Scruples Illusionist Highlighting System

A unique, low-ammonia creme highlighting system that lifts + deposits in a single stepnet wt 2.05 oz (58.2g) (60ml)

• A unique, low-ammonia creme highlighting system that lifts + deposits in a single step
• Offers unlimited creativity with controlled lift from 1 level to 7 levels and beyond.
• Provides formulation options for highlighting through natural or color treated hair.
• 8 brilliant highlight selections ranging from intense reds to luminous blondes.
• Can also be used as a base break to soften the contrast between natural and highlighted hair.

NOTE:

• Colors displayed on website may vary due to a number of factors including, but not limited to; monitor resolution settings, lighting, etc

FAQ 

Q: What is Scruples Illusionist Hair Color?
A: Illusionist is a low-ammonia “highlighting/creme color” system from Scruples, designed to both lift and deposit color in a single step. It’s used for highlights, dimensional color, or creative lightening/color deposit — moving beyond classic permanent dyes or traditional bleach-and-tone systems. 

Q: What are the main benefits of using Illusionist?
A:

• Offers controlled lift + color deposit — you can lift hair up to 7 levels (or more) while depositing the selected tone at the same time. 

• Low-ammonia formula — gentler on hair and scalp compared to conventional high-ammonia lighteners or permanent colors, reducing damage potential. 

• Highly versatile — works on natural hair or previously color-treated hair; can be used for traditional foil highlights, balayage, or even “base-break” techniques to soften contrast between natural root and highlight. 

• Wide shade selection — from intense coppers/reds to luminous blondes, giving stylists flexibility for natural highlights, fashion-blondes or creative color blends. 

• Protective “barrier + care” complex — includes conditioning and nourishing agents (like botanical extracts, oils/ants, moisturizer components) to help keep hair soft, moisturized, and shiny, even with lift. 

Q: What kinds of hair / clients is Illusionist best suited for?
A: Illusionist works well for clients who:

• Want highlights, balayage, or dimensional color (not a basic one-step permanent all-over color).

• Are looking for lift + tone deposit — e.g. turning darker hair lighter while adding pigment, or refreshing light hair with new tone.

• Have natural hair or previously colored hair — the formula supports both. 

• Want less aggressive chemical processing — especially valuable for clients concerned about hair integrity, dryness, or scalp sensitivity.

• Prefer creative, custom, salon-grade highlighting or color services — not just standard color, but tailored lightening/toning/highlight work.

Q: How should stylists use Illusionist (general application & processing guidance)?
A: According to Scruples’ guidelines: 

1. Determine the client’s natural or current hair level (use a level-finder swatch). If between two levels, formulate to the darker. 

2. Select the desired Illusionist shade (blonde, red, copper, etc.) and corresponding formulation. 

3. Mix the Illusionist crème color with the required developer — often combined with the brand’s Accelerator Powder when lift is needed. 

4. Apply off-scalp (foil, balayage, slicing/weaving, or base-break) — do not use as on-scalp permanent color when used as a lightener. 

5. Process per manufacturer instructions (timing depends on desired lift & hair history). After processing, rinse thoroughly, then use a neutralizing or color-safe treatment and conditioner recommended for chemically treated hair. 

Q: What results can clients expect after using Illusionist?
A: - Lifted & highlighted hair — up to several levels lighter (depending on formula), with the selected tone deposited.

• Dimensional, multi-tonal color — highlights, balayage, or blended tones that reflect light and movement.

• Healthier-looking hair (relative to traditional bleach) — due to the low-ammonia formula plus conditioning / protective agents.

• Flexible styling options — from soft natural highlights to bold, fashion-forward blondes or coppers, depending on shade selection and technique.

Q: What makes Illusionist different from traditional bleach + toner or regular permanent color systems?
A: Unlike traditional bleach + toner (which is typically a two-step, high-damage process), Illusionist offers a single-step lift + deposit with less harsh chemicals (low-ammonia), reducing damage risk while still achieving lift and tone. It also gives stylists creative flexibility — highlights, base-breaking, balayage or foil — and allows mixing of lift + tone + deposit in a single formula rather than multiple services.