Images from Instagram
Ciara Miller’s new hair color by Krystel aka @paintedbykrystel is the perfect example of what I call a modern “Teddy Bear Blonde” that is THE color of the summer. It’s a rich, dimensional honey blonde that feels expensive, effortless and incredibly wearable. The secret is that it isn’t just blonde; it’s the contrast between soft golden highlights and those deeper caramel ribbons that give the color its movement and depth.
One of the key components of Ciara Miller’s color is preserving depth through the natural base. Those darker caramel tones framing the blonde are what make the color feel luxurious rather than overly highlighted. The lowlights and root area need enough richness to create contrast, but they also need enough reflection to blend seamlessly into the blonde so the overall look remains soft and cohesive.
For guests starting at a natural level four or five, I typically recommend a 7A or 7MT all over formula, depending on how much depth and warmth they’re comfortable with. On a natural level 4 or 5, Paul Mitchell the Color XG 7A + 30vL effectively neutralizes the underlying orange pigments while delivering a beautifully balanced, neutral brunette that complements the honey highlights.
If the goal is to lean more into Miller’s warm, golden dimension, I love using Paul Mitchell the Color XG 7MT with 20 or 30vL, depending on texture and how much lift you want to achieve.
At a level seven, the underlying pigment contains both red and gold, so the matte tone helps soften the red while allowing some of that golden warmth to remain. The ash tone will neutralize all warmth at a level 7. Either way, the result is a rich, natural-looking caramel that perfectly supports the honey blonde pieces without creating too much contrast.
Another challenge I see colorists have when recreating a look like this is not lifting the highlights enough. To achieve that natural honey tone, you have to push through the orange stage. At a level eight, you’re working with gold — yellow with just a touch of red — which creates that authentic sun-kissed warmth. If the hair is left at a level seven, the underlying pigment exposed is orange, which can make the result feel brassier than intended.
Ideally, I want those highlights lifted to a true level eight to capture Miller’s luminous golden finish. My go to is Paul Mitchell Pre-Bonded Lightener which will get me up to 9 levels of lift while protecting the hair from within. After achieving the perfect, clean lift, gloss with the Demi 8Gv to lock in the sun-kissed tone and add shine and hydration into the hair.
Ultimately, what makes this color so striking is its balance. The warmth feels intentional, the dimension feels effortless, and every tone works together to create that signature “Love Island” glow.
Get the Formula:
Natural Level: 4
- Lift entire canvas to a level 7 caramel using Paul Mitchell the Color XG 7MT + 20vL on the base and 30vL through the mids and ends. Process and rinse.
- Highlight using Paul Mitchell Pre-Bonded Lightener which + 10vL Cream Developer. Process to a level 8/9 and rinse.
- Apply the Demi 8Gv over all hair and process for 20 mins. Rinse and style as desired.
