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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.

Anne Moratto
Anne MorattoDirector of Brand Content Strategy, MODERN SALON and NAILS
Read Anne's Posts
January 9, 2026
A model with long red hair, arms akimbo.

 

Alfaparf Milano

5 min to read


A model with long red hair, one arm on hip.

Alfaparf Milano

RECIPE CARD: Garnet Flame

Garnet Flame is a bold, high-shine red copper that feels as luxe as it looks. Layered formulas create a fiery yet refined finish of glowing roots, brightened mids/ends, and a polished coppery tone that captures light from every angle.

Brand: Alfaparf Milano
Finish: Garnet Flame – Bold High-Shine Red Copper
Artist:Mick Lewis, @hairbymickk
Makeup: Kristen Farrah, @kristenfarrah_makeup
Photographer: Jackie Marie, @jackiemariephotography

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Ingredients
Color Brand & Systems:
– Alfaparf Milano Evolution of the Color
– Alfaparf BB Bleach Easy Lift 7
– Alfaparf Color Wear
– Oxido Developer

Root Formula – Garnet Base:
– 30g Evolution of the Color 8.4
– 10g Evolution of the Color 7.32
– 20vol Oxido (mixed 1:1.5)

Mids/Ends Formula – Brightening:
– Evolution of the Color 8.4
– 30vol Oxido (mixed 1:1.5)

Lightening Formula – Targeted Lift:
– BB Bleach Easy Lift 7
– 10vol Oxido

Toner Formula – Copper Glow:
– 20g Color Wear 8.44
– 3g copper pigments
– 10vol Oxido (mixed 1:3)

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Method

  1. Build the “Garnet” Root Base

    • Mix 30g Evolution of the Color 8.4 with 10g 7.32 and 20vol Oxido at a 1:1.5 ratio.

    • Apply to the root area, working in clean sections and ensuring full saturation for even coverage and rich depth.

  2. Brighten the Mids and Ends

    • Mix Evolution of the Color 8.4 with 30vol Oxido at a 1:1.5 ratio.

    • Apply through mids and ends, blending carefully from the root formula to avoid harsh demarcation and create a seamless garnet melt.

  3. Add Targeted Lift Where Needed

    • For areas needing extra pop or refinement, mix BB Bleach Easy Lift 7 with 10vol Oxido.

    • Use strategically (such as interior pieces or ends that need additional brightness), keeping a close eye on integrity and lift level.

  4. Process and Rinse

    • Process all color according to Alfaparf Milano guidelines, monitoring vibrancy and lift.

    • Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and gently cleanse as needed.

  5. Tone for Copper Flame

    • On towel-dried hair, mix 20g Color Wear 8.44 with 3g copper pigments and 10vol Oxido at a 1:3 ratio.

    • Apply through the hair to refine and intensify the garnet-copper tone, watching carefully for the desired level of saturation and reflection.

  6. Final Rinse & Style

    • Rinse out the toner thoroughly and follow with appropriate post-color care.

    • Blow dry and style to showcase the multidimensional garnet flame—waves or soft bends will reveal the full range of warmth and shine.

Recipe Notes
Layer your reds thoughtfully: Combining 8.4 with 7.32 at the root creates a sophisticated garnet base that reads rich, not flat.
Use targeted lift, not blanket lightening: BB Bleach Easy Lift 7 with 10vol is ideal for refining specific areas without compromising overall health and depth.
Toner as the “final glaze”: Color Wear 8.44 plus copper pigments is the finishing touch that pushes the result into true “flame” territory.

Serves: “I’m a Red Carpet Regular” energy

RECIPE CARD: Cherry Noir

Cherry Noir is a moody, high-impact red with depth at the roots and brighter cherry ribbons throughout. A wet balayage technique, combined with carefully calibrated formulas, creates a luxe, inky cherry effect that feels both editorial and wearable.

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Brand: Alfaparf Milano
Finish: Cherry Noir – Deep Dimensional Red
Artists: Sean Michael, @seanmichaelhair & Darcee Nice, @hairbydarceee
Makeup: Kristen Farrah, @kristenfarrah_makeup
Photographer: Jackie Marie, @jackiemariephotography

Ingredients
Color Brand & Systems:
– Alfaparf Milano Evolution of the Color
– Alfaparf BB Bleach Easy Lift 7
– Oxido Developer

Wet Balayage Lightening Formula:
– BB Bleach Easy Lift 7
– 30vol Oxido (mixed 1:2)

Root Formula – Noir Depth:
– Evolution of the Color 6.4
– 30vol Oxido (mixed 1:1.5)

Ends Formula – Cherry Brightness:
– Evolution of the Color 7.4
– Evolution of the Color 7.62
– 40vol Oxido (mixed 1:1.5)

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Method

  1. Create Your Wet Balayage Canvas

    • On damp hair, mix BB Bleach Easy Lift 7 with 30vol Oxido at a 1:2 ratio.

    • Paint a wet balayage pattern through mids and ends where you want lift and cherry dimension, focusing on surface pieces and areas that naturally catch the light.

    • Process according to manufacturer’s directions, then rinse and gently towel dry.

  2. Build the “Noir” Root Depth

    • Mix Evolution of the Color 6.4 with 30vol Oxido at a 1:1.5 ratio.

    • Apply through the root area, working in sections to create a deep, sultry base that anchors the look.

  3. Paint the Cherry Ends

    • Mix Evolution of the Color 7.4 and 7.62 with 40vol Oxido at a 1:1.5 ratio.

    • Apply through mids and ends, blending into the root formula to create a seamless transition from deep cherry at the base to a brighter cherry hue through the lengths.

    • Use the previous balayage placement as a guide to maximize light reflection and contrast.

  4. Process and Rinse

    • Process according to Alfaparf Milano guidelines, monitoring the richness and brightness of the cherry tones.

    • Rinse thoroughly, then cleanse and condition as needed to lock in shine and softness.

  5. Style & Define the Dimension

    • Blow dry and style to reveal the Cherry Noir contrast—soft waves, curls, or bends will help showcase the interplay between the darker roots and brighter cherry ribbons.

    • Finish with products that enhance reflection to make the cherry tones appear even more luxe and glossy.

Recipe Notes
Wet balayage = soft blend: Working on damp hair with BB Bleach Easy Lift 7 and 30vol creates a diffused lift that’s perfect for deep red palettes—no harsh lines, just seamless brightness.
Depth at the root keeps it chic: Using 6.4 at the root with 30vol ensures the look stays sophisticated and “noir,” rather than overly bright from scalp to ends.
Double cherry at the ends: The combination of 7.4 and 7.62 at the ends with 40vol creates a multi-note cherry: bold enough to pop, but still cohesive with the deeper base.

Serves: Bold color that feels polished and intentional

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