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Summary
Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™
- Cruelty Free
- Sustainable Packaging Brand
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Easy highlights at home with Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit. This ammonia-free 2-step kit lightens and tones for sun-kissed highlights.
Benefits
- Recommended for medium brown to dark brown hair
- Achieve natural-looking balayage highlights at home
- Clay-based cream formula means no-mess application
- Precision Wishbone balayage applicator ensures fool-proof application
- Salon-secret toning glaze perfects the tone, conditions and adds shine
- Bond Building Cleansing Treatment strengthens highlighted hair
- No ammonia, no harsh odor - just a better way to highlight
- Cruelty-free: not tested on animals
- Sustainable packaging
- Step 1: Create highlights using Light Works Lightening Cream with Madison Reed's patented Wishbone balayage applicator for precise, natural-looking highlights (no spots, no stripes)
- Step 2: Apply Light Works Toning Glaze to perfect the tone of highlights just as a salon does, while enhancing condition and shine
- Pro Tip: for best results with already highlighted hair, ensure you have at least 4-5 inches of regrowth/"roots"
Includes
- Light Works Lightening Cream (1.0 oz)
- Light Works Lightening Activator (2.0 oz)
- Light Works Finish Toning Glaze (1.35 oz)
- Light Works Finish Toning Glaze Activator (2.0 oz)
- Wishbone Balayage Applicator
- Pair of Gloves (3 ct)
- Cap
- Cleansing Wipe
- Light Works Bond Building Cleansing Treatment (0.5 oz)
- Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner (0.5 oz each)
Formulated Without
- Ammonia
- Parabens
- Resorcinol
- PPD
- Phthalates
- Gluten
- SLS
- Titanium Dioxide
A few tips to help you color with total confidence: SENSITIVITY TEST-It is recommended you do a sensitivity test before using Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit. Perform test at least 48 hours before use, even if you have already used this or other coloring products. Test represents an important precaution. However, even if a sensitivity test has been carried out, you may still experience an allergic reaction. Test is not a guarantee of avoiding future reactions. Always consult a doctor if you have any questions/concerns. Using a plastic utensil, mix a 1/2 tsp of Toning Glaze with 3/4 tsps Toning Glaze Activator. Use a cotton swab to apply a quarter-sized amount to a small patch of skin behind your ear or inside elbow. Keep dry. Wait 48 hours. If there is no sign or change to the area, then you are ready to color.
STRAND TEST. Do a lightening preview test to determine the approximate timing required to reach your desired degree of lightness. This is particularly important if your hair has been previously chemically treated (see Important Safety Warnings). Create a test strand by selecting a 1/4" wide strand of hair from an underneath section, and place an elastic band 2" from the root. Put on the gloves provided in the kit, and use a plastic spoon or container to thoroughly mix a 1/2 tsp of Lightening Cream thoroughly with 1 teaspoon of Lightening Activator. Apply mixture to the entire strand, and start timing. After 10 minutes, wipe the strand clean. If the hair strand is not light enough, re-apply the highlighting mixture and check it every 5 minutes until you achieve the desired results. Total processing time should not exceed 60 minutes. Rinse and dry the strand. Write down this optimal time duration to use when processing Light Works. Please see the instructions included in your Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit for the best application to achieve your desired results.
Precautions: This product contains persulfates and other ingredients which may cause serious irritant and/or allergic reactions in some individuals. THEREFORE, YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS: DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ALREADY HAD A REACTION TO BLEACHING YOUR HAIR OR A HAIR COLOR PRODUCT, IF YOU HAVE A RASH ON YOUR FACE, OR IF YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE, IRRITATED, OR DAMAGED SCALP. CONDUCT A SKIN SENSITIVITY TEST 48 HOURS BEFORE EACH TIME YOU COLOR (SEE INSIDE BOX), EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY USED COLORING PRODUCTS BEFORE.Temporary "black henna" tattoos may increase your risk of allergy to this product. Do not use if you have relaxed hair. Do not use on eyelashes, eyebrows or other facial hair. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. In case of eye contact, immediately flush with water. Use the gloves provided. Do not ingest. This product is not intended to be used on children. Keep out of reach of children. In case of reaction while lightening or coloring hair, such as a rash or burning sensation on the scalp, rinse immediately and discontinue use. This product contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation on certain individuals and a preliminary skin test according to accompanying directions should first be made. This product must not be used for dying eyelashes or eyebrows TO DO SO MAY CAUSE BLINDNESS. Read and follow the enclosed instructions carefully before use.
Light Works Lightening Cream: Potassium Persulfate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Sodium Persulfate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Silicate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Magnesium Oxide, Kaolin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Cera Alba, Ozokerite, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Disodium Edta, Butylene Glycol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Fragrance, Ci 77007.
Light Works Lightening Activator: Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Oxyquinoline Sulfate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phosphoric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Etidronic Acid.
Light Works Bond Building Cleansing Treatment: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycol Distearate, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Lupine Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Glycerin, Panthenol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Polyquaternium-10, , Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, C11-15 Pareth-7, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance.
Cleansing Wipe: Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Cocyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glutamate, Disodium Cocyl Glutamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylxexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.
Light Works Finish Toning Glaze: Water, Glycol Cetearate, Propylene Glycol, Cocamide Mea, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-25, Ceteth-2, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethanolamine, Ascorbic Acid, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydrosulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate, M-Aminophenol, 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine, P-Aminophenol, 2-Methylresorcinol.
Light Works Finish Toning Glaze Activator: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Oleth-4 Phosphate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Dimethicone, Etidronic Acid, Oxyquinoline Sulfate, Phosphoric Acid, Oleyl Phosphate, Disodium Edta.
Shampoo: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycol Distearate, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Lupine Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Glycerin, Panthenol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance.
Conditioner: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-7, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Lupine Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Amodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Centrimonium Bromide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethlyhexylglycerin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 5 out of 73 Questions
- Q
I have jet black hair… which color set should I be using.
- Asked by Hee
- Official Answer By Madison Reed - SyndicationHello we can recommend using our Pescara Black, processing for 45min over the new growth/roots. If your lengths need to be refreshed, you can use a wide tooth comb to blend the color through at the last 5-10min before rinsing (If you have longer or thicker hair, you may need two color kits to ensure full saturation).Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this on red hair (Copper Cola)? If so, which one would you recommend?
- Asked by Babsie
- Official Answer By Madison Reed - SyndicationHello, our Light Works Balayage kit can be used over natural hair or color treated hair. The lightener is formulated to lighten around 1-3 levels for a subtle sun-kissed result. The result will vary and depend on each individual's starting point. For example, If your hair is a medium brown level of darkness, with red/copper tones, your highlighted result will likely be a light brown to dark blonde level with golden copper tones. Each kit comes with a demi-permanent toning glaze to use after the highlights are completed. If you would like to minimize the copper tones slightly, we can recommend using the Light Works kit with the Lazio toner. If you would like the tonal results to be as golden copper as possible, we can recommend using the Light Works kit with the Warm Palmi toner.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do u sell hair for braiding
- Asked by Skyla
- Official Answer By Madison Reed - SyndicationThank you for your interest in Madison Reed! We do not offer hair for braiding or extensions.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I use Pisa blonde and would to add a few low lights (opposite of highlights?) as I feel I'm getting too overall yellow. Will this do it?
- Asked by Blondie
- Official Answer By Madison Reed - SyndicationOur Light Works balayage kit will add highlighting (sun-kissed lighter strands to the hair). To help neutralize yellow tones, we can recommend using our semi permanent Crema Gloss, and our Perla Color Therapy Mask.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use the lightening part of the kit, but not the toner? I had great highlights with the kit til I used the toner, which seemed to have darkened them.
- Asked by Cs
- Official Answer By Madison Reed - SyndicationYou can choose to not use the Toning Glaze if you do not want to.Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
Write A REVIEWReview Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Ratings Distribution
Best Uses
- 4Color-treated Hair
- 3Normal Hair
- 1Balayage or highlights
- 1To Highlight Hair Inexpensively
- 1On your own
Describe Yourself
- 5Beauty Conscious
- 2Maintenance
- 1Seasoned amateur
- 1Curly hair
- 1I am mixed race with naturally 3A/B Texture.
Hair Type
- 5Wavy Hair
- 4Straight Hair
Most Helpful Positive Review
I am blown away that I did this!
I was very excited to try, but was equally nervous about my ability to apply the lightener with precision. The process starts with the bottom layers and you work your way up which led to a comfortability throughout the learning curve. I am blown away that I did this! What else do these guys have?
Most Helpful Critical Review
From a former hairdresser, poor quality kit
I used this product according to the package directions. I have light brown hair, so I was imagining I would achieve a lightness similar to what is pictured. I was met with a lot of problems from the beginning. The lightening product began to clump inside the bottle, making even application very dif...
759 results
worst home highlights I ever used
Extremely difficult to use. Cost more than others and the worst part not even noticeable result. Save yourself the time and money.
Easy & effective
Reviewed at

It was a process, but easy to follow. I followed instructions exactly although left highlights in for 40 min after reading reviews. It turned out more golden than warm, but didn't ruin my hair. It shows up just enough to not look like a botched DIY project. Maybe not as luscious as a salon job. But I'd call it a success.

I Absolutely Love it
Reviewed at

This product is actually amazing. I have pretty dark hair so I had to do 2-3 coloring sessions to get the desired icy blonde highlights I wanted. But it left my hair so soft, and I got my icy blonde highlights I have been wanting. It's so worth it considering if I had got it done at the salon it would have been like over $300 easy. I don't know why there are such bad reviews here, it scared me at first but it was seriously THE BEST decision I made for myself and my bank account
First try failure
Reviewed at

I've been coloring my hair for many years but this is the first time I've tried highlighting it on my own. I'd say it was a failure not because it didn't work but because I have pretty long hair and was a bit overwhelmed. It suggests you do the highlight application in 20 minutes, which I could not with my length. I struggled with the wishbone applicator and finally gave up and used the brush I use for my roots. Compared to all the other MR products I've used this had a really strong odor. I may give this kit another try at some point, knowing I made a few mistakes I can correct. Overall the results weren't terrible, but I don't think they are very noticeable with the Umbria brown. To be fair I may need to let it process longer next time but to do so I'll have to be a lot faster with application.
I wouldn't buy this again
Hair Type Straight Hair
Too much work and base coat burned my hair.