Rachael Lomax on finding your niche within the colour world

‘Copper Queen’ Rachael Lomax talks trends, formulas and the importance of finding your niche in the colour world

“I wanted to show people how amazing copper is and being a natural auburn myself, I’ve always been fascinated by the science behind it. Plus, autumn is my favourite season with all the colours, which inspires me even more. I really love the colour and really felt that this area hadn’t been explored as much as others, yet there are so many options. I wanted to evolve this area of colour more and the more I looked into it and started creating swatches, the more I realised that this is my passion. 

 Given that copper colour has exploded on social media recently, it has massively changed my business, enabling me to work with brands and collaborate with other amazing colourists in the hair industry to share my knowledge. It’s been fantastic to see how the area has grown. 

When colouring copper hair, the main fear I come across is longevity and fade. My advice would be to ensure you know the science behind what you’re creating, as its down to product choice, mixed in with the theory of copper hair – such as undercoats and natural pigments. This really blew my mind when I was diving deeper. Copper hair has two extra pigments to natural hair, which can really affect the end result. Having this knowledge will ensure consistent results. My top tip when painting with copper is to add violet into your formula – it’s a game changer! 

Since developing my education, it’s been amazing to share and inspire others with knowledge and spark those ‘lightbulb’ moments. Being able to help people become more confident in colour is the best thing ever! It’s been hard work launching my education but so worth it. When you hear first-hand the experiences from your learners that they have used your tips and knowledge and then are smashing,  it is an amazing feeling. It’s all be thanks to Vivienne Johns and the Hairdressers Social Club. Viv really helped me think outside the box and get live on Instagram. Once I started doing that and Reels, it all started for me.

If you’re looking to find your niche in the colour world, you really have to break it down to that one thing that you love to do, day in and day out. It has to be something that you cannot wait to get up for in the morning. Just because you have a niche doesn’t mean you don’t do other things but this is your one passion.”

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