Lauren Barton (@laurendoinshows), a Level Two Stylist/Make Up Artist at Heaven The Salon Experience (@heavensalon), Winchester, VA, says, "Going lighter is a process" in order to maintain the condition and integrity of the hair. She proves that it is with this gorgeous (and gradual) transformation that she posted on her Instagram page. Each visit was approximately 4-5 weeks apart.

Here she shares the HOW TO:

Visit One: The guest arrived with grown out blonde with a brassy band at the dramatic line of demarcation. Barton used Paul Mitchell Lighten Up in a balayage technique to start breaking up the previous color. The hair was top coated and toned with PM Shines to further hydrate the hair and remove brassy tones.

Visit Two: The regrowth was refreshed with Dual Purpose Lightener and 20 volume developer. To the midshaft: Synchrolift Lightener and 30 vol ("this is still fairly virgin hair and the midshaft is farther out from the heat or warmth of the scalp.") For the last 10 minutes, the Dual Purpose was pulled through the ends adding Olaplex to the formula. The hair was then toned with Paul Mitchell PM Shines in a translucent blue-violet formulation.

Visit Three: The guest wanted a pastel fashion tone to last until the final platinum visit ("the guest needed a little fashion color to get her through!") Barton refreshed with Dual Purpose Lightener 20 volume, pulling the same lightener with 10 volume and Olaplex through to the ends the last 12-15 minutes. The hair was top coated with PM Shines in a clear formula with Violet and a drizzle of red Color Shots ("which become translucent and this nice baby violet pink when added to clear shines.")

Visit Four: Refresh with Dual Purpose Lightener 20 volume and pull through with Synchrolift Lightenr 30 volume and Olaplex. Top coat and tone with Paul Mitchell The Color Ultra Toners 2 parts UTP to 1 part ULA with 5 volume. Process for 15-20 minutes.

For Take Home products between each visit the guest used the Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde System and the Paul Mitchell Marula Oil Masque as a treatment. "Her hair is not compromised, beautiful, and shiny."

the finished and desired result

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