MENU
SEARCHHere's how to go from a level 2 to smokey blonde.
This client started as a natural level 2 black with no previous color in her hair. According to her colorist, Sam Lawrence (@samlawrencehair) from House of Color in Colorado Springs, she never thought she could go blonde because of a previous bad experience. "Last time she tried to go lighter the warmth wasn't toned out enough so she felt very orange," says Lawrence. "I assured her we would not leave her orange but that it would take multiple sessions to get her blonde."
Lawrence lightened her over three separate appointments, two weeks in-between each.
SESSION 1: Using Joico Cream Lightener and 20 volume, balayage - fully saturating the mids and ends - feathering it up to about 2 in from scalp. "I foiled my sections to get the most lift I could without using heat." First service tone with Kenra half 6na half 7vm.
SESSION 2: Balayage using the same formula. Tone with Redken Shades EQ 9p. "During the last lightening session I brought the balayage higher to give it a transition tone in between the dark and light."
SESSION 3: Balayage using the same formula. Tone with Redken Shades EQ half 7p half 9p on the mids and 9v on the ends.
"Each lightening and toning service took about three hours. L'anza Trauma Treat was used after every lightening service to keep the hair healthy and strong," says Lawrence.
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.
