Hair Colour Confusion? Consult The Experts

The hair colour phenomena has only grown this year, with wilder, more striking tones and shades being experimented with. Whether you’re diving into the world of pastels, coppers, chocolates or metallics,?expert advice is always a good idea, to avoid any serious mishaps – because when colour goes wrong, it can go so very?wrong! So if you’re updating, changing or refreshing your locks, take a moment to do a little research and pay attention to the pros.

With this in mind, we’sought the opinions of the colour experts, each of them nominees for Best Hair Colourist in this year’s IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards.

Were there any?colour?trends that caught your imagination this year? – ?

The trend for hand-painted, bespoke hair?colour?as a signature?look is still the most requested trend for me behind the chair.

Andrew Dunne, Mane

Colour contouring for hair!

Darren Lacken, Crow Street Collective

I’m all about the balayage, new forms of metallics and different shades of natural hair.

Rebecca Fryday, Reeb

Is there a?colour?or shade that is going to be big for Summer 17?

My prediction for the colours that will be huge this summer are strawberry blonde shades and softer copper tones. I’m in love with Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson’s new?colour. It shows copper doesn’t have to be over the top and can actually be extremely flattering.?

Aimee Penco, Sugarcubed

Soft pastel pinks and rose golds are very much in for summer festival chic, along with the soft ‘beachie’, bleached balayage that every girl loves.

Rebecca Fryday, Reeb

Louis Vuitton SS17

Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans

When it comes to updating/changing your?colour, what is the first step?

The rules are the same for every client in Mane. It’s skin first, eyes second, then hair cut/shape. These are all focal points to create a total look on each and every client.

Andrew Dunne, Mane

When updating your colour, the first thing you should always do is find a good colourist and go for a?colour?consultation. It’s so important if you can have a certain look in mind and to check if your hair is willing. Certain looks take time and money.

Aimee Penco, Sugarcubed

What products would you recommend to someone looking to prolong his or her?colour? Particularly when it comes to brights or pastels.

It’s important to?colour?properly in the first place – which is rarely done, I’m afraid. If the hair?colour?approach is not right, no product is going to make a difference. You must approach?colours like this from a low and slow approach, knowing the client will be in the salon for most of the day – which from my experience, is hardly done. But, my go-to products are System Professional Liquid Hair, Olaplex and Nioxin Deep Repair Mask.

Andrew Dunne, Mane

A salon brand home care is vital, no matter what condition the hair is in, but for prolonging the colour I would always recommend a colour shampoo and conditioner. My go-to ranges are Paul Mitchell for global colours and for keeping my blondes fresh, always Kevin Murphy (Blonde Angel).

Rebecca Fryday, Reeb

Acne SS17

Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans

Do you find clients more outgoing now when it comes to?colour? What is the most requested shade?

Absolutely! Clients are a lot more open to trends and change. I find clients want their hair looking different every time they leave the salon, which I love. Our most requested shade is definitely grey/silver and if you have patience, time and money, it’s achievable, but a lot of clients think it can happen in one session. It’s definitely a commitment.

Aimee Penco, Sugarcubed

At the moment most people are requesting ash and pastel shades, but coming into the new season people will be looking for more softer shades.

Darren Lacken, Crow Street Collective

Any golden rules when it comes to?colour?

A slight shadow on the root area will allow the bone structure of the client to be the focal point, which is so important. Think Giselle, Sarah Jessica Parker etc. It’s a much more youthful appearance on the client.

Andrew Dunne, Mane

Go to a?colour?professional, and keep the shade complimentary to your skin tone.

Darren Lacken, Crow Street Collective

Pairing it all back, try to use as little colour as possible in order to give a less processed look (that look doesn’t suit anyone).

Rebecca Fryday, Reeb

Belstaff SS17

Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans

Any advice for hair colour?virgins?

Colour?virgins could try something less permanent or softer first, before committing,?but once they’re happy with their?colour the first time, most people will come back.

Aimee Penco, Sugarcubed

Go to a?colour?professional, and keep the shade complimentary to your skin tone.

Darren Lacken, Crow Street Collective