Colour NOTES

Global ambassador for milk_shake, Andrew Smith talks stripy highlights, colour flashes, and super balayages

What do you love most about being a colourist?

Every day is different, new colour challenges are presented and you are constantly learning, no matter what level or stage of your career you are at. The colour industry is so forward-thinking, there are always new techniques, trends being unveiled, and incredible product developments.

Nature

Where do you go for your colour inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere; it can come from anything and anyone. I am fortunate to travel and see beautiful countries, as well as meet so many individuals from different walks of life. However, fashion industries and nature are prominent when it comes to my creative colour work.

Travelling

What are your favourite colouring techniques at the moment?

I would say my favourite technique right now, is super balayage. I teach this and although it’s incredibly technical, it can revolutionise salon styles.

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

The highlight stripes. They were definitely not a favourite of mine, and I felt the harshness of the large colour sections really made a statement for all the wrong reasons.

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

Colour flashes – it would be great to see this back in the salons, working with more pastel colours and soft, subtle shades. This adds a little touch of individuality to the look and can be sported by every gender and generation.

Interiors

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

The social media influence is a huge challenge across the global colour industry. It provides a false reality to clients who are led to believe the hair transformations are created in one sitting.

What’s been your most memorable colour consultation?

A client came to the salon for the first time wanting platinum/white toned hair, I knew it was going to be a struggle. I did achieve her desired tone after a strand test, however my advice was to cut the ends off. She left upset, but later came back, we cut the ends, and she left over the moon with her new style.

Pantone

What colour creation makes you most proud?

A client visited the salon for a colour correction – ahome balayage gone wrong. I felt a lot of pressure, not only to transform the hair but also due to the time and money the client was spending with us. But I was so pleased with the result. Even the client broke down in tears of joy.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Where do I start? Photographic shoots, client transformation, model looks, colour education, travelling, and everything in between. I love how colour is so varied and always exciting.

Fashion

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Not to be afraid to experiment, be free and enjoy creating. The colour world is so fast paced, the opportunities and creations are endless and it’s important to be adventurous and take every single opportunity to create.