Brilliant Application Tips

Preliminary Strand Test

A strand test is always recommended prior to application, especially if the hair is porous or previously chemically treated with lighteners, permanent waves, chemical hair relaxers, or hair color. Mix a small amount of desired color with equal parts developer. Apply to a few selected strands. After 30 minutes, rinse and evaluate for accurate results.

Color application on relaxed hair:

Wait 2 weeks after the relaxer service before applying ion Color Brilliance™ permanent hair color.

  • Check hair and scalp before hair color service. Do not proceed if scalp shows signs of irritation. Check elasticity and porosity of hair.
  • Always strand test for accuracy.
  • When desired results are lighter than the natural hair color choose a shade 1-2 levels lighter to avoid over dark results on porous hair.
  • For same day relaxer or texturizer, use ion Color Brilliance™ Semi-Permanent hair color.

Tips for superior gray coverage:

  • Select an ion Color Brilliance™ hair color from a level 8 or darker.
  • Neutral (N) and Gold (G) bases will provide the best coverage.
  • When using an Ash (A), Violet (V) or Red-Violet (RV) shade on hair over 50% gray, mix with equal parts of an ion Color Brilliance™ Neutral (N) or Gold (G) shade of the same level.
  • Process for up to 45 minutes.
  • Apply color generously.

Create Color Perfection

Color Objective ion Crème Developer Processing Time
Tone on tone/deposit only or equal to client’s natural level 10 volume (3%) 25-35 minutes
Coverage of gray hair 20 volume (6%) 30-45 minutes
Up to 2 levels lighter than the natural level 20 volume (6%) 30-45 minutes
3 levels lighter than the natural level 30 volume (9%) 30-45 minutes
4-5 levels lighter than the natural level 40 volume (12%) 30-45 minutes

Application:

  • Using a non-metallic bowl or tint bottle, mix 2 oz. of ion Color Brilliance™ with 2 oz. ion Sensitive Scalp™ Crème Developer.
  • For High Lift Blondes mix 2 oz. of color with 4 oz. ion Sensitive Scalp™ Crème Developer.
  • Use a tint brush or tint bottle to apply the mixture to dry unwashed hair.
  • Refer to the insert included in hair color box for more detailed information.

Processing Time:

All instructions are based on average texture. If the hair is fine or coarse, adjustments should be made accordingly. Fine hair is much more receptive to hair coloring where coarse hair is not.

Application for Color Perfection

First time application when results will be lighter than the natural hair color:

  1. Divide the hair into 4 sections, from ear to ear and from center of forehead behind to the nape, passing across the top of the head.
  2. Make ¼" partings and apply the mixture on lengths and ends, starting 1" from the scalp.
  3. Process for 15 minutes.
  4. Apply remaining color to the scalp.
  5. Process for an additional 15-30 minutes or until the color is even.
  6. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo with appropriate ion© shampoo.

First time application when results will be the same level or darker than the natural hair color:

  1. Divide the hair into 4 sections, from ear to ear and from center of forehead behind to the nape, passing across the top of the head.
  2. Make ¼" partings and apply the mixture on lengths and ends.
  3. Comb through with a wide tooth comb for even distribution.
  4. Process for 30-45 minutes.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo with appropriate ion© shampoo.

New growth application:

  1. Divide the hair into 4 sections, from ear to ear and from center of forehead behind to the nape, passing across the top of the head.
  2. Make ¼" partings and apply the mixture to new growth area only.
  3. Start application where the hair has the highest percentage of gray/white, or where the highest lift is needed. Always apply the fine hair around the hairline last.
  4. Process 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes if necessary.
  5. If lengths and ends have faded, emulsify color through the ends and leave it on for an extra 10 minutes.
  6. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo with appropriate ion© shampoo.