This rich silver-red glazed with copper is a gorgeous and unusual hue that’s both earthy and fashion-forward. Mixing warm and cool reds produces a vibrant, yet muted effect. A scatter of highlights, peeking through the glaze, adds texture to the surface. The sophisticated result looks like a gemstone seen in dull light. Click the style notes to get the formulas and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply very thin foil highlights using formula 1 to the top surface of the hair. Place highlights so that they fall vertically, and space widely for a scattered effect. Between the highlights, apply formula 2 roots to ends. Process for 30 minutes, then shampoo and towel dry. Apply formula 3 all-over and process for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and condition.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 8K + 1 part 9KG with 40 Volume

2. Goldwell Topchic 2 parts 5RS + 1 part 6RR with 10 Volume

3. Goldwell Colorance 7KV with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Dark strands aglow with deep golden light have a lovely beachy quality. This look is best achieved by hand painting with color instead of lightening and toning. This technique will control the amount of lift, and fade less, so you don’t end up with blond tips over time. Using color also minimizes damage and keeps hair shiny. Learn more about creating this look, and get formulation recommendations, in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Application: Divide hair into four quadrants. Starting on the back, right side, take a 1” diagonal section and place it on a long foil. Brush the recommended formula onto the top surface using light, even tension and blending up in soft points to a few inches from the scalp, place another foil flat on top of the first one, isolating the section. Take down another section, parallel to the first and repeat. Continue through the remainder of the quadrant, then fold in edges of all foils. Replicate technique on remaining sections. Process for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition.

Formula (on natural level 6)

Goldwell Topchic 2 parts 8G + 1 part 7NA with 40 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Smokey tones tinged with pastel provide a new, dusky spectrum of shades. These colors are rich, soft, and mysterious. They’re a lovely contrast to light and bright summer ensembles and will pair beautifully with the richer hues of autumn and winter. To learn more about these dusky, delicate hues, click the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Temporary: You can achieve smokey pastels by applying hair chalk in pastel tones over dark blonde or light brown ash tones. Dampen hair only slightly to let the base shade peek through, muting the end result.

Permanent: Apply an ash shade with a small amount of vibrant pigment over pre-lightened blonde, or a mixture of high and low lights. Goldwell Elumen is a great color line for creating custom fashion shades. Try mixing AB@6 and/or AB@9 with your favorite shade for a dusky result.

Maintenance: Whether you chose a temporary or permanent color, always style with heat, a dryer or iron to seal the cuticles, protecting your shade. Both chalks and permanent color can be drying, so give your hair a weekly treatment with hair repair mask.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

This blonde takes after its namesake ingredient: decadent, creamy, and sophisticated. It’s bright, but not not quite platinum, with a flattering neutral hue that works on almost any skin tone. Subtly dimensional and incredibly shiny this delicious shade is sure to become a favorite. Read on for the formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply formula 1 as desired over the hair using foils; try back to back foils for a bold pattern, or single foils for a softer look. Slices should be used since the highlight is only slightly lighter than the base shade. Between the foils, working quickly, apply formula 2 to the 1/2” closest to the scalp, working cleanly in thin sections. Apply formula 3 to all remaining hair. Process for a full 45 minutes, shampoo and towel dry. Apply formula 4 and process for 5 minutes before rinsing and conditioning.

Formulas: (on natural level 7)

1: Goldwell Silk Lift with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic Highlift 2 parts 11N + 1 part 11P with 30 Volume

3: Goldwell Topchic Highlift 11N with 40 Volume

4: Golwell Colorance Express Toning 1 part 9 Creme + 1 part 10 Champagne with 1% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

One of the last flowers of the summer, marigolds take us out of the warm season with a bang. Their brightly colored, many petalled flowers in rich shades of red, orange, and gold, bring to mind fall foliage and the glow of the evening sun. To translate this feeling to the hair, deep copper and bright gold hues are layered with a vivid gloss of red for a sparkling, faceted result. Click the style notes for the technique and professional formulations. –– Laura Martin

Application: Divide hair into four quadrants for control. Apply formula 1 to roots all over the head. Beginning on right back quadrant, take a 1/2” horizontal section and apply formal 2, separate with a piece of saran wrap, take down another section and apply formula 3, repeat, alternating between formulas 2 and 3 through the entire head. Shampoo and towel dry. Apply formula 4, roots to ends and process for 10 minutes. Rinse and condition.

Formulas: (on natural level 7)

1: Goldwell Topchic 7K with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 7KG with 20 Volume

3: Goldwell Topchic 9KG with 30 Volume

4: Goldwell Colorance  1 part 7RO + 1 part Clear with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Supple and soft, distressed leather has a uniquely rugged luxuriousness that translates perfectly to hair. To achieve subtle variations within strands, a blend of khaki and caramel tones are combined with a rich chocolate base. Color melting provides a seamless blend between shades. Click the style notes to get the professional formulas and application for a gorgeous, luxe brown. –– Laura Martin

Application: Section off hair in a rectangle from the front hairline to the crown, tracing back just above the parietal ridge. Clip this section away. Divide remaining hair into 5-6 vertical sections, each slightly narrower than the width of a foil. Beginning at the bottom of one of the sections, take a thin horizontal slice and place it on a long foil. Paint formula 1 at the top of the section and formula 2 on the ends. Use a dry brush to blend colors in the center of the section. Cover with another foil and take down a parallel section immediately above. Paint with formula 3. On the third parallel section, invert placement from the first foil, placing formula 2 at the roots and formula one on the ends. Repeat through the remainder of the section and on the other vertical sections. Take down top section and saturate thoroughly with formula 3. Process 45 minutes before cleansing and conditioning.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 6B with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 3 parts 8A + 1 part Blonding Cream with 30 Volume

3: Goldwell Topchic 5BG with 10 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Layering dusty pink and flaxen shades provides a fresh take on the rose gold trend. This combination of colors works on any length and adds depth and dimension while maintaining brightness. They key to this look is layering the colors in thick sections to keep each tone distinct. Read on for application tips and recommended formulas. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply the colors using color blocking or hand painting, to maintain distinction between the shades while creating areas of blending. Because the pink shade is brighter it can easily overwhelm the softer gold tones and should be used on no more than a third of the hair. Two different formulas for each shade are provided below to maximize creative potential.

Formulas (on natural level 7)

Pale Gold: Goldwell Topchic Highlift 12BG with 30 Volume

Rich Gold: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 9G + 1 part 9GB with 30 Volume

Dusky Rose: Goldwell Topchic 10 parts 11SV + 1 part RR Mix With 40 Volume

Vivid Rose*: Goldwell Elumen 40 parts GB@9 + 10 parts KB@7 + 5 parts Pk@all

*Pre-lightening will produce a more vibrant tone.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

This pretty look, created by stylist Elysia Purnell, features bold details, shyly placed, creating a coy and surprisingly delicate look. A classic bob outline and clever color placement  minimize the high-contrast color and disconnection. Soft copper is contrasted by a rich violet placed in the naturally shadow of the roots. Short bangs and nape are softened by a classic a-line shape and side swept bang overlay. The result is funky, fashionable, and classic. Click the style notes for tips on recreating the look. –– Laura Martin

Step: Color roots with a deep, red violet like Goldwell’s 5VR, applying to the first inch of roots. Foil in some highlights with a gentle lifting formula like Goldwell Silk Lift. Apply a soft copper like Goldwell 6K to remaining hair, blending into violet base. Tone highlights with a soft copper like Goldwell 9KG.

Step: Section off hair at the occipital bone, clipping all other hair away. Cut the section using a tight graduating, to remove bulk and accentuate the head shape. Release the remaining hair and cut into a classic razor bob with a side swept bang. Finally, section off a small, wide triangle at the front hairline and cut in a blunt line an inch or two above the brows, leaving plenty of hair to create a veil.

Step: Mist all over with protective thickening lotion and dry smooth and straight using a round paddle brush. Add a dab of defining cream through ends to separate and polish.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

HairStyle By Elysia Purnell

We all know beautiful color we when see it, whether it’s vivid streaks or subtle sombre, some colors just work. But choosing your own pallet can be tough, and the wrong choices can lead to disappointing results.  Maybe you’ve asked for subtle highlights and ended up with color so understated you can barely see it, or maybe you’ve wanted bold pieces of blonde, but found the result shockingly garish. Whatever color trauma you’ve experienced in the past, knowing some basic rules about selecting complementary colors can help you pick successful pairings to ensure gorgeous future looks. Click the style notes to learn more. –– Laura Martin

For high-contrast looks, keep it all in the family. If you like to contrast light and dark, don’t go crazy with tone. Monochromatic looks will allow you to play with dramatically different levels.

For natural highlights, use contrasting tones. If you like to keep things subtle with highlights that are only a shade of two lighter than your base color you need to use a contrasting tone or the lighter bits will disappear. Ash brown with caramel, cool red with copper, or chocolate with cool beige are great examples.

Never use more than 3 highlight colors. No matter how much you love dimension more than three shades will only look busy or m

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Bright red with creamy peach highlights creates a decadent and surprisingly soft blend of hues. This color combination works best on short cuts where it’s easy to place the lighter pieces along the top of the head in natural reflection points. Using pastels as shine-enhancing highlights is a subtle and beautiful way to incorporate these trending shades. Click the style notes for the professional formulas and tips on applying them. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply formula 1 in back-to-back foils through a square or triangular section across the top or front of the hair. Add a few more scattered foils through the remainder of the top section and/or along the front for added sparkle. Gently pull foils slightly away from the scalp. Apply formula 2 to all remaining hair, including the root area of foiled sections. Process at least 30 minutes or until all foiled areas have lifted to an even level 10. Rinse hair between foils first then remove foils and rinse again. Tone with formula three for 5-10 minutes.

Formulas (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Silk Lift with 10 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 5RS + 1 part 6RR with 20 Volume

3: Goldwell Colorance 3 parts 10BB + 1 part 7PK

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

The macadamia is often used in sweet confections for its light yet buttery taste and soft warm color. Applying its hue to strands lends an understated, earthy decadence. Though the shade appears golden there’s very little yellow, instead khaki tones are blended with a touch of copper and brightened with ribbons of cream. Click the style notes for the formulas and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Section out a horseshoe of hair from the top of the head, including a few inches on either side of the part and the crown. Twist into a bun and clip. Below this section apply formula 1 in well-spaced slices, with the great concentration of foils closest to the face. While the highlights are processing apply formula 2 to the root area and formula 3 to the remaining hair. When application is complete, time for 30 minutes. Shampoo and towel dry. Tone with formula 4 for 5-10 minutes.

Formuals: (on natural level 7)

1: Goldwell Oxycur Platin with 10 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 8A + 2 parts 8NA + 1 part 8KN with 20 Volume

3: Goldwell Topchic 3 parts 8NA + 1 part 8KN with 30 Volume

4: Goldwell Colorance 10N with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Nutty hues carry a delicate richness that exudes healthful beauty, like this light cool brown. The primary tone here is a cool brown, but the ashy base is balanced with a topaz reflection. The rich neutral shade goes with a variety of skin tones and eye colors. Click the style notes for application tips and the professional formula. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply formula 1 to roots, saturating throughly. Blouse hair at the scalp to prevent body heat from affecting the warmth of the formula. Pull formula 2 through the rest of the hair. Process complete application for 30 minutes, then cleanse and condition.

Formulas (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 6NP + 1 part 6A + 1 part 7BG with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 6NP + 1 Part 7BG with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

After many years of living in New York, where the palette tends toward cool neutrals, I’m very appreciative of the way southerners wear color. Southern women love bright printed dresses, jewel-toned footwear, and vibrant lipstick. The pastel hair trend is big here, but it takes on a softer, more genteel vibe. Instead of seeing full heads of vivd hues, the tones are blended into natural base tones in pretty highlights, for a bright look that feels feminine, not punk. You don’t have to be a southern belle to wear this trend, just click the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Step: Ask your stylist for hand painted highlights with a gentle lightener like Goldwell Silk Lift. Highlights should begin a few inches from roots for contrast and to prevent a stripy effect.

Step: Tone highlights with a customized, pastel formula of Goldwell Elumen for vibrant, shiny, long-lasting tone.

Step: Protect your new shade and add moisture to strands with shine luxe shampoo and conditioner. Apply protective thickening lotion before styling to protect hair from heat and block UV rays.

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Purple and Gold are rich hues associated with royalty and they’re stunning together. Violet and yellow sit directly opposite each other on the painter’s color wheel, making them complimentary hues. When paired they magnify each other. If you were painting, the areas where these colors mixed would produce brown, but in hair color, mixing these two shades correctly produces red. That’s because hair color operates on the additive, not subtractive, color wheel, which uses light, not pigment. All you really need to know is that it works and the results are stunning. Click the style notes for formulas and tips to achieving this complementary blend. –– Laura Martin

Application: Whether using foils or hand painting a two-step process is best for achieving this look. Begin by applying one of the violet formulas below roots to ends, saturating thoroughly. The demi-permanent color will provide coverage and shine and is easier to lift than permanent colors. Process, rinse, condition and dry hair. Lighten hair in foils or with hand painting, using Silk Lift or Oxycur Platin, to a level 8 or 9 and shampoo. Tone with the one of the gold formulas for 5-10 minutes.

Formulas: 

(on natural level 6)

Red-Violet: Goldwell Colorance 2 part 6RB + 1 part 6VV with 2% Lotion

Dark-Violet: Goldwell Colorance 4V with 2% Lotion

(on pre-lightened 8 or 9)

Pale Gold: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 9G + 1part 9GB with 2% Lotion

Red-Gold: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 8G + 1 part 9KG + 1 part 7KV with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Watermelon is a lovely hue that feels both pink and red, warm and cool. It looks as good as a watermelon tastes, one of the brightest, punchiest colors in nature. Replicating the shade in hair requires a mixture of scarlet and magenta hues painted over a blonde base. This shade is a perfect way to celebrate the last days of summer. Learn how to achieve it in the style notes. –– Laura Martin

Application: To achieve the bright, soft pinky-coral start by lifting hair with a gentle lightener like Goldwell Silk Lift. Lighten to level 8, shampoo and dry hair. Apply formula 1 to roots, and alternate formulas 2 and 3 in panels or blocks throughout the rest of the hair. Use formula 3 for no more than 1/3 of the head to keep result from going too copper. Process, rinse and condition.

Formulas: (on pre-lightened level 8)

1: Goldwell Colorance 7PK with 2% Lotion

2: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 8OR + 1 part 6VV with 2% Lotion

3: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 700 + 1 part 8OR with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Raw sweet potatoes are an unimpressive coral shade, but roasting the tubers and adding a dash of spice transforms their pale flesh into a lovely, earthy orange that’s perfect for the upcoming season. If you’re already craving suede boots and sweaters, this rich hue is the perfect thing to tide you over. Read on for the formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Step: With red shades, hot roots are a common problem. Using a slightly less vibrant formulation paired with a lower volume developer ensures an even shade from root to tip. Apply the root formula to the 1/2” closest to the scalp and follow immediately with the ends formula, applying to all remaining hair. Process for a full 30 minutes after application is complete before cleansing and conditioning.

Formulas: (on natural level 6)

Roots: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 6KG + 1 part 6K with 20 Volume

Ends: Goldwell Topchic 2 parts 6KG + 1 part 6K + 1 part KK mix with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Concrete gray tinged with bits of taupe, cream, and gold takes on the silver hair trend in an understated way. This blonde shade is fashionable, but wearable, with more pigment than many platinum hues. The dimensional result is achieved by mixing a variety of toners. The result is a cool, dulled iridescence that looks both edgy and elegant. Click the style notes for the professional formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Begin by lightening hair to an even level 9 (light yellow) with Goldwell Silk lift mixed with 10 Volume. If working on virgin hair, or  more than 2 months regrowth, apply lightener using a virgin application. Shampoo, condition and rough dry to remove moisture. Apply the formula below to tone and process for 5-15 minutes, until desired color is achieved. The formula uses permanent dye molecules which deposit deeply into the strand, but the diluted developer won’t damage hair, and provides a sheer, toner-like effect.

Formula (on pre-lightened level 9)

Goldwell Topchic (1part 9GB + 1 part 9NA + 1 Pat 10P) mixed with equal parts water and 20 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

This color is adapted from the rose-gold hues that were popular this summer. By deepening and brightening the shade slightly, it can be easily transitioned into fall. This color has a much stronger golden base than the peachy version that reigned this summer, giving it a metallic luster and rich tone reminiscent of sunsets. Read on for the formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: Apply formula 1 at roots for slight depth and to prevent brassiness. Immediately pull formula 2 through mid-lengths and ends, saturating thoroughly. Be aware that because formula 2 is a high lift blonde it may expand slightly, so feather in lightly where it meets the root color. Process for 45 minutes, then cleanse and condition. If desired, apply formula 3 to an interior panel for a pop of brightness.

Formulas (on naturel level 7)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 9GB + 1 part 8B with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic Highlift 2 parts 11G + 1 part GG mix with 30 Volume

3: Goldwell Elumen 3 parts Clear + 1 part YY@all

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Some like it bright and this rich scarlet hue is sure to satisfy. Bold and lush like it’s namesake fruit, this saturated shade has just enough copper undertone to keep the shade from looking pinkish. The touch of warmth in the color helps it last longer and look shinier than cool red shades. Click the style notes for the professional formula and tips on application. –– Laura Martin

Application: For even vibrancy without diluting color at the root use a lower developer at the root area, as shown in formula 1. Apply to the 1/2” closest to the scalp, using 1/4” subsections for a clean, even saturation. Apply formula 2 to the remaining hair, following the same sectioning pattern as was sued for the roots. Process thirty minutes, shampoo and condition with color save, and don’t wash again for at least 48 hours.

Formulas (on natural level 6)

1: Goldwell Topchic 1 part 7OO + 1 part 6RR with 20 Volume

2: Goldwell Topchic  1 part 7OO + 1 part 6RR with 30 Volume

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Transitioning back to a more a natural hue from a bright platinum can be a shocking experience. Compared to sunny blonde, brunette shades can feel harsh and severe. But this soft barely-brown hue, with plenty of warm undertones is the perfect shade for the recently blonde. Click the style notes for the professional formulation. –Laura Martin 

Application: Shampoo and towel dry hair. Apply the filler formula, using moderate saturation, to all previously lightened areas. Apply the color formula directly on top of the filler, saturating hair very throughly. Process for 30 minutes, then rinse and condition.

Formulas (on previously lightened 9 or 10)

Filler: Goldwell Colorance 1 part 9G + 3 parts water

Color: Goldwell Colorance 1part 7G + 1 part 7B with 2% Lotion

Special thanks to Laura Martin for this post. Laura is a professional hair stylist, former senior educator at ARROJO cosmetology school, and a creative non-fiction MFA student at Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA