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Color Neutralization
Bartłomiej Lacz51minShort

Color Neutralization

A neutralization course for hairdressers who want to avoid flat, "muddy" blondes. See how to add warm pigments to a cool mix to achieve a luminous, multi-dimensional color.

About the course

Color neutralization is the process of correcting unwanted tones, which often ends up flat, "muddy," or with a greenish cast. This course shows you how to work with intention on hair with uneven pigment - where copper tones mix with ashy, washed-out strands from previous lightening. You'll see how to add warm pigments to a cool neutralizing mix to achieve a clean, luminous, multi-dimensional blonde that looks natural and expensive.

Bartłomiej Lacz guides you through the full transformation process step by step: from diagnosing the starting color, through creating two separate demi-permanent mixes (one for the root, one for the lengths), to the final application. The course shows in detail how to build depth at the root using a cooler shade at level 7, then seamlessly blend it with a lighter, modified mix on the lengths. A key element is the finger-melting technique for colors, which guarantees an invisible transition and avoids patchiness or harsh lines.

In this course, you'll see

  • Why adding chocolate-gold pigments to a cool neutralizing mix is the key to avoiding "muddy" color and achieving luminosity
  • Working with two separate mixes: a cooler, darker one at the root for building depth, and a lighter one on the lengths for lightness
  • An application technique with cross-sectioning, starting intentionally from the back of the head rather than the front
  • The "melting" method of stretching color with your fingers to create a smooth, natural transition between the root shade and the lengths
  • The practical application of demi-permanent color (Igora Vibrance) and why it's a safer choice for color corrections
  • How to adjust section thickness to hair density in different zones of the head - from fine strands at the back to thicker ones at the temples
  • An explanation of how the color wheel and the physics of light translate into salon practice - why warm tones reflect more light

After watching this course, you'll stop fearing neutralization on hair with mixed tones. You'll gain confidence in creating formulas that deliver predictable, clean, luminous results, and the seamless-blend application technique will become your go-to tool for creating natural-looking, multi-dimensional color that clients love.

What you will learn

  1. 01Why you should add warm pigments to a cool neutralizing mix.
  2. 02How to work with two mixes to build depth at the root.
  3. 03How to seamlessly blend colors with your fingers to avoid patchiness and harsh lines.
  4. 04How to apply color using cross-sectioning for clean, controlled work.
  5. 05How to diagnose uneven color with copper and ashy strands.
  6. 06When to avoid pure ash on lightened hair to prevent a muddy effect.

Before you start

This course assumes you already have:

What's inside

Full access with the course
  1. Color Neutralization - Problem: Neutralizing Copper and Blonde4:08

    01Problem: Neutralizing Copper and Blonde

    How will ash behave on hair that's been lightened before? Well, it will behave pretty intensely.

  2. Color Neutralization - Adding Warmth to a Cool Mix7:19

    02Adding Warmth to a Cool Mix

    I need that warmth in the neutralizing mix so this color has more depth and looks natural.

  3. Color Neutralization - Where to Start the Color Application?10:58

    03Where to Start the Color Application?

    It's important that we start working where we need the greatest depth of color.

  4. Color Neutralization - Painting the Parting Strand by Strand20:30

    04Painting the Parting Strand by Strand

    Each time I pull out a strand, I paint the parting strand by strand.

  5. Color Neutralization - The Color Wheel - The Key to Solving Problems24:18

    05The Color Wheel - The Key to Solving Problems

    In a situation like this, that basic knowledge of the color wheel will always be the key.

  6. Color Neutralization - Why Add Gold to Blonde?29:42

    06Why Add Gold to Blonde?

    When toning blonde hair, even when it's quite yellow, you add a touch of gold.

  7. Color Neutralization - Working the Color Blend Thoroughly Is Key36:52

    07Working the Color Blend Thoroughly Is Key

    Don't just leave the product as is. Remember, it needs to be worked through and blended with the rest.

  8. Color Neutralization - Warning: Don't Use Aluminum Foil42:44

    08Warning: Don't Use Aluminum Foil

    Heating up the chemical mix can affect the final color result.

FAQ

Will this technique work on hair with uneven pigment?
Yes, the course shows work on hair where copper tones mix with washed-out, ashy strands from previous lightening. The technique is designed to even out this kind of uneven pigment and achieve a consistent, multi-dimensional blonde.
My problem is 'muddy' or greenish blondes after neutralization. Will this course help me?
Absolutely. The main goal of this course is to show you how to avoid a flat, 'muddy,' or greenish effect. The key is intentionally adding warm, chocolate-gold pigments to a cool neutralizing mix, which ensures luminosity.
Which colors does the educator use in this course?
Bartłomiej Lacz works with Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance demi-permanent color. He uses two separate mixes: a cooler one for the root and a modified one for the lengths, to which he adds warm pigments.
Does the course cover only theory, or the full step-by-step application as well?
The course is fully practical and shows the entire process step by step. You'll see precise application with cross-sectioning, applying two different mixes, and the finger-melting technique for a seamless transition.
Is this course for beginners or advanced hairdressers?
This course is perfect for hairdressers who already know the basics of coloring but want to refine their neutralization techniques. Bartłomiej explains advanced concepts, like adding warmth to cool mixes, to avoid unwanted, flat results.
How long is this video course?
The entire video runs 50 minutes. It covers the full process - from diagnosis and mix preparation, through step-by-step application, to the presentation of the final result.

Details

Duration
51min
Season
Season 2
Hair length
Short

Educator

More courses
Bartłomiej Lacz

Bartłomiej Lacz

Educator · 5 courses

Schwarzkopf Professional expert and co-founder of Akademia Mąż Fryzjerki, specializing in color techniques. His educational philosophy is that hairdressing knowledge doesn't have to be complicated if it's explained well. That's why in his courses he breaks down complex processes into first principles, covering the fundamentals - from the color wheel to precise diagnosis and client consultation.

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