Rooty Blonde Blend

1. Start by parting the hair slightly off-center to the side of her preference to provide functionality when styling. Then, section the hair from the crown to the ear on both sides. 

2. Working along the hairline first, start in front of the ear and take a ¼-inch diagonal section and finely weave a babylight using Formula A. Follow the natural frame of the face as you paint each section.

3. Continue applying Formula A and frame the face on both sides using partings of about 3 to 4 foils deep with very tight, small sections to keep the hairline natural-looking. Once you reach the bangs portion, use three back-to-back baby-fine slices to paint a money piece.

4. Once the hairline is complete, go back and follow the diagonal parts from the ear to the crown. Take ½- to 1-inch sections and continue with Formula A. Vary the size of the weave to create dimension.

5. Process for 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, check every 5 until the desired level of blonde is achieved. Rinse with lukewarm water, then shampoo. Apply a dime-sized amount of conditioner through the ends only. “Avoid applying conditioner to the roots and the midlengths to prevent creating a barrior prior to the root shadow application,” notes Jamie.

6. Towel-dry, thoroughly comb out the hair, then part the hair the same way as step 1. Start near the ear, take a ¼-inch vertical section and smudge Formula B from the scalp to about 2 inches down. Continue applying Formula B until you reach about 2½ inches from the face-framing area, gradually creating smaller depth as you work. “Damp hair will help the application be smoother,” notes Jamie.

7. Repeat on the other front section and the back two sections. In the back sections, continue painting vertical sections but bring the smudge down about 3 inches to create more depth in the crown area.

Note: “I am a believer in combing in the root smudge to really create a seamless transition between the roots and the midlengths,” shares Jamie. “Use two combs—one for the ends and one for the roots. Work in small sections starting in the back and comb all the tangles out without touching the color. Then, use the other comb to make one glide in each section from the roots to the ends and wipe off the comb each time you make a pass with it.” 

8. Process for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not shampoo.

9. Towel-dry thoroughly, then section the face-framing area. At the bowl, apply Formula C on the midlengths and process for 15 minutes. In the last 3 minutes, pull the formula through the ends. In the last 2 minutes, pull the formula through the face-framing area.

10. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and condition only. Do not shampoo.

11. For the style, prep the hair with amika Heat Defense Serum. Blow-dry, then create beachy waves using a 1¼-inch Bio Ionic curling iron.