MENU
SEARCHMartino Cartier is so OVER Ombre. His new Color Flow technique is the next generation of "Graduated Color". Here he offers his step by step.
Martino Cartier, International Artistic Director for Keratin Complex, is so over the word OMBRE, but lets face...it IS a practical and pretty color design. Martino has come up with the 2013 version of this "color flow", a fave for clients and a fun design for colorists to create.
"It's more of a color melt or a color explosion," he says. "It's graduated color, giving a ton of different depths of tone and lightness. It's fun and easy."
Here Martino offers steps to get the best results:
1. Divide the hair in two sections, one above and one below the rounds of the head. Divide using large, deep V sections, for an exaggerated zig zag.
2. Split the triangle in half, overdirect and twist.
3. Wrap the section around a foiling comb and slide down.
4. Take the twisted base and secure in a rubber band.
5. Create about 6 of these below the zig zag and about 6 above the zig zag parting so that the ponytails are stacked.
6. Using "It's a Blonde Thing" blended with 40 volume developer (all Keratin Complex), paint the top and bottom only of each ponytail. Begin the coloring on the lower ponytails, going back and forth from side to side, working to the back of the head.
7. Then go to the top ponytails, again painting just the top and bottom of each (this will allow the bottom color to process faster).
8. Process for 15 minutes and then shampoo and condition the hair.
"The sectioning and the ponytail kicks it up a notch," adds Martino, "and gives a lot of movement. When its all said and done, the result is quite natural. The twisting takes away any line of demarkation and leaves so much dimension... beautiful, seamless color."
Check out the video to see how Martino creates the ponytails, followed by the finished result.
Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Carly Zanoni shares 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.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
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.
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
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
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
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.
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
Meet the next generation of lightening with cleaner lift, less breakage, and built-in Metal Purifier Technology.
Sponsored by Wella
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.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
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.
PRAVANA Sugarcoated expands the ChromaSilk VIVIDS line with two new pink shades, Juicy and Crush.
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.
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.
Many colorists and blonde specialists have been enthusiastic about Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, creating some of the purest platinum looks in celebration of the pick. Check out some of our favorite Cloud Dancer creations and collections.
To kick off the year fresh, actress Emma Roberts has undergone a major 7-hour color transformation going from Copper Red back to her iconic Iridescent Golden Blonde. The transformation was created by Wella Professional Global Ambassador Nikki Lee.
