Colour NOTES

This month, we quizzed Heffy Wheeler, the mutli award-winning, Pulp Rioteducating salon owner on her colour influences 

Where do you go for colour inspiration?

Social media means we can connect with creatives all over the world and we have access to unlimited inspiration in many forms. I love to take reference from what others are doing but enjoy using inanimate objects for inspiration. So many times I have been out and have seen colours together that I have just had to take a photo of so I can recreate them, whether that’s a landscape or Christmas decorations.

Christmas decorations

What’s been your most memorable colour consultation?

Shortly after opening my salon, we made the move to go fully digital, removing any need for a salon phone. I realised on my first digital consultation that they worked really well and allowed me to give exceptional customer service before the client has even stepped into the salon.

It really does help to create a real sense of familiarity when they do arrive for the patch test or appointment.

Rainbows

What are your favourite colouring techniques at the moment?

I’m obsessed with the 2000s alt influence that has been re-emerging for a while now thanks to apps like TikTok. I am really enjoying the heavy placements, stripes, streaks and real colour clashes as it is such a refreshing change after years of clients requesting soft blended looks.

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

The 'black into silver' trend most definitely. Clients would come in with a box dyed black hair “just” wanting a silver on the ends, which resulted in a lot of disappointment during consultations when they realised this was a lengthy process. The maintenance appointments once the black root grew too long and the clients wanted the silver higher were truly stressful.

Are there any colouring trends you’d like to bring back?

Emo Aesthetics

Definitely early 00s emo. I absolutely loved experimenting with my hair when I was an emo kid – it was the main way I expressed myself and it’s how I realised the hair industry was where I needed to be. Now it’s trending again, it’s been fun thinking up modern spins on older DIY techniques.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I adore corrective colour and big colour changes. I love changing my own hair and thinking of outside-of-the-box ways to make my clients’ hair dreams come true. I create videos and share them on TikTok and have been able to build a massive following.

Landscapes

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being able to be creative, hanging out with my amazing clients, working for some amazing brands as a creator and educator – these are just a few things I love. At the core of everything is my salon and team because I love inspiring and training the next generation through apprenticeships.

Space

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. Do not be disheartened if something goes wrong because every mistake is a stepping stone to figure out a way to do it that works better.

And don't forget to photograph everything! I have pictures on my Instagram from years ago and I absolutely love looking back at them for inspiration.