Summerlin
Achieving the Perfect Golden Contrast: A Balayage Guide
Transforming Blonde Locks with Depth and Dimension
By ConnyJo  Beauty & Style Contributor

By ConnyJo Beauty & Style Contributor

Sep 9, 2025

61 Comments

When your typically blonde client desires a richer, darker hue, it's essential to master the art of blending shades seamlessly.

 

ConnyJo, renowned as The Vegas Hair Diva, offers an updated balayage technique that harmoniously combines three distinct shades.

 

This method ensures a balanced color transition that even the most devoted blondes will adore.

 

Here's a step by step guide to achieving this stunning look.

 

 

Who Crafted This Look

 

Colorist: ConnyJo, also known as The Vegas Hair Diva, based at Square Salón.

 

Products Utilized

 

Demi Permanent Color: Redken Shades EQ

 

Color Formulations

 

Formula A (Roots to Mid-Lengths):

 

Mix Redken Shades EQ 5N, 5G, and 7C with Shades EQ Processing Solution and Olaplex No.1.

 

Formula B (Mid Lengths to Ends):

 

Combine Redken Shades EQ 9N and 9G with Processing Solution and Olaplex No.1.

 

Formula C (Ends):

 

Blend Redken Shades EQ Clear with Processing Solution and Olaplex No.1.

 

Application Steps

 

1. Begin at the nape of the neck, applying Formula A to the roots, extending down to the mid lengths.

 

2. In alternating sections, apply Formula B from the mid lengths to the ends.

 

For the remaining sections, apply Formula B at the mid lengths and Formula C at the ends.

 

Ensure hands are clean throughout the process and comb through each section after application to maintain precise color placement.

 

3. Continue this alternating pattern until reaching the front hairline.

 

4. At the hairline, apply Formula A from roots to mid lengths, then blend Formula C from mid-lengths to ends.

 

ConnyJo notes that incorporating 7C into the formula adds a richness unattainable with 5G alone.

 

5. Allow the color to process, then rinse, shampoo, and blow dry.

 

For the final touch, ConnyJo styled the hair using a Bio Ionic 1 ¼ inch curling iron to achieve soft waves.

 

Embracing the Golden Contrast Trend in Las Vegas

 

Las Vegas is renowned for its vibrant style scene, and the Golden Contrast balayage is rapidly becoming a sought after trend among locals.

 

Salons across the city are adopting this technique to offer clients a fresh, dimensional look that stands out.

 

As the city continues to evolve, so do its beauty trends, with professionals like ConnyJo leading the charge in innovative hair coloring methods.

 

By mastering this updated balayage technique, stylists can provide clients with a sophisticated color transformation that adds depth and dimension to their blonde locks.

 

Embrace the Golden Contrast trend and elevate your coloring skills to new heights.

61 Comments

Join the conversation

  • BQ
    Bianca Q.· Sep 16, 1:50 PM

    The combing through each section tip is so simple but I never thought about how important it is for even color.

    • N
      Nora_Styles· Sep 17, 9:17 PM

      Bianca Q.Totally. I skipped that step once doing a DIY toner at home and ended up with patchy results. Lesson learned the hard way.

  • S
    StripStyleWatcher· Sep 16, 1:06 AM

    Vegas trends always end up everywhere else about six months later. Watching this one closely.

  • C
    curlyhaircarla· Sep 14, 2:18 AM

    The soft waves at the end really complete the look. Glad she mentioned the curling iron size too.

  • M
    mike_nv· Sep 13, 6:22 PM

    My wife literally showed me this article three times this morning. I think she wants an appointment lol.

  • D
    DaphneHall· Sep 13, 2:39 AM

    Going darker for fall is always a good idea. This technique looks really natural.

  • A
    angie_m· Sep 13, 12:49 AM

    I love when colorists share their actual formulas. So rare and so appreciated.

  • TW
    Tracey Wills· Sep 12, 8:53 PM

    I love that Vegas stylists are pushing trends instead of just following them.

  • R
    Rosa_V· Sep 12, 8:20 PM

    My colorist always says Olaplex is worth every penny and I believe it now more than ever.

    • G
      gina.m.702· Sep 13, 3:43 PM

      Rosa_VMy old colorist skipped it to cut costs and the difference was so noticeable. Never again honestly.

  • R
    RealistRenee· Sep 12, 7:44 PM

    Wish the article had pricing info. Dimensional color in Vegas can get pricey fast.

  • HD
    Hannah D.· Sep 12, 6:55 PM

    The transition from 5N and 5G at the roots to Clear at the ends is so smart. Really gradual.

  • AL
    Andre L.· Sep 12, 1:52 AM

    Appreciate that she shares the actual product names and numbers. Most tutorials skip that part.

    • BC
      By Madison Leigh Beauty & Style ContributorAuthor· Sep 12, 4:37 AM

      ConnyJo is wonderfully precise about her formulations, knowing that 7C adds a richness that 5G alone simply can't achieve is exactly the kind of detail that makes a real difference in the result.

  • P
    PeggyM· Sep 12, 1:06 AM

    Went darker last winter and loved it. This formula looks even better than what I had done.

  • SC
    Samantha Croft· Sep 11, 10:17 PM

    I always thought balayage was just one color. Had no idea it could be this complex and layered.

  • J
    jules.styles· Sep 11, 8:01 PM

    The alternating sections technique is clever. Keeps the color looking natural and not stripey.

    • BW
      Becca W.· Sep 12, 12:38 PM

      jules.stylesThat was the part that stood out to me too. You can always tell when someone's balayage was done in flat chunks rather than blended properly.

  • L
    lvbeautyobsessed· Sep 11, 6:24 PM

    ConnyJo has been on my list to visit forever. This just bumped her up to the top.

  • VM
    Veronica M.· Sep 11, 5:58 PM

    I love how she works from the nape forward. Makes total sense for a balanced result.

  • H
    hairnerdbyjess· Sep 11, 2:43 PM

    Shades EQ Clear at the ends is such a smart move to keep things bright without going brassy.

  • TB
    Tony B.· Sep 11, 1:30 PM

    My daughter wants to do something like this. Gonna show her this article so she knows what to ask for.

  • D
    Destiny_LV· Sep 11, 1:06 AM

    Vegas hair scene is on another level. Proud to live here honestly.

  • VH
    Veronica H.· Sep 11, 12:47 AM

    Redken Shades EQ is so underrated. Glad to see it getting some love in tutorials like this.

  • TB
    Tom B.· Sep 10, 11:28 PM

    My daughter is a cosmetology student and I'm sending her this right now. Super helpful breakdown.

  • CE
    Carla Esposito· Sep 10, 9:58 PM

    Does anyone know if ConnyJo is taking new clients? Asking for a friend lol.

    • DM
      Danielle M.· Sep 12, 10:11 AM

      Carla EspositoHa, sure it is! I looked up Square Salon and they do have a booking page. Worth checking there first.

  • L
    lv_localchic· Sep 10, 7:26 PM

    Golden Contrast is a perfect name for it. That warm to lighter blend is everything right now.

  • S
    skeptical_sara· Sep 10, 7:09 PM

    Three formulas seems like a lot of work for one client. Curious how long this takes to apply.

  • G
    grace_m· Sep 10, 6:50 PM

    The soft waves at the end with the Bio Ionic iron really complete the whole look. Details matter.

  • C
    ChelseaFinn· Sep 10, 6:28 PM

    Bio Ionic curling irons are worth every penny by the way. Great finishing choice.

  • B
    blonde2brunette· Sep 10, 3:18 PM

    The alternating section technique is what makes this look dimensional. Good explanation.

  • NO
    Nadia Okonkwo· Sep 10, 2:58 PM

    Been going blonde for years and honestly this is making me want to try something warmer for fall.

    • BC
      By Madison Leigh Beauty & Style ContributorAuthor· Sep 11, 6:15 PM

      Fall is the perfect time to embrace a warmer, richer hue, and the beauty of this three-shade balayage is that it transitions so naturally, even lifelong blondes fall in love with it!

  • S
    SunsetStripSalon· Sep 10, 1:05 PM

    Good to see Vegas stylists getting recognition. We have so much talent here.

  • RD
    Roxanne D.· Sep 9, 10:02 AM

    I tried going darker on my own once. Never again. Leave it to the pros.

  • K
    kim_87· Sep 9, 9:59 AM

    Square Salon is gorgeous inside too. Great place to get this done.

  • P
    paigeloveshair· Sep 9, 9:56 AM

    Redken Shades EQ is my absolute go to. So glad she used that and not a permanent color.

  • RP
    Ryan P.· Sep 9, 9:49 AM

    Not a stylist but this is really interesting to read. Had no idea there was so much to it.

    • TR
      Tomas R.· Sep 10, 6:11 PM

      Ryan P.Same here. I just show up and hand over my head. Makes me appreciate how much thought goes into it before they even touch your hair.

  • M
    MarcusWright· Sep 9, 9:37 AM

    My wife keeps sending me these articles. I have no idea what any of this means but she seems excited.

  • N
    NV_Nadia· Sep 9, 9:29 AM

    I went darker last fall and honestly loved it. Nice to see the technique explained properly.

  • DT
    Donna T.· Sep 9, 8:32 AM

    This is great info but I wish there were more photos showing each step.

  • K
    karla_lv· Sep 9, 7:44 AM

    Olaplex No.1 in the mix is smart. Makes such a difference on already processed hair.

  • LF
    Linda Foss· Sep 9, 7:27 AM

    The tip about adding 7C for richness is so helpful. That little detail makes such a difference.

    • K
      kelsey.nv· Sep 9, 6:29 PM

      Linda FossYes! I feel like that one ingredient swap is the kind of thing only experienced colorists know. Glad she shared it.

  • JM
    Jessica Morales· Sep 9, 7:16 AM

    I asked my colorist about the Golden Contrast last week and she had no idea what I was talking about. Guess I need a new salon lol.

  • S
    StyledByVegas· Sep 9, 6:20 AM

    Square Salon does great work. Not surprised this came from there.

  • JM
    Joanna M.· Sep 9, 5:34 AM

    I tried going darker on my own once and it was a disaster. This is why you go to a pro.

  • A
    ashley_does_hair· Sep 9, 5:28 AM

    Love that she uses Olaplex No.1 in every formula. Keeps the hair so healthy during the process.

  • BK
    Brenda K.· Sep 9, 5:11 AM

    The 7C tip is really helpful, I never would have thought to add that for richness.

  • D
    desert_mama· Sep 9, 4:50 AM

    Finally a formula breakdown I can actually show my stylist. Saving this.

  • ST
    Sunni Torres· Sep 9, 4:49 AM

    The Vegas Hair Diva name is so fitting. She really knows her stuff.

  • DK
    Dave K.· Sep 9, 4:17 AM

    My wife has been wanting to go darker for a while. Gonna show her this.

  • TR
    Tiffany R.· Sep 9, 3:08 AM

    ConnyJo is amazing, I've been going to her for two years now and she never misses.

  • BL
    Brittany L.· Sep 9, 2:51 AM

    I never knew you needed three formulas for this. Makes total sense now though.

    • T
      Tammy_Rae· Sep 10, 2:46 AM

      Brittany L.Right? I always thought it was just one color slapped on and done. The layering is what gives it that natural depth.

  • M
    marcela_vee· Sep 9, 2:19 AM

    Finally a breakdown that actually makes sense. Saving this for my next salon visit.

    • PD
      Priya D.· Sep 10, 9:39 PM

      marcela_veeSame, I always walk in with a vague idea and hope for the best. This actually gives me something real to bring to my stylist.

  • TR
    Tiffany R.· Sep 9, 12:44 AM

    ConnyJo is literally the best in Vegas. My hair came out amazing after my appointment at Square Salon last month.

    • BC
      By Madison Leigh Beauty & Style ContributorAuthor· Sep 9, 4:31 PM

      That's so wonderful to hear, ConnyJo and the team at Square Salón truly have a gift for creating dimensional, personalized color that speaks for itself!

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