COLOUR NOTES

Casey Coleman talks thinking outside of the box, fears surrounding scalp bleach, and the big red comeback

What do you love most about being a colourist?

The creativity is endless and available daily. Whether that’s playing with formulas, new placements, or trying something new, colour makes me feel like an artist. I love the alchemy of it all. Mixing and formulating is one of my biggest passions.

THE SKY
I’m obsessed with the everchanging colours and how beautifully they all blend with each other. No matter where you are in the world, the sky is always there and always changing.

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

I often ask, ‘What don’t you want?', so I can work out a plan on how to avoid it. Many times, the answer will be ‘I don’t want ginger/warmth’. This is a chance to educate clients on the reality of colour science and how hair works. That way, expectations become more realistic.

NATURE
Whether it’s the autumnal leaves, spring florals, or the summer sea, Mother Nature’s colour palette is a constant source of inspiration.

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

I don't dislike cool-toned blondes, but I’m glad people are embracing warmertoned blondes. Many clients have unrealistic expectations due to what they see online, and don't consider that all hair is different, plus the editing. I once had a client show me a black and white photo and ask for hair ‘that white’. I think we forget how unaware clients are.

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

Sometimes things are left in the past for good reason. However, I do love that we always find new ways of updating trends. That’s the beauty of being creatives, we think outside of the box.

MUSIC
Even though you can’t ‘see’ music, sound often inspires me to create a ‘feeling’.There’s lots to be inspired by when listening to some bangers!

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

I think the level of education surrounding scalp bleach is quite poor, especially within the NVQ curriculum. There are so many who are unaware and afraid of bleaching because the education is almost treated the same as a tint.

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

Reds are back baby! Whether it’s the classic cherry pop or deep maroon, reds are already making a huge comeback.

FASHION
When I look for colour combinations, runways and editorials are the first place I look. I find pleasure creating unusual colour combinations and they mostly come from cool ensembles.

What colour technique are you known for?

Around four years ago, I was all about colour blocking, however these days I’m known more for colour transformations. I generate a huge amount of new client requests from transforming client’s hair.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I created a colour blocked bowl cut in 2021 and I still adore it. I love using vivid colour in a less conventional way, and that image is the epitome of this.

SOCIAL MEDIA
It’s played a huge part in my career, so I constantly find myself being inspired by social media – particularly creative industries with eye-catching content.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Get those foundation skills snatched before you work with creative colour. Make sure your highlights are on point, your tint applications are precise, and you understand colour theory. Once you’ve mastered the foundations, you can start building an artistic portfolio.

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

No matter how far along in your career, mistakes happen. I’ve been a colourist for 16 years now, and every now and again, I let my guard slip and I make a mistake. The important thing about mistakes, is knowing how to fix them. There’s no shame in owning a mistake and being honest with your clients. If anything, that’s why most of my clients have been with me for so long.