2 mins
Colour NOTES
Hayley Johnson talks pastels, vivids and knowing when to break the rules
What do you love most about being a colourist?
It’s never boring; there’s so much choice when it comes to colour brands and techniques. I also think it’s really rewarding when you get to see a client’s face after you’ve done their colour for the first time.
What is the most important question you ask in a colour consultation and why?
In addition to figuring out what their goal for their hair is, I also try and work out what type of person they are – what’s going to suit their lifestyle, what’s going to suit their job.
What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?
The ombre. I love things that flow, but ombre is both really light and dark at the same time. I think it can sometimes work with vivids, but with natural colours I think it looks out of place.
Are there any colour trends you’d like to bring back?
I like to bring back looks I’ve created in the past and put a new twist on them. For example I’ll use the same technique but with a different palette.
What are the challenges facing colourists right now?
I think it’s really hard for colourists these days, because clients are expecting a lot more but in a short timeframe. Especially with social media, they’ll see a hair transformation in 20 seconds and ask for you to do it in their lunch break.
What do you think will be the next big colour trend?
I think we’re seeing vivids more widely accepted in society. Now, colour doesn’t need to be defined by age or profession – absolutely anyone can embrace vivids!
What colour techniques are you known for?
I’m definitely known for my bright colours, but recently I’ve been doing a lot of prism work – almost creating a kaleidoscope of colours.
What colour creation makes you most proud?
The prism technique – it blends pastel colours together, and it gives the most stunning effect. I style it in a fishtail plait, which I think shows the colours well.
What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?
Never compare yourself to others, and celebrate all your little wins; even mistakes are wins, because you learn from them.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?
Learn the rules before you try to break them. You’ve got to be educated and you need to know the colour brands inside-out before you can learn to be creative and bend the rules.
#COLOURINSPO
1 DESIGN MAGAZINES
I find colour ideas in interior magazines, and I also like to keep an eye on fashion trends, runway shows and art exhibitions.
2 HAIR EVENTS
Industry events, such as Salon International, are full of inspiration; I love to fully immerse myself in the day, networking and meeting like-minded people.
3 EDUCATION
I attend lots of courses as I like to keep myself up-to-date with the latest trends and new techniques, like the Prism technique I mentioned above.
4 COMPETITIONS
Hair competitions are a profound source of inspiration for me – these events showcase the pinnacle of creativity and technical prowess in the industry.