Think pink: How to master the Barbiecore trend

Barbie fever is sweeping the nation in the run up to the film’s release. Find out how to capitalise on the trend and entice clients looking to switch up their colour this season 

Image: @siobhanjoneshair

She’s everything… and he’s just a regular colour trend. All jokes aside, Barbiecore is well and truly taking the hairdressing world by storm as we countdown to the most hotly anticipated film release of 2023. 

L’Oréal Professionnel Paris global ambassador Siobhan Jones sees pink palettes as a mainstay on colour menus. However, this season the range of tones is much more varied, offering everything from soft and delicate to dynamic. “Some of my favourite tones are delicate rose, fuchsia and softened tangerine,” says Siobhan. “The great thing about pink is there is a tone to suit all skin tones and every hair texture, making it one of the most versatile colours around.” 

Before you jump aboard the Barbiecore train, Siobhan had detailed her top tips when working with pink.  

“Firstly, suitability is key! So, determining whether your client is best suited to warm or cool colours is a must,” she says. “If they are suited to cool, then adding tones of violet to your pink or opting for a fuchsia will work best. If they are suited to warm, then going down the coral route could be an option,” Siobhan adds. Once you have a clear direction of the tones you’re heading for, ensure you pre-lighten the hair. Siobhan recommends always applying your pink on the ends before the roots, as its sensitivity can take longer to process on the ends of the hair.  

“For clients who don’t want an all-over pink, opt for a panel of pink at the side, through the face frame, or on the fringe,” she adds. “Blush pink panelling looks great on blonde hair! Always remember to finish by using a colour shampoo and conditioner, such as L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Color Vitamino, to prevent the colour fading.” 

For those feeling adventurous, adding a pop of pink is the ideal way to both incorporate Barbie pink, as well as being a great option for festivalgoers or those jetting off somewhere sunny.  Whether your clients are fully committed to brights and want a hot pink shade or prefer something of a pastel hue, JOICO Color Intensity gives colourists the opportunity to mix and match its pigmented shades. There truly are endless possibilities to create a stunning, bespoke shade for your clients.

The formulas you need to know

Rachel at Rachel’s Boutique created this soft, pretty, pale pink look for this client using: 

JOICO Color Intensity formula:
Rose Pink
Blush

Though pinks are popping now, some clients may be hesitant to take the plunge into pastels. Instead, encourage them to embrace their true Barbie girl by leaning into her statement blonde.  

As celebrity colourist to Margot Robbie – star of the upcoming Barbie film – Jacob Schwartz knows just how to deliver the ultimate lighter locks. “I really wanted Margot’s blonde to embody Barbie on the red carpet without it being so obvious and over bleached,” says Jacob. “I wanted it to sparkle when the light hits her hair and bounce like those legendary blonde supermodel and actresses of the ‘90s.”

“Using fine weaves, highlight using a babylight technique with Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ with 6%/20 volume BLONDME Premium Developer to create an even lift. The BLONDME Developers contain oils that helps to also protect the cuticle during development,” explains Jacob. “Lift the hair to a golden light blonde and then cleanse the hair using the BLONDME All Blondes Rich Shampoo and Conditioner. This will help to build new bonds in the hair and prepare it for an even toning application. On damp hair, apply Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA VIBRANCE to tone the blonde and add shine/ Use 9-0 around the hairline to maintain brightness, 7-0 for a shadow root on the top half of the head and 6-0 underneath the crown for extra depth at the base mixed with 1.9%/6-Volume Activator Gel.” 

“For the mid-lengths and ends, apply a mixture of IGORA VIBRANCE 9-0+9-4+8-46 with equal parts 1.9% / 6-Volume Activator Gel to create a beautiful lived in warm blonde tone. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the colour to develop and then carefully rinse the deeper, base colour first, while holding the lighter pieces up to maintain brightness on the ends. Finish with another BLONDME All Blondes Rich shampoo and condition to seal the colour and rebuild strength in the hair.” 

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