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This Is The Biggest Mistake You’re Making During A Creative Colour Consultation – And How To Solve It

This Is The Biggest Mistake You’re Making During A Creative Colour Consultation – And How To Solve It

THIS IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU'RE MAKING DURING A CREATIVE COLOUR CONSULTATION – AND HOW TO SOLVE IT

The success behind great creative colour lies in the consultation, but what are the common pitfalls many hairdressers get wrong? Paul Mitchell educator, Victoria Panting, shares all.

Victoria Panting

Victoria Panting

The biggest mistake I see is hairdressers not taking enough time in the consultation to thoroughly understand the investment the client has in their hair. To clarify, when we are talking about ‘investment’, in this scenario we are talking about the financial investment and time invested. It is vital to understand this from the perspective of your client from the get-go to prevent any change of direction mid-appointment.

Let’s start with financial investment. This topic should always be handled sensitively, and I always like to give a personal tip – do not judge a book by its cover. 

Have an open conversation with your client about how much they have budgeted for their hair today; this will help you understand their financial comfort level. By having this conversation, you may find that what they want to achieve doesn’t sit within their budget,
so it allows you to recommend an alternative service. 

Other things to consider when discussing financial investment in hair with your client are how much your client has budgeted for haircare to maintain their colour. This means it’s more important to educate your client on the importance of home maintenance.

It’s also important to find out how often your client can afford to visit the salon for colour refreshes. Recommend a service with maintenance that matches their budget.

Next, let’s consider investment in time. How much time can your client invest in their hair? Today – if they are tight on time, can we achieve what they want within that time?

Victoria Panting working

This also relates to appointment frequency – ask yourself will this service require a monthly visit to the salon, is this a realistic expectation for your client? If not, will an alternative service provide the longevity your client is looking for?

Finally, can you recommend any retail products which will help the client to maintain their look at home at a time and frequency that suits them? Setting realistic expectations when it comes to ‘investments’ is vital to a happy client.

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“Picasso” By Catherine McElligott At The Hair Shop, Dundalk

“Picasso” By Catherine McElligott At The Hair Shop, Dundalk

"PICASSO" BY CATHERINE MCELLIGOTT AT THE HAIR SHOP, DUNDALK

Finding inspiration in the iconic artist Pablo Picasso, Catherine McElligott at The Hair Shop showcases how hairdressing is a creative art form that generates plenty of masterpieces.

Hair: Catherine McElligott at The Hair Shop, Dundalk
Colour: James McMahon
Photography: Martin McElligott
Model: Keying Ji

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What’s The Secret To Creating The Biggest Blonde Trend Of 2024?

What’s The Secret To Creating The Biggest Blonde Trend Of 2024?

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO CREATING THE BIGGEST BLONDE TREND OF 2024?

Promotion – Schwarzkopf Professional

Lived-in blonde is loved by clients across the globe, but what’s the formula for success? Chris Appleton, global Schwarzkopf colour ambassador, shares all.

Chris Appleton

Chris Appleton

Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara

It’s no secret that blondes are big for business all year round but as trends evolve, how can you capture the attention of clients and keep them coming back for more? Enter lived-in blonde, the colour trend of the year which is coveted by celebrities and offers ender possibilities for bespoke colour placement to suit every client’s needs.

“One of the biggest trends right now is the lived-in blonde. It is a very popular look with celebrities, very sought after in the salon, and it’s a trend that isn’t going anywhere,” says global Schwarzkopf colour ambassador, Chris Appleton, highlighting the enduring appeal of this captivating style. 

Chris Appleton with Sofia Vergara

Chris Appleton with Sofia Vergara

Capturing the essence of this sought-after shade, Chris delivered a complete colour transformation for global Schwarzkopf ambassador, Sofia Vergara, who transitioned from a deep brunette to a beautiful, lived-in blonde. Drawing upon his unparalleled expertise, Chris has revealed the techniques and products that brought this colour creation to life.

Central to Chris’s technique is the careful colour placement to frame the face and accentuate its contours. “What is great about the lived-in look is that it really frames the face,” he comments. By strategically placing brighter pieces around the face, Chris achieved a flattering contrast with the natural root throughout the back, adding depth and dimension to the overall look.

To create Sofia Vergara’s radiant lived-in blonde transformation, Chris used a carefully curated selection of Schwarzkopf Professional products, each tailored to deliver exceptional results. 

Schwarzkopf Professional product montage

Colour recipe:

Colour 1 (Foils): IGORA ROYAL Highlifts 12-0 + 12-1 (1:1) + IGORA ROYAL Developer Oil 12% | 30 Vol. (1:1)
Colour 2 (Face Frame): BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ + BLONDME Premium Developer 2% | 7 Vol. (1:2)
Colour 3 (All Over): IGORA VIBRANCE 5-4 + 7-4 + 6-0 (1:1:1) + IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Lotion 1.9% | 6 Vol. (1:1)
Colour 4 (Toner On Face Frame): BLONDME Pastel Toner Ice Irisé + Biscuit (2:1) + BLONDME Premium Developer 2% | 7 Vol. (1-1)

As striking as it is sophisticated, Chris’s innovative use of Schwarzkopf Professional colour has created a truly bespoke lived-in blonde for Sofia. By personalising the style with strategically placed money pieces, he has elevated Sofia’s hair to new heights of elegance while remaining bang on trend.

For hairdressers looking to expand their expertise in the lived-in blonde trend, consider Sofia’s transformation the ultimate inspiration. By mastering the techniques and products used in her stunning makeover, you too can unlock endless possibilities for your clients’ hair stories. 

Explore the full product portfolio online, including all the new looks, services and ambassador tips and tricks at schwarzkopfpro.com.

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New Survey Finds 50 Per Cent Of Beauty Professionals Identify As Neurodivergent – But What Does This Mean For The Industry?

New Survey Finds 50 Per Cent Of Beauty Professionals Identify As Neurodivergent – But What Does This Mean For The Industry?

NEW SURVEY FINDS 50 PER CENT OF BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS IDENTIFY AS NEURODIVERGENT – BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE INDUSTRY?

A recent survey conducted by Vagaro highlights the significant presence of neurodivergent professionals in the beauty industry.

model with braids by Ciara Harrington

It’s common knowledge in the industry that many hair professionals are neurodivergent, but a recent survey from salon software brand Vagaro revealed that half of the beauty industry identifies as such.

The research also explored how salon salons and spas cater to neurodivergent clients, highlighting the role of technology and software in creating inclusive spaces and the human aspect of nurturing relationships, empathy, and understanding.

27 per cent of survey participants said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer and 43 per cent of participants said they offer services specifically tailored to meet the needs of clients who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

Findings suggest that these salon and spa professionals proactively ask about accommodation requests beforehand, as well as offering quieter or noise-reduced options such as quiet hair clippers, providing an array of lighting options, and more.

27 per cent of survey participants said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer.

Technology is also crucial to creating a welcoming space for neurodivergent clients, with 56 per cent of those asked agreeing that technology helps make accommodations for neurodivergent clients, pointing out that scheduling software plays a crucial role in reducing sensory overload.

They said capabilities such as online booking systems, digital check-ins, forms, and automated appointment reminders help reduce factors that can contribute to overstimulation and streamline the overall experience. “Our survey showcases the growing dedication of salon and spa professionals to inclusivity and innovation,” says Charity Hudnall, Vagaro chief marketing officer. “By encouraging acceptance, celebrating diversity, and leveraging technology, we can create more accessible
spaces for both neurodivergent clients and industry professionals.”

See the full findings of Vagaro’s survey of neurodivergence among salon and spa professionals on the Vagaro blog, highlighted amid National Autism Acceptance Month. 

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“ERUDITION” BY LISA FARRALL, DESMOND MURRAY AND WIG LONDON PHOTOSHOOT MASTERCLASS

“ERUDITION” BY LISA FARRALL, DESMOND MURRAY AND WIG LONDON PHOTOSHOOT MASTERCLASS

"ERUDITION" BY LISA FARRALL, DESMOND MURRAY AND WIG LONDON PHOTOSHOOT MASTERCLASS

Erudition is the result of WIG London’s Photoshoot Masterclass with Lisa Farrall and Desmond Murray, offering a mentoring day where stylists got hands-on experience doing hair on set and seeing the creative process in full swing. From braids to colour, it’s got the
lot…

Photography: Desmond Murray
Hair lead: Lisa Farrall
Stylists: Cally Borg, James Farrer, Chris Grimley, Hannah-Marcia
Larden, Bekie Taylor, Carol Ritchie, Chelsey Stone, Stevie Leah, Lucy Melvin
Assistants: Annie Franklin, Sophie Rose Goldsworthy
Creative direction: Lisa Farrall and Desmond Murray
Make-up: Melissa Victoria Lee
Styling: Lewis Robert Cameron
Location: WIG London

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