Blonde Highlights in Medium Brown Hair

I know it is best to go to my stylist, but I am having fun trying it at home! I believe I am a natural level 4. I have tried to lift 2-3 levels, first with 20 volume (didn't work), then with 30 volume creme developer with toner. The second attempt had decent lift, but is very brassy/orangey, even though I used a blue-based toner.

My hairdresser has always been able to give me light blonde highlights in ONE STEP (with foils.) Is she likely adding bleach? She is not doing a second toning step. The second highlight color she often applies to the roots to break the base.

How can I achieve the same lighter blonde highlights in one step (with foils) without damaging my hair? I will likely weave in a second color that is not as light. Thanks so much for your help!

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Try a 40 volume peroxide with the lightest blonde hair color you can find. If your hair dresser had been using bleach, you'd have known from the smell. Bleach has a very distinctive strong smell.

You don't really need to tone your hair after you color unless you want to. Toning is usually done after bleaching.