Redken Artist Ambassador Danilo Bozic introduces Halo Contouring Lights, Redken’s signature blonding technique. Designed to create perfect brightness around the hairline with soft, controlled dimension through the top; it will become your new go-to! The result is a bright, dimensional blonde with no harsh lines, giving clients the illusion of a subtle, glowing halo. Using Redken’s ultimate blonding toolkit—Blonde IQ 9+, Shades ALK, and Shades EQ—this technique balances lift, tone, and hair health for a polished, luminous finish.
Sectioning: Setting the Foundation
Precision sectioning is essential to achieving the halo effect. In the front section, create a triangle section, starting from the outer corner of each eyebrow, meeting at the center front. Make sure to separate the front from the back. For the top and sides, section from the high point of the head to the top of the ear on both sides. Lastly, for the back and nape, at the bottom of the occipital, take diagonal forward partings on each side. This creates a triangle in the nape and two center-part sections in the back.
Lightening Formula: Blonde IQ 9+
• 2 scoops (30 g) Blonde IQ 9+ Calibrated Anti-Brass Lightener
• 1.5 oz (45 ml) 20 Volume Pro-Oxide Oil Developer
Let the Brightness Begin: Lightening Application Technique
Start in the nape, beginning with the triangle section. Make sure to take fine horizontal slices.
Pro Tip:
Use a blow dryer to push shorter hairs away for cleaner application. Apply Blonde IQ 9+, saturating up to the root, leaving out any pre-lightened sections. For the back and sides, repeat the same technique using diagonal back sections through the back and sides. To achieve hairline brightness, keep foils closer together to enhance brightness around the face. As you move up the head, space foils further apart to maintain soft dimension on top. Moving to the fringe area, replicate the nape technique: using horizontal slices and working toward the center of the head. Process up to 50 minutes at room temperature, until the desired level of lift is achieved. Shampoo and dry the hair.
Toning Strategy: Highs and Lows with NEW Shades ALK + Shades EQ
To refine the blonde and add dimensional contrast, Danilo pairs NEW Shades ALK (alkaline demi-permanent) with Shades EQ (acidic demi-permanent). This combination creates balanced highs and lows while maintaining exceptional hair health.
Shades ALK Formula (Zone 1)
• 0.5 oz 6N Moroccan Sand
• 0.5 oz 6NA Granite
• 1.5 oz 10 Volume Pro-Oxide Cream Developer
Shades ALK Application
Section the hair into four quadrants. Starting in the back, take vertical sections. Apply the Shades ALK formula at the root, blending into zone two. In the fringe, lightly tap the root to maintain brightness around the face.
Shades EQ Formula (Zones 2 & 3)
• 0.5 oz 10N Delicate Natural
• 0.5 oz 10VG Baby
• 0.5 oz Caramel Cloud
• 1.5 oz Shades EQ Processing Solution
Shades EQ Application & Processing
Once zone one is complete, apply the Shades EQ formula through zones two and three. Process for 20 minutes at room temperature. Shampoo, condition, and style as desired.
The Final Result: Halo Contouring Lights
With new Shades ALK and Shades EQ, Danilo notes that he has “never seen hair look this healthy and vibrant after one service." Halo Contouring Lights delivers controlled brightness, seamless blending, and dimensional shine—proving that Redken offers a complete color system that supports both artistry and hair integrity.
