Matrix Celebrity Stylist, George Papanikolas (@georgepapanikolas) shares his go-to list of formulas that he’s created for the fall season with Matrix COLORINSIDER, a collection of ammonia-free permanent hair colors. One of the reasons George is such a fan of the collection is because his clients have become more conscious about the ingredients found in the products they use. "When I’m able to tell them I’m using color that’s free of ammonia and packed with healthy oils, they feel more comfortable,” he explains. Plus, COLORINSIDER preserves the hair fiber integrity for an even finish and covers up to 100% grays.
Below, George shares how to create the top four hair colors your clients will be asking for this fall.
STRAWBERRY BLONDE
After years of fighting warmth, some blondes are now embracing it in an intentional way, says Papanikolas. Strawberry Blonde is a youthful and flattering way to embrace a warmer tone. Beware of solid color when creating warm blonde looks," he advises. Natural red hair contains many highs and lows so be sure to include a variety of levels in your overall color design.
Products Used
20 Volume COLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Formulas
Base Color: Matrix COLORINSIDER 1/2 6N + 1/2 6A + 20-volume COLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Mid-lengths and ends: Matrix Color Sync 6AA + 10-Volume Developer
Balayage: Matrix Light Master + 40-Volume Universal Developer
Gloss: Matrix SoColor Sync Sheer Acidic Toner 1/2 Clear + 1/2 Sheer Nude +20-Volumne Universal Developer
Application
Apply the base color to the regrowth and refresh the rest of the strands with the mid-lengths formula, applying the color with a feathering technique down to the ends. Rinse, shampoo and dry the hair. Apply balayage highlights to create dimension. Process, remove the balayage formula and apply the gloss formula to the entire head. Process, shampoo and condition the hair.
HONEY BALAYAGE
“These honey-hued highlights are low maintenance because they aren’t icy cool,” Papanikolas explains. “For this look be sure to maintain lots of depth at the root so the grow-out is seamless.”
Products Used
20 Volume COLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Matrix SoColor Sync Sheer Acidic Toner
Formulas
Base Color: Matrix COLORINSIDER 1/2 6N + 1/2 6A + 20-volume COLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Mid-lengths and ends: Matrix Color Sync 6AA + 10-Volume Developer
Balayage: Matrix Light Master + 40-Volume Developer
Gloss: Matrix SoColor Sync Sheer Acidic Toner 1/2 Clear + 1/2 Sheer Nude + 20-Volumne Universal Developer
Application
Apply the base color to the regrowth and refresh the rest of the strands with the mid-lengths formula, applying the color with a feathering technique. Rinse, shampoo and dry the hair. Apply balayage highlights to create dimension. Process, remove the balayage formula and apply the gloss formula to the entire head. Process, shampoo and condition the hair.
TOFFEE BRONDE
Neutralize faded out summer highlights with a cool refresh. “Lowlights are a perfect solution for restoring richness and depth to blonde highlights that have gone off-tone,” suggests Papanikolas. “Focus the lowlight application on the mid-lengths for a natural-looking result.”
Products Used
20 Volume COLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Matrix SoColor Sync Sheer Acidic Toner
Formulas
Base color: Matrix COLORINSIDER 1/2 6N + 1/2 6A + 20-volumeCOLORINSIDER Oil-Cream Developer
Lowlights: Matrix SoColorSync 6AA + 10-Volume Developer
Gloss: Matrix SoColor Sync Sheer Acidic Toner 1/2 10V + 1/2 Clear + 20 Volume Universal Developer
Application
Apply the base color to the regrowth areas. While base color is processing, lowlight sections from the base color to the mid-lengths, omitting the ends. Process 35 minutes. Remove the base and lowlighting formulas. Apply the gloss to all strands, process for five minutes and remove.
