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03.23.2026
5 Single Process Color Ideas – From Gray Coverage to One-Step Blonding
By: Zara Kenyon
Image Credit: @beclavell_hair
If your client is nervous about doing 'too much' when it comes to their hair color, single process services let them see results with minimal impact on their hair's condition.
But, just because these one-step sessions are simpler than a double process color doesn't mean they can't deliver stunning, noticeable results. Here, we reveal five single process color services to level up your salon menu – from zero-damage glazing to high-lift balayage...
What is a Single Process Hair Color?
A single process color is exactly as it sounds; a shade that's created in a single step, whether that's with a toner, gloss, glaze or high-lift blonde that lifts and tones in one. Usually your client's chosen hue is applied in an all-over color that enhances their hair from root to tip, but using a high-lift color to create highlights can also be considered a single process.
It becomes a double process color when you add an extra step. For example, if you lift hair with a lightener first, let that develop, then rinse and follow with a toning session. Another example of a double process color would be toning your client's hair, rinsing, then following that up with a hair gloss to boost shine or refine the result.
What are the Benefits of Single Process Color?
For you, as a stylist, it's a time-saver. A single process hair color tends to be quicker than a double process, so these speedy services are game-changers during busy periods in the salon. But, of course, that's not a reason to pick single process hair color over other techniques. It's the results that matter, so here are some of the benefits your clients will enjoy...
Subtle enhancement. For those clients who love their base color but want to enhance it without losing that natural look, single process color will often offer softer results than a double process lighten and tone.
Less expensive. Compared to more product-heavy and time-intensive hair coloring techniques, a single process service is a more affordable option for clients who are budget-conscious.
Gentler on hair. Not always, but often single process color applications have less of an impact on the hair's condition – especially if you're using a zero-lift, zero-damage toner, like SHINEFINITY Color Glaze.
5 Single Process Color Treatments to Try
1. All-Over Toning
This is what we first think of when we hear 'single process color'; one coat of your client's dream shade, applied from root to tip over their existing base. Their starting color and the formula you choose will have the greatest impact on the final result, with a permanent color like Koleston Perfect, being your best bet for a more noticeable color switch. Demi-permanent Color Touch is also a great pick for enhancing tone, boosting shine and refreshing faded mids and ends without long-term commitment. The result is an even, vibrant color with beautiful shine from root to tip.
Tip: Don't forget that the lighter your client's hair is, the more impact a single process toning session will have. Pre-lightened or naturally light hair will showcase tone with extra clarity.
Image Credit: @thehaircompanysheffield
2. High-Lift Blonding
You don't have to do a double process to give your client a fresh head of highlights. With Koleston Perfect's Special Blonde palette, you can lift and tone hair in one process for a subtler yet still striking result. The high-lift shades give you up to five levels of lift (with Welloxon Perfect 12%), so you can achieve all-over blending, foil highlights or balayage in one step.
Tip: For best results, mix your chosen Special Blonde shade at a 1:2 ratio with Welloxon Perfect, and apply to virgin hair for optimal lift.
Image Credit: @beclavell_hair
3. A Translucent Color Hair Glaze
Whether your client is looking for a subtle shade enhancement or a color correction that neutralizes unwanted brassy tones, a SHINEFINITY Acidic Color Glaze delivers the most luminous, healthy-looking results. This zero-lift, zero-damage formula enhances tone while delivering up to 3x shinier hair*, leaving strands silky, smooth and radiant with a lit-from-within glow. Ideal for refreshing faded color or adding a translucent veil of dimension, it’s the perfect low-commitment service for clients who want beautiful color with a glossy finish.
* Vs. pre-damaged hair in an instrumental test.
Tip: Apply to pre-lightened hair or over your client's natural color when you want to refine tone without altering the underlying depth.
Image Credit: @danielmbeauty
4. Root Touch-Ups and Gray Coverage
A root touch-up is one of the most popular single process color services, allowing your client to disguise gray hairs while leaving their lengths free of processing. Choose their root shadow shade based on the level of gray hair coverage they're hoping for.
- For up to 30% gray coverage: use demi-permanent Color Touch to gently blend silver strays away.
- For up to 70% gray coverage: apply Color Touch Plus to give your client a high-shine result that fades beautifully over 28 washes.
- For up to 100% gray coverage: camouflage grays with a targeted permanent color, like Koleston Xpress. It disguises regrowth in just 10 minutes with ControlX Technology to prevent the shade from developing too dark.
Tip: For the most natural-looking, seamless result, match your formula to your client’s natural base level and concentrate application strictly on regrowth.
5. Dimensional Lowlights and Reverse Balayage
If your client is looking to add depth and dimension to an already-light base color, lowlights in cool mushroom brown or warm bronzed brown hues are the perfect single process solution. By weaving in a shade one to two levels deeper than their current color, you can instantly create contrast, enhance movement, and balance an overly bright blonde. We love Color Touch for this hair coloring technique, as the demi-permanent formula delivers vibrancy and shine with the softest regrowth. Use it for a reverse balayage technique, weaving it between blonde strands for a seasonal switch-up.
Tip: Place lowlights strategically through the mid-lengths of your client's hair, while maintaining brightness around the hairline for a natural-looking blend.
Image Credit: @kianna.hair
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