Get the Formula: Sweet Treat and Toning Tip
Hair artist Skyla Kuykendall creates lived-in color with Paul Mitchell lightener and the Demi.
HOW TO: Graduate from Ombre to Hair Painting
Goldwell's John Simpson shows HOW TO graduate from Ombre to Hair Painting.
August 15, 2013
1/6
1 min to read
Goldwell's Lead Artistic Director John Simpson is known as one of the finest educators in the haircolor world. Modern recently visited the Goldwell offices just outside Baltimore, Maryland and asked Simpson if he had anything new up his sleeve. On top of every trend, Simpson said "Of course!"
Acknowledging that Ombre is still an important trend, Simpson offered to show HOW TO alter the technique so that the application is more of a hair painting...a skill that has universal and long lasting appeal.
"This is hair painting and beyond," he says. "This technique offers highlights that melt throughout the hair. It's clean and beautiful."
In this 2 minute video Simpson offers the perfect demo, but breaks the look down into four simple steps:
Step 1: Pull out a 1/2 inch - 1 inch section. Hold with tension.
Step 2: Apply color to the mid section.
Step 3: Flip the brush to the dry side and feather up toward the scalp to diffuse.
Step 4: Place the section on the back of the hand and saturate the ends with color. Cover with plastic film and build up to the top of the head or until you run out of hair.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Color
Dimension, Then Gloss
Grethe Helen Sagmoen combines highlights, lowlights, and ArganID™ Glossing with Moroccanoil.
Get the Formula: Obsession Blonde with Teasylights
Colorist Mike Sharkey maps out a teasylight placement with Satin Hair Color SilverLift.
Get the Formula: Foxy Locks Created with Strategic Color Placement
Brooke Alexis pairs an Aquarely formula with targeted color placement and blonde accents.
Get the Formula: The Seamless Blend
Shonda Sharee shares her approach to coordinating color on natural hair and extensions.
Get the Formula: Melt Into Dimension
Stevie Meech combines lowlights, a root melt, and an all-over toner using Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA VIBRANCE.
3 Permanent Color Transitions that Rival the Fall Leaves
John Paul Mitchell Systems The Color ZERO offers effective permanent color without any of the harshness and with all of the protection. See how these artists used the line to achieve stunning, fall-inspired results.
Sponsored by John Paul Mitchell Systems
Satin Hair Color Launches Satin Sessions, Connecting Color Inspiration with Salon Technique
Satin Hair Color’s new education series debuts Expression Brunette and Obsession Blonde, with step-by-step techniques and formulas from colorist Mike Sharkey.
by Anne Moratto
From Gray Coverage to Gray Blending: Satin Hair Color on the Trend of Going Gray
Gray blending offers the best of both worlds for those stuck between wanting to lean into their grays and wanting to run from them. Satin Hair Color, known for its expertly formulated professional color, is here to provide tips and tricks for achieving the perfect gray-blending technique for your clients.
by Staff
Color Analysis: A Personalized Approach to Designing Hair Color
Using Color Analysis, a system formalized in the 1980s, these stylists create something optimized to bring out the best in their clients, while also helping them stand out with this specialty.
by Anne Moratto
10 Hair Color Challenges Every Stylist Faces and How Experts Solve Them
From tackling stubborn grays and unwanted warmth to achieving the perfect blonde, Moroccanoil Professional artists share their advice and color solutions.
Sponsored by Moroccanoil
Color Without Compromise: Blondes Shine with Goldwell LightDimensions SilkLift Strong and Colorance
Are your blondes feeling blah? Give ’em a lift with LightDimensions SilkLift Strong
Sponsored by Goldwell
ColorFest 2026: The Hair Color Formulas and Creative Techniques Everyone Will Be Talking About
Trending, fool-proof, and fantastic formulas.
4 Express Salon Add-On Services That Boost Revenue and Keep Clients Coming Back
Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassadors Carly Zanoni and Brendnetta Ashley share 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.
by Anne Moratto
PRAVANA Expands HydraGloss Line with Two Red-Violet Shades Inspired by the “Cherry Cola” Trend
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
by Staff
Something Special: Amelia Fugitt's Stunning Transformations
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.
The Rise of “Naturals”: How Foundational Shades Are Driving Salon Growth
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
by Anne Moratto