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Sun-Kissed Brunettes: Summer Color Formulas Your Clients Crave

Rich with dimension, delicately balanced, these bombshell browns are strategically enhanced to deliver deep shine with natural appeal. Here, four artists use four different formulas and application techniques to achieve lust-worthy locks your clients will be begging for this summer.

Alison Alhamed
Alison AlhamedEditor in Chief, MODERN SALON
Read Alison's Posts
April 27, 2012
2 min to read



Rich with dimension, delicately balanced, these bombshell browns are strategically enhanced to deliver deep shine with natural appeal. Here, four artists use four different formulas and application techniques to achieve lust-worthy locks your clients will be begging for this summer.

The Artist
Tracey Cunningham
Celebrity Colorist and Redken Creative Consultant for Color

The Vision
“Brunettes continue to lighten up into the warmer months whether they go a little lighter on the ends or for their overall color. So many of my clients bring in photos of Minka Kelly for their hair inspiration. She has such a pretty, warm golden brown color. ”

The Formula/Application for Minka Kelly effect
Natural Level: 3, Dark Brown
Step 1: Apply all over: 2 oz. Chromatics 4Gm (4.35) + 2 oz. 10-volume Oil in Cream Developer
Step 2: Highlight with Blonde Icing Power Lift mixed with 30-volume Blonde Icing Developer in a 1:1 ratio
Step 3: Glaze with SEQ Cream 09Wn Summer Wheat


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The Artist
Abraham Sprinkle
Creative Director ALFAPARF USA

The Vision
Harmonized wood-tone brunettes that balance cool and warm effects.

The Formula/Application
Base: Level 6
Formula A: ALFAPARF Evolution of Color (EOC) 7.14 with 20 volume
Formula B: ALFAPARF Evolution of Color (EOC) 6.14 with 20 volume
Alternate application of A and B in herringbone (large chevron) sections. The result will be a slight shadowing throughout the hair, and the illusion of movement and shine.



The Artist
Philip Ferreira
Artist and Educator, Clairol Professional

The Vision
Mix and tone to create beautiful, shimmering golden brown dimension.

The Formula/Application
Base color: 4N-5GN at 20 volume
Through round of head, highlight with 5GN-5N and Warm Mix Tones at 20 volume.



The Artist
Ian Michael Black
Global Hair Color Director, Aveda

The Vision
This summer’s must-have color is a rich, velvety golden brunette created with deeper and lighter slices played against each other, customized for each client to deliver an expensive, sun-kissed feel.

The Formula
Base: Level 5
Aveda Full Spectrum Protective Permanent Crème Hair Color Natural Series:
Formula A: 3N + 20 volume
Formula B: 5N + 5 volume
Formula C: 7N + 20 volume

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Like these formulas? Then you’ll LOVE these!
•    Violet and Wild Orchid: This purple is HOT!
•    Summer blonding
•    Flaming red ombre how-to

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