COLOUR NOTES

Session Stylist and Wella Colour Master Expert, Vicki Lord, chats Olivia Newton-John, astrological hair trends, and going viral on TikTok

What do you love most about being a colourist?

Being a colourist allows for artistic expression and creativity. Colourists have the opportunity to work with clients to create unique and customised hair colour that enhances their overall appearance. We can experiment with different techniques, try out shades and placements to achieve stunning results.

AUSTRALIA
Travelling to Australia and collaborating with other creatives provided a unique opportunity to expand my artistic horizons and draw inspiration from different cultures and perspectives.

What is the most important question you ask in a colour consultation and why?

Can my client maintain this colour? By asking this, you can provide your clients with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about their desired hair colour. It helps establish a realistic plan that considers their lifestyle, budget, and commitment level, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term colour.

ABSTRACT ART
I attended art college when I was younger and I love to incorporate abstract art into hairstyling – it pushes boundaries and allows you to express creativity in unique ways.

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

Contrasting stripy highlights have been popular in recent years, but they've not been my favourite look. However, hair colour is a personal choice, and what matters most is a client feeling confident.

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

Olivia Newton-John’s permed honey and platinum blonde highlighted hair in the movie Grease is iconic. The combination of the warm blonde tones and big curls created a timeless look. I’d love for the blondes out there to embrace that style in their own way.

VIN+OMI
Attending the VIN+OMI catwalk show at London Fashion Week exposed me to a world where artistry meets eco-consciousness.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

Pricing can be a challenging aspect of running a business, and adjusting prices can feel intimidating. However, it’s important to reflect the costs associated with providing your services, including the expenses related to higher-priced colour products.

What do you think will be the next big colour trend?

We have seen the ‘Gemini’ trend inspiring hair colour for 2023. Astrological signs can be a fascinating source of inspiration when it comes to hair. I’d like to see a further expansion on this with star signs like Leo and ‘The Regal Mane’ – golden and warm tones paired with a big blow-dry with plenty of volume at the roots and winged out sides.

DAVINA MCCALL
Her work with menopause has inspired me to understand menopausal hair challenges.

What colour technique are you known for?

I have a passion for working with bleached hair, especially buzz cuts with creative designs. Bleaching hair can provide a beautiful blank canvas for artistic expression.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

My Acid House face on a bleached buzz cut. I went viral on TikTok with over 3.8 million views. It’s amazing to see people as far away as Brazil using my hair design as inspiration.

SEXUALITY
Coming out as gay has inspired my creative work and served as a means of self-expression. Through avant garde hair art, I found a medium to express emotions.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?

Enhancing my colour skills opened up a world of opportunities to elevate my cuts and expand my creativity in avant garde and editorial work. After completing the MCP Colour Master Course with Wella, I see colour in a completely different light, with a broader understanding of colour theory, techniques, and product knowledge. Having a strong foundation in colour can enhance your ability to create dynamic and cohesive looks that integrate both cutting and colouring techniques.