Formula

Hot Honey Blonde

June 17, 2026·1 min read

Finished result of long, softly waved blonde hair with a creamy beige-blonde tone. A subtle root shadow melts into luminous blonde lengths, creating a natural, low-maintenance blonde with high shine and dimension.

Celebrity colorist and Paul Mitchell Pro Partner Tauni Dawson (@taunidawson) created this dimensional "Hot Honey Blonde" as part of Paul Mitchell's "Stay Golden" campaign starring Paris Hilton. Inspired by a warmer evolution of Paris' signature blonde, the look blends bright, sun-kissed ribbons with soft golden dimension for a finish that's polished, luminous and unmistakably California. Designed to capture the effortless glamour at the heart of the campaign, Tauni's formula delivers the kind of expensive-looking blonde that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Get an inside look at the Paris Hilton campaign, including her exact color formulas.

Watch behind-the-scenes to see the transformation:

The Formulas

Formula A (blonding – back section + front hairline weaves)
Paul Mitchell 1 scoop (1 oz.) Pre-Bonded Lightener + 10-volume Cream Developer (1:2)
Formula B (blonding – front sides)
1 scoop (1 oz.) Pre-Bonded Lightener + 10-volume Cream Developer + 20-volume Cream Developer (1:1:1)
Formula C (root smudge)
Paul Mitchell The Demi 7NB + PM Processing Liquid (1:1)
Formula D (clear top coat)
Paul Mitchell The Demi Clear + PM Processing Liquid (1:1)

Steps

See The Below Before

Back view of long, straight blonde hair showcasing a seamless blonde balayage transformation. Fine woven highlights create natural-looking dimension from a darker root into bright beige-blonde mids and ends.

1. Prep the hair with Paul Mitchell Charcoal Clay Cleanse, then apply Porosity Equalizer.

2. Begin blonding in the back using Formula A.

Working from the back, lightener is applied in clean, controlled sections to ensure an even lift throughout the interior.

3. When you reach the front sides, switch to Formula B.

Foils are layered through the back and crown using a high-density highlighting pattern for seamless blonde dimension from roots to ends.

4. Use Formula A again for the front hairline weaves.

Foil placement begins with fine weaves throughout the hairline and top sections to create bright, sun-kissed ribbons of blonde.

5. Allow highlights to process, then rinse and wash. 

Behind the scenes of the blonding process, showcasing strategic foil placement designed to maintain dimension while maximizing brightness.

6. Apply Formula C as a root smudge.

A root smudge is applied after blonding to soften regrowth, add depth and blend the highlighted ribbons into the natural base.

7. Apply Formula D through the midlengths and ends for added shine.

8. Process, then rinse. Because the Pre-Bonded Lightener delivered a clean, even lift, no additional toning was needed through the midlengths and ends.

Save This Paul Mitchell Cheat Sheet For Care & Styling:

  • Post-Color: Post Color Shampoo, Post Color Sealer
  • Treatment: 15-in-1 Mask
  • Styling: Super Skinny Serum, Sculpting Foam, Texturizing Spray

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