Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HOW TO: Before and After You Have to See to Believe!

A before and after color makeover you have to see to believe! It's all about Paul Mitchell, Olaplex, Matrix lightener and a whole lot of skill!

Alison Alhamed
Alison AlhamedEditor in Chief, MODERN SALON
Read Alison's Posts
July 28, 2014
HOW TO: Before and After You Have to See to Believe!

 

2 min to read


Talk about a challenge! When this client walked into Instagram's @the_hair_doctor's (AKA Gina Bianca Hair) salon in Waterbury, Connecticut, at 7am, she was a little nervous. Her last color proved disastrous (um, hello!). "Her hair was dry and uneven, plus the haircut was mainly a chemical haircut," she says. "Now she is on the right track to having healthy natural-looking hair. We still have a long way to go but I think we did pretty good for the first session!"

Cost: $225

Ad Loading...

New growth formula: Paul Mitchell 7pn + 30 volume Highlight: Olaplex with 30 volume and Matrix Vlight lightener, plus a scoop of Lightmaster to really lift the base

Lowlight/filler color: 1 ounce of 7pn + one ounce of 7n with 10 volume

Toner: Paul Mitchell pm shines 9y and 7N equal parts to deepen the whole thing for 20 minutes

Application: Start by applying the root color with tiny sections to ensure coverage. Don't over apply. Full highlights starting in the back, mix bowl by bowl so the lightener doesn't lose potency. "We did horizontal weaving in the back and sides then did vertical slices on the top to give her a little extra pop!" she says. Apply the lowlight color to every other hair making sure it is saturated. Process for 35 minutes. Rinse well, apply toner for 20 min, rinse again then apply Olaplex step two for 20 minutes. Shampoo, condition and style. "I didn't cut her hair because she was traumatized from her previous cut, so we decided to wait until next time."



Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...