Before. 

Create a teardrop section starting at the center of the front hairline and going back to the occipital bone.

Pro Tip: How the client parts her hair will determine the sectioning technique used. In this case, because the model has a center part (and doesn’t typically change it up), a teardrop section is a good option.

Once sectioned, decide where to place the power pieces. Josh does four on each side—one behind the ear, then three in front of the ear and along the front hairline.

The gif above shows where the three front power pieces are placed.

Pro Tip: To create effective power pieces, Josh suggests working in triangle sections with diagonal partings. This creates strong, visible light while still offering some diffusion (so there is no harsh line of demarcation).

To begin, apply Formula A to the power piece behind the ear. Leave out the root area completely and diffuse the lightener just above the midlengths. Then, fully saturate from midlengths to ends.

Pro Tip: The Instant Highlights Crème Lightener features stay-put technology—so wherever the product is placed, it will stay and won’t expand. To ensure even lift, Josh suggests rolling the lightener onto the section to saturate completely.

Next, using the L’Oréal Professionnel Aluminum Foil, place one foil underneath each isolated highlight and another on top. Secure by folding the top corners.

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 on the three power-piece sections in front of the ear and along the hairline, then repeat on the other side of the head. Once all sections are foiled, return to your first foil and pass the L'Oréal Professionnel Instant Highlights Heating Iron over each isolated foil. Repeat in a smooth, continuous up-and-down motion for up to 30 seconds, staying an inch away from the scalp. Repeat on all foiled sections.

Once hair is lifted to its highest level (or the highlights have processed for another 10 minutes maximum), wet, emulsify, rinse and shampoo once with L’Oréal Professionnel Post Shampoo. Then, tone the hair using your choice of toner, let process and rinse. To complete the service, condition with a L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Powermix Color in-salon treatment, then blow-dry and style.

Finished look.