Here you will find out how to get a rich, dimensional brunette that’s full of life without making it complicated.
In this video, watch as Artistic Director for Kenra Color creates a multi-dimensional brunette hair color that is balanced, rich, and in a fast and easy process!
Step 1: Start with a solid base
We’re talking 5N + 5B mixed with 9 volume developer (1:1.5 ratio). Apply it about 2 inches down from the roots. Why? Because this melts the color in, adds depth, and controls warmth. Don’t skimp here — saturation is key. Press that color in. Seriously, if you’re light-handed, you’re gonna end up patchy and doing extra work later.
Step 2: Vertical sections are your friend
Work from back to front in vertical sections. Keep the face frame lighter if you want it to pop. This also helps avoid getting color on the face or ears. And trust me, it keeps your application clean.
Step 3: Foils with conditioner = magic
Next, we’re gonna highlight without using bleach. Take the pieces you wanna stay bright and isolate them using conditioner in foils. Don’t worry about perfect shapes — it’s conditioner, not lightener. This is how you keep dimension while going darker. Alternate teasing and no-teasing to diffuse brightness and balance the color. Big sections, even placement, easy.
Step 4: Pull-through melt
Now here’s where it gets fun. Take a 6B mix (5B + 7B, 1:2 with 9 volume) and melt it from the base down through mid-lengths. This smooths out transitions, makes everything blend, and keeps it rich and dimensional. Use your fingers to really press it through the teased sections — that tease is gonna drop down as depth, so don’t slack on it.
Step 5: Finish with a gloss
After processing and shampooing, hit it with a gloss (7NA + 8B). This controls any leftover warmth and makes the color story cohesive. Don’t overthink it — just go over the hair and let it work its magic for 10–15 minutes.
Recap: Simple, smart, effective
- Base first (5N + 5B)
- Foils with conditioner for dimension
- Pull-through melt (5B + 7B)
- All-over gloss (7NA + 8B)
Boom. That’s it. You get a rich brunette that’s dimensional, soft, and gorgeous — no flatness, no fuss, just good color that wows.
Honestly, the key is working smarter, not harder. Press that color in, section carefully, use your foils strategically, and don’t skip the gloss. Your clients will leave happy, your chair will be efficient, and you’ll look like a pro.
Quick Guide
Step 1: Lay Down a Solid Base
We’re talking 5N + 5B with 9 volume developer, 1:1.5 ratio. Apply it about 2 inches down from the roots.
Why this works:
- Adds depth
- Controls warmth
- Keeps your application smooth and even
💡 Tip from the chair: Press that color in HARD. Light applications = patchy hair = extra work later. Don’t be lazy here.
Step 2: Vertical Sections Are Your BFF
Work back to front in vertical sections. Keep the face frame lighter if you want it to pop.
Why vertical?
- Cleaner application
- Prevents color on face/ears
- Hair stays out of the way
💡 Quick hack: Less is more near the face — you can always drop the color lower later.
Step 3: Foils with Conditioner = Magic
We’re highlighting without bleach! Pick the strands you want to stay bright and foil them with conditioner.
- No need to be perfect — conditioner is forgiving
- Alternate teasing/no-teasing to balance brightness
- Big, even sections keep everything cohesive
💡 Pro tip: Use existing highlights as a guide — no over-foiling!
Step 4: Pull-Through Melt
Take a 6B mix (5B + 7B, 1:2 with 9 volume) and melt it from the base through mid-lengths.
Why this is key:
- Smooth transitions
- Maintains rich depth
- Keeps dimensional highlights popping
💡 Do this: Use your fingers to press color through teased sections — that tease drops down as soft depth later.
Step 5: Finish with a Gloss
After shampooing, hit the hair with 7NA + 8B gloss.
- Controls warmth
- Refines tone
- Keeps the color story cohesive
⏰ Let it sit 10–15 mins, and you’re golden.
Quick Recap
- Base first: 5N + 5B
- Foils with conditioner for dimension
- Pull-through melt: 5B + 7B
- All-over gloss: 7NA + 8B
💡 Final Tip: Work smarter, not harder. Section carefully, press color in, don’t over-foil, and your clients will LOVE it.
Boom. Rich, dimensional brunette that’s soft, gorgeous, and far from flat.
