Virgin To High-Lift Dimensional Bronde

Healthy blonding on virgin hair is possible: Avoid damage and breakage with the right product knowledge and care, and learn how to take clients from their natural, virgin base to a bright, dimensional bronde—all with hair health in mind. Blonding and balayage expert Janae Miller (@janaeraquelmiller) is breaking it all down below:

• Learn Janae’s secrets for healthy high-lift blonding
• Get her suggested pricing for this color
• Save her maintenance schedule to keep blondes salon-fresh for weeks

Why Working With Virgin Hair Is Ideal For High-Lift Blonding:

When blonding virgin hair, you have to carefully monitor how fast your client’s hair lifts, taking note of each individual’s underlying warmth and accounting for nuances during this process.

For this high-lift blonding technique, Janae prefers a client with virgin hair—including any chemical process or smoothing treatment. “This ensures that the hair is in its most natural and healthy state, providing a blank canvas for the stylist to work their magic,” Janae shares.

See the before and after below:

Photo Credit: Instagram via @janaeraquelmiller

What Can Clients Expect From Their Appointment?

“This particular technique is not a quick fix but rather a meticulous process that requires precision and patience,” Janae explains. This client was transformed within a six-hour appointment and Janae priced it at $650, “Reflecting the skill level required and the time invested,” she adds.

Understanding Virgin Hair Limitations:

When lifting dark bases to such a high level, it’s crucial to have an honest consultation, especially for clients with virgin or textured hair. “Achieving such light blonde tones requires not only skill and precision but also a deep understanding of hair’s capabilities and limitations,” Janae shares. Here are her two must-dos:

• Have an honest consultation: Sometimes we have to say no to our clients and guide them in a healthier direction. “Not every hair type can withstand the rigorous process required to reach these high levels of blonde, making it crucial for clients to maintain an open and trusting relationship with their stylist,” Janae adds.
• Utilize proper products: Janae trusts Joico Blonde Life to provide her with nine true levels of lift without damage. “It has the ability to produce delicate yet beautiful blondes without being harsh on the hair,” Janae explains.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @janaeraquelmiller

Pro Tip: Always use a digital scale. “This ensures precise measurement of your formula every time, leading to consistent results,” Janae shares. Her go-to is the Product Club Digital Scale because it offers flexibility to choose between grams or ounces. “Keep track of successful formulas in your notebook or client profile for future reference,” she advises.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @janaeraquelmiller

Color Maintenance: How To Keep Blondes Bright For Weeks

When working with first-time blonde clients, it’s imperative to educate them on the importance of proper at-home care. Not only will this preserve color vibrancy, but it will also keep their hair in top shape for future blonding appointments. Here is Janae’s recommended scheduling:

• Follow-up appointments: Janae also schedules clients for a fresh gloss every six to eight weeks to maintain the hair’s condition and color.
• Blonde maintenance: Janae schedules blonding touch-ups annually—here’s why. “Only the blondest portions of the hair should be retouched once a year to maintain the integrity of the hair. This is especially important for clients with highly textured hair. Careful scheduling of retouches helps preserve the health of the curls and ensures the longevity of the color,” Janae explains.
• Salon-quality products: Janae recommends her clients use blonde-specific shampoo to ensure the hair remains nourished and the color stays true. Plus, she loves a moisture-restoring treatment, like Joico’s KBOND20 Defy Damage Power Masque.