2 mins
COLOUR NOTES
Olaplex and Yuv Beauty Ambassador, Samantha Cusick, talks 90s modern twists, embracing individuality, and great responsibility
What do you love most about being a colourist?
I love tailoring techniques and colour choices to complement personality, style and skin tone.
What's the most important question you ask in a colour consultation and why?
‘What do you like about your hair?’ allows me to appreciate the aspects of their hair that make them feel confident and beautiful. ‘What would you most like to change about your hair?’ opens the door to their aspirations and desires.
VINTAGE AESTHETICS
The vintage aesthetics and unique colour schemes of @90sanxiety and @velvetcoke Instagram accounts transport me to different eras.
What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?
Firstly, the overly structured ombre and harsh, contrasting balayage. I’m thrilled to see a shift towards more seamless, blended colour transitions. Rainbow hair and bold neon shades are also settling down with subtle pastels and dusty tones finding their way into the spotlight.
Are there any colour trends you’d like to bring back?
Chunky highlights with a modern twist, using softer, blended sections for a more refined effect. I’d also love to see the ‘blonde on top, dark underneath’ look with a contemporary twist – incorporating rich, dimensional colours to create a play of light and shadow.
LUXURIOUS HOSPITALITY
Lily of the Valley and Grand Hotel Tremezzo provide exceptional customer experience. Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment is vital as a colourist.
What are the challenges facing colourists right now?
It’s our responsibility to explore ways to create a more sustainable future for our industry.
What do you think will be the next big colour trend?
Embracing individuality and selfexpression. We’re living in a time where uniqueness and authenticity are celebrated, and I believe that will be reflected in the colour choices of our clients.
LONDON STREET STYLE
From daring and edgy colour choices to chic and sophisticated palettes, London’s fashion scene encourages me to explore diverse colour combinations.
What colour technique are you known for?
Balayage. I can adapt the technique to work with any hair type, texture, or desired outcome, delivering seamless blends and a radiant, effortless finish. I take immense pride in perfecting the technique, making my clients feel confident, beautiful, and empowered.
What colour creation makes you most proud?
It fills me with pride being an ambassador for Yuv Beauty. It’s about showing my peers and clients that we can achieve stunning hair colours while being kind to our planet.
SEASONAL TRENDS
Whether it’s embracing warm and earthy tones during autumn, or refreshing pastel hues in spring, seasonal trends allow me to adapt my artistry.
What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?
Be hungry for knowledge and never stop honing your skills. Seek out reputable mentors and educators and absorb their expertise. Experiment with different techniques and colour formulations – but be patient, mastering takes time so don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Being a colourist is more than hair; it’s about connecting with people.
MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURE
The clean lines and timeless elegance inspire me to create hair colours that exude modernity with a touch of classic sophistication.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?
The responsibility that comes with this artistry. People place their trust in us to create a look that reflects their individuality and enhances their natural beauty. The industry is ever-changing, so staying relevant requires continuous learning and openness to new techniques, trends, and innovations. The biggest lesson is to never underestimate the power of hair colour.