COLOUR NOTES

Brand Education Director of Trevor Sorbie International, Nathan Walker, talks recruiting the next generation, and original colour methods

What do you love most about being a colourist?

I love the mix of science and art. Working with ever more advancing technologies and tools, colouring has never been so much fun.

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

Whenever I find it difficult to get what someone likes, I approach with the question ‘What don’t you like?’ This can help narrow down the field and find what will work for someone.

FEATHERS
The plethora of colour in male peacock patterns is something I always come back to for inspiration.The beauty of jade, violet, turquoise, blue and gold all create a vision of beauty.

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

I’ve recently watched some shows which feature various dip dyes -I’m so glad this trend has softened and become more wearable.

LIGHT
The science of light and light refraction – I love the colour spectrum and the physics of light.

"Never be so niche that you can't do all the amazing things that are possible for colourists."

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

As I trained in the 1990s initially, I have a soft spot for flashes or panels of contrast. I've seen a nice resurgence lately, but I think panels in 2024 could be much more playful and tasteful.

SPICE MARKETS
 A spice market in Delhi was a source of inspiration for me.The vivid colour and smells sparked the imagination and the mind’s eye.

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

I think the biggest swings are recruiting the next generation of colour fans and artists. I believe we will see much more work by colour houses and salons to create products and techniques that really use colour as a true fashion accessory.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

The challenge I face every day is the serious gap between the expectation and the laws of possibility. The real world is not truly reflected online, and my tools are not magical.

What colour technique are you known for?

I actually have a technique called 'Zorro' that is an absolutely original idea and speeds up the process of applying colours in foil.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I think being the youngest person to colour a genuine Trevor Sorbie Wedge haircut, cut by the man himself is up there in my unforgettable moments during my career.

CRYSTALS
The colours in rare stones and crystals are mesmerising.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Never be so niche that you can’t do all the amazing things that are possible for colourists. I feel sad when I hear younger people say they don’t do something – learn as much as you can as you never know when you might need that knowledge.

SEASONS
The shifting changing of light and the beauty nature brings with each seasonal change.Winter’s ice, spring’s first blossoms, summer’s bright blooms and autumn’s ripe fruit and berries.

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

People’s hair contributes massively to their identity. Colourists are often turned to for transformations, so when to know if it’s a good idea or bad idea is the single biggest thing I have learned – what is the motivation for change?