Whether your client’s craving a seasonal switch-up or a full-on 180, Matrix makes it happen without sacrificing strength, shine, or vibrancy. Thanks to bond-protecting technology built into every step, bold moves never mean broken strands.
Just ask content creator and color chameleon Mia Dio (@miiadio). With Matrix Brand Ambassador Miguel Gato (@migueldoeshair) behind the chair, she pulled off three major transformations—blonde, brunette, and red—without compromising on color or care.
“We’re infamous for making very drastic changes throughout the year,” says Gato. But with High Riser, Super Sync, and the rest of Matrix’s pre-bonded lineup in his kit, each statement-making look came out stunning and strong. As Dio puts it: “Thank you Matrix for keeping all the hair on my head!”
GET THE SPRING LOOK: Honey Beige Blonde
“I wanted to do something a little bit lighter, something to match [Mia’s] beautiful eyes,” says Gato. Just a year ago, Dio was rocking nearly black strands. Now? She’s fully basking in spring’s golden glow. “This color ate,” she says.
Step 1: Lighten
Weave out any previously lightened level 10 strands, then foiliage the back and side panels using High Riser Pre-Bonded and 20-Volume Developer. Next, babylight the hairline and mohawk panel using High Riser Pre-Bonded and 10-Volume Developer. “The lightener really allows me to highlight her hair freely without worrying about any damage,” says Gato.
Pro Tip: “It’s very important to use a bonder around the face because the hair is very fine,” says Gato.
Step 2: Root Shadow & Tone
Once lifted to a level 10, shadow the root with SoColor 7N and 10-Volume Developer for five minutes. Then, tone with Tonal Control 10AG + 10VA and equal parts [AK1] 10-Volume Developer for 10 minutes. “These toners are pre-bonded, so we’re getting that extra layer of protection every step of the way,” says Gato.
Step 3: Wash & Glow
Wash with Glow Mania Shampoo and condition strands with the Glazing Queen Mask for instant and long-lasting shine.
RECREATE THE SUMMER LOOK: Cocoa Beach Waves
While most clients go brighter and blonder for summer, Dio veered in a different direction—opting for a rich, dimensional brunette instead. “Hot girl summer has taken an unexpected turn,” says Dio.
Step 1: Lowlights
Start with half-inch sections at the nape, producing thick weaves for a bold effect. As you move up toward the crown, create quarter-inch sections and very thin weaves for a blended finish.
Step 2: Babylights
To camouflage grays, babylight the hairline with Light Master and 10-Volume Developer.
Pro Tip: “People usually have different angles in their hairline, and you want to follow those angles even if you have to do a million foils,” says Gato. “If you don’t get in every angle, you’re going to end up with dark spots.”
Step 3: Base & Toner
Apply Super Sync 6NN and 10-Volume Developer to the scalp and brush halfway down to melt. While the base is processing, apply Super Sync 8WN, 8G, 8M and 10-Volume Developer to the mid-shaft and ends before brushing everything together. “I can’t even think about covering gray without [Super Sync],” says Gato. “Not only is it extremely pigmented and always true to shade, but it’s also pre-bonded, so you get that extra layer of protection.”
Step 4: Wash & Strengthen
For stronger, smoother hair, reach for Instacure Build-A-Bond Shampoo and Conditioner. Gato says the Super Sealing Leave-In Balm is “mandatory before blow drying” because it offers heat protection up to 450° and 72 hours of frizz control.
RECREATE THE FALL LOOK: Cinnamon Brunette
As temperatures drop, turn up the warmth with an autumnal auburn that adds instant richness. “When I think of fall hair, this is it,” says Gato.
Step 1: Lowlights
Add lowlights by applying Super Sync 6N and 10-Volume Developer to quarter-inch sections. “I’m taking thick sections because I want [the color] to be pretty bold and dimensional,” says Gato. “As I move up, I minimize the size of the weaving.”
Step 2: Babylights
Blend away grays by popping in a few ultra-thin babylights using Light Master and 10-Volume Developer.
Step 3: Base & Toner
For the base color, apply Super Sync 6N and 10-Volume Developer, avoiding the hairline. Rinse and apply Super Sync 8CG and 8WN with 10-Volume Developer to tone. “[This combo] is going to give you a super warm, rich, and slightly copper vibe that’s not too orange,” says Gato.
Pro Tip: “I am busy as hell and I don’t have time to be waiting 45 minutes for [color] to process,” says Gato. “Super Sync will give you gray coverage in 20 minutes.”
Step 4: Wash & Style
Try Gato’s “go-to post-color system,” which includes Instacure Build-A-Bond Shampoo and Conditioner. “This will strengthen [Mia’s] hair and keep her on the right track, because honestly, who knows what we’re going to do next!” he says. Finish with Mega Sleek 96H Anti-Frizz Topcoat, a heat-activated smoothing serum that defies frizz for 96 hours. “It’s a must-have for Miami girlies,” says Gato.
