Formulas > HIGH-CONTRAST BLONDE CURLS FORMULA
Last updated: February 10, 2021

HIGH-CONTRAST BLONDE CURLS FORMULA

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  • Formula A

    Schwarzkopf Professional BlondeMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener + 2o-volume developer

     

  • Formula B (toner)

    Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA VIBRANCE Demi-Permanent Hair Color 9-0 + 9.5-4 + 6-volume developer

     

    Pro-Tip: When she wants a cooler finish, Christin subtitutes 9.5-1 for 9.5-4.

     

Instagram via @curlfactor

Curls speak for themselves but there is nothing that makes them talk more than a splash of color! Christin Brown (@curlfactor) is a Devacurl Certified Curl Specialist so its safe to say she knows a thing or two about curly hair. Her partner, Ashe, happens to be one of her muses and she gives us MAJOR hair envy. Scroll through to learn Christin’s formulation and application tricks.

 

1. Who is the ideal client candidate for this technique?

“This technique is my favorite for curly hair and super tight coils. Normal foiling can sometimes get lost and you will miss out on a lot of dimension. This hand painted curl-by-curl method tends to pop the most and adds incredible versatility to the hair,” says Christin.

 

 

2. How long does this process generally take and how long does it last?

This process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour to apply depending on how much hair a client has. “A lot of my curlies coming in have a ton of hair and if you’re working solo without an assistant, the timing is everything,” explains Christin.

 

“The beautiful trade off is that this gradient color and off-the-scalp technique can give your clients amazing longevity with their color. When it comes to my partner, sometimes, we can go at least six months before needing to refresh because the grow-out is so beautiful,” says Christin.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Christin Brown | CURLFACTOR (@curlfactor)

 

3. What at-home care and in-salon maintenance is required for this technique?

Christin believes at-home care is just as vital as in-salon care. Making adjustments like using cooler water when cleansing and conditioning, not washing as frequently, and using sulfate-free cleansers can be an absolute game changer for preserving your color. Christin also recommends using a bond-building treatment at home to keep those strands happy and healthy.

 

When in-salon, Christin has her clients return every month or two for a toner refresh and a bond-building treatment. “They don’t have to re-highlight, but it adds such a beautiful refreshing pop to the curls and keeps them on the path for healthy hair,” explains Christin.

 

 

4. Does this look come with any specific challenges or is there anyone you would tell no for this look?

“When it comes to challenges, I would just say that whatever you put into the initial service from both the colorist and the client really depends on the relationship being developed. That could sound weird to some, but it’s absolutely crucial. I would want to give my client as close to their color goals as possible, but that could pose a challenge if the two people are not on the same page.

 

With that said, the client also needs to go home feeling empowered not only by the killer color, but also by the education and information provided by the colorist. We have to set up our clients for success. Otherwise, when they return, if they return, we can’t predict what condition the hair will be in,” says Christin.

 

5. What does pricing look like for something like this?

For initial highlights, Christin charges between $350-$400. “There is a lot of work in the first session with curly hair that gets overlooked by most. I feel that if you take your time with the consultation, realistic expectations, and communication, it can be a truly successful homerun,” explains Christin.

 

 

Who Did It

Artist: Christin Brown

Products Used

COLOR FORMULAS

  • Formula A

    Schwarzkopf Professional BlondeMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener + 2o-volume developer

     

  • Formula B (toner)

    Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA VIBRANCE Demi-Permanent Hair Color 9-0 + 9.5-4 + 6-volume developer

     

    Pro-Tip: When she wants a cooler finish, Christin subtitutes 9.5-1 for 9.5-4.

     

FORMULA STEPS

1. Section the left side, right side, and the whole back into subsections.

 

Pro Tip: “The reason for this is so when I’m finished hand-painting a section, I can unclip easily and get to work quickly on the section above. This helps to cut down time and increases efficiency,” says Christin.

 

2. Starting in the front, use the color brush to pick up Formula A and then use the palm of the hand as an easel. Continue this on one side, then the other, then move around back. 

 

Pro-Tip: Using the palm of the hand keeps the fingertips relatively clean for navigation which is key for precise highlights with curly hair.

 

3. Process until desired level of lift is reached. Rinse, shampoo and apply Formula B

 

4. Rinse, condition and style as desired.