Profiles in Color from Matrix

red hot || “Just a few simple touches can make a big difference on shorter hair,” says Sandra Smith. “A simple baliage or a handful of foils can add dimension.” One of Smith’s favorite techniques is to backcomb the hair and just color the ends. “It’s an old-school method that works. It creates solid areas of color resulting in texture and a focal point. I love to blend cool and warm reds and leave dark underneath. It’s a great way to create peaks and valleys.”

For the shape, Brian Smith used classic Matrix Craft Techniques including graduation, layering and point cutting, to create this heavily textured cut.

soft blonde || “My biggest challenge with high-lift blonding is to make toning a vital part of the process,” Csicsai says, of the natural Level-7 model, who arrived with severe banding. “Some colorists feel toning is a great way to fix a mistake. Instead, I use toning to create an end result.” Csicsai started with a clean slate by addressing the regrowth and toning all over. “My goal was to create very cool blonde, like the inside of alabaster, with pink, silver, lavender and gray tones.”

Csicsai addressed the bands using the new Matrix powder lightener Light Master along the regrowth which he then drew through the bands to create a clean canvas.

How-To: Dramatic Cut

How-To: Sleek Caramel Color

sleek caramel || Model Tetiana was eager to lose length, a minimum of 11 inches, to donate a ponytail to Locks of Love. “This makeover gives us a chance to really celebrate the new Matrix ColorInsider Permanent Haircolor,” says Sandra Smith about the new line launching in March. “Although the cut itself will be dramatic,” says Brian Smith, “I want to give her a new shape that will give her movement, options and a flattering fringe. That, combined with the color, will make the finish that much more interesting and fashionable.”