PAINT S/S18

Both L’Oréal Professionnel and Redken have introduced
new highlight services recently, designed to speed up the
process, while offering on-trend looks. L’Oréal Professionnel’s
#InstaContouring frames and accents clients’ features, using
between five and 10 meches, while Redken’s Go Bronde services
offer the chance for brunettes to go slightly lighter or warmer in
fewer than 20 minutes.
Clients may be more savvy when it comes to techniques and
trends, but “it’s still your job to guide them into the best decision”,
advises Katie Mulcahy, UK colour ambassador for Rusk. “Don’t be
afraid of trying new techniques and encouraging your clients to try
something new – chances are they’re already thinking about it.”
Katie approaches a colour consultation with the idea that she
will always create a bespoke colour for a client. “This way, I can
use the techniques that will suit them and their needs, rather than
trying to recreate an impossible and super-filtered celebrity trend.”
At Rush, when a new technique is uncovered, the group
ensures all its colourists are confident in discussing it with clients.
“With social media now heavily influencing the hairdressing
industry, it is extremely important to ensure you offer clients
the chance to experience new techniques and that you are fully
trained and knowledgeable on them, too,” says Chris Williams,
international colour director at Rush. “When it comes to your
clients, they also want to be fully informed, so take them through
the process and how this will work for them and their hair, and how
it will help them achieve their hair goal.”
While most clients will enjoy finding out about new techniques,
some may feel daunted by the prospect of ‘branching out’.
“Visuals definitely help,” says Gorka Arraras, master stylist at
Charles Worthington Salons. “We spend a lot of time immersed
in the latest catwalk trends, but also on social media, and
follow bloggers and influencers. When we are discussing or
recommending new looks or techniques to our clients, visuals from
the likes of Instagram, Pinterest or any other social media platform
are always a helpful tool.”
As ever, consultation is key. “When discussing new techniques
with clients, I inform them all about it and how it will benefit them
individually during the consultation,” says Philip Bell, from Ishoka
Hair and Beauty. “I explain how the technique was discovered, the
way in which it will benefit and how it will transform their look. I
also take them through every part of the process, using images to
demonstrate. Clients put their trust into you, the stylist.”
Whether you’re a stickler for traditional techniques such as
highlights, or a technique turncoat always on the lookout for the
next big thing, the year of techniques is only just getting started.
Redken
Where will the new techniques take you and your clients this
year? Show us your latest techniques on Instagram, using the
hashtag #ColourIRL and you could see your work featured on
creativeheadmag.com/paint
44 | PAINT