Itching for an update? You don’t have to cut your hair to get a new do. Rich all-over colour or clever use of dimensional light and dark tones are among trending approaches that offer a new season refresh.
You also don’t have to embrace a radical change – subtle enhancements are easier that ever to make. Experts say taking your current or natural hair colour one tone lighter or darker can have a surprisingly big impact.
Of course, if you’re up for something entirely new, there are plenty of trending looks to embrace. Considering the inventive hair colour options and modern styling trends that have emerged this season, it’s fair to say hair professionals are ready to have a little fun.
As with any look, it’s worth remembering you don’t have to keep it forever! Hair colour technology means there are plenty of ways to dip your toe into a temporary update too.
To look fresh and embrace the trends, what’s the best way to update your hair if it is:
BLONDE
BRUNETTE
Felicity Bruce: Smoked brunettes are the new go-to! Think caramel that has been cooled down by a hint of charcoal or smoky violet.
Kirby Lago: Bold warm brunettes. Really increasing the shine and intensity of tone.
GREY
Felicity Bruce: [Clients with grey hair] still love to stay fresh and push trends of their own. We are seeing lots face framing with subtle low lights of dark aubergine or chilli chocolate. These subtle colours don’t take over the grey they just enhance them with an edgy point of difference!
Kirby Lago: We are seeing so much more of our clientele embracing their grey. We love letting grey grow out and then enhancing it with complementing blonde tones to brighten or pepper tones to maintain depth. This transitions the hair from high maintenance to lived-in, low-maintenance hair. Goldwell’s new Dual Senses SILVER 60 Second Treatment is the perfect at home care product for those going au naturel. Regenerating and reducing yellow tones.
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RED
Felicity Bruce: Reds are unlimited for options. Chilli chocolates with rich auburns are warming up the deeper copper looks and so easy to transition into a lighter red look when the weather starts warming up. Caramel and apricot highlights to add brightness and rich warmth. Richer roots melted into lighter ends are such a great way to add dimension.
Kirby Lago: We love copper red tones. We create reds that are inspired by natural redheads.
In terms of more experimental or playful approaches to colour, what do you love right now?
Felicity Bruce: The return of subtle violet hues. We have had cooler tones of ash for a while with our blondes and dark chocolates. Keep your colour progressive by adding violet. It could be as rich as a dark aubergine to make that brunette pop or a nice pastel lilac toner in your blonde.
Kirby Lago: Big shape in haircuts is coming back, so we are loving the relationship between colour and cut and how they can complement each other.
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What’s the best non-committal way to experiment with colour in your opinion?
Felicity Bruce: Blondes get lots of options here with toners that let you dip a toe into different hues. Apricots, lilac, rosewood etc. It’s easy to switch it up with a new reflect that gradually rinses out.
Kirby Lago: Keep your natural root and make sure you have a root blend with your toner. Start off soft and then build your colour in, just work with your natural hair as much as you can.
What are some key products you love for keeping your colour fresh?
Felicity Bruce: I love rich reds and coppers but they have a reputation for fading the quickest. Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo & Conditioner will keep your reds or coppers brighter and warmer by infusing your hair with red pigments.
Before you use any hot tool styling get a hold of Joico Heat Hero. This heat protectant spray has a light hold with so much shine. Protecting your colour from heat is so important. This product does it all for you.
KMS Therma Shape 2in1 heat spray is brilliant to protect your colour from fading when heat styling. We love how lightweight it is.
What are some trending terms around hair colour you’re hearing lately?
Felicity Bruce: Dipped layers is one that I absolutely love. Haircuts with lots of layers especially shags are still having their moment and one of the best ways to enhance the movement in your cut is by colouring the ends of the layers. This can look really great with bold contrast or subtle lights. One of my favourite bold colour contrasts was blonde with lemon dipped layers.
Kirby Lago: My signature techniques – Vertical pops – this is a strong pop of colour through the ends. This will add ultimate impact.
Angel face frame – This is a micro foiled face frame that is extremely detailed in its placement to create a seamless blend.
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What updates on the technical side of things are you excited about?
Felicity Bruce: Joico Lumi 10 has been a game changer for us. Clients love this permanent colour that covers beautifully in only 10 minutes. They are popping in during a lunch break or starting work a little bit later so they can get their roots touched up. The express service doesn’t cut corners when it comes to coverage but has our busy clients out within an hour, freshly blow dried showing off their shiny new colour!
