Blonding has evolved—and so has the way pros think about lift. This season, the smartest way to blonde isn’t about pushing harder or faster. It’s about creating a clean, controlled canvas that makes toning effortless and results more predictable. In other words: blonding that works with your finish, not against it.

That idea is exactly why the newest generation of lighteners is designed with glossing in mind—because the end result doesn’t start at the shampoo bowl, it starts at the lift.

How To Raise Your Blonde IQ

The Smartest Way to Blonde Starts With the End in Mind

 

 

Say hello to the lightener made for Shades EQ.

BLONDE IQ 9+ Calibrated Anti-Brass Lightener is engineered to deliver up to nine levels of powerful, even lift—while actively neutralizing yellow undertones before they become a problem.

Instead of lifting first and correcting later, this approach creates a Shades EQ–ready canvas from the start. Resulting in cleaner blondes, smoother toning, and finishes that feel intentional. 

As seen on Sabrina Carpenter, this smarter approach delivers blondes that are luminous, refined, and wearable. Her Vanilla Pearl Blonde—created using Blonde IQ9+ with Pro-Oxide Oil Developer, then glossed with Shades EQ—proves that maximum lift and maximum neutralization can coexist.

 

Why Clean Lift Changes Everything

 

At the core of Blonde IQ 9+ is Advanced Neutralization Technology, paired with a dedicated oil-powered developer. This system helps lightening actives dive deep into the cortex to break through even stubborn yellow undertones, which results in a more even, neutral lift.

What that means behind the chair:

  • Up to nine levels of clean lift
  • No swelling, for better saturation and consistency
  • Creamy texture that supports precision across a range of techniques

A clean lift changes the entire service that follows. When warmth is controlled at the lightening stage, toning becomes a step to refine rather than correct. Then, following with Shades EQ allows both products to perform their best. Giving Shades EQ the ability to enhance tone, deliver shine, and improve the overall look and feel of the hair in a single step.

 

Blonde Trends, Better Finish

This season’s blondes are polished while also remaining effortless. To stay ahead of the trends this season aim for vanilla and pearl blondes that feel soft, not icy, brightness that frames the face without overwhelming the base and dimension that grows out seamlessly. Achieving these looks doesn’t require extreme lift—it requires intelligent lift, followed by thoughtful glossing. When the canvas is right, subtle tonal choices make the biggest impact.

Finish & Maintenance

Smart blonding doesn’t end after the gloss. Protecting the integrity of lightened hair is essential for longevity. Pairing blonding services with Acidic Bonding Concentrate helps reinforce strength, while Acidic Color Gloss maintains shine, balance, and tone between appointments. Together, they help blondes stay brighter, softer, and more reflective—without getting brassy or dull.

Blonde, But Smarter

The future of blonding is calibrated. When lift is controlled, neutralization is built in, and glossing is part of the plan, blonding becomes less reactive and more refined. Blonde IQ 9+ is a smarter way to blonde. One that delivers clean lift, seamless toning, and results that hold up long after the rinse.