Colour NOTES

Hayley Johnson talks pastels, vivids and knowing when to break the rules

What do you love most about being a colourist?

It’s never boring; there’s so much choice when it comes to colour brands and techniques. I also think it’s really rewarding when you get to see a client’s face after you’ve done their colour for the first time.

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

In addition to figuring out what their goal for their hair is, I also try and work out what type of person they are – what’s going to suit their lifestyle, what’s going to suit their job.

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

The ombre. I love things that flow, but ombre is both really light and dark at the same time. I think it can sometimes work with vivids, but with natural colours I think it looks out of place.

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

I like to bring back looks I’ve created in the past and put a new twist on them. For example I’ll use the same technique but with a different palette.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

I think it’s really hard for colourists these days, because clients are expecting a lot more but in a short timeframe. Especially with social media, they’ll see a hair transformation in 20 seconds and ask for you to do it in their lunch break.

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

I think we’re seeing vivids more widely accepted in society. Now, colour doesn’t need to be defined by age or profession – absolutely anyone can embrace vivids!

What colour techniques are you known for?

I’m definitely known for my bright colours, but recently I’ve been doing a lot of prism work – almost creating a kaleidoscope of colours.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

The prism technique – it blends pastel colours together, and it gives the most stunning effect. I style it in a fishtail plait, which I think shows the colours well.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Never compare yourself to others, and celebrate all your little wins; even mistakes are wins, because you learn from them.

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

Learn the rules before you try to break them. You’ve got to be educated and you need to know the colour brands inside-out before you can learn to be creative and bend the rules.