Conversations on COLOUR...with Nikita Fisher

The co-founder of Palmer Fisher London reveals why honesty is the best policy when it comes to a colour consultation and why she loves 1990s trends

What do you love most about being a colourist? 

I love the freedom to create a piece of art for every person sitting in my chair. Every individual head is a creative challenge in its own way and creating a colour journey with my clients, then helping them reach their goals, is always a humbling experience. I also know how amazing it feels to get your hair done. Knowing that I can make clients feel that way every day is really rewarding. At the other end of the spectrum, having full creative freedom and working with models to create amazing hair for shows, shoots and events is another huge passion of mine.

Where do you go for your colour inspiration?

I follow so many incredible colourists on social media and I learn from watching their videos, engaging with their work and asking questions. I book myself onto courses to further my personal knowledge and development. As hairdressers we never know everything. Finding our true passion and learning from like-minded people is always eye opening and helpful.

What are your favourite colouring techniques at the moment?

The 1990s are back in full swing when it comes to hair colour. The extreme front face frame panels and chunky highlights are making a comeback. I always like to keep my work on-trend, but still beautiful. It’s so important to complement a client’s individual features and skin tone, after all not everyone suits a bold white face panel. For some clients, a much softer version in a copper or chocolate tone can be just as striking but much more suited to them. It comes down to the colourist and client to modernise a trend, and make it work for them.

What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?

My clients no longer want classic highlights and uniform colouring. As a creative, that’s something I’m enjoying. I like making colours look a bit more lived-in and low maintenance. Not everyone can get their hair coloured every four to six weeks these days, so it’s important to offer solutions through new services and education. It also helps clients manage their budget and lifestyle while still enjoying beautiful, professional and modern colour techniques.

NIKITA'S MOODBOARDs

What’s been your most memorable colour consultation? 

I had a new client come in for a consultation who had been scalp bleaching her own hair for years. After a thorough consultation she was happy to work with the results we could achieve in one sitting. Later that week, I managed to give her a gorgeous pastel sunset blend, from strawberry pink into a soft apricot tone. She was over the moon! I didn’t over promise in the consultation and if we were not able to achieve a complete even result, we had discussed many tone alternatives that could be achieved. Thanks to her having an open mind and trusting me with the process, I enjoyed the colour change. I’m all about an open and honest policy.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I finalised for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional in 2018 with the first collection I had ever created – the Prism collection. To be recognised as one of the top six colourists in the UK was one of my proudest moments.

What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day job?

My clients are my friends and supporters who cheer me on during my journey. Having them be part of the process of opening my first salon, Palmer Fisher London, along with my husband, Jonathan Fisher, was a dream come true! I’ve never loved my career and life as much as I do right now. Every day is great, knowing we’re coming to work together to make our dreams a reality.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist? 

Absorb as much information as you can from talented colourists and go on as many colour courses as possible with leading members of the hairdressing industry. Don’t forget there’s endless free online education available too. Start an Instagram hair account – this is your portfolio and it will grow and become better as you do. Don't forget to practice, practice, practice on your friends and family – and always charge to cover your costs.