11 Color Quickies You’ll Need For 2023

11 Instagram Color Quickies You Loved In 2022

If you have clients lining up for New Year color transformations, you’re not alone. Between global platinums, root touch-ups and color corrections, it can be hard to take a breath and refresh your skills. That’s why we complied this list of color tips, tricks and inspo—chosen from YOUR most liked Instagram quickies!

Keep scrolling for 11 quick color hacks that’ll send you sprinting to the color bar.

Tip #1: Blend high-contrast color blocks with feathered tips.

Color blocking was massively trendy in 2022, and there’s no reason it won’t be just as popular with clients in the New Year. Next time a client comes in asking for a two-tone paint job, keep this high-contrast look by artist Miyachi Noriyoshi (@miyachinoriyoshi) in mind. The secret: Fine lines and calculated placement.

Miyachi’s black-blonde result:

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip #2: Plastic highlights. Yes, you read that correctly. 

Struggling to get that perfect blend for your blonde clients? This XL wrap technique by Oligo Professionnel Sponsored Artist Kaitlin Ward (@kwhair_) is just what you need to get the job done on fine to medium-haired clients. How? The thinness of the wrap allows you to place lightener as close to the root as possible.

Pro tip: The key to this technique is all in the section sizes and product consistency. The sheets need to be evenly saturated to make sure they don’t slip.

Check out Kaitlin’s method for fast, max coverage blondes:

 

 

 

 

 

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Enroll in BTC University for unlimited access to pro coloring techniques, application steps, formulas and more. Watch the video below for a preview!

Tip #3: Get the dimensional copper clients will request this year.

From the very beginning, 2022 has been the year of copper. BTC Team Member Glenn Nelson (@glenn_hairartist87) captured everything we love about this bright, bold color using Moroccanoil®. Here’s Glenn’s process:

1. Start highlighting using Moroccanoil® Blonde Voyage Powder Lightener with 10-volume developer.
2. Then, apply Moroccanoil® Color Rhapsody Permanent Cream Color 8C and 7GC with 20-volume developer.
3. Follow with a steam treatment using Moroccanoil® Intense Hydrating Mask.

Introduce your clients to Glenn’s chic cut and copper!

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip #4: Trust us, you need to add red & gold to your formulas.

According to Schwarzkopf Professional™ Artistic Team Member Josie Vilay (@josievilay), there’s little more important to an artist than having the right color portfolio in a color line. “I invite you to play around with some swatches to formulate some unique toners,” Josie says—specifically with red and gold in ash formulations. Here’s why:

1. Gold reflects light, but also adds brightness to ash toners.
2. Like gold, red is also warm and reflects light—but it mutes down ash formulas.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip #5: PSA for blondies: Ash tones always appear darker.

Are your blonde clients always complaining their hair looks too dark? #ONESHOT finalist Megan Perez (@hairbymeganperez) explains why: Sometimes, clients say they want “ashy” or “icy” when what they really what is a nice bright blonde. Here’s what Megan does to get the perfect shade:

1. Try not to add too much ash to your gloss.
2. Add some kind of gold to your formula. Gold does not necessarily equal brassiness; It actually can give blondes some much needed brightness and shine!
3. Double check your client’s blonding goals during consultation.

Related: Blonde Formulas NEED Gold Toners: Here’s Why!

Tip #6: Transition gray roots into a natural grow-out.

Maintaining gray coverage is a tough task for clients and stylists alike. So when a regular comes in ready to embrace the gray, you’ve got to have a game plan. For this client, Celeb colorist Jack Martin (@jackmartincolorist) prepped the hair with K18 Hair and applied lightener as many as three times in certain areas to lift previous dye and get an even canvas. The entire appointment took 10 hours, but the results are stunning.

Watch Jack’s transformation in action:

 

 

 

 

 

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Tap the beaker for Jack’s Redken-powered formulas!

• Formula A (lightener)

  Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside Lightening Powder + 20-volume developer

• Formula B (lowlights)

  Redken Color Gels Lacquers 5AB + 7AB (1:1) + 10-volume developer

• Formula C (pre-tone)

  Redken Shades EQ 1/4 oz 10VV + 3/4 oz 10P + 1 oz 000 + Shades EQ Processing Solution

• Formula D (toner)

  Redken Shades EQ 10T + Shades EQ Processing Solution

Photo Credit: Instagram via @jackmartincolorist

More from Jack: Jack Martin’s Top Color Formulas For Silver & Gray Transformations

Tip #7: Use hourly pricing for major color corrections.

Instagram will never forget this beautiful color correction service by RUSK Director of Haircolor Gina Bianca (@iamginabianca). For this transformation, Gina charged $130 per hour for the eight hour appointment. That may seem steep, but considering the diligence of the service and the amount of product needed, it’s more than reasonable.

“When discussing color corrections, I always like to do hourly pricing. I can give an estimate of how many hours, but the reason we do hourly is because even though we know what could happen during the process, we don’t know how long it will take to fix and overcome each bump,” Gina explains. “For example, on this lovely lady I had to reapply to the bands three or four times!”

This multi-step correction required hourly pricing to be charged correctly.

More from Gina: 4 Salon Policy Changes To Update ASAP!

Tip #8: Use this natural-toned look for color block inspo.

Tri-tone color blocking is trending and this chocolatey marshmallow and graham color scheme by Ashley Curtis (@strandsofsunshinee) using Matrix is just the color inspiration you’ve been looking for. We’re loving the cool and warm dimension, and placement that can be heightened or softened by styling.

Take a look at Ashley’s s’mores-inspired color:

Tip #9: Lighten ends with a satisfying bleach wash.

If there’s anything colorist Abigail Bazzoli (@abigailbazzoli) stands by, it’s bleach washing. “[Bleach washing] is literally the most effective, fastest, safest way to brighten ends—especially when there’s no dimension,” Abigail shares. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Combine 1 oz of lightener and 2 oz of developer with one pump of your shampoo of choice.
2. Apply to the hair thoroughly, making sure to saturate each section.
3. Allow the cocktail to process for about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Just rinse!

Try Abigail’s time-saving technique yourself!

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip #10: This niche color technique gives fades a bold twist.

If you client is wanting to add color to their fresh fade, consider this genius “bleach gun” technique by colorist @staircase_nakamura. Just “draw” on the lightener, allow to process, and apply color for a result clients can find nowhere else.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tip #11: Beautiful hair color knows no age limit.

To celebrate his Nan’s 82nd birthday, OLAPLEX Advocate Mykey O’Halloran (@unicorn_manes_bymykey) refreshed her bright rainbow locks with Manic Panic to remind her that no one every ages out of bold, colorful hair! As a colorist, it’s so important to be supportive of clients’ hair goals, no matter their age.

Watch his technique for the perfect rainbow below:

 

 

 

 

 

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Learn more hair color application techniques at BTC University!