MENU
SEARCHOK. So you find yourself in front of a client who has light orange hair. She attempted to transform her light brown hair to blonde, using a home hair color kit. Now, she sits in front of you asking you to wave your magic wand and create the blonde shade she has dreamed of. and t's up to YOU to decide if this is currently possible.
Beth Minardi
OK. So you find yourself in front of a client who has light orange hair. Sadly, this is NOT the shade she is looking for. In fact she attempted to transform her light brown hair to blonde, using a home hair color kit. And, when her hair did not lighten sufficiently, she purchased another kit and reapplied the product.. this time lightening to a lighter, but still very orange color.
Now, she sits in front of you asking you to wave your magic wand and create the blonde shade she has dreamed of. Now, it's up to YOU to decide if this is currently possible. And, if not, how do you get her out of your chair as a happier person. One thing you know for sure, the current orange shade is NOT making her happy.
NOW is the time for a very honest discussion... as well as a strand test. I suggest that as you "chat" the hair is enveloped in a very hydrating, conditioning treatment like MINARDI PRE-WASH THERAPY. Depending on what you learn with your strand test, you will be able to diagnose precisely what you will be able to achieve. You have two choices: Minimize the "red" by highlighting the hair with a mild lightener. OR : Transforming the hair to a light neutral tan via application of an acidic no-lift liquid demi shade.
After removing your pre-treatment conditioner and drying the hair, you are not ready for the strand test. Wrap two or three foils, containing a mild lightener mixed with 10 volume developer to three strands of the hair, located in various parts of the head. Process at room temperature for 20 minutes as you keep your client engaged. Talk to her. DO NOT promise her that she will be a super-light blonde when you finish today. Let her know that the condition she brought to you was NOT of your doing.
If after 20 minutes, the test strands reveal a light golden blonde tone, and are not broken or fee like overcooked spaghetti when wet, you can safely highlight blonde strands into the hair. You will need to wrap the hair, process, and take down in sections. DO NOT attempt to wrap the entire head before checking and rinsing... or you COULD have hair running down your sink...no longer attached to the head...
Option Two: Gently deepening the hair and neutralizing warmth so that the red-orange hair now takes on a tan, softer tone. This can be accomplished in two ways:
1. Lowlighting the hair with equal parts of a creme demi noo-lift color... a light blonde ICE tone, mixed with equal parts of a medium blonde neutral tone.
or
2. Application of an all-over acidic, liquid demi toner. Here I like to intermix a level 10 ICE tone with equal parts of "clear". I apply this to the root (scalp) area of the hair and I then bring the formula up about one inch away from the scalp. Continue processing for 10 minutes.... then, work the formula about midway down the hair lengths. Process for 3 - 5 minutes. Then, bring the remaining formula down through the ends of the hair lengths... and immediately accompany the client to the sink. Shampoo and condition with Minardi Wash Tree and After Wash Three (Nourishing). The hair will be a warm, creamy tan... and the unwanted "orange" will be neutralized.
YOUR consultation, advice, honesty, and clear evaluation fo the strand test will lead to a successful appointment. As the hair is trimmed, regularly conditioned and treated at your salon, more and more blonding will be possible. As they say, "Easy does it". You are at the fork in the road here. Be sure to pause and evaluate before taking the road successfully traveled.
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
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.
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.
