2 mins
COLOUR NOTES
Ashley Long, Revlon Creative Artist, discusses the importance of listening to clients and the cyclical nature of trends
What do you love most about being a colourist?
The ability to make someone’s day; there’s a greatness in being able to make someone feel amazing. Adding new colour placement or tones to someone’s hair can elevate their confidence – it’s transformative.
What is the most important question you ask in a colour consultation and why?
I always lead with ‘When did you love your hair the most and when did you like it least?’. We have to remember our guests deal with their hair everyday and they can be their own biggest critics.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?
Personally, I love how expressive colour is so there really isn’t anything I would say I’m pleased not to see. Plus let’s face it, new trends are often variations of older trends that have been adapted.
Are there any colour trends you’d like to bring back?
We’re seeing a lot of people embracing fringes again so it wouldn’t surprise me if bold panels of colour follow.
MAKE A STATEMENT
What are the challenges facing colourists right now?
I think generally our biggest challenges are the ones that have always been there: making sure we’re listening to each person’s requests and getting as much information as we can on their lifestyle and ability to maintain their hair.
What do you think will be the next big colour trend?
I think pastel colours will make a comeback. Pinks, lilacs and muted tones, and beiges and biscuit tones for blondes.
What colour techniques are you known for?
I’m a colour correction and balayage specialist. Anything that is a little fiddlier or complex is usually what I’d say people will know me for.
What colour creation makes you most proud?
Without the risk of sounding too cliché, this changes daily. My pride in my work comes from how its received.
TRENDING
What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?
Always listen and never be closed off to learning. I’ve been in this industry for almost 18 years and I’m still learning.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?
Don’t just trust your client’s word when it comes to their colour history – always strand test and patch test. This will save you a lot of time guessing and worrying. The hair never lies.
TORTOISESHELL
#COLOURINSPO
1 KEEP IT SIMPLE
The goal here was to create something low maintenance with soft contrast.
2 MAKE A STATEMENT
Nicole wanted to make a statement, so I used Revlon Professional Magnet 9 scalp lift, then root tapped and globally coloured using two shades of pink.
3 TRENDING
This was inspired by the Cherry Cola trend – I used Revlon Professional Revlonissimo Colorsmetique globally for shine, impact and intense tone.
4 TORTOISESHELL
This is what I call a tortoiseshell balayage: adding contrasting ribbons while maintaining a subtle drop from dark regrowth to lightness in the mid-lengths and ends.