Color Without Compromise: Blondes Shine with Goldwell LightDimensions SilkLift Strong and Colorance
Are your blondes feeling blah? Give ’em a lift with LightDimensions SilkLift Strong
Sponsored by Goldwell
Color your Confidence
The Paul Mitchell color wand sprinkles confidence through the magic of the makeover. The experiences of six women reveal the power of feeling beautiful.
by Staff
December 29, 20112 min to read
The Paul Mitchell color wand sprinkles confidence through the magic of the makeover. The experiences of six women reveal the power of feeling beautiful. In the struggle to deal with homelessness, addiction, low income or a jagged career path, women can lose sight of their own beauty. As a longtime supporter of Chrysalis, a nonprofit group in California dedicated to helping people regain their self-sufficiency, Paul Mitchell treated six Chrysalis clients to full makeovers. For this Color Your Confidence campaign, the Paul Mitchell Artistic Team designed a style and color to bring out each woman’s individual glamour and, with it, confidence in her appearance and future.
Leslie
Goal: Study to become a massage therapist. Color: Leslie was prelightened with Dual Purpose Lightener and 20-Volume Cream Developer. Two formulas of Paul Mitchell The Color were applied in an evenly alternating pattern.
Before
FORMULA 1: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. 5N + 1 oz. 6RB + 2 oz. 20-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. 6RV + 1 inch 5RR + 2 oz. 20-Volume Cream Developer
Soule
Goal: Rebound with new work as an artistic director after being laid off. Color: Two formulas of Paul Mitchell The Color were alternated with Dual- Purpose Lightener, in diagonal back partings in the Mohawk section.
After - “I feel sophisticated and classy. I’m excited to see how this is going to change my life.”
Before
FORMULA 1: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. HLNB + 1 oz. 40-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. 8CB + 1 oz. 7NA + 1 oz. 20-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 3: Dual-Purpose Lightener + 20-Volume Cream Developer
Tracy
Goal: Take computer classes to prepare for entering the job market. Color: Tracy was a natural level 5 who had outgrowth and previously highlighted hair. Three formulas of Paul Mitchell The Color were applied, plus Color Shots, PM Shines and Inkworks Overlay.
After - “This will give me more self-esteem to go after my dreams.”
Before
FORMULA 1: Paul Mitchell The Color 2 oz. 6CC + 3 shots Color Shots Orange + 2 oz. 30-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 2 oz. 8RO + 2 inches 7OR + 2 oz. 30-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 3: Paul Mitchell The Color 2 oz. 6WM + 2 inches 6RR + 2 oz. 30-Volume Cream Developer PM Shines: 2 oz. 6RO + 6 shots Color Shots Orange + 2 oz. Processing Liquid Inkworks Overlay: Equal parts Neon Orange, Red and Orange
Heather
Goal: Pursue passion for health and fitness through the launch of PerfectAah, a food and fitness company. Color: Heather is a natural level 6. Three formulas were used to brighten her look.
FORMULA 1: Dual-Purpose Lightener + 20-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 2 oz. 7NB + 2 oz. 30-Volume Cream Developer PM Shines: 1 oz. 7N + 1 oz. 9A + 2 oz. Processing Liquid
Alexis
Goal: Complete business curriculum, enter the fashion industry and, eventually, market an original clothing line. Color: Alexis, a natural level 3, had no previous color. Two formulas were applied: Paul Mitchell The Color plus a second formula for highlights.
FORMULA 1: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. 6A + 1 oz. 6G + 2 oz. 40-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 1 oz. HLA + 2 oz. 40-Volume Cream Developer
Sandra
Goal: Enroll in a nursing program. Color: Sandra was a natural level 6, with level 7 outgrown highlights. Dual-Purpose Developer and Paul Mitchell The Color were applied in a checkerboard pattern.
FORMULA 1: Dual-Purpose Lightener + 20-Volume Cream Developer
FORMULA 2: Paul Mitchell The Color 2 oz. 8CB + 2 oz. 30-Volume Cream Developer
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Color
ColorFest 2026: The Hair Color Formulas and Creative Techniques Everyone Will Be Talking About
Trending, fool-proof, and fantastic formulas.
4 Express Salon Add-On Services That Boost Revenue and Keep Clients Coming Back
Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassadors Carly Zanoni and Brendnetta Ashley share 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.
by Anne Moratto
PRAVANA Expands HydraGloss Line with Two Red-Violet Shades Inspired by the “Cherry Cola” Trend
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
by Staff
Something Special: Amelia Fugitt's Stunning Transformations
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.
The Rise of “Naturals”: How Foundational Shades Are Driving Salon Growth
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
by Anne Moratto
Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat: Salon Clients Face a Water Cycle Crisis of Mineral Buildup on Hair
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
Dazzle With Shiny Haircolor
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
Step-by-Step: How to Create the Modern Ombre
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.
From Consultation to Correction: Managing Expectations and Getting Color Right
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
by Anne Moratto
Meet Wella's New BlondorPlex 9 with Built-In Metal Purifier
Meet the next generation of lightening with cleaner lift, less breakage, and built-in Metal Purifier Technology.
Sponsored by Wella
Oligo Professionnel Redefines At-Home Blonde Hair Care with New Blacklight Blonde Science Product Line
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Alysa Liu’s ‘Halo Hair’ Takes Gold on the Ice by Kelsey Miller Using Schwarzkopf Professional
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.
Pink Is for Everyone: PRAVANA Launches Sugarcoated VIVIDS Shades
PRAVANA Sugarcoated expands the ChromaSilk VIVIDS line with two new pink shades, Juicy and Crush.
The American Blonde: The Look That Traveled the World
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.
Follow the Formula: Garnet Flame and Cherry Red
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.
by Anne Moratto