Daily Special
Lately I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to blend in when what we really want is dimension. In our lives, as in hair color, most of us wouldn’t request a life that is flat, dull, and uninspired. Instead, we want our lives to be filled with color, texture, and highs-and-lows.
In the age of AI, things—and people—can start to look and sound the same. But the beauty industry has always pushed in the opposite direction. Here, individuality is the point.
That idea of leaning into what makes you different inspired our feature Something Special (p. 28), where we highlight stylists who have built thriving businesses by focusing on what they love and do best.
You’ll see that same philosophy reflected in this issue’s cover story. In Meet the Moment (p. 14), Moroccanoil Professional shares how it develops collections and education designed to help stylists anticipate trends and create looks that are relevant and uniquely suited to each client.
Below is the formula for our cover model’s rich red, a shade that was tailor-made for her. Because great color, and great careers, are rarely created with a one-size-fits-all formula.
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THE LOOK: DRIFTING EMBERS
Apricot gold and copper shades
Formula A
Blonde Voyage Cream Lightener + Oxidative Cream Developer 10 vol.
Mixing ratio 1:1.5
Formula B
Color Calypso Demi-Permanent Gloss
10G/10.3 + 8C/8.4 + Gloss Activator
Mixing ratio 1:1
Color Application
Step 1 – Sectioning
Divide the hair into 4 sections.
Step 2 – Front
Take horizontal subsections from the center parting.
Create a large weave and diffuse.
Apply Formula A, feathering the lightener saturation up the section.
Apply Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to enhance babylights.
Step 3 – Sides
Work with diagonal back subsections about 1 inch behind the hairline.
Use large weaves and repeat the same diffusion and feathering technique.
Step 4 – Radial Sections
Take another subsection following the pattern of the previous highlights.
Use large weaves and repeat the same diffusion and feathering technique.
Step 5 – Back Side Hairline
- Take subsections parallel to hairline.
- Use large weaves and repeat the same diffusion and feathering technique.
- Process until desired lift is achieved. Do not exceed 50 minutes.
Step 6 – Gloss
Apply Formula B globally, saturating the hair.
Process for 20 minutes.
CUT
Step 1 – Sectioning
Create 3 sections.
Top section: horizontal parting at the parietal ridge.
Middle section: extend sections from the parietal ridges to the bottom of the occipital bone.
Bottom section: hair below parietal ridges and occipital bone secured with an elastic.
Step 2
- Divide middle section horizontally in half.
- Subdivide into vertical panels and elevate.
- Open scissors completely and cut using a talking motion with your scissors while moving down the section.
- Leave the length at the perimeter.
Step 3
Repeat in the section above.
Step 4
Create horizontal subsections and perform eraser cutting using the razor, cutting petal shapes.
Step 5
Remove the elastic and cut the perimeter if needed.
Step 6 – Fringe
Create a small triangle fringe section and create a guide with the razor.
Step 7 – Face Frame
- Overdirect hair across the opposite eye.
- Cut in C-shape subsections parallel with the hairline.
- Incorporate the hair from below the parietal ridge released from the elastic.
Chef's kiss!
Anne
Director, Brand Content Strategy, MODERN SALON
