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Make Trends Your Business

Make Trends Your Business

May 6, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Partnership

From rich mochas to peekaboo panels, discover the potential power of harnessing trends – with luxe looks that are coveted by clients

There’s no doubt colour is your salon’s superpower, recharging profits and creativity and thrilling clients in the process. But what will fuel your colour business to the next level? Let us introduce you to the power of trends… and a macro trend that shows no sign of slowing is Expensive Hair, with full beam finishes so flawless and fabulous they shimmer with shine.

For this Creative HEAD front cover shoot project, in partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, we unleash an abundance of delicious-looking, high-end hues, thanks to the talents of Robert Eaton and Josh Goldsworthy. But more vitally, we uncover the commercial case behind the looks – the importance of understanding what’s trending, the psychology of consumer trends and how you can turn a trend into a brilliant business booster. Let’s see what’s trending right now… 

The Artist: Robert Eaton, creative director, Russell Eaton 

An industry icon and a multi-award winner, Robert’s brief for this project was to deliver two luxury takes on this season’s brunettes, powered by the oil-rich formula of iNOA, which is also ammonia-free. Delivering super shiny results and a scalp that feels nourished, iNOA is a game-changing product for colourists – helping to craft hair looks so glazed and gorgeous they’ll make your mouth water! “Clients are often searching for luxury, both in the service they receive in the salon, and of course, in their hair,” says Robert. “My clients are always looking for high shine, well-conditioned hair. These looks really bring that to life in an accessible way. As colourists, we’ve got a responsibility to create beautiful hair, and also hair that’s well maintained.” 

The luxe look here comes from defined, bouncy, shiny curls for sure, but also from the magical mix of shades. Just like a bespoke suit is a symbol of luxury, personalised blends of tones, delivered by expert techniques, gives this trend a high-ranking status. A combination of ash beige and warmer shades creates a custom colour that pops while enhancing the curl pattern too. And is there a more trending palette right now than brunette? From Mocha Mousse to Ganache Brunette, brown has proven it’s endlessly versatile and ideal for tailoring. From hints of caramel to kisses of copper, brunette offers the scope to curate something rich, deep and reflective that says ‘affluence’ without being loud or overt.  

Robert Eaton on Mocha Glaze

Shades and Steps

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris iNOA 6.1 + 20 vol; 7.31 + 20 vol; 8.13 + 20 vol; 10.21 + 30 vol

  • Mist hair with Metal Detox Professional Pre-Treatment Spray and comb through, before sectioning the hair into four quadrants
  • Starting at the back, apply 6.1 to the root area melted into 8.31, and 10.21 throughout the lengths and ends
  • Allow the curls to dictate the section pattern by increasing and decreasing the width of each section. Work throughout the head until you reach the hairline
  • At the hairline apply the 8.13 to the root
    Through the mid-lengths and ends of the hairline, alternate between 8.13 and 10.21
  • Develop for 35 minutes
  • Rinse, shampoo and treat with Curl Expression
Brown has dumped the boring moniker and is playing to its strengths – rich tones, glistening gloss, major reflects… When done brilliantly, brunette always looks premium, and this season, those finishes are liquid and luxe. “Expensive Brunette” views on social have seen steady growth in 2025, and Robert’s take on the trend blends notes of caramel, mocha, vanilla and a little warmer cinnamon. That’s deliberate, based on the move towards warmer browns, and those shades illustrate what underpins this trend – those deeply-saturated glazed tones look delicious, rich and sumptuous to achieve an irresistible result that looks almost good enough to eat.  

Robert Eaton on Expensive Brunette

Shades and Steps

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris iNOA 6.8 + 20 vol back section; 7.8 + 20 vol middle + parting; 7.34 + 20 vol front; 8.31 + 30 vol hairline melted into 8.31 + clear + col vol lengths + end

 

  • Mist hair with Metal Detox Professional Pre-Treatment Spray and comb through
    Section hair from ear to ear and apply iNOA 6.8 and 20 vol root to tip
  • Isolate the hairline 1-inch deep from recession to top of ear
  • Apply 8.31 and 30 vol at the root, and melt through on mid-lengths 8.31 + Clear and 30 vol
  • Create a triangle section with widest part from temple to crown. Apply 7.8 and 20 vol
  • On either side of the head, create two more triangle sections and alternate applications of 7.8 and 7.34 with 20 vol
  • Develop for 35 mins
  • Rinse, shampoo and treat with Vitamino Color Spectrum

Colour AND Treat 

Think of the double duty that a colour appointment can deliver – firstly with that luxurious experience courtesy of iNOA (thanks to its oil-rich, ammonia-free formula) and secondly with the backwash boost of a professional treatment, just like the salon exclusive Deep Conditioner from the new Vitamino Color Spectrum range. And if a client wants to keep that ‘just coloured’ vibrancy locked in, Vitamino Color Spectrum is the ideal take home treat, too! 

Make It Personal 

“Luxury is about personalisation, ensuring that each technique, each colour formulation, is bespoke and personalised to a client,” explains Robert. Curate a perfect combination that can’t be replicated at home, taking into account skin tone, hair type and the ideal blend, to nail ‘Expensive Brunette’ every time. 

The Artist: Josh Goldsworthy, creative director, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing  

From presenting at industry-facing avant garde shows to flexing his editorial prowess as a busy session stylist, Josh delivers incredible colour results that are bang on-trend and expertly tailored to his loyal clientele. His take on ‘expensive hair’ is rooted in the bespoke, engineered by a business-building evolution of balayage. “Balayage is already a really established commercial look used in salons, but this trend is pushing it into a whole new realm,” explains Josh. “Peekaboo Balayage is about placing subtle and sometimes bolder colours within the hair, just underneath, so you get these pops of colours and iridescent tones. This is that next forward step for clients to try something new, something that gets them out of their usual toner or application and gives them some versatility and the ability to change it up, every time.” 

This iridescent yet creamy soft blonde acts as a veil through the top section of the hair… and then you’re treated to a seasonal surprise with deep slices of the two new pearlescent coral shades from Dia Light. Add a little movement and PEEK-A-BOO! The underneath reveals something more playful and unexpected. Colour can be as bold or as muted as you want, warm or cool – the power of ‘Peekaboo Balayage’ is in its versatility. We’re hooked!

Josh Goldsworthy on Whipped Cream Blonde

Shades and Steps

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Blond Studio Purple Lightening Balm + 30vol  

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Dia Light 10.23 + 9 Volume DiaActivateur; 8.24 + 9 Volume DiaActivateur; 10.24 + 1g Violet booster + 9 Volume DiaActivateur

  • Mist hair with Metal Detox Professional Pre-Treatment Spray and comb through
    Apply full head of highlights utilising fine and medium weaves with Blond Studio Purple Lightening
  • Develop for up to 50 minutes
  • Rinse and shampoo with Metal Detox
  • Isolate 1cm of the hairline. Following the shape of the head, create a star shape on top and apply Dia Light 10.23 from root to tip to these areas
  • Using diagonal back sections alternate between 8.24 and the 10.24 + Violet Booster
  • Develop for up to 20 minutes
  • Rinse, shampoo and treat with Metal Detox

Josh has opted for something more subtle this time, with a palette of honeys and caramels. As the cyclical nature of trends brings us back to the boho vibes of the Noughties, this look is ideal for that laid-back luxe vibe and will simply stun when the sun hits the sparkling mix of shades. “This warm, bronde tone with the copper boosters gives it a really expensive, beautiful feel, and it means you’re not seeing any start or stop point within the highlighted pieces,” says Josh.  

Josh Goldsworthy on Boho Bronde

Shades and Steps

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Blond Studio Purple Lightening Balm + 30vol  

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Dia Light 9.03 + Copper Booster + 9 Volume DiaActivateur; 8.24 + Copper Booster + 9 Volume DiaActivateur

  • Mist hair with Metal Detox Professional
  • Pre-Treatment Spray and comb through
  • Apply full head of Foiliage utilising a mix of teasy lights and classic balayage weaves with Blond Studio Purple Lightening Balm + 30vol
  • Rinse and shampoo with Metal Detox
  • Working to a centre parting, gloss using 1cm diagonal back sections from front to back. Applying from root to tip, alternate between Dia Light 9.03 + Copper Booster and 8.24 + Copper Booster
  • Develop for up to 20 minutes
  • Rinse, shampoo and treat with Vitamino Color Spectrum

Focus On Versatility 

Peekaboo Balayage is fantastic for those clients who might need a more conservative look for their nine-to-five but then can reveal their playful side through alternative styling. “If you put a wave or a curl through, it’s really going to bring the look alive. It’s so versatile for everybody,” says Josh. This is a technique that works for any client, any hair type, any shade and is an excellent first toe dipped into the world of colour. You can dial up or dial down, depending on the mood – just see how Josh amped it up for the shoot! 

Top Ups And Quicker Services 

That versatility extends to your business, too. “Peekaboo Balayage can stand alone as its own service within the salon, but from a business point of view, we can also look at it for top-up services in between,” says Josh. “Once we’ve got that pre-lightened section in, we’re looking at four- or six-weekly repeat services, which will be express services with a toner that would be cost effective. It’s a real opportunity.” And another positive for business? Clients don’t need to commit to a global colour, meaning a quicker appointment time that frees you up for more clients in your day. 

Build Services Around Occasions 

Peekaboo Balayage is the custom colour Gen Z will crave, encouraging more younger consumers to opt for professional colour. And as the summer rolls closer – think of festivals, parties and events – build services around those occasions, helping to grow your colour business in fresh and new directions.

 

 

A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris  

Photography Jon Baker, assisted by Ethan Humphries 
Reportage photography and artist portraits Anett Posalaki  
Videography Austen Killingbeck-Jones, assisted by Douglas Cock  
Hair Robert Eaton and Josh Goldsworthy, with additional hair support provided by Phoebe Dean (for Josh), Nicola Chamberlain, Bobbi Murray, Fran Sleighthome, Victoria Strain, Joe Strangward and Cathal Walshe, all for L’Oréal Professionnel Paris  
Make-up Eliza Clarke, assisted by Babi Campos  
Fashion Harriet Nicolson, assisted by Carla Grottola  
Models Valentina Biliosa (Boss), Chelsea Kent (Body London), Phoebe Summer (MMG) and Kay-leigh Rachel Sussman (Zone)  
Editorial Amanda Nottage (Creative HEAD) 
Digital and social media Kelsey Dring and Caitlyn Brandom (Creative HEAD) 
Creative direction and production Joanna Kidd (Creative HEAD) 

Shot at Loft Studios in London  

The Playful Colour Trend To Know For The Season Ahead

The Playful Colour Trend To Know For The Season Ahead

Mar 28, 2025 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

The Playful Colour Trend To Know For The Season Ahead

Charlotte O’Flanagan shares how to paint the perfect pastel Tones

by KELSEY | EXPLORE

pastel hair from Charlotte Paints Hair

With spring officially upon us, it heralds the perfect opportunity for clients to get playful with pastel tones and experiment with a new look, especially if they are attending festivals, special occasions or off on a trip abroad.

Known for her creative colour, including blush pink, cowboy copper and sweet peach, Charlotte O’Flanagan (Charlotte Paints Hair on Instagram) shares how to deliver the perfect pop of pastel in your salon.

The Formula

From back of head to face:

  • Teal – 1g Jade, 1g Blue, 70g Clear
  • Yellow – 1g Neon Yellow, 140g Clear
  • Orange – 2g Flame, 0.5g Yellow, 100g Clear
  • Lavender – 3g Lavender, 2g Fuchsia, 100g Clear
  • Lime – 3g Lime, 100g Clear
  • Pink – 1g Fuchsia, 1g Ruby, 100g Clear

The Process

Step one: I pre-lightened the hair using 20vol Progress Davines as a scalp bleach for the 8-week top-up
Step two: I let it develop until the hair reached a pale yellow – light enough to ensure my pastel direct dyes would maintain their vibrancy.
Step three: I then toned with Davines Quartz for a soft, pearly base, creating the perfect canvas for vivid colours.

For application, I worked in diagonal sections, starting with thicker sections at the top and gradually thinning toward the ears, allowing the colours to fall forward and blend naturally.

Each of the six shades was applied at the roots first, then seamlessly blended through to the ends. I made sure that the first and last colours were deeper and more saturated to enhance the melting effect while still maintaining contrast.

Why It’s Trending

With festival season approaching, pastel hues provide a fun, creative change with minimal commitment. They fade back to blonde, making them perfect for clients who want a temporary pop of colour or are looking to experiment with a new look.

Who Does It Work For?

Ideal for blondes wanting to explore something new, pastel tones can be tailored to suit a variety of skin tones. Warm and cool shades can be adjusted accordingly, making this a versatile and playful option for all clients.

Perfect Pairing

For a statement look with delicate balance, a strong, blunt bob just above the shoulders keeps the style fresh, chic and effortlessly head-turning.

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They’re In A Different League 

They’re In A Different League 

Mar 25, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, EXPLORE

A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Diva Pro Styling  

Each hair stylist has their own little idiosyncrasies when it comes to styling techniques. Give each stylist a brief, with the same tools, and each one will deliver something completely different… so, that’s what we did. Creative HEAD, in partnership with Diva Pro Styling, assembled Rebecca Jacques, Birte Klintworth and Giuseppe Stelitano and gave each their own brief – challenging them to bring concepts to life on three different heads of hair, all helped to life by the breadth of Diva Pro Styling tools in their kit bags, including the new range of Diva Atmos Professional Stylers.   

These briefs were set within the prism of S/S25 runway trends. Think Chloë, a fashion house that often sees its show models sporting ‘undone’ hair, but sending their looks down the S/S25 catwalk noticeably more dressed and ‘done’. From celebrity looks to client requests, there’s a noticeable return to hair that looks styled. And this is the season to try something fresh – from festivals to summer parties, events to holiday hair, we’ve pushed our stylists to the ‘finish’ line to create wearable looks with an editorial vibe that clients will covet.   

For a few years, beauty trends have shied away from anything that looked like you made a real effort. Slowly, we’ve seen a return to hair that looks ‘done’. From Sabrina Carpenter to the wives of Capitol Hill, big hair is BACK. It’s blown out, it’s bouncy and it’s bringing us back to the ‘90s… Giuseppe Stelitano has embraced the big brief and delivered to the max.  

For a few years, beauty trends have shied away from anything that looked like you made a real effort. Slowly, we’ve seen a return to hair that looks ‘done’. From Sabrina Carpenter to the wives of Capitol Hill, big hair is BACK. It’s blown out, it’s bouncy and it’s bringing us back to the ‘90s… Giuseppe Stelitano has embraced the big brief and delivered to the max.  

The Look: Hair was prepped with mousse and blasted dry using the Diva Professional Atmos 2 Atom Hair Dryer. Then section by section, Giuseppe used the Digital Crimper from the root to the nape to set in that texture he needed for the final updo. Once done, he brushed through, shaped then twisted hair in pieces before pinning. Using the new Atmos Professional 13mm Super Slim Styler, he straightened small sections to create a windblown effect (“I can go literally to the edge, tapping at the ends and bending over at the root”).  

The Trick: “Because I need the volume, especially on the top, I use the Digital Crimper vertically and kept going upwards,” says Giuseppe. “You’re almost directing the roots as well.” 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Atom Hair Dryer; Digital Crimper

The Look: This is almost an undone updo, a little messy but elevated. Giuseppe started by gently stretching out Rubi’s curls using the Atmos 2 Atom Hair Dryer and his fingers. Then he added a couple of donuts on the top of the head to build the hair up. After brushing the hair, around the hairline, he went in with the new Atmos Professional 13mm Super Slim Styler to create a soft wave. He then switched to the 25mm Standard Styler, where there was more hair to manage. Visually building up the hair and to add definition, he used the 19mm Digital Tong on selected areas on top and through the front sections.   

The Trick: “I use the Atmos Professional Styler almost for backcombing, on a lower heat,” says Giuseppe. “I use it at the end, to finish the look – pulling down, so it almost locks in a nice, soft flatness.” 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Atom Hair Dryer; Atmos Professional 13mm Super Slim Styler; Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler; 19mm Digital Tong  

 

The Look: We’re donning the red swimsuit and heading back to the ‘90s for this one, as Giuseppe found inspiration in the iconic blonde waves of Pamela Anderson. Using the Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer with a nozzle (“The Ultra has a bit more power”) he blow-dried section by section with a round brush, drying any product – he used thickening spray – from roots to ends. He then turned to the new Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler, taking sections (not too big) and creating a glamorous blow dry. Finally, fixing the diffuser to the dryer, he diffused the hair lightly on a cold setting before finishing with the Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler – again through the front, adding a bigger curl. 

The Trick: “I over-direct the hair forward,” says Giuseppe. “Then with the styler, you can go close to the roots, give it the first bend – this will determine the type of curl – and then slowly, gently, just pull the styler up, holding the ends of the hair while you’re doing it, so you still have control. This gives curl and hold.” 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer with a nozzle and a diffuser; Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler 

The embrace of natural texture over the past few years has been a breath of fresh air, creating space for anyone with any kind of kink or coil to get playful. Rebecca Jacques understood the assignment, from the perennially popular beachy wave (with added micro braids!) to wet-look zigzag bends to the swept-over joy of a cloud of delicately embellished coils. 

The embrace of natural texture over the past few years has been a breath of fresh air, creating space for anyone with any kind of kink or coil to get playful. Rebecca Jacques understood the assignment, from the perennially popular beachy wave (with added micro braids!) to wet-look zigzag bends to the swept-over joy of a cloud of delicately embellished coils. 

The Look: Hair was prepped with mousse and hydration spray then blow-dried using the Diva Professional Ultra 2 Atmos Hair Dryer. With the new Atmos Professional 13mm Super Slim Styler, she added kink and bend to horizontal sections of hair, using low elevation and a high tension – pulling out the volume a little bit towards the ends, rather than forcing it into a new shape and structure. She also went through with the Digital Wave & Curl to create a more stretched out wave in places. Hair was slicked back using the edges of a detailed editorial brush – “you get a super slick sideburn area” – before finishing with a strong centre part, and two tiny triangles of hair pulled through. The Atmos Professional Wide Styler straightened the ends. 

The Trick: “There was a variation on how tight we pressed the Digital Wave & Curl into the hair,” says Rebecca. “Sometimes we got a more intense imprint, other times it was slightly softer.”

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer; Atmos Professional 13mm Super Slim Styler and 42mm Wide Styler; Digital Wave & Curl 

The Look: Taking zigzag sections prepped with a dry texture spray for grip, mainly along the parietal ridge, Rebecca created pockets of texture using the new Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler. When it’s all brushed out, it’s less uniform, more lived in – it was about enhancing Gerda’s natural texture rather than pulling it out. Rebecca straightened the edges with the styler, then added some skinny braids to finish the look. 

The Trick: “Rather than the ‘S’ bend you normally see, I’m physically curling it and then turning it straight all the way around to continue that pattern,” says Rebecca. “Keep the styler completely vertical, because we’re not looking at volumising at the root. Straightening out that edge afterwards gives it a cool, lived-in look.”

The Tools: Diva Atmos Professional 25mm Standard Styler

The Look: Using a cocktail of mousse, hydration spray and serum, some of the hair was twisted into place at the back, where the curl pattern was different to the front. A lot of the prep was done using the Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer (“Because it’s got a deeper diffuser, you can really get into the root area, but I love the smaller one for the more detailed curls, too.”). Rebecca looked at which curls required more definition, working through horizontally with the section pattern, armed with the Gold Dust Multi Wand with the micro barrel. Because Rubi’s hair was going to be pushed over to one side, she alternated the curl pattern so that it pushed against the root for maximum lift. Some of the curls were broken up with Rebecca’s fingers to expand the shape, then to add a little more flare, she flattened out part of the root with the Multi Wand using a compressing technique, elevating the hair with high tension away from the scalp. 

The Trick: You’ll notice the detail at the side, where Rebecca went super low to keep it more editorial, using a tail comb to press and set the hair against the scalp using a cool shot from the Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer. 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer with diffuser; Gold Dust Multi Wand using the micro barrel. 

This trend has an air of superiority, an edge that demands that you look but don’t touch. It’s about a deliberate application of care and curation, planned and prepped for the ultimate outcome. Birte Klintworth’s understanding of the brief has amplified this idea of ‘perfection’ beyond the norm. Texture is retained, playful elements are applied but everything is seen through a lens that is altogether editorial and fresh. 

his trend has an air of superiority, an edge that demands that you look but don’t touch. It’s about a deliberate application of care and curation, planned and prepped for the ultimate outcome. Birte Klintworth’s understanding of the brief has amplified this idea of ‘perfection’ beyond the norm. Texture is retained, playful elements are applied but everything is seen through a lens that is altogether editorial and fresh. 

The Look: Hair was prepped smooth with a strong blow dry, thanks to a round brush and the Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer (“It’s great because it makes the hair super shiny as well”). Using the 25mm Digital Tong (with a little hairspray for hold), Birte took some sections of hair and over the surface used the roundness of the tong but also the clamp to create clearly defined edges. “I don’t want to make them look too busy,” says Birte. “It’s really about placement and visually seeing what makes sense, looking back into the mirror to see how it’s evolving. I’m keeping it very minimal, because that’s going to make it look smoother and pristine.” 

The Trick: “I hold the tong horizontally,” says Birte. “I put the tong on top of the hair, and then I bend the hair against the clamp, so on the upper level, there’s going to be a mark, and then on the lower level, you can see the curve of the top.” 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer; Digital Tong in 25” 

The Look: Firstly, the hair in the nape zone was blow-dried upwards, then fixed into a pony – tied with an elastic. The sides were dressed with plenty of setting spray and once set, Birte tied the hair sections up and over the existing ponytail. Her last section – the top of the hair – leaving a little bit of a visible parting, is dressed the same way. Twisting the hair up, Birte applied hairspray at the ends, and using the Atmos Professional XXL Styler, straightened them into more definitive spikes.  

The Trick: “I prepped the hair with the Atmos Dryer, blow drying from the roots into the direction of my ponytail.”

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer; Atmos Professional 51mm XXL Wide Styler  

The Look: Birte tied a ponytail, very smooth and close to the natural shape of Rubi’s head, but with a strip of hair left out in the front. That was dried using the Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer with the diffuser attachment and draped on top of the flatter surface. Birte saturated the hair in the ponytail with a curl cream and then diffused it “so it can really settle and get a nice volume”. Once dry, she used an elastic to tie the hair – creating her own unique sculpture. “I create a little bit of definition in some places,” says Birte. “You can see the curl, but that one piece of elastic is running through and tied in different places.” She then turned to the Micro Stick to define a couple of pieces.  

The Trick: “I pick up the natural texture and don’t manipulate it much, using the Micro Stick,” says Birte. “I just want to give it a little more definition.” 

The Tools: Diva Professional Atmos 2 Ultra Hair Dryer with diffuser; Micro Stick 

A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Diva Pro Styling  

Photography: Harvey Williams-Fairley, assisted by Loredana Hrinciuc   

Hair: Rebecca Jacques, assisted by Aimee Atkins; Birte Klintworth, assisted by Amber Carpen; Giuseppe Stelitano, assisted by Tiziana Di Marcelli – all for Diva Pro Styling

Key tools: Diva Atmos Professional Styler – XXL Wide 51mm, Wide 42mm and Super Slim 13mm; Atmos 2 Dryer; Atmos 2 Atom Dryer; Atmos Micro Stick; Digital Crimper; Digital Wands

Fashion: Issie Gibbons

Make-up: Eliza Clarke, assisted by Babi Campos 

Editorial: Amanda Nottage (Creative HEAD)

Digital and social media: Kelsey Dring (Creative HEAD), Caitlyn Brandom (Creative HEAD), with video editing support from Rux Amarazeanu 

Creative direction and production: Joanna Kidd (Creative HEAD)

Models: Rubi Deschamps (W MGMT), Gerda Kazakeviciute (W MGMT), Ping (Named Models)

Shot at Spring Studios in London  

  

 

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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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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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