Blonding curls isn’t just about brightness—it’s about control. Curls lift differently, they reflect light differently and if you’re not careful, they’ll swallow your dimension—or even worse, compromise hair health.
That’s why curl specialist Savannah Hicks (@thesavvytouch) approaches every blonding session with a strategy that protects the pattern, builds in longevity and ensures a confident lift that maintains the integrity of the curl. Her client? She only comes in twice a year. That means every foil, every toner, every treatment has to last.
Scroll for Savannah’s complete sectioning plan, foiling pattern, toner formula and her best advice for keeping soft blonde curls healthy long after the rinse bowl.
Check out her client’s transformation:
How Long Did This Transformation Take—and How Do You Price It?
Six hours, booked for a full custom blonding session. Savannah prices these appointments at $100/hour, which includes the cut, lightening, bond care, toning and styling.
Who Is the Ideal Client for This Technique?
“This is perfect for someone who wants to feel bright without the constant upkeep,” Savannah says. “She only comes in twice a year, so the goal was longevity—something bold but low-maintenance at the base, and most importantly, healthy for her curls.”
What Does Maintenance Look Like at Home?
Savannah recommends protein treatments immediately after lightening to help curls regain strength for about a month. Then, clients transition to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to maintain softness and moisture.
“I lift clean enough that they don’t need a gloss between appointments,” she explains. “And I only do full blonding twice yearly to avoid overlap and protect their curl integrity.”
Are There Any Must-Know Tips for Lightening Curly Hair?
“With curls, heavier weaves are key,” Savannah shares. “You have to account for the texture. If the curls are tighter, they’ll ‘eat’ the brightness unless your placement is bolder.”
The Formulas
- Formula A (lightener - back foils)
- Redken Flash Lift Power 9 Bonder Inside + 10-volume developer
- Formula B (lightener - Mohawk section)
- Flash Lift Power 9 Bonder Inside + 15-volume developer
- Formula C (lightener - foils sides)
- Flash Lift Power 9 Bonder Inside + 20-volume developer
- Formula D (root tap)
- Redken Shades EQ 7N + Redken Shades EQ™ Processing Solution
- Formula E (toner)
- Shades EQ 9P + 9AG (1:1) + Shades EQ™ Processing Solution
Steps
- Start with a healthy cut to shape and prep the hair for the full lightening session.
- Section the hair into five areas: Two in the back, one Mohawk section and one above each ear.
- Begin lightening with Formula A in the back, followed by Formula B in the Mohawk and finish with Formula C on the sides. Use medium to thick weaves in a foil pattern, adding deep teased tip-outs. Paint V’s and W’s underneath the weave to build pops of dimension and visible brightness.
- Pull each foil as it reaches a clean Level 9 to avoid overprocessing and preserve the curl pattern.
- After rinsing the lightener, apply Biolage Bond Therapy Conditioning Foam to restore strength and help maintain curl structure before toning.
- Apply Formula D as a root tap, then melt into Formula E through the midlengths and ends.
- Cleanse and treat the hair with Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo and the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Minute Liquid Mask to lock in hydration and shine.
- Style with MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In and Miche Set Gel-to-Foam Styling Mouse, then diffuse and shake out for soft, defined curls.
