If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably noticed that blonde hair right now has a brand new glow. The “Luminous Blonde” is all about that bright, high-shine, pearlescent finish that looks like it’s reflecting a permanent spotlight. Matrix Artist, Rachel Graham (@rachelgrahamhair) created the Luminous Blonde look with her new backbar essential, BlondeMax9+ Lightener.
Graham chose this brightening system—there is a special calibrated dedicated developer—for its oil-powered formula, which achieves a purer, even, clear lift across all hair textures. Beyond its high-speed nine levels of lift, Graham loves the luxurious creamy, no-swell consistency that allows for precision during application.
The secret to the Luminous Blonde glow lies in the science of the oil-powered technology. The oil in BlondeMax 9+ acts as a vehicle, driving lightning actives directly into the cortex to fragment both eumelanin and pheomelanin. By effectively targeting the pheomelanin (the culprit behind unwanted warmth), the system reduces internal interference. This allows light to travel through the hair fiber effortlessly, delivering a lift that isn’t just bright, but incredibly even and free of brassy undertones.
As seen in her process, Graham opted for a full foil to achieve the Luminous Blonde with a beautiful balayage on the ends. Please see the recommended mixing ratios below:
- For balayage/free hand, Matrix recommends a mixing ratio of 1:1 (20V or 30V Developer)
- For highlights in foils or meche, Matrix recommends a mixing ratio of 1:1.5 (20V or 30V Developer)
- For on-scalp applications, Matrix recommends a mixing ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 (20V Developer max)
Here is Rachel’s formula to achieve the look:
Highlights: 1:1.5 BlondeMax 9+ powder + 20 Vol BlondeMax 9+ developer
Toner: Super Sync 10V + Super Sync 10N + 10 Vol Matrix Cream Developer
