Bumping the base, simply stated, is using an oxidative color and lightening her natural color approximately 1 shade.  It not only covers grey, it also evens the porosity of the hair and creates a pleasing result.  High or lowlights can be placed in foils, while addressing the new growth.

Jan Norris, Board Certified Haircolorist

Bumping the base, simply stated, is using an oxidative color and lightening her natural color approximately 1 shade.  It not only covers grey, it also evens the porosity of the hair and creates a pleasing result.  High or lowlights can be placed in foils, while addressing the new growth.

Jan Norris, Board Certified Haircolorist

I perfer to bump the base while doing foils at the same time. I put the color on the newgrowth first and then go over the top and do foils. Bleach will pull right through the base color and tone it at the same time. Works great and is a good time saver!

I think we do the same thing.  Apply color to the roots or new growth while placing foils all in one step.  Or do you apply the base throughout and then go back and place foils?  Because I do quite a bit of slicing directly on the scalp, I don't like to cover color with bleach.  Personal preference.

Jan Norris, Board Certified Haircolorist

You can use any kind of technique. Some people use before highlights some during some after. It just depends on your prefrence.

To clarify, "Bumping the Base" is a termed that was coined by the American Board of Certified Haircolorist.  It's definition is simply to "bump" or lighten the base color or root area. 

I agree with all have different techniques to accomplish our goal; however, if grey coverage is a big part of the equation (and it is for the majority of my clients) applying color at the bowl would probably not be sufficient processing time to cover the gray.  My biggest factor in determining the technique I use is the time factor.  If I can accomplish what I need to in one step...I save time.  I base my prices $$$ per 15 minutes and it could get pretty steep for the client if I was taking more time that absolutely necessary.

Jan Norris, ABCH

So you use 30 vol with what level of haircolor and for how long at the bowl? I understand that this technique may not be used for gray coverage.