Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

TRANSFORMATION: Going For (And GETTING) A Vibrant Blonde

 Tarah Smeal (@tarahdoeshair), a stylist at Bow + Arrow Salon, Roseville, California, had a challenge . "My client came to me asking to become a blonde," says Smeal, "but more specifically a creamy vibrant blonde. With ...

Maggie Mulhern
Maggie MulhernBeauty and Fashion Director, MODERN SALON
Read Maggie's Posts
April 30, 2015
TRANSFORMATION: Going For (And GETTING) A Vibrant Blonde

 

2 min to read



Tarah Smeal (@tarahdoeshair), a stylist at Bow + Arrow Salon, Roseville, California, had a challenge . "My client came to me asking to become a blonde," says Smeal, "but more specifically a creamy vibrant blonde. With her previous stylists, she often was left with brassy color and only received chunky highlights instead of getting what she wanted: an all over blonde. She said this was going to be her last time attempting to become a blonde."

Smeal put on a pot of coffee and got busy:

Ad Loading...


Step 1: Apply equal parts of Redken 12 Av 8AA blended with 30 volume developer.

Step 2: Process for minutes and then shampoo and condition. This  will leave a brassy root, "for the moment."

Step 3:  Follow with back to back heavy weaves throughout and balayage any pieces left between with Wella Blondor and 30 volume (blended with and a bond builder.)

Step 4: Process for 30 minutes (to a level 9) and then shampoo and condition.

Step 5: Tone the base with Kenra SV for about 5 minutes.  

Ad Loading...

Step 6: Rinse and tone the hair with Redken Shades EQ .50 oz 9b .50 oz 8v .25 9n and 1.25 oz of processing solution. 

Cut and blowdry with Enjoy Shaping Lotion and Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum. Flat iron and finish with Kenra Texture Taffy on any flyaways.

The total process took us about 6 hours and that whole pot of coffee! 

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...