COLOUR NOTES | Pocketmags.com

COPIED
3 mins

COLOUR NOTES

Celebrity Colourist Kris Barnes talks supermodel balayage, Scandi blonde, and the trend that gave him the ick

What do you love most about being a colourist?

My favourite part of my job as a colourist is being able to use my skills to make my clients feel amazing – hairdressers really do have superpowers.

TRAVELLING
I have never seen so many amazing blondes as I have in New York, which led to me mastering the art of balayage before it was widely used as a technique in London.

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

It’s important to ensure that you and your client are both on the same page to understand what they like and don’t like about their hair goals. You can then give advice on how to reach that goal if it’s something that requires a lot of work. I always ask my clients for a selection of pictures of what they’re hoping to achieve.

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

The colour trend that really gave me the ick was the half-andhalf trend. If you’re not Cruella than leave that trend alone.

RUNWAYS
I always get inspired from scrolling through fashion blogs from the latest runways.

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

When I first started my career, I was obsessed with the dip dye/colour melt trend. I would love to see that return.

CELEBRITY ARTISTS
Celebrities inspire me massively – I love the creativity of the looks on artists like FKA twigs and Doja Cat.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

We are currently in a world of heavily edited Instagram pictures, which is a problem as clients can’t always tell the difference between an edited picture and reality.

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

I find it so hard to predict trends at the moment. They used to be led by fashion and runways but now I feel that trends are heavily influenced by celebrities and influencers. I have a feeling that natural looking Scandi blondes will be a continuing trend though.

90s and 00s
90s and 00s music videos have always been inspiring to me.The fashion back then was so fearless and fun – Lil' Kim will always be the Queen Bee of that era.

What colour technique are you known for?

I’m the guy for anything blonde – highlights, bleaches, lived-in blonde, and definitely supermodel balayage.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

Back when I was working at Trevor Sorbie, I spent eight hours painting fish scales onto bleached hair for my creative test (which definitely impressed Trevor!).

HAIRDRESSING
The hairdressing community is so inspiring to me.This is one of the most creative industries and I’ve been inspired by each and every person featured in HJ!

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

The training process was the hardest thing I have ever done. There were days where I wanted to throw my tint brush on the floor and walk out, but there were more days that I was living my best life, so my advice is not to give up. The bad days you have will shape you into becoming a better colourist.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?

It’s not about the industry but about the people. I have always been a people person, but now I can read people the same way a therapist would. The people in my chair are not only my clients but some of my best friends.

This article appears in September 2023

Go to Page View
This article appears in...
September 2023
Go to Page View
WELCOME
Letter from the editor
HJ NEWS
Our monthly summary to keep you updated
HJ DIGITAL
Find out the top content from our website and socials
HJ INSIDER
An overview of the past month’s business stats
DO YOU NEED TO FOLLOW TRENDS TO BE A GOOD HAIRDRESSER?
Two stylists discuss whether following trends is key to being a great hairdresser
HJ VOICENOTES
Christopher Laird talks taking control of his career
CUTTING THOSE COSTS
Financial expert, Cam Jaques, shares some quick money-saving tips for salons. Are you already doing them?
HJ REPORTS: STMNT SUMMIT
The highlights of #STMNTSUMMIT, a blend of education and networking
UNLOCK THE COLOUR BLOCK
Give your clients the ultimate accessory and boost your business with a Wella Colour Blocking service
HJ REPORTS: DAVINES VILLAGE
HJ’s Executive Director Jayne takes a tour around the Davines Village in Parma
THE PERFECT SALON EXPERIENCE
New Soho salon Santiago Figueroa London shows that upcycling can be chic, characterful and effortless
CURL UP
Celebrate your clients’ waves, curls and coils with the brand-new Textures & Curls collection from ALTERNA
THE BLACK HAIR INDUSTRY IN 2023
A review of the Black hair industry now and an insight into its future
CURLS MADE EASY
Leave your clients' hair hydrated and defined with Maria Nila’s Curly Girl approved care line, Coils & Curls
THE SCIENCE OF AFRO HAIRCARE
Avlon Industries is one of the industry’s original innovators, creating iconic products for Afro/textured hair for nearly 40 years
TRUE TO TYPE?
A discussion of whether the hair type classification system is still relevant
#TRENDING TRESSES
To stay on top of the trends for AW23, HJ spoke to the experts to find out what they predict for the season ahead
COLOUR NOTES
Kris Barnes explains his favourite colour techniques
FALL FORCE
As we head into autumn, it’s all about adding that extra little bit of (pumpkin) spice when promoting your colour services
TAILOR MADE
A salon-exclusive herbal hair treatment tailored to your client's needs will help you boost growth and sustainability in your salon
VIRAL COLOUR
While trending colour names might prompt an eye roll, embracing viral trends can genuinely help boost your engagement and, crucially, your bookings
HEAD UP
L’Oréal Professionnel Paris has launched new initiative Head Up to raise awareness of hair professionals’ mental health
50 GLORIOUS YEARS
Your guide to Salon International 2023 - We can't wait to see you there. Let the 50th birthday celebrations begin!
MASTERCLASS SERIES
Take a look at the line up for our new masterclasses exclusively at Salon International
SELF-EMPLOYED STAFF IN YOUR SALON
Are you considering the addition of a self-employed chair, space, or room renters in your salon or barbershop? Here are the advantages – and disadvantages – to look out for
BUSINESS BOOSTERS
You’ll want to sign up to our Business live seminars, start Planning your schedule now
THE HJ STAGE
Cutting and styling experts come together to wow the audience with their skills and creations
THE COLOUR STAGE
Visitors will be treated to an exciting display of creativity and colour with exclusive backstage access to the full colour process
MODERN BARBER STAGE
Master barbers and trendsetters from across the globe will take to the stage across the weekend, ready to showcase their skills
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Hosted by professional stylist and haircare expert, Chlöe Swift, our brand new stage will feature the hottest new talent and trailblazers leading the way
STAND - OUT
While it’s tempting to spend your time at our main stages and live shows or hunting for bargains, don’t miss out on all these other activities too…
WELCOME TO THE NXT LEVEL
Join the NXT Generation of colour with clean, healthy, personalised NXT Toner Colouring Creams
THE ULTIMATE #SALON23 CHECKLIST ✓
The stands, brands and products to keep an eye out for at this year’s Salon International
RE-ROOTED
Centred on the concept of exploring the stories of yesterday and how they shape the stories of today
BLITZ KIDS
A combination of classic cutting techniques, combined with playful contemporary disconnection
GLAMOUR EVERY DAY
Candle-lit brunette, a 90's blowout and a deep side parting - these wearable trends are set to shine
salonability
Grounded in salon reality, these cuts, colours and styling techniques translate to elevated, client-friendly looks
Capsule
A celebration of colour blocking and rich tones
NON-CONFORMIST
A rock n’ roll attitude collides with a deliciously gothic mood
SOFTLY, SOFTLY
Blended, muted pastels collide with cool girl cuts
THE SUPERMODEL BLOWOUT
The Supermodel Blowout
ONE OF A KIND
D&J Ambrose’s owners have created their unique dream space in their ever-evolving salon
BECOME A MEMBER THIS MONTH
Subscribe to the magazine this month and win Quif goodies
ADVENTURES OF AN AMBITIOUS ACHIEVER
Demitri Deacon-Jones discusses combining creativity and education in his job role
TRENDING
Explore the latest innovations in the industry
LIFE THROUGH A LENS
Mark van Westerop talks through his award-winning collections
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

Previous Article Next Article