How To's Archives | Wonderful Brands

Discover all the back issues of our company magazine full of education, inspiration and ideas to get you excited and help you grow your hair business. Simply click on each picture below to view the digital copy and look out for new print editions in your Wonderful Brands orders.

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What a weekend!

ELEVEN Australia has just spent the weekend at Salon International. If you did not manage to catch up with us a Salon International this weekend don’t fear we will share everything that you missed for this action-packed weekend.

This year ELEVEN Australia COLOUR was at the Hairdressers Journal Colour stage area for 3 days, sharing inspiration, colour formulas, techniques and our newly launched Permanent Colour.

Read more to discover who was on stage and learn about the beautiful colour work they produced.

Saturday

Kicking off the weekend on the Saturday were our amazing ELEVEN Australia Educators Josh Lee, Zoe Rees and Pam Cooney.

First up was Josh Lee, an ELEVEN Australia Educator from Cardiff sharing his foilage technique and creating a beautiful lived-in blonde using 9 Levels Lightener with 6% / 20 Vol and toned with 9VM / 9.35 + 2% activator.

Next up was Zoe Rees ELEVEN Australia Educator from Bliss Hair Therapy Birmingham who created the most beautiful blonde without using a lightener.

This soft, beige blonde was created using our NEW Ultra High Lift Blonde in the ELEVEN Australia Permanent range – 11.20 / 11.VA + 30 Vol / 9%. Zoe also added in some foils for depth using 7NG / 7.03 + 2% in the liquid Demi Permanent range. There was no root tap or toner used to create the look. Zoe added that sometimes as colourists we are far too quick to reach for the powder lighter, using the ELEVEN Australia Ultra High Lift blondes you can achieve the results and it is a really nice alternative to lift and tone.

The final ELEVEN Australia Educator of the day was Pam Cooney from Clay Salon in Birmingham, Pam stole the afternoon at the show with this breathtaking Copper using the ELEVEN Australia Permanent range. The kaleidoscope of copper seamlessly blended into beautiful pale butterscotch which revealed hidden copper gems as it moved.

Pam started the process by mapping out her colour placement by analysing the natural base and sectioning the hair to allow her to transition from one tone to another easily.

Global root application 6.4 / 6.C & 6% 20 Vol
Colour blocking in the nape of the neck, 6.4 / 6C + 6% /20 Vol
Ocipital Bone to below the crown 6.4 / 6C + Orange Concentrate + 6% / 20 vol
Crown 6.4 / 6C + Gold Concentrate + 6% / 20 Vol
Top of the head 7.44 / 7CC + Orange concentrate + 9% / 30 Vol
FaceFrame 8.56 / 8.MR + 9.34 / 9.GC + 12Vol / 40 Vol

Sunday

Traditionally THE day at salon International! We were ready with a fantastic line-up of Educators and Guest Artists. Joining us on the pod to share her wisdom with the visitors was Katie Groves, our first ELEVEN Australia educator and all-around colour guru.

Sharing their inspiration first was Douglas Reid from R&R Southport, who really does not need an introduction, Dougie has been educating for the brand for 1 year now and consistently shared his inspiration and colour formulas on social media. Dougie’s first model was a beautiful Aussie-inspired blonde using the Ultra High Lift Blondes. Dougie wanted to create a try lived-in blonde that looked like his model had his hair naturally lightened by the sun and salt water of Australia.

His Formula was 11.VA / 11.21 + 12% / 40Vol

Dougie’s second look was far from a lived-in Blonde, this look was inspired by the ELEVEN Australia cutting collection – Undertone which Dougie cut before the show. The hair was pre-lightened using 7 Levels of Lift global application + 6% / 20 Vol and Glossed using the Demi-Permanent Liquid colours 10 VA / 10. 21 & 9. AA / 9.11 + 4% / 13 Vol. Using a very careful and slightly nerve-racking tipping technique LIVE at salon international he tipped with 1.N / 1.0 + 3% / 10 Vol. This certainly was a crowd puller and had everyone holding their breath whilst is was being rinsed off!

Our first guest artist was Charlotte Roberts from Layered Collective on the Wirral. Charlotte shared an alternative to a balayage with a brunette, she shared that her model constantly struggles with the unwanted warmth when getting her hair coloured and that the Liquid Demi Permanent range was the perfect colour as she was able to control the undercoat using the 2% activator and using the newly launched 6MT & 6A to control the top and top and used the 4GM / 4.35 on the underneath sections to add the chocolate tones. Late on in the day, Charlotte created a second look using our 9 levels lightener + 6% / 20 Vol with her go-to face frame section technique.

We were super excited to have the amazing Emma Simmons on our pod as a guest artist the weekend. Emma is a BHA finalist for North-Eastern Hairdresser of the Year and brought 3 of her wigs from her collection to the show which were coloured with ELEVEN Australia permanent COLOUR, which was showcased on the Colour Pod and also on stage during her presentation.

Emma’s first model, Ethan was 11 VN + 12% and triangular sections of 11VA + 12% to create a natural blonde without using lightener.

Her second model Grace who also featured in Emma’s collection was a more technical colour placement
Foils – 20g 9VM + 1g 6RR & 8V and 8A equal parts. With a global application 1 part 5VV and 2 parts 5AA + 8 parts clear with 2%

Monday

This is an exciting day at Salon International as it welcomes thousands of students through the doors as well as salons and stylists. It is great to get the opportunity to inspire the future of our industry.

First up on the Colour pod was Ben Nott who wowed us with his perfect Foilage technique and tip out showing how to overcome the dreaded box dye situation.

He first added in a face-frame technique with a mixture of small and chunky weaves with 7 Levels of Lift powder lightener + 10 Vol / 3% with a freehand tip out and freehand balayage using the 6 Levels lay Powder lightener + a scoup of 9 Levels Powder Lightener to boost the lifting capabilities 3:1 + 12% / 40 Vol. Ben had all the visitors watching swooning over his beautiful placement and his perfectionism.

He later transformed the same model using the new ELEVEN Australia Permanent colour, he used around the hairline/face frame – Root 6.43 / 6.CG + 7.44 . 7.CC + 6% / 20 Vol and glosses the ends with 9.33 /9GG + 9.4 / 9.C + 4% / 13 Vol the rest of the hair – roots 6.43 + 7.44 and glossed with 7CC + 9CC + 4% / 13 Vol.

The incredibly talented Annabelle Arnold was in the hot seat next with her first model. Coming from a sizzling summer where bright blondes were the must-have colour of the season and now transitioning to a more muted blonde, Annabelle showed how to easily transform your bright blondes to a more Autumn palette without them feeling too dark.

First Annabelle applied a root colour using the Liquid demi Permanent range 2/3 7GM/ 7.35 + 1/3 6MT / 6.7 + 2%, then lowlighted with ½ 8GA / 8.31 + ½ 7. GM / 7.35 + 4%. Glossed with 2/3 10GA / 10.31 + 1/3 10G + 10GM / 10.35 +2%.

Mixing it up with her second model Annabelle wanted to show how to add colour to her model subtly. His natural base was a level 5 and did not want to look blonde, the desired result was to look like he had been surfing this summer and to add a natural sun-kissed effect. Annabelle applied scattered foils with a concentration at the front to create the sun-kissed effect and used 8.GR / 8.36 + 12% 40Vol.

Head over to our Insta to watch our Salon International Reels here…

→ SALON INTERNATIONAL DAY ONE

→ SALON INTERNATIONAL DAY TWO

→ SALON INTERNATIONAL DAY THREE

What happens when you take 13 hair creatives, a 7ft surfboard, 4 models, 1 photographer, and 10 flights of stairs…magic! That’s what!

Monday the 27th June saw the ELEVEN Collective team coming together in London at the amazing Electric Space, for the first time to work on a collaborative photoshoot for ELEVEN Australia. Inspired by the fun, cool and fresh vibe of the brand they worked together creating 11 looks with everything from Farah Fawcett 70’s flicks to ‘just stepped off bondi beach’ tousled waves.

Lead by Wonderful Brands Director, Jo Robertson and assisted by ELEVEN Collective member, Victoria Woods from HEIR Salon, Lytham. The shoot took months of prep, planning and colourful spreadsheets to bring together the team from across the UK and produce ELEVEN Australia worthy hair. And we think it’s safe to say, they definitely smashed it!

Keep reading to check out the team’s step by step images on the next few pages! The look above was created by ELEVEN Australia Collective member Becky Weeks. This look was created by firstly prepping the hair with ELEVEN Australia’s I Want Body Volume Shampoo & Conditioner. She then added two pumps of ELEVEN Australia’s I Want Body Volume Foam to wet hair, to volumise, create texture and hence control that hair texture. Then blow dry hair smooth and sleek to enhance shine. Then using ELEVEN hair straighteners bend the hair around the iron in different angles to create S bend, brushing out waves and finish with Give Me Hold Flexible Hairspray . Then simply feel like the baddest bishhh rocking those voluptuous curves!

Another amazing step by step was created by hairstylist Hayley Penny. Through the power of ELEVEN Australia’s products, Hayley created a Chic, Pillowy and Touchable, Luxe Blowdry look. Read on to see a break down of how she did it.

Hayley’s Method

First cleanse and condition the hair with Gentle Clean Shampoo & Hydrate My Hair Conditioner. Leaving the scalp so fresh & clean with gorgeously soft ends (1). Now to layer in the products. First Miracle Hair Treatment, apply 2 pumps to towel dried hair. This leave in treatment is a must before any blowdry on any hair type (2). Next up is I Want Body Volume Foam. Add 2 pumps of the Foam throughout, the concentrate another on the top for extra oomphf (3)! Now using a soft bristle brush, ‘Wrap’ dry the hair. Wrap around and over the head in all directions to give that pillowy soft volume (4). Finish using a round brush. Shaping the top sections to flick back and the front sections around & towards the face (5). Spray Give Me Hold Hairspray onto a soft bristle brush. Brush through the entire blowdry back away from the face before hand dressing out (6). PRO STYLIST TOP TIP: To create that chic french look, once dry, take 1 pump of foam and scrunch into the ends. Et Voila (7)!

The next ELEVEN Australia Collective member to create a Step-by-Step look was Annabelle Arnold. Annabelle created a wet look with a brushed back texture. See below.

Annabelle’s Method

Generously apply I Want Body Foam to dry hair focusing on the roots and mid lengths (1). Use a Wide Tooth Comb for even distribution (2). Take horizontal sections starting from the and apply Slick Hold Styling Pomade. This will help create that super sleek, wet look (3)! Comb each section into position after application, and then secure with a clip (4). Use a diffuser to gently set the hair into place (5). Finish by applying Smooth & Shine Anti Frizz Serum for high, glass-like shine (6).

Next was ELEVEN Australia Collective member Martyna Grant with her Step-by-Step look. Continue reading to see what we came up with.

Martyna’s Method

Shampoo and condition your hair using Smooth Me Now Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner (1). Apply a hazelnut size of the Frizz Control Shaping Cream onto your hand and add 1-2 pumps of Smooth & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum. Mix together between the palms of your hands and spread evenly through mid-ends and ends (2). Blowdry smooth and straight making sure the airflow of the dryer points downwards using the ELEVEN Australia Round Brush and a hairdryer (3). Straighten each section of the hair using ELEVEN Australia Flat Iron (4). Finish with the Make Me Shine Spray Gloss (5).

Another amazing Step-by-Step look was created by Pam Cooney. Read on to see how she created her blow out.

Pam’s Method

Firstly we want to prep the hair by shampooing with I Want Body Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, jam packed with soy and wheat proteins penetrates the hair shaft, providing a thicker and fuller appearance (1). Load the hair up with Plenty of I Want Body Volume Foam you can really layer this up without leaving any residue on the hair perfect for hold (2). Begin to blow dry using The Eleven Australia Small Round Brush flicking the fringe off the face with volume then wrapping and twisting the rest of the hair while setting into place with Clips (3).

Pro Tip: If the hair still feels to soft when dry add more volume foam to dry hair and dry in layering up until it feels mouldable.

Release the clips and apply Give Me Clean Hair Dry Shampoo throughout before brushing through with the Eleven Small Styling Brush this will create a fluffy airy texture (4).

Pro Tip: Plenty of Dry Shampoo at the roots to hold the volume.

For added width I use the Eleven Curling Iron to exaggerate the hair next to the cheek bone to flow away from the face (5). Finally we can brush out with the Small Styling Brush then using my finger tips to mold the hair into shape while fixing into place using the Dry Wax Spray to hold it in place (6).

Pro Tip: When brushing out brush towards the sealing for a more airy fluffy texture

The next ELEVEN Australia Collective member to take on the Step-by-Step challenge was Emma Dixton with her Tousled Wave.

Emma’s Method

Its Cocktail Time – Order UP! “The Bedraggled”

You will need ELEVEN Australia: I Want Body Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, Miracle Spray Hair Treatment, I Want Body Volume Foam, Sea Salt texture Spray and Smooth & Shine Anti Frizz Serum.

Firstly, double cleanse hair with I Want Body Volume Shampoo, Condition Mid lengths & ends with I Want Body Volume Conditioner (1). then, apply Miracle Spray Hair Treatment to towel dried hair root to tip, Comb through to detangle & even distribution of the product. Comb hair into the planned parting/shape (2). Add 2 Pumps of I want Body Volume Foam into palm rub together & apply to roots. 2 -3 more pumps into palm rub together & apply to mid lengths & ends. Comb through for even distribution of the product. Next apply Sea Salt Texture Spray section by section. Use hairdryer & round brush to dry in product, create volume, thicken & smooth flyaway hair (3).

Pro Tip: If hair still feels soft repeat step 2 to suit hair type for extra hold & undone textured finish

Then, get 1 Pump of Smooth & Shine Anti Frizz Serum into the palm & rub together as if using hand cream, smooth down any static fly aways/add moisture & shine to any dry areas of the hair (4).

Pro Tip: saturating hands with the serum ensures a lighter even application avoiding too much shine or uneven greasy looking patches on the hair.

Section hair from the final parting into 4, crown to behind the ear, crown to nape. Start at the nape take a section diagonal back no wider than the plate of the Flat Iron. Keep hair section neat & at an angle. Pivot sections to horizontal closer to the crown. Using the ELEVEN Australia Flat Iron hold horizontal rock the Flat Iron in a U shape toward the scalp & U shape away from the scalp as the Flat Iron glides down the section. Repeat until all the hair is Kinky & Wavy (It’s all in the twist) (5)!

Pro Tip: keep hair root to ear natural & smooth for a real contrast of Neat to Bedraggled texture.

Finally, using a wide tooth comb root to tip gently break up the surface waves. Now for the fun part…. Tilt head back & SHAKE IT BABY! From the root, get your fingers in and loosen that wave, encourage that tousled texture. To finish smooth any fly ways near the root & add Smooth & Shine Anti Frizz Serum & or Sea Salt Texture Spray as required to finish (6).

Voila! Enjoy your look!

For his ELEVEN Australia Step-by-Step challenge Kris created a Beachy Curls look. Read on for more.

Kris’ Method

First cleanse with ELEVEN Australia I Want Body Shampoo and Conditioner, for a lightweight foundation (1). Apply I Want Body Volume Foam from root to tips, scrunching the product to ensure even distribution then blast dry hair (2). When hair is 100% dry, curl hair using ELEVEN Australia Curling Iron. Alternate each section to maintain curl definition. (curling all the same way can result in a vintage glam feel, not today, Satan! (3) Pump ELEVEN Australia I Want Body Volume Powder, focusing on roots and mid lengths to plump up the hair. Massage root are to pump up the volume (4)! Using the ELEVEN Australia Large Styling Brush, brush out the hair section by section. Brushing OUT from the head to create volume and texture (5). Finish with ELEVEN Australia Dry Finish Texture Spray on midlenghts and ends for hair that is full and thicc and ready for a day at the beach (6).

ELEVEN Australia Collective member Sammi was next to take on the Step-by-Step challenge. Continue reading to see what she did.

Sammi’s Method

First remove any dirt, or excess oil buildup by cleansing with the Gentle Clean Balancing Shampoo, followed by Hydrate My Hair Conditioner. paired together gives your hair the ultimate dose of lightweight hydration (1). Next, spray our favourite hair prepping Miracle Spray Hair Treatment throughout the hair to ensure you have the maximum protection against heat, followed by 2 to 4 pumps of I Want Body Volume Foam for added texture, and control without the crunch. then blow dry (2). Once the hair is completely dry, take small sections (approximately 2 cm) place your finger near the root and wrap the hair around your finger in a twisting motion (3). Gently roll the coiled hair off your finger and clamp with the Flat Iron for five seconds aren’t you glad we use heat protection now (4). Then, section by section place the soft bristle brush under the curl and brush out away from the head, spraying Dry Finish Texture Spray whilst brushing to create that fluffy texture (5). Once all that fluffiness and texture has been created pump a little I Want Body Volume Powder for that extra pooooof of volume and fluff (6).

The next member of the Collective to take part in the step-by-Step challenge was Chloe Ashby. Check out her Wet look Braids below.

Chloe’s Method

Start by shampooing & conditioning the hair using ELEVEN Australia Smooth Me Now Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner, these products leave the hair soft and reduces frizz (1). Let’s work it… Next, spray all of the hair with Detangle My Hair, this is a lightweight detangled spray that both hydrates and tames the hair, leaving the hair smooth and tangle free (2). Let’s get sleek… Now to add the Slick Hold Styling Pomade, work this into the hair to create a wet look, this creates a sheen, enhancing the hairs natural moisture, this also gives hold (3). Now down to business… Take a central parting from the centre of the nape of the neck, clip one section out of the way (4). Plaits away… Start by reverse plaiting (so the plait sits on top), plaiting in additional hair to add length and thickness, secure at the bottom with a clear elastic (5). Finish off by taming any fly aways with the Slick Hold Pomade, adding more of a sheen, and slightly distressing the plaits by pulling out (6).

Pro Tip: Remember product is key… Choose wisely and you will create dream hair!

Jess Radbone was next to take on the step-by-step challenge. Check out her gorgeous look below.

Jess’ Method

Get started by cleansing and conditioning the hair with the ‘Keep Me Blonde’ duo, a perfect choice to keep that blonde looking fresh! Alternatively, if you’re not working with blonde hair, the ‘I Want Body’ combo would work great (1).

Pro Tip: Only apply conditioner to the mid length & ends to ensure we don’t lose that all important volume at the root!

Let’s prep! Before blow-drying, I evenly spray the ‘I Want Body Texture Spray’ from root to tip. Don’t forget to shake the product before using to ensure you get a nice mixture of the product applied (2). Iron time! Using the Flat Iron from Eleven Australia, I set the temperature at 160° – a low temperature as to not compromise the integrity of the hair whilst working through the hair slowly (3). Time to kink! Taking horizontal sections (no thicker than an inch) I start at the nape of the neck working towards the top. Keeping the irons horizontal throughout is crucial to achieve a kinked effect. Going in with the irons starting from root to tip, I rotate the irons to the floor as I glide it down the hair, then rotate it towards the ceiling. I continue this motion towards the ends throughout the hair. It needs to be a slow, gliding motion (4)!

Pro Tip: Don’t squeeze your irons too tight! This will make it much more difficult. Instead, gently press together allowing a gentle glide.

Sea Salt Texture Spray is my next go to! This will add texture to the hair making it more malleable when I come to dress it out. Spray lightly and evenly at arm’s length distance (5). Let’s finish the look! To separate the kinks and create a more lived-in textured look, I rub a small amount of the ‘Dry Shampoo Volume Paste’ in my hands warming the product up. This makes it easier to apply! I rub it through the roots and separate the kinks to create more body and definition (6).

Pro Tip: Apply the paste little by little. This way, you don’t get product over load weighing it down.

Last but not least, ELEVEN Australia Collective member Amelia Burgess took on the step-by-step challenge and created some beautiful ‘natural curls’. Read on to check out the look!

Amelia’s Method

Firstly, make sure those curls are fully moisturised by cleansing with the nourishing Eleven Australia Hydrate My Hair Shampoo and Conditioner (1). Next, prep hair with Miracle Hair Treatment Spray & Detangle My Hair Leave-In Spray using a wide tooth comb or wet brush. This will not only protect the hair from heat but also make the curls more manageable (2)! Spray all over with Sea Salt Texture Spray for a voluminous grittier feel through the ends (3). Work a few pumps of I Want Body Volume Foam into the roots (4). Using the Eleven Carbon Fibre Wide Tooth Comb, brush up and away from the scalp for added volume (5). Diffuse, use curl clip pins to hold the bangs in place. For extra volume, spray a little Dry Finish Texture Spray onto the ends once dry and scrunch out to create more width (6)!

Pro Tip: Holding the dryer around 20cm away on a medium heat avoids creating frizz and keeps the curls more defined. Don’t touch the hair until 80% dry! Once the hair is almost dry then you can push the diffuser into the ends to create some fluffier texture!

Want to be part of the ELEVEN Australia UK COLLECTIVE then click here

Credits:

Photographer – Ash Martin @ashmartinphoto

Stylist – Jess Williams @jessbcreative

Styling – Holly Coop @hollycooop

We all know those patchy home dye colour clients that walk through the salon door, often looking for a colourist to work miracles. We asked ELEVEN Australia Educator Katie Groves how she would tackle this task with ELEVEN Australia Colour…

When faced with a patchy home colour job, an important first step is to try and achieve an even canvas. Using ELEVEN Australia Porosity Equaliser Spray is a great start and will allow you to achieve a more even colour. Time is the key to a patchy home job and can then be built upon in future appointments. Rome was not built in a day!

Patchy brown box dye? Pick a base close to the darkest patch.

Brassy box blonde? Try some fine highlights to brighten and break up the unwanted warmth.

TOP TIP – Remember though tint doesn’t lift tint!

Follow Katie on Insta for more amazing hair tips!

We all have those clients that come into salon with a blocky ombre. And, we all know the fear that starts to sink in when you are challenged with the task of “fixing it”. Here’s what ELEVEN Australia Katie Grove’s had to say on her approach on taking on a blocky ombre with ELEVEN Australia Colour…

When tackling a blocky ombré/balayage, lowlights are your friend. Start by adding some highlights through the top to soften the transition from dark to light. ELEVEN Australia lightener contains bond complex to protect and add strength allowing you to be able to protect the hair whilst lightening.

Next, go back through with your lowlight. The ELEVEN Australia Demi has been my savour! Having the ability to lowlight with a demi in a foil has given me a whole new dimension of colouring. The luminosity and shine helps break up any harsh lines and help balance the overall look.

TOP TIP – leave the very ends out of the lowlight to maintain brightness at the tips!