The Summer Color Refresh:
Blondes

By: Angie Sterkel
 
Intense color transformations steal the spotlight and win trophies, but in the real salon world, the challenge is very different. Most clients aren’t in the market for extreme color makeovers, but they are often eager for subtle shade tweaks that update their basic hues, whether it’s a seasonal shift, a fashion reaction or they’re just plain bored. That’s where your talent and judgment come in—you must figure out how to make a big statement with a small color shift. Here, celeb color pro Marie Robinson of Marie Robinson Salon in NYC shares tips for high impact, yet drama-free, blonde color refreshers.

Your Blonde...Could Be Brighter
Try: Dimensional highlights 
Why it works: Bold highlights in a range of hues—from platinum to golden—liven up a ho-hum blonde considerably. “This is easy to achieve for anyone who is naturally dark blonde to light brown,” says Marie. “Simply create highlights in several different light and pale golden tones.”
Use this formula: Achieve this color using two highlight formulas. For background highlights, mix Wella Koleston Perfect for 8/38 + 30-volume. Weave bold slices throughout the head, then process, rinse and dry. Apply another set of highlights with Wella Blondor + 30-volume developer around the face frame area, crown and ends of layers. Process to a pale, buttery hue for a bright and sunny effect.
Tip: “Don’t apply an all-over blonde color roots to ends!” says Marie. “This color is only achievable with layers of blonde. Plus, maintaining the client’s natural depth helps the regrowth look more natural.”

Your Blonde...Needs Some Punch
Try: Adding a pop of pink
Why it works: Subtle highlights in a nontraditional shade—like these sported by January Jones—raise the fun factor and make a summer-y statement. “Adding peach or light pink tones to a golden blonde infuses hair with a rose gold tone—a very popular look right now!” says Marie. “It also enhances the skin and gives it a summery glow.  Choose a tone that’s subtle so it looks youthful and not too edgy.”
Use this formula: Wella Koleston Perfect 1oz. 10/16 + 1oz. 10/38 + 2oz. 30-volume. Apply roots to ends, process 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Alternate foil slices using Wella Blondor + 30-volume and Wella Relights 1oz. Clear + a “pinky squirt” of /03 and /57. Process until highlights are creamy pale blonde, rinse and condition.
How to maintain it: “This color requires root touch-ups every four to six weeks,” says Marie. “The peach/pink color will fade quickly since pastel tones ‘leave’ the hair after only a few washings.”

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