MENU
SEARCHMODERN Associate Editor Mary Kaleta pays a visit to Chicago brunette whisperer John Blue and his salon Boss Group for a transition back to her roots.
As editors at MODERN, we witness hair transformations regularly and spend a solid portion of our days scouring social media to find perfect hair colors and cuts. We see clients and models willing to go platinum, blue, pink—you name it—all in the name of good hair or for the age-old saying "it's just hair; it'll grow back," which never seems to be out of season.
We constantly stand by the mantra of the importance of communication with stylists and trusting their expertise. When I decided it was time for a change up from the blonde highlights I had been maintaining for a few years, I sought the help of Chicago brunette whisperer, John Blue @colorbyblue to take me back to my roots—literally.
During my consultation with Blue at his Boss Hair Group salon in Chicago's River North, I explained to him that I wanted a low-maintenance color update. I was looking to keep some lightness around my face and throughout in case I decided to go lighter again, but I ultimately wanted my natural base to be blended. It was also important to remove any brassy tones that had developed over time. Blue explained that he would use three different hair colors to create ribbons of brunette throughout my hair and would use demi-permanent color from Keune Haircosmetics North America.
"I chose Keune Semi because of the longevity, shine and consistency of the product," Blue says. "I opted for a demi-permanent because we were desiring to deposit color rather than needing to lift it. It’s also a great option for someone who likes to play with their color and go back to blonde in the near future."
Formula 1:
Keune Semi 5=5.23 1:2 semi color activator
Formula 2:
Keune semi 6=6.38 1:2 semi color activator
Formula 3:
Keune Cream Bleach and 10 vol
Apply Formula 1 from new growth down 2 inches on entire head.
Starting at the nape, apply Formula 1 to mid shaft and ends of 1-inch sections and isolate with ColortrakMeche strips. Continue up sections, and apply formula 2 to mid shaft and ends and isolate with Meche strips, continuing up the back of head.
Starting above the ear, melt formula 3 into base color isolate with Meche strip. Continue working up the head, alternating Formula 3 in between Formulas 1 and 2. Once complete, repeat on the other side.
Process at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Rinse gently and shampoo with REF Stockholm Sweden Weightless Volume Shampoo to prepare the hair for Keune semi clear gloss. Process for 8 minutes to add shine and seal hair cuticle. Follow with REF Illuminating Color Shampoo and Conditioner.
STYLE
Apply REF Root To Top at crown area and two pumps of REF leave in treatment through mids and ends to protect the hair from heat. For styling, apply two to three spritzes of REF Ocean Mist prior to roundbrushing. Finish style with a spray of REF Hold and Shine.
Blue has more than 18 years of experience in the salon industry. His work has been featured in the pages of Elle and Urb as well as on MTV, TLC, and WGN. Chicago Magazine honored him in 2012 with a Best Colorist title for his natural balayage technique. His experience as a global hair color educator forAveda led him to work and educate in top nationally awarded salons in Minneapolis, Atlanta and Chicago. He opened Boss Hair Group in summer of 2018. The salon's 80s glam rock vibe can be seen in this salon tour from Salon Today.
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.
