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
Get the Formula for This Glowing Golden Balayage
This summer is all about glowing, sun-kissed hues. Get the steps for this natural golden balayage from Laura Gibson, Rusk global artistic director.
by Staff
May 7, 2021
2 min to read
Summer is almost here, which means clients are getting ready for a hair color refresh to step into the new season. Master colorist and Artistic Director for RUSK, Laura Gibson shares some of the upcoming color trends and exactly how to achieve them.
Get ready for beautiful natural colors and textures.
Warm, sun-kissed, and golden hues like caramel, honey, and almond tones
More natural looks with soft warm pops ribboning throughout
Natural textures/curls
All the things you think about summer, should be reflected in your hair color! "Hand-painted balayage highlights is a great way to go for a glowing, natural look,” Gibson says.
This trend works with all types of hair thickness and texture. Gibson is especially a fan because “it allows people to give their hair and skin a nice healthy glow and reflection. For those who have finer hair and wavy/curly textures, it leaves more depth in the hair to create the illusion of fullness and the depth provides more curl definition.”
Read on for two color creations to copy and the step by step from Gibson using Rusk.
FORMULA A: RUSK Ultimate Blonde + 40v
Step 1: Vertically section hair from ear to ear and along natural part. Clip front sections out of way. Mix and apply formula.
Step 2: Back of the head: pre-section 4 thick diagonal back sections. Within each section paint 2-3 double point balayage subsections leaving hair out in between.
Step 3: Following natural part: take horizontal sections working up to the part. Paint 1-3 double point balayage subsections leaving hair out in between.
Step 4: Repeat on other side
Step 5: Process to desired level.
FORMULA B: RUSK Deepshine gloss 9cg = 8 N
Step 1: Vertically section hair from ear to ear and along natural part. Clip front sections out of way. Mix and apply formula.
Step 2: Back of the head: pre-section 4 thick diagonal back sections. Within each section paint 2-3 double point balayage subsections leaving hair out in between.
Step 3: Following natural part: take horizontal sections working up to the part. Paint 1-3 double point balayage subsections leaving hair out in between.
Step 4: Repeat on other side
Step 5: Process to desired level.
Step 6: Apply Formula B all over until desired color is achieved (max processing is 20 minutes).
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