Transformation Tuesday: Shoulder Length to Long Balayage Layers

In this Transformation Tuesday, Taylor Boren, (@tbhairandmakeup) DreamCatchers Educator, helped her client Jocheal feel like herself again. “Jocheal recently had some difficult medical problems that put her into a funk,” says Boren. “She wasn’t at her best and felt a little unmotivated.” At TB Hair and Makeup, in Temecula, CA, Boren got to work giving Jocheal the length and level of lightness she craved, instantly boosting her mood.

The Client: Jochael, Boren’s regular customer, always liked to change up her look. She used to be known for her vibrant, red hair color. Then she let it grow out and cut off all the red color. 

The Goal: At this appointment, Jochael was looking to recreate her “high school hair”—something softer, longer and brighter. Boren wanted to give Jochael a look that felt summery, but was still low maintenance. 

The Cut: Boren used a point-cutting technique to cut Jocheal’s natural hair with texturizing shears on a slight diagonal. This softened the heavy weight line. Then Boren did an extension cut—which is essential for a natural-looking, face-flattering finish. Boren cut the extensions dry, using a feather razor to create soft movement in the layers, while keeping weight in the perimeter. 

The Color: To achieve the soft, balayage look Jocheal requested, Boren started on a natural, level 3 canvas. “I used foiled babylights, alternating with a freehanded babylight, to create the best possible blend, while also keeping the color low-maintenance,” says Boren. “I started in the front, to give brightness to the hairline, using Joico Free Play Clay Lightener with 20vol in diagonal backwards sections. I used elevation when applying the lightener, so it didn't leave any harsh lines.” The team then rinsed with Fanola No Yellow shampoo and then toned with Joico Lumishine 9NWB and 8A. “To give Jocheal the length she wanted, we used DreamCatchers I-Tip and Tape extensions, with a total of eight bundles and six different colors. Tape extension colors: the new 2/6 blend, 04. I-tip colors: 2/6 blend, 05, 06, Om1, 7/11 blend. 

The Style: Boren used Amika styling products to give Jocheal’s new hair shine and texture. “I applied Amika Bombshell Blowout spray and the Perfect Body Whipped Mousse for added volume,” says Boren. “Then, finishing off with her beach waves, I used the Shield Style Extending Spray and some Undone Texture Spray.” 

The Reaction: When Jochael had a look in the mirror, she got a little teary. After she composed herself, the first thing she said was, “Wow. Just wow. I can’t even believe how good it looks. I look amazing and feel like myself again.” Boren couldn’t stop smiling. “That was the confidence boost she needed. That’s why we do hair.”

Photography and Hair: Taylor Boren


Have an amazing salon makeover that you’d like to be considered for our online Transformation Tuesday column? Please email our Executive Editor, Andrea Dawn Clark, at: [email protected]. Tell us about each element of the makeover—the client, the goal, the cut, the color, the style and the reaction—and send a Wetransfer, Dropbox or Google Drive link with your high-res before and after photos. Use "Transformation Tuesday" as your email subject. We’d love to hear from you and share your makeover magic!