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Looking For Your Next Colour Technique? Convertible Colour Is A Fresh Way to Deliver Bespoke Results

Looking For Your Next Colour Technique? Convertible Colour Is A Fresh Way to Deliver Bespoke Results

Jan 3, 2025 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES

Looking For Your Next Colour Technique? Convertible Colour Is A Fresh Way to Deliver Bespoke Results

Gina Conway’s technique blends bold colour with everyday wearability

by CAITLYN | TECHNIQUES

When it comes to innovative colour techniques, Gina Conway has mastered the art of blending playfulness with practicality. Her “convertible colour” method is designed to give clients a pop of personality that can be hidden or revealed at will. As Gina puts it, “It’s something a little bit of fun and spicy that’s just for you.”

Convertible colour offers clients a subtle yet exciting way to experiment with bold shades without committing to a full transformation. By placing vibrant colour just beneath the natural parting, this technique lets clients enjoy the best of both worlds.

“If I’m going to a conservative setting, I can completely hide it by parting my hair on the opposite side,” explains Gina. “Or, if I just want to kind of see a little bit of it, I’ll pull my hair back, and you’ll see a little streak of it coming down.”

For clients with grey hair, convertible colour offers a chic and modern alternative to harsh regrowth lines. “When the grey comes in, it still is fun and cute and cool,” Gina shares. “It’s perfect because it’s still light, so you don’t have that strip of contrast…”

Gina often recommends complementary colour pairings like fuchsia and copper or milk chocolate and caramel. “Soft pink tends to be everybody’s favourite right now,” she adds. “But finding two colours that wear well together can make all the difference.”

 

Perfect For:

•The Corporate Convert: Clients who need to maintain a conservative look while expressing their personality

•The Colour Curious: Perfect for those who’ve been eyeing creative colours but aren’t ready for full coverage

•The Grey Transition Client: Ideal for adding dimension while embracing natural silver

•The Style Chameleon: Clients who love changing their look based on occasion

•The Creative Professional: Those who balance corporate environments with creative industries

How to Create Convertible Colour

The process is straightforward but requires a keen eye for placement and blending:

• Section Placement: Choose a section about an inch and a half wide, just below the natural parting.

• Blend Seamlessly: Add a quarter-inch strip of natural colour over the bold shade to ensure it can be hidden when styled.

• Tailor the Colour: Select shades that suit the client’s lifestyle. Gina notes, “It’s a fun little secret pop that lets clients feel like they’re trying something new without it being overwhelming.”

Convertible colour is suited to clients balancing different aspects of their lives. “If they’ve got a playful lifestyle but a conservative job, you know how far you can get away with it,” says Gina. The result is a personalised touch that reflects their personality while adapting to their daily needs.

For colourists, Gina’s convertible colour technique is an opportunity to connect with clients in a fresh, exciting way. Whether it’s blending grey regrowth with rose gold or creating vibrant streaks of fuchsia, this method offers endless possibilities. As Gina puts it, “It’s a great way to present something new to clients you’ve been working with for years.”

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‘The Hairvoyant’, Tom Smith, Predicts Rich, Bold Colours For Autumn

‘The Hairvoyant’, Tom Smith, Predicts Rich, Bold Colours For Autumn

Oct 9, 2024 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

‘The Hairvoyant’, Tom Smith, Predicts Rich, Bold Colours For Autumn

Indulgent tones and bold statements rise to the top this season

by CAITLYN | EXPLORE

Autumn 2024 is all about embracing rich, indulgent tones that capture the season’s cosy yet vibrant vibe—think earthy, luxe shades that feel like wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf. Leading hair expert Tom Smith is here to reveal the shades set to dominate, blending warm, autumnal hues with creative, trend-forward twists. “As the days grow cooler, we see a shift towards deeper, richer shades,” he says, noting how these colours bring an effortlessly chic, warm glow to any look.

Kennedy Claire Walsh on Instagram

Chappell Roan on Instagram

A major standout this season? ‘Terracopper’, the earthy copper that feels like a luxe upgrade to your go-to autumn shade. Inspired by the warmth of autumn leaves, Tom calls it “an intense, grounded twist on the classic copper,” giving off a natural, cosy vibe perfect for the season. This rich hue is ideal for anyone looking to switch things up but keep it familiar.

Emma Chamberlain on Instagram

Blake Lively on Instagram

Not ready to let go of that summer glow? ‘Sunflower blonde’ is your answer. “It’s all about keeping that golden radiance alive as we move into autumn,” Tom explains. Bright, youthful, and glowing, this shade keeps summer vibes strong well into sweater weather.

Avril Lavigne on Instagram

SZA on Instagram

Feeling a little bolder? ‘Flamingo pink’ is the season’s showstopper. Neon, punchy, and impossible to ignore, it’s the ultimate choice for anyone looking to turn heads. “It’s not for the faint of heart,” Tom notes, “but if you’re ready for a bold change, flamingo pink is your colour.” This shade brings the fun back into autumn hair, proving that vibrancy isn’t just for summer.

Jane Fonda on Instagram

Salma Hayek on Instagram

Meanwhile, ‘natural greys’ are here to stay as more people embrace their evolving hair colour. “It’s about honouring the greys, not hiding them,” Tom says, encouraging clients to work with their natural shades for a low-maintenance, polished look that screams ‘effortless cool.’

Khloe Kardashian on Instagram

Salma Hayek on Instagram

For brunettes, ‘cinder toffee brunette’ is this season’s indulgence. Think caramel meets chocolate, with just a hint of golden glow. “It’s rich but with a brightness that’s perfect for autumn,” says Tom. This shade is perfect for those transitioning from summer, keeping things light while still embracing the season’s deeper tones. It’s the hair equivalent of ordering a pumpkin spice latte but with an extra shot of sophistication.

With such a diverse palette, autumn 2024 offers something for everyone. Whether your client’s vibe is subtle and warm or bold and daring, this season’s colours have you covered. Tom’s top advice? “Stay tuned to your client’s comfort level—gradual shifts or bold pops, it’s all about making them feel fabulous.” And with clients becoming more adventurous, the possibilities are endless.

Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Whether they’re craving a soft, seasonal switch to ‘terracopper’ or ready to take the plunge with ‘flamingo pink,’ the key is creating a look that feels personal and perfectly autumn-ready. Because nothing says autumn chic like hair that’s in tune with the season’s trends.

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Top Trends Spotted at London Fashion Week S/S25

Top Trends Spotted at London Fashion Week S/S25

Sep 18, 2024 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

Top Trends seen at London Fashion Week S/S 2025

Stylists are going back to their roots this season for LFW hair inspiration

by Maddi | TECHNIQUES

CHET LO

Chet Lo by Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept

THE LEAD Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept  

THE LOOK Inspired by Chet Lo’s mother’s passionate work ethic, this look fused intricate patterned veils with sleek, textured hair. Blow-dried with Amplify Mousse for heat protection, the hair was parted down the middle, while Glow Spray Serum added radiant shine. Waving irons and knots created a non-uniform movement, completing the polished, statement style. 

MITHRIDATE

Mithridate by Johanna Cree Brown for Indola
Mithridate by Johanna Cree Brown for Indola

THE LEAD Johanna Cree Brown for Indola 

THE LOOK Inspired by Demon Zhang’s collection, rooted in the landscapes of Yuhan, hair was prepped with Indola Volume and Blow-Dry Spray, which was applied to the roots and parting for sleekness and grip. Hair was then parted in the centre and styled into a Dutch braid, tamed by the Smoothing Cream to ensure a flawless finish, while Flexible Hairspray locked in the look for a polished yet powerful effect. 

HARRIS REED 

Harris Reed by Ali Pirzadeh for Dyson

THE LEAD Ali Pirzadeh for Dyson  

THE LOOK Art Deco meets old Hollywood glamour in this sculpted look, created by the 2024 Most Wanted Session Stylist using Dyson’s Supersonic r Professional hair dryer and Corrale straightener. Hair was sectioned and blow-dried upwards into a high ponytail, with tonging waves shaped by the Corrale and set using the Supersonic’s cold shot for a flawless, long-lasting finish. 

BORA AKSU 

THE LEAD Syd Hayes for BaByliss PRO

THE LOOK The classic ‘60s beehive gets a fresh, modern twist in this look inspired by Aksu’s mother. Using the STILISTA for sleek shine and locked-in volume, Syd pressed the hair straight, backcombed the roots, and added an XXL styling doughnut for bold shape. The result: a playful, redefined retro style.

Bora Aksu by Syd Hayes for BaByliss PRO

EDELINE LEE

Edeline Lee by Philipp Haug for Schwarzkopf Professional

THE LEAD Philipp Haug for Schwarzkopf Professional 

THE LOOK To contrast Edeline’s soft, flowing garments, Philip added strength with a centre part using Session Label The Mousse, while the ends cascaded in different directions using a horizontal tonging technique. The wet-to-dry effect, created with light gel at the roots and oiled ends, ensured the hair remained sleek and refined, allowing the garments to take centre stage. Finished with Fibre Clinx oil for a polished touch, the look exuded understated elegance and control. 

ERDEM 

Erdem by Adam Garland for Authentic Beauty Concept
Erdem by Adam Garland for Authentic Beauty Concept

THE LEAD Adam Garland for Authentic Beauty Concept

THE LOOK Inspired by the controversial 1928 novel The Well of Loneliness, Erdem’s collection masterfully balances masculinity and femininity. Adam crafted a sharp side part using Amplify Mousse and Working Hairspray to achieve a bold, masculine silhouette. He then softened the look with a delicate braid down the back, adding a feminine finish. 

VIN + OMI 

VIN + OMI by Gina Conway for Philip Martins

THE LEAD Gina Conway for Philip Martins

THE LOOK Gina crafted this gravity-defying hairstyle using Philip Martin’s all-natural range, blending a natural finish with a sculptural design. Sections of hair were fastened and pinched to form bold, spherical baubles, creating a whimsical effect. This avant-garde look also reflects Vin + Omi’s dedication to sustainability, aligning with Philip Martin’s eco-conscious ethos. 

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How to Offer Blondes The Best Of Both Worlds

How to Offer Blondes The Best Of Both Worlds

Aug 20, 2024 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

How to Offer Blondes The Best Of Both Worlds

Siobhan Jones shares her freehand balayage technique for the perfect pairing of softness with high coverage

by AOIFE | TECHNIQUES 

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris global ambassador Siobhan Jones shares the perfect technique for delivering high-coverage blonde, using freehand balayage free weaving. “This technique is perfect for anyone who loves the softness of balayage, but is looking for the coverage of foils,” says Siobhan. 

Dia Light Formula
Contour: 10.18 with 9vol
Roots: 8.21 with 9 vol
Mid-lengths: 9.21 + 9.82 with 9 vol
Ends: 10.18 with 9 vol  

Siobhan Jones freehand balayage

Get the look  

Step 1: The model’s hair is a natural base seven. Start by parting hair in a classic sectioning pattern. 

Step 2: Starting at the hairline, take a diagonal section and weave, then use the edge of the tint brush and paint L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Blond Studio Purple Lightening Balm from root to tip. Use your hands to push it down the hair shaft.

Step 3: Join the hair let out from underneath and saturate to the ends, using your hands to push in the balm which will guarantee a nice, bright lift.

Step 4: Repeat this throughout the sides, weaving, painting and saturating the hair.

Step 5: Move diagonally off the parting, starting on the hairline to create a beautiful contour.

Step 6: Moving through the parting on a diagonal angle, use the free weaving technique, which will give a graduated, yet full coverage effect.

Step 7: Repeat this technique throughout the back diamond section on a diagonal. Once you reach the desired lift, gloss over with a Milky Tea toner using L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Dia Light for a beautiful, high-shine blonde.

Step 8: To finish, apply L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Pli to the hair and blow dry smooth and dress with a wide barrel tong for a soft wavy finish.

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Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Aug 12, 2024 | EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Learn how splicing achieves customisable colour and sets new trends in the industry

by CAITLYN | DOCUMENTS

When it comes to hair colouring, innovation is everything. We heard from renowned colourist, Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, about his revolutionary “splicing” technique, a method that’s quickly becoming a favourite among stylists seeking to push the boundaries of creativity. Speaking exclusively to Creative HEAD, Brian shares the inspiration behind his technique, its versatility, and its future in the industry. 

The splicing technique was born from his desire to bring more depth and dimension and create a metallic feel. “As colourists, we work with slices every day,” Brian explains. “But I wanted more of an iridescent feel to these pieces.” This led him to experiment with the direction of the slices. After bleaching, he takes each section and splices it in the opposite direction, creating a stunning metallic effect. 

While splicing may seem similar to traditional slicing at first, the technique introduces a subtle but significant shift in execution. “Splicing gives you the ability to add harmonious or clashing colours quickly and efficiently,” Brian says. It’s not drastically different from traditional methods, but it does offer a unique twist—literally. 

Halley Brisker

Brian Leo McCallum

By altering the direction in which slices are made, stylists can create a more dynamic and customised look. This technique enhances the colouring process by allowing for more precise colour placement, which can result in a variety of visual effects, from subtle blends to bold contrasts. This flexibility makes splicing an invaluable tool for any stylist looking to push the boundaries of traditional hair colouring. 

The technique uses a range of high-quality products to achieve its unique results. Pictured below, Brian used Goldwell Elumen to create vibrant greens, Goldwell Topchic for striking silvers, and Goldwell Colorance for a rich rust orange hue. By splicing sections in different directions, these colours can either harmonise or contrast, depending on the desired effect. The result is a look that is both bold and sophisticated, with a depth that catches the light in a way traditional techniques cannot. 

One of the key benefits of the splicing technique is its versatility. “It can be used on all hair types,” he notes. Like any new technique, splicing comes with its own set of challenges. According to Brian, the biggest hurdle is speed. “The primary challenge for stylists learning the technique is speed,” he admits. “However, like any skill, practice leads to improvement. With a few attempts, stylists of all levels find it becomes easy to master.”  

“Splicing enhances the colouring process by allowing stylists to be more creative with colour placement. For clients, it promotes a more individualised and bespoke colour service.”

As hair trends continue to evolve, so too will the applications of the splicing technique. Brian originally developed splicing for creative looks in photo shoots, but it has since found a place in commercial salon work. “The possibilities are endless,” he says. As more stylists begin to experiment with splicing, it is likely to become a staple in the industry, offering new ways to bring depth, dimension, and individuality to hair colour. 

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Every Colourist Should Know This Half-And-Half Colouring Technique

Every Colourist Should Know This Half-And-Half Colouring Technique

Aug 5, 2024 | TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

Spice up your colour and cutting services with a fresh technique from the Allilon team.

by  | TECHNIQUES 

Join Evie and Aki from Allilon in this exciting collaboration, as they demonstrate a stunning colour and cut combination. Discover how even the simplest haircutting techniques can be transformed into something extraordinary with Evie’s amazing half-and-half colouring technique. Enjoy the journey!

 

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