep auburn red underneath."
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR WORK! Want to be modernsalon.com's next featured artist? Send your work, and info on how you did it (color formulas, steps on styling or cutting method, etc) to MODERN's Alison Shipley ashipley@vancepublishing.com.
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
