The Glowing Melon

A popular look from this years graduation has been getting a lot of attention.

Created by Ashley Snelling, a current student at the International Institute of Cosmetology, this look was portrayed in the Wella Color Create segment led by Renato VanDine a Wella master colorist/stylist. Below Snelling elaborates on the look, her inspiration, and how she achieved this rainbow do.

"My inspiration for this hair color design was a prism reflecting light into a rainbow. Ever since I was a kid, I have had crystals hanging by my window. When the sun shines in at just the right time, it reflects hundreds of little dancing rainbows onto the walls. I love hearing what my color design makes people think of before I tell them what my inspiration was. Everyone interprets art differently, and mine is no different. When looking at my work, specifically this design, some may be reminded of Lisa Frank, Pride, galaxies, and I'm sure more- the possibilities are endless! Different experiences in ones life reflects how they understand certain pieces of art. When I look at this design, I see how far my color designs have progressed. I combined many techniques such as what I've learned from class with the help of my educator Ms. Carly, as well as the techniques I've seen on Instagram."

To create this design:

1. Lighten the hair to at least a level 8.

2. Section the front from the back with a middle part.

3. Mix together ultra purple and pure violet in Wella Color Fresh Create 1:1.

4. Starting at the back nape apply the purple section by section working up.

5. When you reach about an inch left use a foil to start your first rainbow piece, apply and blend each color in the pattern you desire. (I used the pattern high magenta, uber gold, uber gold with a little bit of magenta mixed, future yellow mixed with a little bit of new blue, new blue, then ultra purple.)

6. Depending on the length of hair you may need to repeat the pattern two or three times.

7. After the first rainbow foil, leave a recession of purple in between.

8. Apply another rainbow foil.

9. Leave a thin slice of purple for the last piece on top.

10. Repeat the same for the sides using slight diagonal back sections.

11. Process for at least 20 minutes, rinse with cold water. No shampoo.

See below pictures of Ashley's creation.
Picture Credit: Sean Fowler

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Omar Antonio is a Sebastian Professional International Platform Artist however, he is much more than his title. He is a widely appreciated and humble mentor believing in the philosophy to pay it forward handed down to him by his mentor Fabio Sementilli. Regardless of how far he has traveled and the amazing opportunities he’s had, he still manages to find time to help mentor our students.

His educating style worked really well with the IIC students and left them wanting to learn more. He takes what our artists create and helps them see their concept in a different light. Omar says, to look at the silhouette (shadow) of their design which can be seen on a wall and asks, "what does the silhouette represent? Does it achieve the look you were looking to create?" This allows future stylists to step out of their comfort zone and see their vision from a different point of view.

In the past, Omar has put on a magical performance for our annual graduation, providing students hope for the future and great advice. Our experience with Omar during our 2016 graduation left such a strong mark on our minds, we continued to follow all he had taught us. Two years later, and Omar is back! After seeing his recent avant-garde hair dress in Japan, the IIC team asked our students to replicate Omar’s concept of "hair as art" to bring to this years graduation. We are thrilled to debut the students creations. Through his innovation, his work has continued to flourish every growing day.

Omar’s partner Renato VanDine, is a Wella portfolio artist who will also be taking the stage at this years graduation, leading the Wella Color Create segment. His concept of creativity goes beyond just color. He looks at his models holistically, from the vision they plan on creating, to the shape of the hair, to the facial features, nothing goes undefined in his eyes. Renato’s non traditional format gives the students an opportunity to see things differently, it’s about the whole look and how it all works together. No piece is more important than the other. Omar and Renato are the perfect examples of how learning doesn’t have to come from a a textbook, it can be free flowing, beautiful, and always coming from new thoughts of mind. As educators and mentors, we all take pride in knowing we are helping create the next generation of cosmetologists.

Check out the video below to see Omar in action backstage at our 2016 graduation

Backstage with Omar Antonio

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Want to know a secret? Behind every great blonde is a great stylist keeping those locks bright, bold, and beautiful. Many of you may not realize just how much time and effort goes into the process of going blonde/maintaining it. Pictured below is a model that went platinum blonde, the look was created by Wella Brand Ambassador, Kyle Bizinha, who has recently taught bridal looks at International Institute of Cosmetoloy .

Details are key in creating the perfect blonde look for yourself. For instance, a good stylist will keep your specific hair in mind and make sure it also compliments your features. Skin tone, eye color, eye brow color, and face shape all play a role in customizing the right blonde for you. Therefore, planning a consultation with your stylist prior to actually having your hair done will help tremendously.

It is also important to know that a stylist is always trying to maintain the integrity of your hair. Since going blonde means bleaching it, some stylists might suggest going through the process gradually over the course of a couple of months. However, depending on your base color some people may be able to go in for only one appointment. Remember, everyone’s hair is different and must be treated accordingly. Going blonde may have its highs and lows, but when you buckle down and do it the right way with a great stylist, and a little patience, you’ll achieve the perfect look.

@kyle_colors_hair

Stylist notes on how to achieve this look:

-This look took 5 hours to achieve, it is important to know you’re not only paying for the products and service but also the stylists time. Therefore, getting the look you want in one sitting can be pricey.
-The model came in with 3 inches of regrowth. The stylist applied soft blonde lightener with 30 vol & WellaPlex in a mid band application and once he achieved an undertone of a level 7 / 8 he applied soft blonde lightener with 20 vol & WellaPlex to the models roots and processed that for 50 minutes. The last 5 minutes of her root lightening he took soft blonde lightener & 1.9 % developer with water and shampoo and ran it through the ends.
-For the toner the stylist applied a pre-toner of color touch 10/6 and a pinch of special mix /68 with 13 vol due to her coarse hair texture and processed that for 15 minutes.
-After that he went back in with illumina 10/69 starting at the newly lightened hair and processed that for 15 minutes before running it through the ends and finally processed everything all together for 35 minutes. The stylist post treated and conditioned with Wella Fusionplex. Final cost for full service was $300.00
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Would you rather spend money on a great pair of jeans that are more expensive but fit you perfectly, or cheaper low quality jeans that will do the job for a few hours but will eventually sag and feel uncomfortable by the end of the day? It’s the same situation with your hair, would you rather go to the cheapest salon you can find and end up crying in your car once you’ve left? Or, invest some time/money looking to find a great stylist that can bring your dream look to life? In the end you’ll see the price was worth it.

Click on the link below to see a video of the full look!

Platinum Blonde Look