Victoria Sears (@vickysecrets1011), a color specialist at Blondies, Anderson, South Carolina, says her ombre client was ready for something new.  "This client is salt and pepper grey all over so we usually color roots and apply her usual black to blonde color melt," says Sears, "but this time things changed."

Sears always recommends that her clients send a photo of what she calls their "Goal Hair". "I tell them to send me picture, at the latest the week before their appointment, so I'm sure to have their color. It gives me time to prepare and be right on my game. Well this client didn't send anything until 10:30 pm the night before her appoointment and I was already asleep. She sent me a picture of a purple/lilac/silver ombré. I woke up and start freaking out wondering how the heck I was going to achieve this color when I knew she has a level 7/8 blonde on her ends!" Believing (knowing) she did not have time to prepare, Sears admits that while driving to the salon she was praying the client would change her mind. "When she sat in my chair I told her there was no way to achieve that white blonde in one session so her option was to continue going lighter or to let me formulate a fun darker purple for her." Sears consulted colleagues and even Google looking for formula options.  Ultimately, "I was able to formulate the perfect purple for her that would eventually fade to a lavender, as she requested. We are both thrilled and obsessed with the color."

Here Sears shares the HOW TO:

Step 1: Start from the bottom and up applying color in 1/4 inch sections. At the base apply Pravana 1N. ("The key is to making this shade pop is to take smaller sections to have more control with the color.")

Step 2: Along the midshaft apply Pravana Vivds Violet.

Step 3: At the ends apply Pravana Vivids Violet mixed with conditioner (ratio 1:2) to make the ends lighter.

Step 4: Process for 45 minutes, then rinse with cool water and shampoo.