Colour NOTES

Marney Lian discusses the challenges presented by AI imagery and the importance of honesty

TEDDY BEAR BLONDE

24 CARAT

PERFECT COMBINATION

What do you love most about being a colourist?

I love being able to combine creativity with technical ability so I can help boost somebody's confidence, either through a full transformation or with a subtle enhancement.

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

The most important question I ask a client is ‘Can you show me?’ For example, if somebody tells me they want to be a champagne blonde, I ask them to show me a photo of what they see as a champagne blonde. The most common miscommunication with a client is that everybody sees colour quite differently – even stylists – so it's really important to understand how your client interprets colour.

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

There isn't one colour trend that I'm pleased to see out of fashion. I think trends change very quickly, and whatever's out will be due to come back in a few years.

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

The pastel trend was a really nice era. When it was done well, it gave a gorgeous, luxury finish.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

Unrealistic AI pictures; I have had quite a few clients sit with me and show me their inspiration pictures, and they're all artificially generated. I think it's really hard to express if you’ll be able to achieve a colour when you’re basing it off something that isn’t real.

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

This summer, we're going to see a lot of buttercream blondes, apricot tones and more of the soft, pastel-toned enhancements of the classic blonde.

What colour techniques are you known for?

I am known for my bright, clean blondes and lived-in natural balayage work.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I'm proud of all my colour work, but especially when a client has had trouble achieving the colour that she wants, and then we're able to make that happen – and give her the ability to maintain it.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

Never give up. Wherever you are in your career, we all still make mistakes, but every day behind the chair, you learn something new, and nothing ever happens overnight.

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

How to be honest and empathetic, knowing what is achievable, what isn't achievable and what is right for your client – it’s empowered me to be the stylist and colourist that I am today.