There are some lessons that can’t be taught in school. We went to top colourists from across the nation to find out the characteristics master colourists share. Get ready to step up your colour game!
Before And After
“Always have a clear plan before you start and remember that the easiest way to save time is to be efficient in your application. For example, that means applying your base colour and accent highlights at the same time rather than rinsing and re-applying them in a second process.”—Lindie Blackwell, Gravity Salon, Barrie, Ont.
“Use low developers with curly hair because it’s so naturally delicate and dry as it is. In between, after I rinse hair, I use an anti-porosity treatment, which has a lot of hyaluronic acid, which keeps hair moisturized. If you don’t, it becomes a battle of frizz.”—Marlo Steenman, Edmonton, Alta.
“Taking care of the colour afterwards is the important part, especially for reds. Really emphasizing that it is the warranty for your hair colour; you
want to make sure your clients have the necessary information and products needed to retain the work you have done.”—Melissa Duguay, Eccentric Hair Studio, Moncton, N.B.
Make The Time
“Empathy is a key word that I think about all the time. When you’re doing a consultation, remember to stay within every client’s time frame for that day. If she says her day is very busy, do not plan a long technique. Time efficiency is so important in the colour world; clients want it to be top notch so focus your techniques on the area around their face.”—Rossa Jurenas, Studio Rossa, Tillsonburg, Ont.
“When you are doing something more complicated or fun, make sure there is impact when your client looks in the mirror. I call it a headphone section: Everything in front of the headphones has to be perfect. Put your energy and time there first whenever possible.”— Michael Levine, A Michael Levine Salon, Vancouver
“Diagonal foiling is always going to be a time-saver since you are using more space in one application.” Melissa Duguay, Eccentric Hair Studio, Moncton, N.B.
Best Advice
“When you do a full head of lightening, always measure, and you must mix a small batch of lightener. The lightener loses its power by the time you have done your last strand.”—Marlo Steenman, Edmonton, Alta.
“Clients are paying for what they can see, so if you are doing a hidden panel, make sure it’s high and wide enough so it’s visible to them.”—Michael Levine, A Michael Levine Salon, Vancouver
“Less is more! Choose one area or anchor point on the head to showcase a design element or texture of the cut. Blending is key when making the overall look appear more high-fashion—especially when using bright colours.”—Lindie Blackwell, Gravity Salon, Barrie, Ont.
“Overthinking is the biggest mistake you can make as a colourist. We sometimes overthink a concept and complicate it unnecessarily. Trust that pit-of-your- stomach feeling, as listening to it is how you often come up with the best results.”—Rossa Jurenas, Studio Rossa, Tillsonburg, Ont.
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