Celebrity colorist and Paul Mitchell Professional’s Global Color Artist, Matt Rez, brought popstar Tate McRae to an all-new dimensional golden blonde, just in time for the 2026 Met Gala.
Calling the look a “Golden Melt Blonde,” Rez aimed to keep “brightness around the face and honey caramel tones for contrast in her lengths.” The look is very fluid, for a finish that feels undone-but-intentional and perfect for 2026.
Read on for the exact formula directly from Rez.
Get the Formula:
Step 1: Base Bump (soft lift + neutral canvas) Using Paul Mitchell The Color
- 8A
- ½ oz 10 volume + ½ oz 20 volume (creates ~15 vol)
- 1 pump shampoo (for softer viscosity + diffusion)
- Lifts natural level 6 to a soft, beige level 7 without overexposing warmth
Step 2: Highlights (controlled brightness + dimension) Using Paul Mitchell Dual Purpose Lightener
- 30g lightener + 30g 20 volume (1:1)
- 2 pumps bond repair treatment
- Lift to level 8 through lengths, level 9 around hairline for face-framing brightness
Step 3: Root Melt (seamless blend at the base) Using Paul Mitchell The Demi
- Equal parts 7N + 7NB + dash of 8MT
- Mixed with 7 vol processing liquid
- Softens the root and blurs into highlights for a natural grow-out
Step 4: Gloss (tone + reflective finish) Using Paul Mitchell The Demi
- 2 parts Clear + 1 part 9G + dash of 9.34
- Equal parts 7 vol processing liquid
- Adds sheer golden tone and high-shine reflect without heaviness
If you use this formula for your next client, we want to know about it. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.
